Anyone with a Chinese led headlight ?

[swissrover]

I'm seeing many led headlights on Albaba and you can get a pair for less than 100$.

I was wondering if anyway had the guts to buy a set of these and... whether they are at least better than the stock headlights.

[rijidij]

I’ve tested a few Chinese LED headlights, about 5 different ones from different suppliers.
To cut a long story short, these are the most popular ones with Land Rover owners because, unlike the majority of Chinese lights, they are ADR compliant and have a good high beam.

Cheers Murray

Landrover DEFENDER Pair 7'' *LEGAL* 105W Round LED Head lights DRL+TURN | eBay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0'mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2 F152140754298)

[Wallaby Ted]

I purchased some 40w ones a few years ago and they are an improvement over the standard lights.

You will get better output by upgrading the wiring and installing relays switched by the original switch if you have not already done so. This will also save you burning out you light switch at some point.

If i was buying them again now the ones already linked would be what i would be buying.


Richard

[DieselDan]

I've got the ones that Murray has linked to (had an eBay voucher thing that needed using so they were a bit of an impulse buy, the day before the voucher ran out!) but I have to say they're pretty damn good.
There's lots of discussion on ye t'internet (and lots on here too) about the colour of LED headlights, some love 'em others can't stand 'em, and it is the first time I've ever used them and the blue/white light took a bit of getting used to after the yellowy halogens but they're growing on me.
And the side lights/blinker lights is a kinda cool bit of bling 😀.

Never tried the replacement LED bulbs, so can't comment on those.
Another thing to mention is if you're after a headlight improvement is to consider the wiring upgrade from traxide (drivesafe on here).

[trout1105]

Compared to the LED lights the standard globes/lights are pretty much just "Mood" lighting [bigwhistle]

[hpal]

I've got the ones that Murray has linked to (had an eBay voucher thing that needed using so they were a bit of an impulse buy, the day before the voucher ran out!) but I have to say they're pretty damn good.

I bought some as well, but I have to say I am deeply disappointed in the low beam. The high beam is good though. I upgraded to relays for the wiring at the same time so they are getting full voltage. I wonder what you are doing differently to get a better result? Maybe my expectations were too high and I expected a big improvement for my hard earned money? The low beam just doesn't have the penetration it needs, it's bright a few metres from the Landy but fades off into nothing where I NEED to see. Even the high beam sits too low for me, which suggests I need to aim them higher but I think if i go higher it will be in driver's eyes. Anyway, disappointed I wasted my money, should have just upgraded relays and put good bulbs in.

[DieselDan]

Maybe I just have lower expectations, I dunno!
I agree about them seeming to be a bit low, though. I swear I fitted them and lined them up properly, but they still seemed to point too low down. I have adjusted mine up and so far no angry full-beam flashes from blinded oncoming traffic!

[martnH]

I have been using the Chinese copies for four years now. All good. The low beam is wide and bright enough for city driving

Up the high country, I discovered some condensation inside the lens..But I think that's just moisture trapped during assembly

I also compare them with genuine speaker gen 2 LED headlights. I would say speakers are better but not three times better....

Also don't think a headlight wiring upgrade is nessacery. My low beam draws about 2 amps

[Vern]

I've got the ones that Murray has linked to (had an eBay voucher thing that needed using so they were a bit of an impulse buy, the day before the voucher ran out!) but I have to say they're pretty damn good.

I bought some as well, but I have to say I am deeply disappointed in the low beam. The high beam is good though. I upgraded to relays for the wiring at the same time so they are getting full voltage. I wonder what you are doing differently to get a better result? Maybe my expectations were too high and I expected a big improvement for my hard earned money? The low beam just doesn't have the penetration it needs, it's bright a few metres from the Landy but fades off into nothing where I NEED to see. Even the high beam sits too low for me, which suggests I need to aim them higher but I think if i go higher it will be in driver's eyes. Anyway, disappointed I wasted my money, should have just upgraded relays and put good bulbs in.Well now that you have done the wiring upgrade, swap back to halogens with decent globes.

