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3rd Gen Stock Fogs vs Diode Dynamics SS3

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by pdxtaco02, Jan 10, 2020.

  1. Jan 10, 2020 at 9:41 AM
    #1
    pdxtaco02

    pdxtaco02 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I just posted this, but its a few pages deep in a thread where I was trying to decide between standard H11 Bulbs, LED H11 Bulbs and LED pods for a fog light upgrade.

    Thread:
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/amber-led-fog-light-kits-vs-bulb-replacement.642449/


    I installed the Diode Dynamics SS3 Fog kit last night and got a chance to do some basic visual testing.

    My initial visual impression is that the DD product offers a brighter more yellow light projected in more efficient manor compared to H11 bulbs in the stock fog housing.


    Stock Fog Housing with Hella Xtreme Yellow 2700K H11 Bulbs
    Stock Fog Pattern.jpg

    Diode Dynamics SS3 DOT/SAE Yellow Sport Fogs
    DD SS3 Pattern.jpg

    These pictures were taken quite close to the bay door. The improvement over the stock H11s is more noticeable in person and while driving.

    Anecdotally, I can say the stock setup is about a 5/10 and the DD setup is a 7.5/10 (just an initial impression)

    I'm driving up and camping on Mt. Hood tonight and we are expecting 2-3 Feet of snow and blizzard conditions, so I'll report back after some use in shit weather...
     
    grubburg and Tibetan Nomad like this.
  2. Jan 10, 2020 at 9:43 AM
    #2
    boston23

    boston23 Well-Known Member

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  3. Jan 12, 2020 at 9:13 PM
    #3
    Old Swamper

    Old Swamper Tacoma World Poor

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  4. Jan 13, 2020 at 1:59 PM
    #4
    pdxtaco02

    pdxtaco02 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Spent the weekend camping and skiing up on Mt. Hood!

    3 feet of snow fell from the time I arrived on Friday until leaving on Sunday. I did plenty of night driving and truly got to test the SS3's in a blizzard.

    I took some go pro and iphone footage and planning on putting that up on youtube and this thread tonight!

    After I cleared the snow off the truck
    InkedIMG_5805_LI.jpg

    Camping beers and fresh powder!
    beer!.jpg
     
  5. Jan 13, 2020 at 5:43 PM
    #5
    Rebirtha

    Rebirtha Well-Known Member

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    Sweet ! I just did the same on a 2nd gen
    And in PDX also :)
    All I have to say is wow

    have to adjust them down a bit though

    3532BEF6-2749-4014-B328-288D293C92BF.jpg
     
    davidstacoma and pdxtaco02[OP] like this.
  6. Jan 13, 2020 at 5:45 PM
    #6
    Rebirtha

    Rebirtha Well-Known Member

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    well that's a shittier picture than i first though lol
     
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  7. Jan 13, 2020 at 6:27 PM
    #7
    slowlane

    slowlane Well-Known Member

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    Do you guys think it's worth the 200 bucks?
     
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  8. Jan 13, 2020 at 10:22 PM
    #8
    pdxtaco02

    pdxtaco02 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Honestly I'm not sure if they're worth $200 plus ~30$ shipping. I liked the stock fog lamps with the Yellow Hella H11 Bulbs at $20, that was a solid upgrade for the money.

    Don't get me wrong, the SS3's are a better setup. It just depends on how important lighting is to you. If these last forever and continue to perform well, then it'll be worth it.

    @Rebirtha what do you think
     
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2020
    davidstacoma likes this.
  9. Jan 13, 2020 at 10:26 PM
    #9
    pdxtaco02

    pdxtaco02 [OP] Well-Known Member

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  10. Jan 13, 2020 at 10:27 PM
    #10
    Tacoian

    Tacoian Well-Known Member

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    I’m impressed!
     
