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Knock off the Lies: Why Buying Quality LED Lights Matters

Discussion in 'Baja Designs' started by Baja Designs, Nov 21, 2018.

  1. Nov 21, 2018 at 8:51 AM
    #1
    Baja Designs

    Baja Designs [OP] The Scientist of Lighting Vendor

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    San Marcos, CA
    [​IMG]
    Knock off the Lies: Why Buying Quality LED Lights Matters


    "Why spend so much for lights when I can get them cheaper without the name brand?"

    "This light bar on Amazon has way more lumens and costs half as much - what gives?"

    "I can get 100 lights for $10 each on Alibaba you guys are robbing customers with your margins!"


    Not All Lumens Are Created Equal - Especially When Others Are Lying


    In a multi-part series, we will be breaking down what separates Baja Designs from the imitators, fakes, and clones. Check back often for updates!

    Video:
    https://youtu.be/jloN95_pJPU

    [​IMG]


    PART 2 - BUILD QUALITY

    Coming Soon
     
  2. Nov 21, 2018 at 8:55 AM
    #2
    Jibbs

    Jibbs "When in doubt, throttle out!"

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    Whoooooooshchchch
    I'll just say, after running Squadron Sports as my fog lights for a while now, and beating the ever loving crap out of them, including having them sit submerged in mud for minutes without a single drop of moisture getting in them, I will probably never buy from a different high end lighting brand.

    These guys really take pride in creating a fine product, and it shows.
     
    Mully and vicali like this.
  3. Nov 21, 2018 at 9:25 AM
    #3
    vicali

    vicali Touch my camera through the fence

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    Kam,BC
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    Agreed- BajaDesigns has ruined light shopping forever.. There isn't anything comparable.
    After having Squadron Sports for a year I doubled down with another set of Squadron Pros.
    Ordering S2 in the next few days.
     
    1bad2k likes this.
  4. Mar 1, 2019 at 5:58 PM
    #4
    Baja Designs

    Baja Designs [OP] The Scientist of Lighting Vendor

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    PART 2 - BUILD QUALITY


    We cover Build Quality in Part 2 on Knock off the Lies: Why Buying Quality LEDs Matters.
    CLICK HERE



    HOUSING SEAL
    O-RING VS. SILICONE

    [​IMG]
    O-Ring Sealed

    Serviceable:
    Our uService Replaceable Lenses & Optics provide a unique experience by providing accident protection and full control of your beam pattern. Change the pattern, or replace a damaged lens from the occasional trail carnage, without voiding your warranty!

    Combats Shrinkage and Expansion:
    The polymer used in our O-ring allows for variance in compression and temperature. As your lights experience changes in heat and pressure, the components will expand and retract in small increments. We take these variances into account when designing our O-rings, which helps to ensure a strong and consistent seal, even under the harshest of conditions. All of our lights are MIL-810G, IK10, and IP69K certified.

    [​IMG]
    Silicone Glue Sealed

    Permanent:
    When dealing with silicone glue, there is no turning back. If your lens becomes damaged, you are stuck purchasing an entirely new light. If your windshield cracks, you wouldn't throw away or sell the vehicle, would you? You shouldn't have to do that with your lights either. Yet, with our competitor's products, you are stuck buying a new light if you want to change the initial pattern or repair any inevitable damage that may occur.

    Prone to Dry Rot and Leaks:
    Not only is silicone glue more susceptible to dry rot, shrinkage and cracking, but as silicone dries, it becomes static, losing its ability to rebound. When your light faces changes in pressure or temperature, the silicone seal will remain in the same form. This can often times lead to an improper seal around the lens.

    Even when correct amounts are applied from the factory, silicone glue is more prone to imperfections than a pre-formed O-ring. Very commonly, air bubbles will form within the glue, creating an easy leak path for moisture to enter.

    CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE



    LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (LED)
    TOP BIN LED VS. GENERIC

    [​IMG]

    Top Bin LED:

    5000 Kelvin:
    This color temperature mimics the sun during a clear afternoon. The human eye has evolved to prefer the whiteness of 5000k light over higher color temperatures. Using lights in this color range grants you better ability to recognize variations in terrain. This improves the perceived distance and performance of your lights, meaning less overall light is required

    Genuine Cree LEDs:
    Our use of LEDs from reputable manufacturers translates to improved performance and reliability. The consistent nature of components sourced from reputable companies ensures proper fitment, electrical function, and confidence in your lights.

    Generic LEDs

    6000+ Kelvin:
    The vast majority of our competition uses LEDs in the 6000+ Kelvin range. Temperatures in this range appear slightly blue, rather than white. This color temperature is detrimental to your eye's ability to recognize terrain. Blue light is the most difficult color for the eye to react to. It will actually fatigue your eyes as they constantly work to adjust to terrain variations. Blue light will often seem brighter, though the reality is that the color is just more harsh on the eyes.

    Knockoff LEDs:
    While certainly not every other offroad lighting manufacturer uses counterfeit LEDs, many do. These companies will mimic the claimed specs of genuine LEDs from reputable companies. These LEDs tend to be built with little quality control and inferior materials, which leads to inconsistent reliability and performance.

    CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE



    REFLECTOR
    IN-HOUSE DESIGN VS. RAPIDLY MANUFACTURED

    [​IMG]
    In-House Design

    In-House Design:
    All Baja Designs reflectors are designed in-house by our engineering team. A challenging process that typically takes over a year from design to production. Each design is vetted through 3D scanning and computer simulations before being extensively tested in the field before production.

    Proprietary Coating:
    Our reflectors are all produced using a proprietary coating sequence that varies from typical coating/vacuum metalizing processes. This process results in higher reflectivity than traditional coating methods.

    High Standards of Quality Control:
    Although we use top-tier suppliers that coat our reflectors in advanced clean rooms, we still have a very high rejection rate for the components we receive. Every reflector is individually inspected for contaminants and imperfections.

    All of these processes result in optics that fall into our standards of ClearView optical technology, ensuring you get all the light, right where you need it.

    [​IMG]
    Rapidly Manufactured

    Rapidly Manufactured:
    Many of the smaller, competing manufacturers aim for rapid turnover, and will forgo extensive design and testing of their own (or sometimes re-purposed) reflectors. They will often use existing reflector designs from products that typically are not recommended for automotive applications, resulting in patterns that are not optimal for driving or riding.

    Standard Coating:
    The majority of manufacturers use a standard vacuum metalizing process which adds a step intended to cover defects and blemishes. Though it will often hide pitting and bubbling, it will also cause a hazing effect that diminishes the reflective properties and usable light output. The animated GIF above shows just how drastic this hazing effect can be.

    Less Stringent Quality Control:
    Pitting, bubbling, and contaminants on the coating are some of the most typical flaws that users will experience with lower quality products. Despite the massive setbacks in performance, other manufacturers often will often build with the flawed reflectors in order to avoid production setbacks. These imperfections and contaminants can be seen right out of the box, even by the average consumer.

    CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE



    CIRCUIT BOARD FASTENING
    THERMAL GAP PAD VS. SCREWED/GLUED DIRECTLY TO HOUSING

    [​IMG]
    Thermal Gap Pad

    Thermal Gap Pad
    Use of a thermal gap pad ensures proper heat dissipation, with the goal of keeping your LEDs running cooler. The gap pad allows for 100% of the circuit board to be in contact with the housing, allowing heat to be transferred away from the LED and circuit board, and into the housing. Another benefit is the reduction of shock experienced with the gap pad. This reduction decreases the likelihood of screws backing out, or potential vibration damage.

