Morimoto vs AlphaRex

Looking to upgrade stock halogen headlights for black friday. Looking at morimoto or alpharex nova series.

What's your experience?

 

I think @crashnburn80 has posted his experience/opinions on both.

 

I'll ask the same question I always ask of folks asking this same question. Are you more worried about looks or performance?

Second question, related to the first: Why do you want to change out your headlights?

 

Neither

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/

 

Agreed 100%, but that would be if the OP is actually interested in performance over looks.

 

The appropriate upgrade has already been mentioned.

If absolutely set on LED aftermarket assemblies, Morimoto is the only way to go. AlphaRex is not a legitimate headlight in the slightest, it is a short range China toy floodlight sold at an absurd markup premium to those that don't know better with a massive increase in short-range foreground light while losing all distance light, aka the exact opposite of how a headlight is supposed to work. Foreground light should always be minimized and distance light maximized in a headlight, because the goal is to see distance not 20' in front of the truck. Unfortunately, humans judge light output based on foreground light (aka the light closest to them is what they look at and judge by), so you see all these reviews saying how great the AlphaRex lights are, for exactly all the reasons why they are terrible.

You can see the 2nd Gen Morimoto review here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-morimoto-xb-hybrid-12-15-led-headlight-review.735867/

Spoiler, simple upgraded bulbs and wiring harness in OEM assemblies linked earlier are still higher performing than much more expensive aftermarket assemblies, while also maintaining superior OEM optics.

 

OEM ALL DAY

 

I enjoy my morimotos and their customer service is great. Had some water intrusion on a lamp and they sent out a replacement the same day I put the ticket in. They might not be the brightest vs oem upgraded but they look great and are bright enough. They do suck to align though.

 

What if your OEM headlight assemblies are faded/junk and you need new everything? What would the correct answer be then?

 

Stay away from Alpharex. They are super overpriced $200 dollar headlights.

 

New OEM housings and upgraded bulbs. The morimotos are like a grand aren't they? That's a lot of extra leftover mod money by sticking with oem

 

The alpharex lights come from the same chinese factories that make the ugly eBay lights everyone buys and complains about.

Aftermarket lights are 90% looks and 10% functionality.

if you want output, build retrofits.

otherwise, relay your factory lights.

 

Happy with my Morimotos (once you aim them correctly)