[hpal]

I've blown my money on the LED's then, am I out of line to expect a good product for my money that does what the seller claims?

[Vern]

I've blown my money on the LED's then, am I out of line to expect a good product for my money that does what the seller claims?No your not. Try send them back if they don't perform

[trout1105]

I've blown my money on the LED's then, am I out of line to expect a good product for my money that does what the seller claims?

If you paid via PayPal then there shouldn't be any problem with a return [thumbsupbig]

[swissrover]

Thanks all for the feedback ! This gave me enough courage to buy the following lights:

7Inch Round Headlight For Jeep Wrangler 97 15 7" LED H4 Headlight Headlamp With H4 to H13 For Hummer Toyota Land Rover Defender-in Car Light Assembly from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group (http://s.aliexpress.com/fERVNBNv)

I will write a review once I get them (including pictures to compare the light output.. I hope) Fingers crossed :)

[Vern]

Thanks all for the feedback ! This gave me enough courage to buy the following lights:

7Inch Round Headlight For Jeep Wrangler 97 15 7" LED H4 Headlight Headlamp With H4 to H13 For Hummer Toyota Land Rover Defender-in Car Light Assembly from Automobiles & Motorcycles on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group (http://s.aliexpress.com/fERVNBNv)

I will write a review once I get them (including pictures to compare the light output.. I hope) Fingers crossed :)Just had a look. Isn't low beam supposed to be below 2000Lm?
They need to be self levelling and have washers legally in aus or something like that.
Also are LED lights handed like halogen?? Lhd vs rhd? I have never looked into it

[JoeFriend]

I've blown my money on the LED's then, am I out of line to expect a good product for my money that does what the seller claims?If you bought them from garret-au (runs ultraflex) so same seller as Murray listed, not similar but the same I am happy to buy them off you if you are unhappy.

Joe

[hpal]

Thanks Joe, will have a think. Yep they are from Garrett. The thing is, I like them, they look great, good quality, I like the high beam, I think maybe I have to put some proper time into adjusting them properly (don't get much leisure time to do these things). I thought maybe someone may have had a few tips on getting them a bit better, will keep at it and let you know. [smilebigeye]

[Nick S]

I’ve tested a few Chinese LED headlights, about 5 different ones from different suppliers.
To cut a long story short, these are the most popular ones with Land Rover owners because, unlike the majority of Chinese lights, they are ADR compliant and have a good high beam.

Cheers Murray

Landrover DEFENDER Pair 7'' *LEGAL* 105W Round LED Head lights DRL+TURN | eBay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0'mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2 F152140754298)

I could be wrong but these look like the LED headlights that are on the Nugget Stuff site

[rijidij]

.............
Also are LED lights handed like halogen?? Lhd vs rhd? I have never looked into it

I think the more expensive lights like JW Speaker do supply LH and RH versions depending on your location, but all the Chinese ones I’ve had there doesn’t appear to be any difference.

[swissrover]

Just had a look. Isn't low beam supposed to be below 2000Lm?
They need to be self levelling and have washers legally in aus or something like that.
Also are LED lights handed like halogen?? Lhd vs rhd? I have never looked into it
I'm in Switzerland and don't know of any lumen specific rules. However, I have to take the car to the local authorities (strassenverkehrsambt) and let them test the lights because they are a non-standard addition/part to the car.

If they approve the lights then I will receive a paper and need to keep this with me in the car in case I ever get pulled over by the police.

[JoeFriend]

Thanks Joe, will have a think. Yep they are from Garrett. The thing is, I like them, they look great, good quality, I like the high beam, I think maybe I have to put some proper time into adjusting them properly (don't get much leisure time to do these things). I thought maybe someone may have had a few tips on getting them a bit better, will keep at it and let you know. [smilebigeye]You can't adjust them, don't bother, sell them to me cheap hahaha.

Joe

[Lionel]

I’ve tested a few Chinese LED headlights, about 5 different ones from different suppliers.
To cut a long story short, these are the most popular ones with Land Rover owners because, unlike the majority of Chinese lights, they are ADR compliant and have a good high beam.

