Riddle Me This.....Why Smoked Headlights When I Want To See Better..???

I didn't want to add to the already lengthy Ultimate Headlight thread. How much do smoked lenses reduce headlight output? And more importantly, why would you want to do this other than perceived aesthetics? I'm at a point in life that I want as much usable light as possible. It seems counter intuitive to use a smoked lens. What am I missing?

 

Is the answer helicopter?

 

Only if the question is "What's up?".

 

I say smoked headlights are only for looks. I installed “blacked out” headlights on my Tacoma and instantly regretted it due to the light output. I purchased different headlights that have a more clearer lens and I am much more happy with the light output. That was just my experience not sure if anyone else had good luck with their smoked headlights.

 

https://youtu.be/SVW6SH2bjYQ

More on topic, I have smoked headlights from Toyota. Love them for the looks, never noticed any diminished light output. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

 

any tint on a lens will lessen the output of the light. its just for looks

 

I should have made myself clearer. I'm not referencing the Pro headlights. I've seen some on the road that have some form of dark tint over the headlights and for the life of me don't understand why this would sound like a good idea.

 

That’s just a daytime appearance mod, it’s right in line with an individuals taste I guess. A lot of mods on TW doesn’t make since to me. But I’m old.

 

I had done the same, couldn't see s#!t. Decided to install HIDs to counteract the reduced light output. Still couldn't see s#!t while probably blinding everyone else.

 

Never made sense to me, I remember the smoked light covers when they first came out in the early 1990s

 

It holds the same amount of function as squatting the rear suspension, putting on a cold air intake, installing wheel spacers, a catback exhaust, or a rack full of rotopax containers.

 

Not really. Headlights are a safety item and that's puts it in a different category. I'm all for tailoring your ride to suit individual taste but compromising a safety system never made sense to me.

 

At least the old style covers could be put on and taken off quickly..never had them but I think Velcro or something similar?

 

Because we all buy stupid shit that looks cool....well at least most of us anyways at one point in our life.

 

eh. fair. But also how many threads were started on here asking "how do I get my stupidly dark windshield tint to pass the safety inspection?" and "My cool grille won't work with TSS sensors. How do I get rid of the annoying dashboard light?" Or, "I'm mounting a bunch of pointy metal shit to my A-pillar. Should I disable the airbag or roll the dice?"

I dont understand it either, but asking the reasons why is just shouting into the wind.

 

Intake and exhaust make a performance difference when your truck has a supercharger..... just sayin

 

Unless some guys with smoked headlight covers jump in and explain.. this thread will just be an echo chamber

 

Their not going to reply, because they know the Op is correct