Picking a new HID light - what should I watch out for?

[KevinL]

I know, I'm headed into dangerous territory here. What are the key issues typically encountered when purchasing HIDs in the $300 price range? Where do they typically fall short compared to the $2000 lights? I need to know the compromises. I know there are compromises.


I must apologize that at this time I don't have the capability to acquire one of the ultra-premium top notch HIDs, name your favorite brand, I know them too - and I know they are overengineered (in a good way) for absolute top notch quality. If money was no object I'd simply buy the best and not have to worry about any of the issues I discuss here.

I am looking at the slightly lower end of the HID market. My previous experience with HIDs includes a beautiful Mag2HID pewter with 10W WA bulb, some Microfire and Wolf Eyes 10W lights, one "35W" HID I would rather forget, complete with plastic smell that never went away thru the years, and a Vector 35W big spotlight style HID refitted with an A123 pack by yours truly. So not a newcomer but still new enough to listen to advice

The Mag2HID is wonderful, but overshadowed by all those quad-core LEDs now. The Vector is not waterproof - it rained once and I ran like a chicken. Gaaah, the embarassment


Right now I'm looking at:

http://tacticalhid.info/archives/111
http://tacticalhid.info/hid-store

The battery pack looks very, very similar to another brand of light I've seen before, down to the 3 white LEDs and battery gauges. I just can't remember where. Even the contact pins and the don't-short-circuit label look familiar.


There's the Microfire series as well:
http://microfire.cn/en/

Which would you recommend - Patrol 35W or Warrior 35W? I'm looking at the 35W class since I like the power output. The LEDs are catching up in the lower power levels, I could stick a couple of arrays of 3-up XP-Gs in a Maglite and come in close (though not with the same beam pattern obviously) so I would prefer to stay at the 35W level.

 

[KevinL]

Hmm, the "Tactical HID" - no wonder I've seen it before:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=224303

 

[richardcpf]

HID bulbs and ballast are pretty common and cheap these days, most of what you pay for a spotlight is for the battery in it.

I was in ebay and found this HID flashlight. For under $160 shipped I think is a great deal. And honestly I would pick one of these before paying double for a Tactical HID, but that's just me. They are rated 35/28 watts and the battery pack is 6x18650 6600mah.

After all, they both come from china as OEM products, there shouldnt be much difference in the quality. I'm tempted to buy one as well, but my 1 year old stanley hid is still holding great. hope this helps

 

[KevinL]

Hmm there's a "50W" one that looks remarkably similar that's tempting me. It claims dual modes, 50W/38W, 70/100 minutes respectively, 6600mAH cell. Looks like that famous OEM HID as well.

I figure that since all of these have inflated lumens, and that some 35W units may really be overdriven 26W units, wouldn't hurt to get a 50W? After all to get to 50W they'd have to design the bulb to get at least a native 38W.

I suppose the other question is, is it worth paying extra for the Microfire compared to these? It looks a little bit more reputable.

 

[amaretto]

Hmm there's a "50W" ... Looks like that famous OEM HID as well.

it is, but with more powerful ballast

I figure that since all of these have inflated lumens, and that some 35W units may really be overdriven 26W units, wouldn't hurt to get a 50W? After all to get to 50W they'd have to design the bulb to get at least a native 38W.

I own this 50W HID and it is visibly brighter than a 35w HID

is it worth paying extra for the Microfire compared to these?

it isn't, if only regarding to output.
160 $ for this bright HID, it's worth it. go for 50w not 35.

review and thread: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=289497

 

[KevinL]

it is, but with more powerful ballast


I own this 50W HID and it is visibly brighter than a 35w HID

it isn't, if only regarding to output.
160 $ for this bright HID, it's worth it. go for 50w not 35.

review and thread: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=289497

Thanks for the info! Always good to hear from owners with personal experience.

I might take my chances with this light.....hope it works out!

 

[KevinL]

Done....pushed the button.....wish me luck I'll need it. :candle:

We'll find out how it goes in a few days when it gets here....

 

[richardcpf]

Which did you order?

Tell us about it when it arrives, I may get one for myself

 

[dudemar]

KevinL,

I think it all depends on what your intended use for an HID is. It looks like you already pulled the trigger on the 50w, but chances are you'll come back for more...

You already have some experience with HIDs so that's a good place to start. (I read your other thread about your Mag HID, great read.) When you buy a light (any light) you're also buying quality, and this is where the Tactical HID is at an advantage over the "eBay HIDs". The Tactical HIDs have a known reputation here on CPF so there's a level of expectation that can be satisfactorily met.

 

[KevinL]

KevinL,

I think it all depends on what your intended use for an HID is. It looks like you already pulled the trigger on the 50w, but chances are you'll come back for more...

You already have some experience with HIDs so that's a good place to start. (I read your other thread about your Mag HID, great read.) When you buy a light (any light) you're also buying quality, and this is where the Tactical HID is at an advantage over the "eBay HIDs". The Tactical HIDs have a known reputation here on CPF so there's a level of expectation that can be satisfactorily met.

Yup. Tactical is sold out though, and does not have a 50W offering, and most of all I hope I didn't make a mistake.

My HIDs are more show lights, or area lights (bounced off ceilings to illuminate rooms) - they are usually too big to carry, and not so practical for my uses, with the Mag2HID being the exception. It's more for fun, and just in case some day I ever need the crazy output. The LEDs tend to get more 'real' work done. As such I can't justify a Polarion, it would just never get used enough.

I try not to use them outdoors, since I'm stuck in the big city. Folks here will freak out and try to get you arrested.

However, they are occasionally still very useful - there was one time where a lighting fixture in the house short circuited and failed, not just the lamps, so the room was left in darkness. I used my 35W Vector pointed up at the ceiling to provide illumination to the whole room.....it was pretty darn good!