Cheers Murray

Landrover DEFENDER Pair 7'' *LEGAL* 105W Round LED Head lights DRL+TURN | eBay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0'mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2 F152140754298)

Murray, what is the colour temperature of these Chinese LED headlights? Are they very blue (6000K) or more white (4000K) compared to the warm white (3500K) of halogens.

Also, how good is the low beam? And does it have a sharp cutoff.

Cheers,

Lionel

[rijidij]

Murray, what is the colour temperature of these Chinese LED headlights? Are they very blue (6000K) or more white (4000K) compared to the warm white (3500K) of halogens.

Also, how good is the low beam? And does it have a sharp cutoff.

Cheers,

Lionel

The Chinese generally specify 6000k with most lights, but as with a lot of Chinese products you never know exactly what you’ll get.
I don’t have the actual lights in the link above, so I can’t comment on the beam pattern, but I have very similar ones. The lights in the link generally get pretty good feedback.
All the lights I tested, except for the ones I kept, had a very poor high beam.
One of them was a pretty good copy (visually) of JW Speaker Series 2 and I had high hopes for them, but they were only marginally better.
The Chinese are capable of making quality goods, but sadly they cut corners with the quality of components.

[hpal]

Murray, what is the colour temperature of these Chinese LED headlights? Are they very blue (6000K) or more white (4000K) compared to the warm white (3500K) of halogens.

Also, how good is the low beam? And does it have a sharp cutoff.

Cheers,

Lionel

They are white light. Low beam is crap, cut-off is crap. High beam is pretty good

[Tombie]

They are all 6000k

[Vern]

They are all 6000kAccording to the seller mentioned above, this colour temp is what our eyes prefer! It has the correct cri.
Also that fyrlyt don't know what they are talking about when it comes to lighting!
I don't have a lot of time for this fella.

[Tombie]

According to the seller mentioned above, this colour temp is what our eyes prefer! It has the correct cri.
Also that fyrlyt don't know what they are talking about when it comes to lighting!
I don't have a lot of time for this fella.

Yep... I challenged him on it...

He went and googled a bit of info, cut and pasted and tried to make outlandish claims on FB...

When presented with facts, real data and medical studies proving his claims false... I was blocked [emoji12]

A shame as He has some great Blue Sky concepts.

[Vern]

Yep... I challenged him on it...

He went and googled a bit of info, cut and pasted and tried to make outlandish claims on FB...

When presented with facts, real data and medical studies proving his claims false... I was blocked [emoji12]

A shame as He has some great Blue Sky concepts.Haha i was blocked too, its good to see you in the club! It has quite a few members now.
Would you like to see a pic of his bushes after 1 day in the bush!

A lot of people seem to get suckered into him.

[Tombie]

Yes. Please show me the pics.

[Vern]

Will send them to you via messenger

[swissrover]

I received my cheap leds yesterday. Overall the quality looks pretty decent and putting them in the car was super easy.

They are certainly more brighter then the original headlights but I'm not so sure about the beam pattern (or whatever you call it): its not very even or nicely spread as the original lights.

I'll try to share a picture of the beam later this week.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/11/1.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/11/2.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/11/3.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/11/4.jpg

In case you can't see it :) The head light on the right is the led:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/11/5.jpg

[austastar]

Hi,
Some of the modern LEDs are getting very good beam patterns. I followed a small car for a short time on a poorly lit road the other night and was amazed at the spread and evenness of the light on low beam.
I couldn't make out the brand, but it was way better than the Corolla I was driving,
Cheers

[DieselDan]

I've got the ones that Murray has linked to (had an eBay voucher thing that needed using so they were a bit of an impulse buy, the day before the voucher ran out!) but I have to say they're pretty damn good.

I bought some as well, but I have to say I am deeply disappointed in the low beam. The high beam is good though. I upgraded to relays for the wiring at the same time so they are getting full voltage. I wonder what you are doing differently to get a better result? Maybe my expectations were too high and I expected a big improvement for my hard earned money? The low beam just doesn't have the penetration it needs, it's bright a few metres from the Landy but fades off into nothing where I NEED to see. Even the high beam sits too low for me, which suggests I need to aim them higher but I think if i go higher it will be in driver's eyes. Anyway, disappointed I wasted my money, should have just upgraded relays and put good bulbs in.

