The Budget Lightbar Thread

I've been looking at some lightbars (the kind that can fit in the gap below the grill) and some of these are crazy expensive.

For the cheapskates and generally broke, what are some good options? I'm look at a Rough Country one at the moment. Thoughts? Others to consider?

As for install, better to cut the black plastic "grill" below the grill or install behind it?

 

https://caliraisedled.com/collections/2016-toyota-tacoma

Check out some of theses too.

 

I used CaliRaisedLED for mine. They sell bars that you can cut the black part or not

 

sub'd big time

 

Any pics of just the light output? Is it mostly straight ahead or somewhat to the sides as well?

 

Can’t have your cake and eat it too. There is a reason cheap light bars are cheap. My rigid D2s were brighter than some of these china 40” bars. I’ve tested them all back to back, and if you remotely care about light output, you’re better off picking up a used rigid/Baja designs bar.

-rigid fanboi

 

I don't have pics personally but you can get one of three bar styles. One is a spot, a flood, or a combination.

 

im looking at this company http://mictuning.com/

 

32" 5d combo bar. I love it. Super bright.

 

I sell a lot of LED products at my work and you definitely get what you pay for. Sometimes you get lucky on buying a cheaper light bar but in general you'll usually get a year out of a cheaper light bar before some of the diodes start to fail and once 1 goes they all start going shortly after. A lot of companies will list warranties but a quick Google search will tell you how good they back up their warranties.

I understand balling on a budget tho, so if buying a rough country light bar is all you can afford for now then go for it and if it lasts congrats, if not hopefully you'll have enough saved to go for a more top of the line product for next time.

 

is it better to buy crash bar mounts are just drill holes and use self tapping screws into the crash bar with the supplied mounts?

 

Caliraised 30 inch combo bar mounted the same as in your pic.
Headlights vs light bar

 

I went with Auxbeam 32” combo light bar with the CaliRaised lower bumper mounts. I’m happy with the light and output.

 

I have the auxbeam lightbar which is the same thing as caliraised minus the branding and 154 dollars less.

Light output is great for 85 bucks.

Here's the link to my whole review.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/auxbeam-32-180w-5d-led-light-bar-review-bumper-mounted.534542/

 

Damn, that is drastic! I ordered one a week ago. Can't wait!

 

sub'd

 

Seems like plenty of people use the cheap ones and for less than $100 I could buy one a year for 10 years before I spent as much as some of the Rigid stuff. Probably won't even have the truck that long. Most of them seem plenty bright enough.

 

If you just want a lightbar for some extra light, go with a cheap one. If you want really strong light output with color that is easy on the eye (an issue with many cheap light bars) get Baja or Rigid. Personally, I have Baja and they are the best lights i've played with.

 

You asked about light output...

 

I know, and according to the shared pics it seems pretty good.