Driving Lights

Submitted: Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 11:45
ThreadID: 6564 Views:2159 Replies:11 FollowUps:38
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Hi All,

Gave the lad the Rugged Tool Kit last night, and he was rapt, he's now informed me that he wants a set of Driving lights, he told me "Lightforce", I've just been reading the ARB catalogue and they have IPF..so..dumb question no# ??? what's the difference...and if price was not an option what would other's recommend..

cheers

Lyn [Mrs. Al]1927 Oldsmobile Tourer

Corrugations...what are they?
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Reply By: Tony - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 11:54

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 11:54
Lightforce if the price was not an option.

IPF give a better value for money.
AnswerID: 27861

Follow Up By: flappan - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 12:23

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 12:23
Ive got a set of Lightforce 170's and a set of IPF 900's and the IPF's don't get close to the lightforce lights (IMO obviously). The 240's are better again, and will be replacing the IPF's shortly.

At about $380 for the 240's and $340 for the 170's don't think they are that expensive.
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FollowupID: 19220

Follow Up By: baza - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 12:54

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 12:54
I got the Narva 175 ultima combination for $110 dollars (on special) at autobarn. According to 4x4 Australia, they out perform the lightforce 170's. They are not as strong as the lightforce, but at only 1/3rd the cost I couldn't go past them. No problems so far.
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FollowupID: 19222

Follow Up By: flappan - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 13:35

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 13:35
Baza, if you have convinced yourself that . . . you have a bargin.

I have a bit of a problem when they test some lights, find the best, and then give them away as prizes . . . . hmmmm . . . I wonder.

Don't get me wrong here. Narva are a good light, as far as budget lights go. . . . but I can assure you, there is still plenty of doubt that Narvas are BETTER then lightforce's.

Each their own eh . . . .
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FollowupID: 19228

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 13:46

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 13:46
Flappin again we think along same lines...

X Brand is best followed by 2 page full spread ad, and 1 pr of lights for prize IF you subscribe...

Forgive me for not believing ANYTHIN' written in mags anymore. The $$ is too mighty

How does another mag 2mths before test the same stuff and come up with the complete opposite?

YMMV.
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FollowupID: 19229

Follow Up By: baza - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 14:02

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 14:02
I didn't say they were better, I haven't see the 2 side by side (except the picture in the mag). They certainly give a good light, I like them for the money - looked at the 2 and decided lightforce were not worth the extra $200. I have a lightforce 140 on my shotgun, and it performs well in that application, but I think it was a bit overpriced. (BTW it seems 4x4 are now giving away lightforce, not narva - maybe they changed their minds on narva, more likely the lightforce guys found a few surpluss lying around). Each to their own.
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FollowupID: 19230

Follow Up By: flappan - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 14:34

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 14:34
Geez Truckster, thats scary . . . . .

Baza, the Lightforce for shooting are recognised as the best around, and thats what they were originally building, then branched out into 4by lights.

As I said, to each there own. Granted . . . $350 for a set of spotties isn't cheap . . . until you use them . . . then you wonder why you bothered with the cheap ones at all.

If Narva is your budget, then by all means, knock your self out, they aren't bad.

As for giving them away, giving anything away for that matter. I have NO probs with that. Its the timing of the "Prize" whether there's ANY connection or not, is the issue.
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FollowupID: 19234

Follow Up By: pathfinder - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 17:11

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 17:11
I would suggest that what happens in most of these cases is that products ARE reviewed objectively and then the mag offers the manufacturer/supplier of the winning product the opportunity to have a co-located ad and even offer a prize - which most manufacturers will be keen to take up...
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FollowupID: 19259

Reply By: Member - Geoff - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 12:14

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 12:14
Lyn,
The difference? is about $1,000 depending on type.
what's money.
Cheers geoff.
AnswerID: 27865

Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 12:17

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 12:17
Thanks Geoff,

I'll run that past the big fella, and see how he reacts....

cheers

Lyn1927 Oldsmobile Tourer

Corrugations...what are they?
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FollowupID: 19219

Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 13:00

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 13:00
If you are after LIghtforce 240's like I have, then mail me offline, I might be able to save you around $70 at least.