Well after spending a week driving around the towns/villages in the high country, I'm starting to agree with you and coming to the conclusion that the low beam is a bit poxy.
Driving around in the city there's enough reflective stuff around for it not to be a problem, and then the clocks changed and I didn't need lights as often, so I was left with the impression that low beam was quite good.
But driving around in low light/dim street lights really showed up exactly what you said about them being nice and bright close up, but then not having much penetration slightly further away, particularly to the sides.
Oh well, I can always put the originals back in if it annoys me too much, but I'm still a sucker for the bling DRL/indicators and the high beam, so they're staying for the moment!

[Lemo]

Just been reading thread and thought I'd share this link STEDI 7 INCH IRIS LED Headlight Motorbike Truck Jeep Wrangler Harley Davidson (https://www.stedi.com.au/stedi-7-inch-led-headlight.html)
Haven't tried them but was looking for a light bar and came across them.
Yes they are more expensive then eBay but might be worth a try?
Cheers Lemo

[DiscoMick]

Are they the same as these?

Defender Replacement Headlights 105W LED with DRT and Indicators – Nugget Stuff (http://www.nuggetstuff.com/product/defender-replacement-headlight-led-105w/)

Nugget Stuff 105W Defender replacement headlights (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/the-verandah/253161-nugget-stuff-105w-defender-replacement-headlights.html)

[hpal]

They look identical

[Lemo]

Don't think they are the same, the nugget ones look to have four LEDs in a row and only a top and bottom segment for the DRL??

[Lemo]

Just pushed the go button on this
https://www.stedi.com.au/st3301-20-inch-12-led-driving-light-bar.html

[hpal]

Pretty sure they are one and the same though

[Mick_Marsh]

Pretty sure they are one and the same though
I'm pretty sure they're not.
132450
They look completely different.

A word of advice, when selecting LED headlight replacements, make sure the ones you buy are ADR compliant.

[Tombie]

I'm pretty sure they're not.
132450
They look completely different.

A word of advice, when selecting LED headlight replacements, make sure the ones you buy are ADR compliant.

Advised by someone on here who would definitely know - doesn’t matter if ADR compliant or not - if it wasn’t OEM fitment on a Defender it needs approval...

[hpal]

[thumbsupbig]

[hpal]

Same

[Marty90]

Just been reading thread and thought I'd share this link STEDI 7 INCH IRIS LED Headlight Motorbike Truck Jeep Wrangler Harley Davidson (https://www.stedi.com.au/stedi-7-inch-led-headlight.html)
Haven't tried them but was looking for a light bar and came across them.
Yes they are more expensive then eBay but might be worth a try?
Cheers Lemo

Anyone got these?

[rmd]

I’ve tested a few Chinese LED headlights, about 5 different ones from different suppliers.
To cut a long story short, these are the most popular ones with Land Rover owners because, unlike the majority of Chinese lights, they are ADR compliant and have a good high beam.

Cheers Murray

Landrover DEFENDER Pair 7'' *LEGAL* 105W Round LED Head lights DRL+TURN | eBay (https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0'mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2 F152140754298)


Thinking about buying a set... Would I still need to upgrade my harness, or is LED okay as it's less draw?

[rijidij]

Thinking about buying a set... Would I still need to upgrade my harness, or is LED okay as it's less draw?

If your harness is in good nik it will be fine, but it never hurts to make sure you’ve got a good power supply, even with LEDs it can make some difference. I’d fit the new lights first and see how they perform.

[DiscoMick]

Thinking about buying a set... Would I still need to upgrade my harness, or is LED okay as it's less draw?
Does your harness have it's own relay to control the load or is it going through the switch?

[rijidij]

Thinking about buying a set... Would I still need to upgrade my harness, or is LED okay as it's less draw?

