Which headlights are better?
Does anyone know the pros and cons of each?
Which would you choose, and why?

 

For pure lumens, HID are superior. LED are more energy efficient - which is nearly meaningless for headlights. HID will not dim over time as LED have been prone to historically.

 

Thanks for your input Forty Niner!

One issue with HID's I am aware of, in regards to motorcycles, is that they are vulnerable to vibration and if you run them on a custom bike that doesn't have vibration dampening motor mounts (such as old Harleys and Brits) they burn out after only a few months.

I don't think that would be as much of an issue in a truck, but I don't know.

 

Certainly, the vibration on a cycle is very different from a 4 wheeled vehicle. HID units have been widely used in automotive applications for a number of years.

 

I have been looking for an upgrade to brighter lights myself. Have you any sources for 6v positive ground? I am leaving the truck stock at this point. I am finding lots of choices for the normal (modern) 12v.

 

Just a note I found this if it helps,

Headlight versus headlight
According to Motor Trend, you'll notice several important differences in light produced by LEDs, xenon and halogen headlights. LEDs have the coolest color temperature at around 6,000 Kelvin, which makes them appear whiter than daylight. Xenon headlights come in at around 4,500 K, while halogens round out the list at a yellowish 3,200 K.

When it comes to reflection, LEDs offer better light return from road signs, while xenon lamps better illuminate the sides of the road. In part, this is because xenon lamps typically produce more light, measured in lumens, than LEDs.

Both LEDs and xenon provide a large pattern of light on the road, whereas halogens offer a small pool of yellow light directly in front of the vehicle. If you're buying a new car, expect LED headlights to be the premium option, and make sure your auto repair shop is equipped to handle LED headlight replacements and repairs.

If you're looking for intense light and don't mind the glare, xenon may be the best choice. LEDs, meanwhile, offer great light, low power and long life, but often come with a bigger price tag.

 

You're right, they do eventually "Dim".... which is their failure mode. But you'll replace incandescent lights MANY times before the LED lights actually "dim"

LED's aren't cheap, but as they become more and more widespread in use, they will get less expensive. All the new Boeing 737's are getting LED's replacing the landing, taxi and runway turn-off lights. and they are FAR brighter. I'll be putting them on my truck when I get to that point.

Cheers,

Rick

 

I have the HID kits in my bikes (street bikes) my daily driver and my 56. All work really well. I actually have three kits in my daily driver. Low beam, high beam and fog lights. I get all of my kits from DDM because they offer a lifetime warranty on the ballasts and the replacement bulbs are only like $15. I've been using them for several years and only had to replace one ballast and just had to pay shipping for the new one and then return the defective one.

 

I have had HID's in my '02 truck, motorcycle and the wife's Subaru since 2010. I have replaced one set of bulbs in the Subaru and that is it. As far as what was said in post#6 I personally don't agree with a lot of it. I know he was pulling info from Motor Trend but I do know from years of research and staying on top of this, that first HID's (and some LED's) come in just about any kelvin you can imagine. Daylight can change based on many variables but as rule it is generally accepted to be around 5000 kelvin, give or take.

Back to the OP's question. You put either system, HID or LED in your vehicle and have a problem, your screwed. You can't run to the store and buy a replacement (typically). I live in the high sierras and street lights are very few and far if there are any at all so good lighting his crucial. Hitting a deer, bear or the ******* staggering home from a party is not a good option. At the time I got my systems LED was not a viable option so I went with HID. I put 35 Watt 4300K in the Subaru, 35W 5000K in the bike and 55W 5000K in the truck. There was a significant improvement on all vehicles. That being said I know guys that have put in the LED's and swear by them. The ones I know with the LED's did the complete LED light not the retrofit bulbs so I can't speak to the performance of the bulb replacements. I can attest that the quality of the light output and pattern is directly proportionate to the quality of the housing/lenses that it is installed in. Go with a cheap quality housing and you will not be happy with your light output or pattern.

My HID kits came from Retro-Solutions based in Connecticut.

 

FWIW, LED's and HID's are illegal to use in aftermarket applications. See FMVSS-108. Not illegal to sell however. Seems there are an awful lot of complaints about glare to oncoming vehicles. Just sayin'.

 

led they are all the rage and you may not need the extra relay. I put some led bulbs in my headlights. trucks not on the road yet.

 

I put the LED in my truck about two years ago, and would do it again without any question.
As far as their being legal vs illegal.....from what I have been able to find if they are DOT approved then they are legal in all fifty states.
I drive my truck a lot and wouldn't consider the older sealed bulbs.
I did direct them down a little bit so they are not offensive to oncoming traffic, with that said I have never had anyone flash their high beams at me either.

 

I purchased 2 halogen sealed beam 6V headlamps from "Octane Lighting" via Ebay.
Work great, much brighter than stock-direct replacement.
Just make sure your wiring and switch is in good shape, I'm also sticking with 6V positive system...