Is there a "best" headlamp buln?

[aldive]

I hear lots of comments on what headlight bulb is best' I would love to hear what you guys think is best AND why? Is it brighter? The color of the light? Etc?

Thanks....

 

[Zach]

bulbs

from my research the best bulbs appears to be the PIAA superwhites that run $70. If you are looking for good but cheaper are the sylvania silverstars for $40-50.

 

[jimbo74]

Re: bulbs

Originally posted by Zach
from my research the best bulbs appears to be the PIAA superwhites that run $70. If you are looking for good but cheaper are the sylvania silverstars for $40-50.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Here are a couple of links to light bulb info.http://www.susquehanna.com/susq/hella/bulb_help.htm
and http://www.autobulbdepot.com/fr_bulb_faq.tpl?cart=30988019331076666
I have tried some of the bluish type bulbs and I just can not see in the rain with those bulds. I had PIAAs in the X and they lasted about a year or longer. I am now going to try the high watt (80/100) HI White bulbs. JC Whitney catalog @12.ooea. They seem to be in the same color range as the PIAA superwhite. Anything whiter just doesnt put out as much light. If the PIAAs lasted longer I'd say they were best.
Over age 50 a person need 50% more light to see the same as in their youth.

 

[aldive]

Bill, will the stock wiring hold up to those higher power lights?

Thanks....

 

[Bill Kemp]

The guy at susquehanna says it will. I have already put in an upgraded light harnes so I my case it would be no test.

 

[aqs789]

I have sylvania Silverstar bulbs in my xplorer right now. They are bright and white in color. I also had the Piaa superwhite bulbs previously but the only lasted a year before they blewout. I also had the sylvania Coolblues in my car but they weren't as white as the Silverstars, therefore I replaced them. The Silverstars are more expensive than the coolblues but cheaper than the Piaa superwhites. I think the Silverstars are your best bet because they are alittle whiter than the Piaa superwhites and cheaper. I also think sylvania makes a better bulb than Piaa. Hope this helps.

 

[Anime]

relativity

Well, I thought for a while that PIAA bulbs were the best for everything, but I've learned a lot about lights, colors, lenses, etc. since then, and I've come to the conclusion that headlamp bulbs, and vehicle lighting in general, is one of those things that there is no one "best" of...theres different types and kids and brands, and they have different functions, and are good and bad...in different ways.

I'd say a PIAA superwhite or similar "white" bulb is good for general driving, but like Bill said, they disappear in rain or wet road conditions- due to the color it seems. The cheapo "blue" bulbs are even worse. Other than that, "white" bulbs have a nice soft light and are great- even in snow.

I've decided that for my purposes, the PIAAs with a set of yellow fog lights gives the best of both worlds. I think if you have a set of fog lamps with regular bulbs or "ion" bulbs/lenses, you get the benefit of the white headlamp bulbs, but can use the fogs when your white or blue beam disappears in the rain.

I also feel strongly that for "all-around" use in both nice weather and when its raining, just regular ol' bulbs are whats called for. Your average driver needs to see in both clear and nasty conditions, and probably doesnt want to pay $80 for bulbs anyway.