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50" Curved Light Bar Mounting Brackets?

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by Ambiguouse, Feb 10, 2016.

  1. Feb 10, 2016 at 7:39 AM
    #1
    Ambiguouse

    Ambiguouse [OP] do you even taco

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    can someone help me find the correct mounting brackets for this 50" curved bar:confused:

    image.jpg
     
  2. Feb 10, 2016 at 6:48 PM
    #2
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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  3. Feb 10, 2016 at 6:51 PM
    #3
    Ambiguouse

    Ambiguouse [OP] do you even taco

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  4. Feb 10, 2016 at 7:49 PM
    #4
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    Well for a decent name brand yeah that sounds about right. But I'm unsure if they build their bars in house. Haven't really looked into them. But I'm betting they're sourced from overseas..

    There's all kinds on ebay under $200. Probly Amazon too. With new optics. That bar above has outdated optics. It'll do fine. But imho, is a little pricey for that design. Make sure to look into their warranty if you decide to roll with it. And look up reviews, probly from other vehicle forums. Namely jeep forums as I think a lot of jeeps use those as they have brackets designed for em. See if there's any issues/negative feedback. Don't think many members here have purchased them. A few have.. Because even though eBay bars have warranties from overseas, they can be a hassle with warranty claims as far as shipping goes, I imagine anyways. But there's tons of U.S. retailers on eBay too. I would go with at least a 3d bar. Or 5d (the newest). 4d and 5d are all pretty much spot even if they say combo or flood. Especially 4d. 5d are a little better as far as spread goes.
     
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  5. Feb 11, 2016 at 6:34 AM
    #5
    Ambiguouse

    Ambiguouse [OP] do you even taco

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    I am honestly still new to this whole light bar stuff I just started looking into it like 3 weeks ago so I honestly don't know which bar or what size is the best and all tat but I think a 50" is a pretty good fit! You're right I'm really guna take more time and find another bar a little more cheaper I just don't want get one from eBay or Amazon that's going to turn out being some cheap knockoff bar you know. What do suggest I get 3D 5d? And what does flood and combo mean
     
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  6. Feb 11, 2016 at 2:29 PM
    #6
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    Here's a video explaining 3d and 4d.
    https://youtu.be/o9S8G-Q0ps0

    4d vs 5d
    https://youtu.be/42yC_WF6Rfo

    Cree vs osram. Also shows what flood beams can do without the fisheye lenses. Much better spread. But if you want a spot, 5d is the way to go. I personally like the 3d better. The cree he shows is basically the same design as the rough country bar you first posted. 3d has better optics and is an upgrade from that. Again 4d is a super tight spot beam. 5d has a little bit more spread But is still considered a spot beam in my eyes.
    https://youtu.be/7prgx8YdP6Q

    And finally here is the 3d. I highly recommend these types just like the guy in video. Best spread of usable light. Unless of course you WANT the spot beams then 5d is better.
    Here's the bar he talks about linked in the video:
    http://www.amazon.com/Autofeel-Phil...=1437612645&ref=plSrch&ref_=mp_s_a_1_3&sr=8-3

    https://youtu.be/aPW4_vIJf6A
     
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  7. Feb 11, 2016 at 2:56 PM
    #7
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    There's also the deep reflector bars. That have 10watt leds. Such as Baja designs and vision x. That's a whole nother story on those. But they are single rows. There's clones of these available in eBay at much cheaper prices. But these are becoming increasingly popular as they are found to be the best design of them all. With the exception of the 3d double rows. That 3d double row is pretty awesome.
    I have all single row vision x clones with the 10watts. And they are amazing. The clones use the same housings and lenses, but use cree leds and not as advanced circuitry management. The real vision x uses top binned luminus leds, better wiring, better circuitry, which also allows for options like pwm (pulse width modulation) which allows longer lifespan AND dimming! The vision x evo primes I have use 3d lenses. These are discontinued for their new line of bars. Namely the xpr. New housing, new mounting, and new optics. Not sure what their new optics would be considered, as they don't use any lenses in front of the reflector. They're basically even larger and deeper reflectors than before, and have tilted reflectors on the ends to spread more light out. Wouldn't call it flood. Using optics to diffuse/flood the light does decrease the output, even if only a little, so the new tilted side reflectors are more effective and allow farther reaching side lighting..

    They just started rolling out the clones on eBay of the xpr. They don't have full length versions yet. And I'm not sure, but I think the clones will not have tilted reflectors. It looks like they are utilizing the straight reflectors throughout, with some on ends with fluted reflectors for flood projection. So I'm not sure how those will do compared to the evo prime clones.

    Baja design clones are available too. Havent looked much into these yet. Another top tier light. Huge reflectors and lots of useable light. Just like the vision x clones. Imho, these single row bars are the best of the best. Larger/deeper reflectors are becoming the new thing. Already are. But it's advancing and might possibly always put double rows to shame.

    Except of course maybe the 3d double row bar linked above. I really like that one. And might even purchase one down the road. Would really like to compare it to my single row 3d.

    So all in all, I recommend the 3d. Awesome awesome bar, especially for $160!!! I paid $350 for my 42"! They're a little cheaper now but still, that's a good deal.
     
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  8. Feb 11, 2016 at 3:59 PM
    #8
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    I would also seriously consider Cali raised. They have 3d bars as well. I would contact him and see if there's a discount for local members. Or check that thread. I didn't read it all.
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ng-great-affordable-led-bars-and-pods.376180/

    They've got a dual row 3d 51.5" curved for $359.99. I totally forgot you wanted a curved. I would get that one!! Hit him up! Plus he's an active member and have been hearing good things about him. Better to buy from a trusted source. Especially from a member here.
     
