PIAA 520 question

[KEbert]

I just got a pair of PIAA 940's for Christmas from my dad with the intention that I would take them back for whichever light I wanted. Since I can't afford to get the 80 XT's, I have determinded that the 520's are the next best thing. I like the 940's but I would like something a little brighter. I would like to know what the difference is between the Ion Crystal lense and the MSR lense besides the fast that one is clear and one is not. I would also like to know what is reccomended between fog and driving lights. I would like something that is bright up close but also helps when I am going fast. I am leaning towards fog's but I would really appreciate some advice and tips. Thank you, Kyle.

 

[jimbo74]

i would get driving lights if going fast..... the 520s are a great light

 

[KEbert]

That is my problem. My high beams work well and have good distance, but I would like something that doesn't stop about 20 feet in front of my rig.

 

[mattadams]

Here's what I posted in another thread regarding hte difference between fog and driving lights:
There IS a significant difference between fog and driving. basically put, fog is for close in to the vehicle, driving is for when you need light far down the road. The way you can tell the difference is by looking at the lens (except in a few cases like the PIAA 520 SMR's which the lens is the same, the reflector is different). Basically, any aftermarket light you have will be illegal to use in the city, plain and simple. However, the fog's are much less blinding and displays the light where you really need it - just in front of your car. You'd basically only want the driving lights if you were doing cross-country driving, because those shine the light so much further down the road. I would never recommend a driving light for in city use. THey can easily blind other drivers and be a safety hazard. Fog lights however don't blind (as much). I drive with my PIAA 520 fog lights on around town all the time, never been pulled over once. Never even been flashed by oncoming traffic.

For you I'd recommend a driving light aimed downward a bit more then recommended, so you don't blind oncoming traffic but get a lot of light down the road.

 

[KEbert]

Thanks Matt. I think I am going to get the fog's. But I sm still questioning the MSR's and the Ion's. I was wondering what difference in the light and beam there was between the two. Thanks again.

 

[mattadams]

there wouldn't be much of a difference, there designed to have a similiar beam (I mean, 520 ion fog is similar beam to 520 smr fog other then one is clear and one is yellowish) its just how it differentiates between the two that is different.

 

[KEbert]

Thanks for the help. I got some 520 Ion fog's this afternoon. I should have them on tomorrow weather permitting. I plugged them into a battery and they are really bright. I really like them.

I have one more question though. How do you say PIAA? Is it like pee-uh, or p-i-a-a (abreviated)? I feel like an idiot because I have never heard anyone say it before. Thanks for the help.

 

[mattadams]

pee-uh, it rhymes with Chia

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

like in Matts case his Explorer is a PIAA PET

 

[KEbert]

Thanks, I figured this would be a safe place to ask without risking embaressment.

 

[Rhett]

I'm getting some fogs soon, I am thinking about some PIAA 520s or so, but I'm concerned about them getting busted up from rocks, etc. If that happens then maybe I should just get some el-cheapos and use a relay I've got laying around here. How tough are the quality brands of lights?