    [​IMG]
    Screwed/Glued Directly To Housing

    Screwed/Glued Directly to Housing
    When securing a circuit board directly to the housing, the biggest risk is the likelihood that the circuit board will begin to warp as temperatures rise. Often times, too few screws are used. The sections near the screw will likely stay in contact with the housing, however, the edges will begin to lose contact as warping occurs. As thermal interface between the housing and circuit board decreases, so does the ability to transfer heat. The circuit board begins to float, retaining all of the heat within itself and the LED. This can very quickly cause a 30-50% efficiency loss.
    In addition, with no secondary means to secure the board, and often a lack of use of thread lock, it is common for screws to back out of the board - causing immediate failure.



    POWER CORD
    PROPRIETARY MOISTUREBLOCK CORD VS. GENERIC CORD

    [​IMG]

    Proprietary MoistureBlock Cord

    Prevents Moisture Intake:
    This proprietary designs prevents moisture from wicking its way through the cord and into the housings. This technology allows users to remove our standard WeatherPack connector and replace it with the connector of their choosing, without risk of damage or voiding of their warranty. Read more about MoistureBlock here.

    UL Listed Wire:
    Simply put, UL listed wire is regulated and controlled to ensure consistency and reliability. We use UL listed wire to prevent voltage loss, allowing the light to run at higher voltages and lower amperages. The result is a cooler and more efficient wiring harness.

    Serviceable:
    Along with many other components on Baja Designs products, the power cords are serviceable. If you get carried away and chop off too much cord, or have a damaging snag, just send the light back and we will repair it at a nominal cost.

    [​IMG]

    Generic Cord

    Prone to Moisture Wicking:
    Aside from a faulty lens seal, the most common way that moisture enters a light is through the power cord. As moisture settles around the connector, heat and evaporation allow moisture to creep up the cord, into the housing.

    Generic Wire:
    Wiring is expensive. An easy way to keep costs down is to use generic wiring designed for less demanding applications. Without regulation, this type of material can leave your wiring at risk for hot spots and voltage loss, which can be dangerous to you lights and vehicle.

    Permanent:
    Epoxy is about as permanent as things get. It is also the choice of many manufacturers when it comes to securing power cords. Contrary to the serviceable nature of our cords, if you experience damage or failure with one of these cords, you're looking at buying an entirely new light.
     
    Mully likes this.
  5. Mar 1, 2019 at 6:02 PM
    #5
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    @Rome604 you'd like this thread since you're a BD geek
     
    Gunshot-6A and Rome604 like this.
  6. Mar 1, 2019 at 6:14 PM
    #6
    OmegaMan73

    OmegaMan73 Well-Known Member

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    When did you begin to add the thermal gap pad into your pod lights? I have a pair of squadron sports that do not have this pad.
     
  7. Mar 1, 2019 at 6:19 PM
    #7
    Baja Designs

    Baja Designs [OP] The Scientist of Lighting Vendor

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    I'd have to look up an exact start date but we've been doing it for years. When the Squadron Sport was introduced in 2014 we were using gap pads.

    It's not something that'll be visible without disassembling the lights. It's hiding behind the circuit board :)
     
  8. Mar 1, 2019 at 6:32 PM
    #8
    OmegaMan73

    OmegaMan73 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah. I got a good look behind the PCB when someone tried stealing my ditch lights. I re-soldered the leads to the PCB and had to remove it to make it easier. There was no pad back there. :notsure:
     
  9. Mar 1, 2019 at 6:40 PM
    #9
    Baja Designs

    Baja Designs [OP] The Scientist of Lighting Vendor

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    It's odd that your light didn't have one but it's always a possibility we missed it in production.

    The gap pad itself is grey and the adhesive backing is blue (pictured above)
     
    OmegaMan73[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Mar 1, 2019 at 6:44 PM
    #10
    Rome604

    Rome604 I am the Captain now

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    I take apart most of the stuff I buy...I guess I'm just a curious person. These are the exact reason I buy Baja Designs lights. I've seen all these details and can appreciate the work they've put into developing their products.
     