There is another option, get a group together like i did, order 18 prs and get a better price again...

www.multispares.com.au get the 13 ph #, and ask for Jim.
I paid $330pr for 240s. Still had the $410 Retail sticker on them.
AnswerID: 27870

Follow Up By: Outnabout David (SA) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 14:33

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 14:33
Truckster,

I don't want to enter the debate but I have alwways wondered what the lightforce was like on rough or corrogated roads. It just seems to me that they vibrate/wobble a bit if you bump them with your hand and so I have always wondered whether theyu vibrate on the rough stuff?We have so little time to enjoy our land
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FollowupID: 19233

Follow Up By: flappan - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 14:36

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 14:36
Not sure on the 240's David, but I haven't had any probs with the 170's staying where you point em.
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FollowupID: 19235

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:20

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:20
They give a little bit, but it helps them not break. Not bad offroad.

We do around 8 Night runs a yr, and wouldnt have anything different.
Had Rally 2000s on before and liked them, btu also had them above the bullbar.. The Rally 2000's come with a brace you are supposed to use on the top of them to stop movement.

Location makes a difference to the light too, roof bars are the best but limit you to never going in underground carparks, not that I can now!.

Again, its like tires, auto V man, Nissan over Yota, and bums, everyone has an opinion on whats best.

HID's if you are brainless and have 1000's to spend.. Thats insane amount of $ for a spotty..
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FollowupID: 19271

Reply By: Time - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 14:29

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 14:29
Guys,

I hate night driving and avoid it where ever possible. But for those few times when I must I bought a pair of cheap Narvas on special for $80. Given that the diesel can't out run the light i.e. I can see well beyond brakeing distance at 100kph, then they suit me. Also, don't have to woryy too much about light fingers nick'n 'em!

Cheers

Buggerlux
AnswerID: 27882

Reply By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 14:35

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 14:35
Hi all,

We have a set of Narvas on the cruiser, I have no idea the strength, but, they just aren't suitable for us. Living in Romsey means that if we travel in any direction we're without street light and we use our high beams almost all the time [unless there's traffic] the Narvas we have are really poor and give hardly extra any light to the highbeams...I had a set of Hellas on my old Datsun Stanza years ago, that were stacks better.

Lyn1927 Oldsmobile Tourer

Corrugations...what are they?
AnswerID: 27885

Follow Up By: Member - Rohan K - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:08

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:08
Lyn, I assume they're not for the '27 Oldie. So what model cruiser?

I agree with Flappan above when he says the LightForce aren't that expensive. They are cheap compared to Hella at $360 for 1 light! KCs, IPF and Cibie are all around the $350 a pair mark, for the equivalent output lights. Of the cheappies, including the lesser spec Hella's and the like, the Narvas would have to be the best.

The Lightforce are also doing some clever things with the clip-on covers - like the dual driving/spot. They truly are almost unbrakeable. The only argument seems to be about the mounting. I may even get a set when I can afford it.

There was a thread on this argument a while back on

YahooSmile, you're on ExplorOz
Rohan (Sydney - on the QLD side of the Harbour Bridge)
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FollowupID: 19238

Follow Up By: flappan - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:15

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:15
When a Vehicle rolls over on them, and they continue to work . . . the mounting cant be too bad.

I've got the Combo lenses for mine, work a treat.
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FollowupID: 19239

Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:21

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:21
Hi Rohan...

A set of those on the '27..sensational..me holding a torch would be better than the lights on the poor Olds....:)

The cruiser is an 80 series..I've been doing a fair amount of surfing today, and the basic price for a pair of 240 Blitz Lightforce is around $400.00, I'm waiting for a couple of blokes to get back to me, but that seems reasonable to me....

Al was talking about the lights giving both width and spot, I'm not sure what that means...perhaps that's the Combos that Flappan is talking about

cheers

Lyn1927 Oldsmobile Tourer

Corrugations...what are they?
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FollowupID: 19241

Follow Up By: flappan - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:33

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:33
$400 is about right. You might be able to knock a few bucks off $380 or so, but thats about right.

OK, what you do with the Lightforces is you add clip on lense covers. they come in the standard Spot light cover, Wide angle Cover, or what the call a combo cover. ie bit of both. Not sure on the prices of the covers (170's are $22) but its a cheap way of changing the spread of the light without changing the light itself. Also, The actually light can have its focus changed (ie like a mag light). Wind it in or out to produce a wider or longer beam. Its recommended though to screw them right in if on a rough road (and why the changable lenses are so good).

http://www.lightforce.net.au/driving.html

Have a look here.