If your harness is in good nik it will be fine, but it never hurts to make sure you’ve got a good power supply, even with LEDs it can make some difference. I’d fit the new lights first and see how they perform.

[skidrov]

Thinking about buying a set... Would I still need to upgrade my harness, or is LED okay as it's less draw?

Note that the headlights you're linking to are claimed to be 105W a side - you would not want to run those through the standard Defender headlight loom. They need a relay/higher ampage feed than standard. LED lights generally draw lower amps but these are meant to be quite high-powered.

As it happens, I have just fitted a set that look to be the same - different source (AliExpress) but look to be identical. Cheaper, but if I have a problem, warranty remedies are going to be trickier... Meh, I'll take those odds [smilebigeye]

But, back to the point: I held off purchasing/fitting these until I'd put in a high ampage feed/relay. Based on everything I've read, the standard circuit would either not provide adequate power, and/or eat its headlight switch [bigsad].

In any event, looking forward to it getting dark to take it for a run to see what I can see! :rocket:

[DiscoMick]

If I was fitting LED headlights I'd go for the Traxide headlight wiring upgrade as well. My LED lightbar came with its own wiring kit or I would have already done it.

[Grappler]

Well after spending a week driving around the towns/villages in the high country, I'm starting to agree with you and coming to the conclusion that the low beam is a bit poxy.
Driving around in the city there's enough reflective stuff around for it not to be a problem, and then the clocks changed and I didn't need lights as often, so I was left with the impression that low beam was quite good.
But driving around in low light/dim street lights really showed up exactly what you said about them being nice and bright close up, but then not having much penetration slightly further away, particularly to the sides.
Oh well, I can always put the originals back in if it annoys me too much, but I'm still a sucker for the bling DRL/indicators and the high beam, so they're staying for the moment!
Ive just bought an ebay set to try
I see they have DRL and flasher
Does the DRL go off when the beam is active?
Does the DRL go off when the indicator flashes?
Are these functions integrated in the unit or does it need a series of relays?

[DieselDan]

Ive just bought an ebay set to try
I see they have DRL and flasher
Does the DRL go off when the beam is active?
Does the DRL go off when the indicator flashes?
Are these functions integrated in the unit or does it need a series of relays?
Assuming they're the same as the ones I have....
The DRL/indicator function is integrated in the unit so you don't need a separate relay, unless you want to power the DRLs through one.
I just tapped the DRL wire into the side lights, so they technically aren't functioning as separate DRLs. But it was quick and easy!

Yes the DRL, white light turns off when it functions as an indicator.

DRL stays on when the dipped beam is turned on (dunno about high beam though, I'd have to check) but they're not retina searing, so it's not an issue.

[Grappler]

Assuming they're the same as the ones I have....
The DRL/indicator function is integrated in the unit so you don't need a separate relay, unless you want to power the DRLs through one.
I just tapped the DRL wire into the side lights, so they technically aren't functioning as separate DRLs. But it was quick and easy!

Yes the DRL, white light turns off when it functions as an indicator.

DRL stays on when the dipped beam is turned on (dunno about high beam though, I'd have to check) but they're not retina searing, so it's not an issue.
Thanks DD
I was figuring out what components i need to install the lights when they arrive
I want the DRL to run only when the headlights are off This should be easy using one NC relay activated by the parkers and swtching a ignition dependent power source
Since the DRL alternates with the flash no other relays are needed in the circuits

[Tombie]

You won’t need to go so technical.
DRL can be wired to an Ignition power source directly, to come on with the key.

With these lights there is no need to turn DRL off with main lights.

[RoverOne]

Interesting discussion, have been thinking of upgrading to LED headlights, still a bit confused to actualy which ones or type though.

I am glad for google now I know what DRL's are, old bloke syndrome, don't get out much.

I put IPF replacement head lights in with 130W globes & are very good on low beam (not sure of watts, I did this long time ago),

Hella driving lights for high beam but have HID globe kit to replace quartz globes & a 40" light bar for roof to go on after Christmas, so should be covered for light I think.

So will put off head lights until I can get the right info in my head, thanks

[Grappler]

You won’t need to go so technical.
DRL can be wired to an Ignition power source directly, to come on with the key.