  11. Mar 4, 2019 at 8:45 AM
    #11
    Baja Designs

    Baja Designs [OP] The Scientist of Lighting Vendor

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    @OmegaMan73

    Give us a ring if you'd like it taken care of under warranty. If your light doesn't have a gap pad, we will certainly make sure you have one that does

    800-422-5292


    Baja Designs
    www.bajadesigns.com
     
    OmegaMan73[QUOTED] and whatstcp like this.
  12. Mar 4, 2019 at 8:50 AM
    #12
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

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    Marteeen
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    Lots of sail boat fuel
    For the adventure guys who go far out and rely on comms , have you guys done any tests with RF interference that some LEDs are known to create?

    Specifically the ham and sencondly the CB channels
     
    SportsmanJake likes this.
  13. Mar 4, 2019 at 8:54 AM
    #13
    jowybyo

    jowybyo Well-Known Member

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    What basis do the generic brands have for the 72W claim? Is that the max power draw the light can handle without burning up? There must be some basis for the claim even if it isn't realistic.
     
  14. Mar 4, 2019 at 8:54 AM
    #14
    Coot83

    Coot83 DORKEL NATION

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    TC 3.5 LT, RCV axles, Demello sliders, BD light bar/fogs, LP6, DMZ rear, SOS skids, custom bumper, King 16" triples, Locked-on hydro rear bumps...
    Any idea of the list of competitors? Would love to see the line up...also is JD going to be in any of the vids? That guy always takes care of me.
     
  15. Mar 4, 2019 at 9:19 AM
    #15
    Baja Designs

    Baja Designs [OP] The Scientist of Lighting Vendor

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    We haven't taken measurements on RF interference but I do know that my lights don't affect VHF/UHF

    Absolutely no interference at all :)

    Not sure about CB since I haven't been in a truck with one and our lights

    Competitors often take the wattage of the LED and multiply it by the number of LEDs. This is just one method we often see competitors using.
    Example) 6 LED light w/ 6W LEDs will be 36W according to them, but it could only be a 25W light with their circuitry and electrical components being used.

    We probably won't post a list of competitors as there are SO MANY...

    JD might make an appearance but I can't guarantee anything. He is awesome :thumbsup:
     
    vicali and Coot83[QUOTED] like this.
  16. Mar 4, 2019 at 9:21 AM
    #16
    Coot83

    Coot83 DORKEL NATION

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    TC 3.5 LT, RCV axles, Demello sliders, BD light bar/fogs, LP6, DMZ rear, SOS skids, custom bumper, King 16" triples, Locked-on hydro rear bumps...
    Ah I figured that...IM sure this series will really shed some light on just what BD is compared to everyone else like what we know but the average consumer doesnt. I felt bad like I was that pesky customer last week since I called JD so much...def a solid guy.
     
  17. Mar 4, 2019 at 9:33 AM
    #17
    m603holden

    m603holden @Koditten Pirate Radio member #063

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    Great to know. That'll be a big consideration for when the bumper comes in. I'll keep you guys in mind for sure. Thanks for the response
     
  18. Mar 4, 2019 at 10:03 AM
    #18
    jowybyo

    jowybyo Well-Known Member

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    Cool. Thanks for the info. Are 5k LEDs more expensive? BD seems to be the only using them (or at least the only one calling it out).
     
  19. Mar 4, 2019 at 11:13 AM
    #19
    Baja Designs

    Baja Designs [OP] The Scientist of Lighting Vendor

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    Yes, 5000K is more expensive than 6000k or 6500k of the same tier LED. We select LEDs from a specific bin to make sure the customer is getting the highest performing light. It does come at a slightly higher price :)
     
    inesshell likes this.
  20. Mar 6, 2019 at 9:08 AM
    #20
    inesshell

    inesshell blah blah blah

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    5k fancy
     
    fatfurious2 likes this.

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