Oh yeah, I'm not associated with Lightforce in any way shape or form. I'm very happy with their product, and also Aussie made, so if I'm happy with something, I recommend it.
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FollowupID: 19243

Follow Up By: Member - Rohan K - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:51

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:51
Lyn, flappan just answered you before I could. The almost infinite variations you can get from the adjustable focus combined with the clip-on covers makes them really appealling.

Anyway, have you tried
Big Balls Offroad

They offered me about $40 off the stated retail price a while ago.

Smile, you're on ExplorOz
Rohan (Sydney - on the QLD side of the Harbour Bridge)
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FollowupID: 19247

Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:55

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:55
Rohan, with a name like Big Balls Offroad...I'll take a peek...

Lyn :)1927 Oldsmobile Tourer

Corrugations...what are they?
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FollowupID: 19248

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:26

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:26
Liam at Bigballs is good to deal with, very good.

but couldnt match the price from Multispares when I tried..

YMMV
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FollowupID: 19272

Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:32

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:32
Anyone who works for a company called Big Balls has got to be good to work for...I want to ring them just to hear them answer the phone :)1927 Oldsmobile Tourer

Corrugations...what are they?
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FollowupID: 19275

Reply By: Member - Wombat (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:52

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:52
Did you say Al gave you the Rugged Tool Kit last night? First time for a while!"Live today as if there may be no tomorrow"

Wombat
AnswerID: 27894

Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:56

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 15:56
have you and he been comparing notes??

Probably explained the glint in his eyes...:)1927 Oldsmobile Tourer

Corrugations...what are they?
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FollowupID: 19249

Reply By: bruce.h (WA) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:00

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:00
Gday Mrs AL
was going to recommend that you leave Mr Al & run away with me, so i could be spoiled like Mr Al.
But then again Mr Al might be bigger than me + My wittle women would also take me to the cleaners & leave me the kids, so probably not a good idea , He He He ;)
Seruosly tho i have run IPF lights on all my 4b with the only problem being that if you do lots of water crossing they tend to fill up with water,the only other problem was after lending the car to the witch (insert motherinlaw ) i found they do not react well to stones hitting them lol
Regards Bruce
AnswerID: 27912

Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:15

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:15
Bruce....what can I say, unrequited love..oh dear....

you're on a great side of the country, love it over there...[though not rapt in the footy teams :) ]

Al's a big fella 6ft 6", so I best not upset him...

Lyn 1927 Oldsmobile Tourer

Corrugations...what are they?
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FollowupID: 19269

Follow Up By: Member - Wombat (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:31

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:31
He's definately bigger than you Bruce. In fact he's bigger than anyone in the whole wide world - he's my hero!"Live today as if there may be no tomorrow"

Wombat
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FollowupID: 19274

Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:35

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:35
Geez Wombie..I think you fancy him....what goes on in that shed when I'm not looking?1927 Oldsmobile Tourer

Corrugations...what are they?
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FollowupID: 19277

Follow Up By: bruce.h (WA) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 19:03

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 19:03
sounds like we have no chioce but to look up to Mr Al & stand with our backs to the wall around the wombats.
BTW there is only 2 states to be in WA &bleepLOL
not much of a football follower as long as empire eddies mob dont win in september i think rest of australia will be happy,hvaing read the other post the lightforce lights sound the go

Regarsd Bruce
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FollowupID: 19279

Follow Up By: bruce.h (WA) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 19:06

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 19:06
My God Ive Been Bleeped
insert P*ssed where they bleeped me
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FollowupID: 19280

Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 19:06

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 19:06
Bruce..our love is never to be...'empire eddie' indeed..I"m crushed....1927 Oldsmobile Tourer

Corrugations...what are they?
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FollowupID: 19281

Follow Up By: Member - Wombat (Vic) - Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 10:45

Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 10:45
Mrs Al only has one eye Bruce
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.and it's black & white"Live today as if there may be no tomorrow"

Wombat
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Follow Up By: bruce.h (WA) - Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 14:02

Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 14:02
were abit one eyed over here to only we use it for lining up on the target empire eddie paints on him self & for that traitorous back stabbing winning coach they poached
HeHeHe
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FollowupID: 19372

Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 14:15

Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 14:15
oh bruce...boo hooo....life's fickle...one minute you're wanting me to run off with you...the next you're hanging bleep e on me...

xx :)Laugh alot..life's too short not to....

