Cheap vs. Expensive Lights

[THE_SAVSQCH]

Can you be more specific about what the value of my vehicle has to do with what I spend on lights? What is the specific performance difference between the Amazon brands and Baja / Diode?

Diode ditch lights are approx. $260 (https://www.diodedynamics.com/stage...itch-light-kit-for-2021-2024-ford-bronco.html)
Diode lightbar kit is approx. $1,700 (https://www.diodedynamics.com/ss5-windshield-crosslink-lightbar-kit-for-2021-2024-ford-bronco.html)
Diode pocket fog lights are approx. $869 (https://www.diodedynamics.com/stage...for-2021-2024-ford-bronco-w-steel-bumper.html)

So again the question is why should I spend $2,829 instead of $400? I could replace the amazon kit 7 times for the cost of buying from Diode once.

Sounds like you already made up your mind. This quoted response by you is to someone who offered you an answer as well as options.

Dude if you want Amazon get them. If you want billion dollar lights then get them.

Maybe I’m just reading it wrong but your responses seem a bit firm for no reason if it’s not the answer or “Go Amazon”

My 2cents

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[Tofudude]

I opted to a pair of Baja Designs LP9 sport (the cheaper version) and holy cow are they awesome. After a few test runs, I've realized I don't really need that many lights. TBH I was a bit of a cheap light snob on my last truck.

Honestly try a high end quality brand on the bumper a see if that fulfills your needs. If you need more the amazon or harbor freight brands can easily supplement them

 

[ScLeCo]

Love your tone and your attitude portrayed online with other like-minded individuals! It's probably been super successful throughout all areas of your life!


Sigh.

Sorry.
I thought I was responding to your tone.
I have my opinion on lights just as you do yours. I am genuinely happy that what you have works for you. I imagine everyone has different needs, wants, and equipment.
In my post I was just stating that I have never needed tons of aftermarket lights and that often a good hand held flashlight has been more than enough.
I certainly didn't mean to get into a pissing contest with you over it.
Have a great day. (not being snarky)

 

[jacobrdoty]

Sorry.
I thought I was responding to your tone.
I have my opinion on lights just as you do yours. I am genuinely happy that what you have works for you. I imagine everyone has different needs, wants, and equipment.
In my post I was just stating that I have never needed tons of aftermarket lights and that often a good hand held flashlight has been more than enough.
I certainly didn't mean to get into a pissing contest with you over it.
Have a great day. (not being snarky)

Totally understand. It isn't easy to convey or read tone, especially without knowing how each other speaks in real life.

I am genuinely surprised you've never tried a night run yet. Crazy dark skies to look up at the stars here in the Sierras. Highly recommend it (but you may need more lights, though )

There's really no right or wrong decision here, as auxiliary lights aren't a critical component in ensuring that you and your family make it home or off the trail. Save those types of investments for critical components that prioritize safety and reliability.

They simply make it more comfortable and open up additional speeds with confidence. If there's an important design element or beam pattern to the buyer, then it may be worth ponying up extra money. I was really picky about the fog light pocket being utilized, and that's why I chose the DD kit. They've been great to me, and arguably, I'm in a different financial position than a few years ago when I first started off-roading (with Amazon ditch lights), so I'm lucky enough to pick things up for no other reason than "that looks cool."


I hope you have a great day, too!

 

[ScLeCo]

Totally understand. It isn't easy to convey or read tone, especially without knowing how each other speaks in real life.

I am genuinely surprised you've never tried a night run yet. Crazy dark skies to look up at the stars here in the Sierras. Highly recommend it (but you may need more lights, though )

There's really no right or wrong decision here, as auxiliary lights aren't a critical component in ensuring that you and your family make it home or off the trail. Save those types of investments for critical components that prioritize safety and reliability.

They simply make it more comfortable and open up additional speeds with confidence. If there's an important design element or beam pattern to the buyer, then it may be worth ponying up extra money. I was really picky about the fog light pocket being utilized, and that's why I chose the DD kit. They've been great to me, and arguably, I'm in a different financial position than a few years ago when I first started off-roading (with Amazon ditch lights), so I'm lucky enough to pick things up for no other reason than "that looks cool."


I hope you have a great day, too!

Well let me know the next time you do a night run and I'll tag along.
Maybe you'll convince me I need 4k worth of lights.

 

[FloridaBurgBronco]

Here to jump on the DD bandwagon, US made and super great quality, I've had them on my Bronco and 4Runner, great selection of high quality lights, still pricey, but not as crazy as some others for sure.

 

[Callelk]

[Old timer voice] "I wheeled my first gen Bronco at night with the original sealed beam headlights!"

I did actually get halogen replacements and they still sucked.

I suffered with stock lights in the woods at night for years until I bought Daylighters. I know some complain about their DD Pros but I have MAX's and even with tinted lens covers on the pillar lights, they throw a lot of light. To me, the DD beam pattern is better as it has more of a pronounced cutoff than some others especially the low cost solutions'.

Had I just gone with 1 set of lights I would have went with the BD Squadron as they have more near field illumination, though not as wide. That said, I have 3 sets so I can benefit from the wide field the white fogs give me, the near and mid field the combo lights provide and the range I need with the driving lights. I'm not blasting through the desert so spots are not required but it is nice to see what lies 50-80 yards ahead with the driving lights. They extend much farther of course but when you're traveling at trail speeds that, in my opinion, is where you need to focus.

As an FYI, this is one comparison of fog lights, the pros vs max's that sold me on the max's .

 

[Johnny Mo]

For me it was never about cheap vs expensive, more about quality, reputation and customer service. I also felt that a resurrected OG vehicle like the Bronco really deserved an OG set of lights, so I went with KC HiLites. Checks all my boxes, quality, rep, service and OG look.

 

[Milo1963]

Question. I'm thinking about getting KC HiLiTES FLEX ERA 3 2-Light System. These lights have what they call a back light. I was thinking instead of using a switch for these back lights why not hook them up to the running lights, so they are on when the running, or marker lights, are on. So, in a nutshell, the back lights always come on when your running lights do but the main bright ditch lights are controlled by the switch near the rear-view mirror. If this made any sense I'd appreciate feedback. Thanks

 

[Johnny Mo]

Question. I'm thinking about getting KC HiLiTES FLEX ERA 3 2-Light System. These lights have what they call a back light. I was thinking instead of using a switch for these back lights why not hook them up to the running lights, so they are on when the running, or marker lights, are on. So, in a nutshell, the back lights always come on when your running lights do but the main bright ditch lights are controlled by the switch near the rear-view mirror. If this made any sense I'd appreciate feedback. Thanks

You can certainly do that, but my rationale for leaving them on separate switches was that I am likely not going to be running them unless I need them, 2nd then you have to leave them uncovered/unprotected (that's an expensive light to take a highway rock hit), I have clear covers also in case the first 2 options above change in my head.

 

[Mikey1287]

KC Flex Era 4 for the win. Well worth the money imo.
I've had them on the pillars for 2 years now with no fading or condensation.
Easy install.

 

[dgorsett]

I was about to concede i needed a few hundred dollars of chase/back up lights when my cheapy RCs started taking dirt behind the lense. Then I peeled off the factory protective film and all good!

 

[SierraBronco]

The expensive lights are cool and all-2 of our baja designs put out as much light as 6 of the cheaper lights.

they have a weird logo though.

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