Smoke headlights from VIPmotoz on ebay

My OEM headlights are scratched, dinged and have condensation leaks so I would like to replace them. I've blacked out my emblems and got black wheels so continuing with the black out theme looking at black headlights. Found these on ebay.

1. Since the whole headlight is smoked, will this reduce visibility compared to the BHLM?

2. Has anyone used these or have experience with VIPmotoz?

 

Those types of lights are generally much cheaper quality than oem type replacements. They will most likely not last as long. The clear coats tend to go first and once it does they'll haze pretty fast. Another possible issue is the seal. Pretty common for the cheaper eBay ones to leak. And I believe the bhlm is only for blacking out the internals surrounding the reflector. Unless you're doing a retrofit in them.. Visibility will be reduced, but not as bad as tinting the lenses yourself. Maybe you'll get lucky with them though. I'd just suggest doing a oem type set and do the bhlm. That way you will have a quality set and know for sure they'll be sealed properly when reassembling.

 

Anyone have experience with these aftermarket DOT approved lights?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/For-12-15-T...ash=item5428d6fdcf:g:LBgAAOSwZG9Wi~y5&vxp=mtr

they look pretty good and build quality looks decent. not bad for 200 bucks

 

Blacked out lenses will greatly reduce output compared to the BHLM, which applies only to the surrounding housing and not the lens. Any time I see someone with blacked out headlights I think they are an idiot. You have literally sacrificed nighttime visibility and safety (the primary purpose of headlights) for cosmetic looks.

Function > cosmetics.

The second set you link to are just an aftermarket BHLM. Personally, unless they are CAPA certified the quality is always suspect. I went with OEM TRD Pro BLHM version to maintain optimum quality.

 

I had a set similar to this on an 01 Dakota. The visibilty wasn't reduced that much but my HID's melted the glue and the lens fell off. I wouldn't recommend and I won't be making the same mistake on my tacoma.
I say spend the extra and get a quality replacement

 

so far so good. The seals look pretty durable. I'll see how long they last.