POLL: What Temp rating for HID conversion kit

Garry,
Not too yellow?

Fab.

No - I think normal halogens are about 3500 so 4300-5000 are whiter but still have that warm glow rather than the stark white of 6000 and above. Certainly above 6000 the scene in front of you basically has no contrast where below 5000, greens are still green etc.

Most original equipment xenons (Hids) are in the range 4300-5000 but there are exceptions at both ends of the range.

Garry

Thanks Garry.
I just watched some Youtube videos and I have to agree that the 5000K looks like an improved "normal" light whereas the 6000K has a distinct hotspot which is almost annoying.

The 4300K is just a touch too much on the yellow side for my liking. I think I'll go with your 5000K suggestion. Now to sort out wattage.

Fab.

G'Day John,
I know exactly what you're on about. The truck I drive has HID Blitz and coming off high beam (with spots) to just low beam- no spots is hard work on the eyes....and usually about 1 to 1.5 kms away from the oncoming car.

For this reason, I have elected to fit a couple of Narva (hope I didn't jsut swear there) compact spread beam lights where the factory fog lights were. They're not super bright, just 55W halogen, but they will allow me to go that little bit further before flicking them off and just travelling on low beam for on coming traffic.

Must admit, I was looking at the 100W option although the 55W option had crossed my mind.

Fab.

I was just looking at Youtibe videos to compare the different colours and wattage and came across this statement. Not sure how accurate it is...regarding 100W HID conversions into Lightforce lights:

"Unfortunately our 100W HID kits do not play well with Lightforce and their polished aluminium reflectors, and will bleach them white within months. Too agressive."

Can anyone confirm this?

Fab.

Yep, anything over 70w is too harsh , the Hella 4000s are ok but not alot of others are. Will eventually ruin reflector surface, if not immediately.

5000k is the colour temp i prefer and recommend.

Best compromise between light output and clarity.

4300k is the brightest, but little too yellow in some conditions. 6000k is far too blue and loses alot of light.

The best would be 4500k, but that just dont happen. I have just given up selling HID gear and 5000k was the number one option by far.

Thanks Muntoo,
That's great info...and I'll save a few bucks, the 55W being significantly cheaper than the 100W.

Based on popularity, as stated in your reply and opinions recieved by others here, (unless someone convinces me otherwise)...I think the decision is final....55W @ 5000K.

Cheers.....Fab

That is what I have got.

Thanks Garry... that gives me confidance to know I'm making the right decision.

Fab.

Haven't put them in yet - lol where are the smilies when you need them.

But I did research thoroughly first before buying.

Garry

Good advice Mr. Pointyhead.
I'm assuming that 5000K in spotlights would not be as big an issue. If they were in my normal H4 headlights, YES, I could see that becoming a problem.

Fab.

Thanks Boobook.
Loved that last line. Sums it up I guess.

Fab.

I've got the 55W at 5000K in my Hella Rally 4000's and if I were to do it aqain I think I would try the 4300K.
I find the glare back from street signs to be very uncomfortable and the light a bit too white for my liking.
Regards Andrew.

100% agree with Boobook (especially the last line)

When I bought my first HIDs, though I wanted 4300K globes, I got sold 6000K because this is "better, more whiter" and is "recommended" because it is the "most popular"

Well, what a disappointment! I didn't like 'em from the get-go..
Less useable light (IMO) than the 100W halogens, so I reverted back to the halogens...

A little while later, I spotted some 4300K globes (just the globes) at a "good price", and decided to give 'em a go...

In a nutshell, the difference is chalk and cheese (in favour of the 4300Ks by a big margin!)

To be sure, when looking directly at the light, 4300K alongside a 6000K looks decidedly "yellow".. I will add that 100W halogen looks "yellow" alongside a 4300K HID (when looking directly at the light), but that is simply not what it's all about..

It's what you see from the driver's seat that's the important factor, and (IMO) 4300K wins by a country mile!


(YMMV)


:)

Thanks Ed. The comparison and first hand experience information is great.
Much appreciated.

Fab.