the lad's "shed" !!!...or is that his castle?
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FollowupID: 19374

Follow Up By: bruce.h (WA) - Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 14:22

Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 14:22
Gday Mrs Al
refer to truckster post re Mr AL
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FollowupID: 19375

Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 14:30

Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 14:30
bruce...xxxLaugh alot..life's too short not to....

the lad's "shed" !!!...or is that his castle?
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FollowupID: 19377

Follow Up By: Member - Wombat (Vic) - Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 16:32

Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 16:32
Hey Bruce,

I believe that "traitorous back stabbing winning coach they poached" may have coached elsewhere at a REALLY good team before the Eagles poached him."Live today as if there may be no tomorrow"

Wombat
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FollowupID: 19393

Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 16:46

Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 16:46
bruce...

tell him 'he's dreaming' really good team.....Woof Woof...wombie...Laugh alot..life's too short not to....

the lad's "shed" !!!...or is that his castle?
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FollowupID: 19394

Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:23

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:23
The other thing with Lightforce to change from Pencil (direct beam) to Spread Beam, you just turn the body..

Others you cant..

You can also buy different lens covers to give different results...

Your welcome to come and check mine out if you like.. and the lights.. (Im with other bruce in sayin leave al! He has it too good!)

AnswerID: 27918

Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:33

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 18:33
I'm beginning to blush now.....

Might just come and check your lights out Truckster...1927 Oldsmobile Tourer

Corrugations...what are they?
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FollowupID: 19276

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 20:50

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 20:50
Wife leaves for work at 11.20am.. :)~
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FollowupID: 19302

Reply By: Member - Rick (S.A.) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 19:17

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 19:17
Mrs Al
I'm up for a set of 240's if you are collating an order. The best price I have got is $390. I got that at the (just finished) Adelaide caravan & camping show.
Over to you
Rick (S.A.) - ' It is better to travel hopefully than arrive'
AnswerID: 27929

Follow Up By: Member - Al & Mrs Al (Vic) - Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 at 13:10

Saturday, Aug 16, 2003 at 13:10
Rick...if you're serious about the lights..I will be getting some prices....

email me at grierson@hotkey.net.au

LynLaugh alot..life's too short not to....

the lad's "shed" !!!...or is that his castle?
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FollowupID: 19443

Reply By: sean - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 20:27

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 20:27
I have Rallye 4000's and when I got a new car I researched lightforce as an option.

The advice I got, from people with experience, is that they are no good on corrugated dirt roads due to vibration.

So for some they are not the best choice.

For me, a robust, strong, and stable mount is critical and I have yet to see a mount as good as the ralley 4000 (IMHO of course).

People that reckon they are the best becuase you can roll your fourby onto them or pull out a clothes line are avoiding the real performance issues that a light must provide.

Lightforce excel in some areas, but not all.

Its horses for courses.

Sean

AnswerID: 27941

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 20:50

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 20:50
Roly had 4000's and for some reason they fell apart on way to cape, if I remember someone stole part of them before he left..

Performane issues?

Strength and light?
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FollowupID: 19301

Follow Up By: srowlandson - Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 13:01

Friday, Aug 15, 2003 at 13:01
I have owned Dozens of sets of lights inthe years.

I now own Lightforce 240's on my KZJ120 Prado

I have 2 x Combo Covers, and these with the 2 lightforce lights will be the last set of lights you buy.

They are strong, put out an unbeleivable amount of light, and the Combo light pattern is purely amazing. they really light up either side of the road and enough distance in front to see where you are going.

I have them (dodgy) mounted to my Plastic Bumper at the moment as a temp fix for the Cape York Trip and in all the corregations, had no issues with them breaking, falling off, or wobbling.

I like the breather kit, hot lights under water = condensation, but not with a lightforce.

I had them on my GU before the Prado , and they are a really good value for money, top products. Beat anything else hands down.

The bonus, Lightforce are An Australian Company. Lets Support OUR country and industry ;)

Steve
No affiliations etc. Just love their lights.

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FollowupID: 19362

Reply By: Allyn (Pilbara) - Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 21:36

Thursday, Aug 14, 2003 at 21:36
I have IPF (800's I think - square ones anyway) and use them almost every night. They work fine but susceptible to blown or broken globes due to vibrations (one is blown right now actually) and as stated earlier can fill with water but that's not an issue for me up here.Next Trek - Carawine Gorge, Skull Springs & Nullagine
AnswerID: 27953

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