Thread: LED Headlights for Defender/County/RRC etc

I've been comparing some LED headlights to replace the standard halogens in my County.
From my experience with other LED products I know the performance can vary quite a bit from one manufacturer to another, so I wanted to try a few different ones.
I don't have any measuring equipment for Lumens etc, these are just my visible observations.

There are different methods used for light output....... projected, reflected and a combination of the two.


All seem to be well built with cast alloy housings.
.


This is a Chinese built unit with four projected LEDs.


The light pattern is quite even and symmetrical across the width with a fairly straight top cut off to keep the beam down away from other drivers. Low beam makes use of the two side and one centre lenses, high beam adds the larger centre lens.
All the pictures of the beam patterns below were taken at approx 50cm


This is also a Chinese built unit with four projected LEDs.


The light pattern is quite even and symmetrical across the width on low beam, but high beam adds an uneven patch in the middle. Looking at the beam pattern, it almost seems like the unit has been constructed upside down with the cut off at the bottom (The unit can only be fitted this way up). Low beam makes use of the two side lenses only, high beam adds the two larger centre lenses.


This is an American made 'Truck Lite Phase 7' It has upper and lower segmented reflectors with one LED chip each. Rather than the light being projected through a lens, the LED points back and is reflected forward.



Low beam uses the upper lens only, high beam uses both upper and lower.
I've had these on my County for a while. As you can see, the beam pattern is quite patchy compared to the projected lights and this is obvious when driving with them, in fact I find it a bit annoying. It's a shame, as these appear to have the strongest light output. I'm sure they have their reasons for segmenting the reflector, but I can't help but think they would be much better with a parabolic reflector...........but I'm no expert I've driven from Melbourne to Sydney with these, and they are good, except for the patchy beam.


This is Truck Lite's previous model, the Phase 6. I haven't bothered fitting these to a car yet, but I thought I'd include the bench test just to demonstrate the difference.
These have 10 individual LEDs with a combination of reflectors and a small projection lens in front of each one. The main outer lens is also shaped to spread the light in various ways. These are 24v only units which I picked up second hand, I ran them through a Redarc 12v to 24v converter.
The other three lights will run on 10-30v



Low beam makes use of the top 5 LEDs and high beam adds the bottom 5. They seem to have a quite intense beam, but I suspect they'd be a bit patchy on the road.


One important difference between the Chinese and American lights is, the Truck Lites are certified for use, the Chinese ones don't have any markings.

I think I'll fit the Chinese lights with the bigger middle lens and give them a try for a while. I think they will be the best ones for me, but only in combination with the LED driving lights I have as there is not a huge difference from low to high beam. I already have driving lights fitted.


Cheers, Murray

Originally Posted by AndyG

I think my MY15 Silver Pack Defender came with LED headlights. The brochure talks about the ancillary lights being LED, but not the main. looking up the VIN says Special Pack E, so of no use.
I have five bright object about 1 cm square in a straight line behind a normal looking lense.

I will see if there are some manufacture markings on the lense, it may be a viable option.

Looks like these LEDs are an option on 2015 Defender Special Editions
Not sure if it's an option in Australia, do these look like the ones you have.

Cheers, Murray