  11. Jan 13, 2020 at 10:31 PM
    #11
    Foster1

    Foster1 Well-Known Member

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    They have sales up to 20% off on holidays if you wanna save some money. Diode Dynamics has great customer service too btw. Plus they're made in the USA!
     
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  12. Jan 14, 2020 at 8:58 AM
    #12
    pdxtaco02

    pdxtaco02 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Agreed 20% would have been nice. I didn't stumble across DD or their products until early December.

    When I spoke with DD they said they typically have sales around the 4th of July and Black Friday, possibly more I'm not sure.

    USA made is a plus forsure! Just curious @Diode Dynamics, are all the main parts including the raw PCB, Lens, Injection Molded Brackets, Cast Housing and Cast Heat Sink all made in the USA?

    I'm still working on an unboxing/install video so potential buyers can get a little more info before making a decision.
     
  13. Jan 14, 2020 at 9:03 AM
    #13
    Diode Dynamics

    Diode Dynamics Automotive Lighting Experts Vendor

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    The components are from international distributors, both American and international companies, but very few raw components are directly made in USA. The lamp itself is assembled here, where the majority of value is also added by our staff, as we assemble it from bare boards into the finished product. Thanks!
     
  14. Jan 14, 2020 at 9:22 AM
    #14
    pdxtaco02

    pdxtaco02 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Keep up the good work!

    :oldglory:
     
  15. Jan 14, 2020 at 9:23 AM
    #15
    Rebirtha

    Rebirtha Well-Known Member

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    Well I went with the pros but did some part swapping with a distributor and got a good deal

    so yeah I think over the stock ones I had in the 2nd gen it’s well worth it especially when I’m out driving in east bum phuck Egypt at night :)
     
  16. Jan 14, 2020 at 9:24 AM
    #16
    Rebirtha

    Rebirtha Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for an awesome product!
     
  17. Jun 22, 2020 at 3:34 PM
    #17
    davidstacoma

    davidstacoma Friendly Curmudgeon

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    *OEM Mods: Intermittent wipers, Fogs, Keyless Entry, Lomax
    Good post, thanks. I'm probably gonna go with either the Hella or the Nokya yellows for the value. :D
     
  18. Jun 24, 2020 at 8:24 PM
    #18
    Jasonstacoma

    Jasonstacoma Well-Known Member

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    I plan to go w the amber pros
     
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  19. Aug 7, 2020 at 10:05 AM
    #19
    grubburg

    grubburg Well-Known Member

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    I just installed the Diode Dynamics Pro Fogs white. I'm really disappointed how much light spills upward into oncoming traffic. Unlike the OEM fogs, the $320 DD fogs cannot be adjusted. That means, regardless whether you're lowered, stock, 3'' lift or 6'' lift, it's one-size-fits-all. I would not be comfortable using these on the road. That said, they do produce a TON of unfocused light and are going to be helpful off road.
     
    JR SLASH 33 and davidstacoma like this.
  20. Aug 7, 2020 at 10:07 AM
    #20
    grubburg

    grubburg Well-Known Member

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    K & N Intake, Gibson Catback (chopped), Weathertech floormats, 285/70/17 Ridge Grapplers, Black Rhino Glamis wheels, Kicker Key, Kicker Hideaway, Infiniti Speakers, OV Tune, 888's, 5100s X 4, HS 3-leaf, LR SPC UCAs, Diff Drop, Carrier Bearing Drop, OEM Bed Mat, Morimoto HID low beams, Morimoto LED 2 Stroke High Beams, KC 336 LED bar, KC C3 LED pods for rear, KC LED 6'' SlimLites ditch lights, N-Fab Steps, Auxbeam Interior Blue Lights, 7r41lbr34k3r Shift Knob, Wet Okole Seat Covers, Diode Dynamics SAE Pro Fogs, Cali Raised ditch light brackets, hidden light bar brackets, tailgate light brackets.
    yeah so if you're illuminating the top of fence posts, that would be blinding oncoming traffic right? That's my problem right now.
     

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