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  9. Feb 11, 2016 at 4:22 PM
    #9
    Ambiguouse

    Ambiguouse [OP] do you even taco

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    Ahh so many options! Like the bars I see on eBay look good aswell but I really don't wana get something that won't work aswell and what not. I was actually looking that page Cali raised for some brackets and their bars look pretty good $350 for 51" curved pricey but I want something that'll last and is good quality!
     
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  10. Feb 11, 2016 at 5:18 PM
    #10
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    That's not too bad. For the 3d. The old optics, like the one you posted 1st, was kinda pricey for that. The 3d, and curved, is WELL worth it. You will outshine most other bars with that beast. I guess it is a little pricey considering the straight bar is less than half the price. I'm just waiting to see one with 5watt leds. Like the osram bars, but with 3d lenses instead of the fisheye 4d/5d. Not sure why I haven't see those. Maybe I have and I just didn't notice.

    Edit: And the bars on eBay really aren't junk. Some are yes, but most are pretty good quality for their price. Its all risky. I was afraid of that with my bars, but they have been great. The paint finish isn't the best, but I don't care about that. Can repaint them if need be. And most come with a warranty anyways. Again keep an eye out for the U.S. ones. Even though they are all sourced from overseas, warranty claims will be easier to handle, IF you have any issues.
     
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  11. Feb 11, 2016 at 5:59 PM
    #11
    Ambiguouse

    Ambiguouse [OP] do you even taco

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    So I should be worried for the US warranty?
    I think I've made my decision Ima go with this bar on eBay fuck it http://m.ebay.com/itm?itemId=161363586075 really seems like it's good quillity and not bad price. But what I'm really wondering is how does the wiring go inside the cab? Like do you have to drill a hole to the cab or something ? Cause it that's the cause i am not doing that ha
     
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  12. Feb 11, 2016 at 6:21 PM
    #12
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    Hm. That's a sweet deal!! 3d too. Kinda strange it's so cheap though. Because on zero dark website it goes for $470.
     
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  13. Feb 11, 2016 at 6:23 PM
    #13
    JKU3000

    JKU3000 Well-Known Member

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    $$$
    i just bought an auxbeam off of Amazon, pretty solid and bight
     
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  14. Feb 11, 2016 at 6:24 PM
    #14
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    Yep I've heard those are pretty good too.
     
  15. Feb 11, 2016 at 8:06 PM
    #15
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    Oh and no I didn't realize it was is seller. I was just saying.. And as far as wiring goes, there should be a rubber grommet somewheres. Probly on the firewall. And I think with yours, the wire on roof can be ran down under the windshield seal. In to the engine bay, then into the firewall. Have you decided on mounts? I saw some others somewhere while was was browsing. Can't remember where now..

    Edit: just remembered. From Cali raised. I like their mounts better. Low profile too. $150.
     
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  16. Feb 11, 2016 at 10:13 PM
    #16
    Ambiguouse

    Ambiguouse [OP] do you even taco

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    Yea I think the wiring is guna go under my windshield. Aslong as I don't have to drill holes on the roof to put the wires lol I'm good.
    I found these brackets and they're $100 they're super clean!
    But these brackets do fit the bar I showed you that I'm gettin the zero dark?
    I'll show you a pic after I get everything mounted hopefully it looks sexy :bananadance:

    image.jpg
     
  17. Feb 12, 2016 at 1:53 AM
    #17
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    Well it appears that 3d bars have become more available than when I looked. And cheaper! Either that or there's just more 50" ones than 42's because I never really looked into 50's much as they aren't the best size for us 1st genners.. Because I see them on eBay for as low as like $105. Just type in '3d led light bar' and you'll see tons. Look exactly the same as zero darks. And the zero darks are probly sourced from china anyways. As well as the other U.S. retailers on there selling them. Just a heads up if you haven't purchased yet. Save ya couple more Benjamin's;)
     
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  18. Feb 12, 2016 at 10:24 AM
    #18
    Ambiguouse

    Ambiguouse [OP] do you even taco

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    Wow don't tell me it's a piece of crap from China lol not you're making me think twice about buying it ... :annoyed:
     
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  19. Feb 12, 2016 at 2:44 PM
    #19
    NightProwler

    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    I really wouldn't worry about it man. Almost all bars are sourced from china. That's why they're so cheap. Some businesses just slap their name on it and sell them for more. Granted those businesses have probly tested them and are known to be a reliable product. Even high end brands have been known to have issues. I rarely ever hear about any problems with any light bars bought from china. They're not junk. And are certainly worth the low price. If you want peace of mind and an extraordinary product, pay 10x more and buy a vision x , or Baja designs, or rigid. Or, buy from trusted sources like we mentioned. Namely Cali raised. Otherwise, get the cheaper one, if there's any issues, claim the warranty, return/sell, and buy from a trusted source with the extra money you saved. Its really not that big of a deal. I can't say you won't have any issues. Its always a possibility with ANY product. Nothing's perfect. Its how the company stands by their product and their customer service.

    Again, the zero dark one will be fine. But I can bet you it's probably EXACTLY the same bar as the other one for $200 less. Only without their name on it. If it was me, I'd be grabbing the one for $100... If you are still doubting it, go with Cali raised and pay for that peace of mind. He seems to be a great guy and have great products. Lots sold and haven't heard any issues. Done. I'm not gonna try and convince you anymore, lol.;) Take in what we suggested, make a decision, or investigate more and decide for yourself what you want. Its your truck. Your money.

    Just keep in mind that no one here has disputed what we've suggested so that should be a sign.
     
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  20. Feb 12, 2016 at 10:17 PM
    #20
    Ambiguouse

    Ambiguouse [OP] do you even taco

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    Okay thanks for the help I'll see how it goes I'll keep you updated! Let me see how China bars get down haha!;)
     

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