With these lights there is no need to turn DRL off with main lights.
"Daytime running lights must be wired so they are off when a headlight, other than a headlight being used as a flashing signal, is on."
See Daytime running lights and the law | Practical Motoring (https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car-advice/daytime-running-lights-law/)
For full article

[DiscoMick]

Funny that, I saw a Nissan X-Trail tonight with both headlights and DRLs on. Is that standard?

[Tombie]

"Daytime running lights must be wired so they are off when a headlight, other than a headlight being used as a flashing signal, is on."
See Daytime running lights and the law | Practical Motoring (https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car-advice/daytime-running-lights-law/)
For full article

Except with this headlight design you can not discern them once the lights are on...

Having these on our Defender I can tell you the “DRL” is more a marker light.. and as such won’t need the extra wiring.

[martnH]

The DRL incorporated into the led headlight will not be on if the low/high beam is on.
So you don't need extra relay.

I have recently installed mine.
All I do is
Connect the DRL spade connector to ignition 12V+
H4 plug to headlight socket

And I have:
Ignition on, DRL on
Low beam switched on, DRL off

Cheers

P.S I also have hella DRL, these will blind other driVers at night...

[martnH]

for the price,they are good value.
I don't mind a new set ($120) three years later with better tech.

[Tombie]

for the price,they are good value.
I don't mind a new set ($120) three years later with better tech.

The tech hasn’t changed in 3 years, going by the internals [emoji41]

[Grappler]

My cheap chinese headlight replacements arrived today
Did some bench tests. They look pretty bright and the pair of DRLs go out when the lo or high is active. No indicator repeater on this model
The spec sheet quotes 78w high beam(all leds) and 30 lo meam (middle row only)

The test I just did at 12,4 volts draws 2.9A and 1.36A , so the Power is only 36W and 17W respectively

I realise LEDS are more efficient, but are they exaggerating the performance. I will install them when I get back home so we will see if they are any good

[Tombie]

Not exaggerating performance- just quoting theoretical maximum....

And there’s the trap!

[Grappler]

Ive installed the Chinese LED lights

Havent used the Defender at night much lately, but the lights seem OK It projects onto a vertical surface and aligns the same as the standard without having to adjust the screws

Here is a pic withe LED installed on driver side for comparison with standard Low beam

[lowy]

I bought a pair of the stedi Iris led headlight replacements ....Great light , But they seem to make my eyes tired after a while , That might just be me tho ?

[Vern]

I bought a pair of the stedi Iris led headlight replacements ....Great light , But they seem to make my eyes tired after a while , That might just be me tho ?That's the colour of the light ommitted. Try find something around 3000-4000k.

[Tombie]

And that’s the problem.
With current LED tech the lower the colour temp the lower the efficiency.
As you get closer to 3000k the power consumption starts to match that of other tech.

[Vern]

And that’s the problem.
With current LED tech the lower the colour temp the lower the efficiency.
As you get closer to 3000k the power consumption starts to match that of other tech.Try tell that to the so called expert! Instant banning!

[martnH]

And that’s the problem.
With current LED tech the lower the colour temp the lower the efficiency.
As you get closer to 3000k the power consumption starts to match that of other tech.Put on a pair of hunting goggles?
Does it make sense?

One of those yellow lens glasseshttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/104.jpg

[Tombie]

Problem with that is you’re now filtering light.
So the first thing you’re doing is reducing the effective amount of light.
Second thing you’re doing is dropping the colour spectrum.
If the source produces primarily Blue light and you put a Filter that only passes Yellow light then you further reduce the effective light by cutting out the blue component.

Result - less light, lower vision.

[DiscoClax]

As Tombie started above, LEDs are typically quite narrow in their light bandwidth and trying to change their color with a filter takes a huge amount of light out. They aren't like incandescent lights that have a very broad bandwidth. Try putting white LED globes in behind a red brake lens and the light output is pitiful. Use a red LED bulb of the same type and spec and the light output is orders of magnitude higher. Same with amber, etc.