2016+: Let's build a new headlight from scratch...

Led's in an led projector are actually catching up in performance.

 

Especially when you have 6 of them!

 

My LEDs are awesome. I would not trade them.

 

Curious as to why a new, “from scratch” design would give up performance to a retrofit. Not bashing, genuinely curious why a bottom up design would be less than the new benchmark.

 

Waiting on those output shots for order...

 

HIDs are what retrofits typically use... while LEDs have come a long way, HIDs still put out more and more usable light generally... HIDs require wiring harnesses, ballasts, etc. LEDs are more plug and play.

It's an enhancement over stock but not as good in terms of pure light performance and pattern of an HID. Also should be noted that an HID setup will cost meaningfully more.

 

@TRSAndrew -
it's Friday... we love you, but we NEED pictures haha

 

The orange monster had schedule conflict. Taking pics now!

 

The turn signals and DRL are just stupid bright.

 

Yes they are. Tone down the lighting on camera settings so we can actually see it...

 

Cost of production has a huge part of it. You can make the best of the best, but no one with a Tacoma wants to fork over $3k for the best headlights possible, methinks

 

Matt's got the DSLR set a reasonable level. As soon as I get the pics up here and processed I'll load them here!

 

Service life.
LEDs last longer.
HIDs require wiring, ballasts, etc.
Warmup time--people want instant now
Housing can be totally sealed

 

I was kidding. I can tell the settings are correct by looking at other headlight. Just want to see actual new light.

 

Compared to these headlights a HID retro is cheaper and when in places where it snows and freezes on the headlights HIDs will still work and not get covered.

 

Kind of - for just the RX350s and HID kit you might be cheaper assuming you do it yourself. But youre also not getting the swtichbacks and then you also get a lot of aesthetics (the black housing is nicer imo), and you get an upgraded hi-beam. But you are absolutely right, doing the retro and HID will get you the most usable light at a cheaper cost, albeit a lot of your own time and cursing and blood haha...

 

Yes, an HID retrofit is cheaper and performs better, but lest we forget:

1) It's not plug and play on the truck
2) You're either doing it yourself or paying someone to do it
3) If you pay someone to do it and it includes housings, it's more than $1250
4) You have to vet the installer for quality / dependability
5) If your stock housings are in bad shape, you'll need to buy new housings to retrofit

These LED headlights aren't for everyone, but neither is a retrofit.

 

@TRSAndrew Also please a pic with the lights off entirely (no DRLs) - want to see what they look like 'plain' so to speak.

 

Of course! Lots of pics coming!

 

Still no mention of how these will perform in snow/ice. I think that is important to everyone outside of Southern California.