This post contains a breakdown of the 5 lights I worked with, with pros & cons (as I see it) to help clarify the differences between options.
1) Exzeit LML-5064B (160W total)
US$80/pair
Pros: cost/availability, classic round shape fits grill bezel, high output
Cons: off-brand manufacturer (quality unknown), single lens/beam selection
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This is the option that has been tested in actual use with metal brackets on my car. I am thrilled with the result given the modest investment. I think this simple round shape looks great in the grill.
Light pods are available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083NMF64M/?tag=globalgrena0b-20
Verdict: I plan to order a few sets of these brackets to distribute to early adopters. Will order more if interest is there. Should be sending them out by mid-May.
2) KC Hilites Flex Era 4 (160W total)
US$650/pair
Pros: established manufacturer, modern style, high output, changeable lenses
Cons: squared shape does not match round vehicle bezel, protrudes forward of bezel due to depth
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This is a high-quality light and a great fit. Fit-up sample lights were provided by Mr.
@Stu_Barnes himself.
Standing as the powerhouse big brother of the KC FLEX ERA family, the KC FLEX ERA® 4 LED Light Pods doesn't shy away from challenges. With an IP68 rating, amber backlighting, high-intensity LEDs, and customizable beam patterns, bezels, and covers, it's primed and ready to allow you to Adventure...
www.kchilites.com
Verdict: Stu plans to order a few sets of these brackets to distribute to early adopters. We will order more if interest is there. We should be sending them out by mid-May.
3) Diode Dynamics SS3 (80W total)
US$500/pair (lower also available)
Pros: established manufacturer, modern style, very compact, sits back within round bezel
Cons: not very powerful, does not fill bezel, wire exit location results in sharp bend at bucket
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www.diodedynamics.com
Verdict: Not yet sure if there is sufficient interest in this light to justify ordering metal brackets for further testing.
4) Clearwater Lights Super Sevina (140W total)
US$1269/pair
Pros: classic round shape matches bezel, high output
Cons: expensive, fitment is still in development, does not quite fill round bezel, will require a hole drilled in grill bucket for wire clearance
I didn't get any good pics of test fitting this one on the vehicle, so here is CAD and a gif to look at. This light's basic style is the same as the Dixi, below. But this one can be recessed back into the bezel better.
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Clearwater is enthusiastic about supporting this community with a high-end solution. The sample light I received from them for mockup was not functional and did not include a couple features needed for final evaluation. I will try to stay on them to keep this moving forward.
World’s most advanced LED auxiliary light – brighter than any high beam, fully dimmable, flood beam pattern, and multiple mounting options. 70 watts with 10,000+ lumens and only 6-amp power draw at max output per light. 4.7” diameter housing – great for motorcycle or vehicle Dimmable using...
www.clearwaterlights.com
Verdict: I think this is a great future option. I will continue to work with Clearwater and any early adopters that want to help us proceed.
5) Clearwater Lights Dixi (200W total)
US$1369/pair
Pros: this thing is an absolute unit, VERY powerful, classic round shape matches bezel perfectly
Cons: expensive, fitment is still in development, will require a hole drilled in grill bucket for wire clearance
NOTE: photos below show empty podlight shell without LEDs or lenses
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Clearwater is enthusiastic about supporting this community with an ultra high-end solution using this large light. The sample unit I received from them for mockup was not functional and did not include all features needed for evaluation. I plan to keep this moving forward because I might install this light on my own vehicle when it is all sorted.
Dixi incorporates two different beam patterns that can be used. There are three LEDs in the center and seven LEDs around the outside. The outside group is basically a Sevina pin spotlight using seven 8 degree optics. The center three LEDs use a Darla optic which provides a driving beam. But, the...
www.clearwaterlights.com
Verdict: I think the Dixi is a great future option. I will continue to work with Clearwater and any early adopters that want to help us proceed.
A special thank you to
@Stu_Barnes ,
@anand ,
@IG_in_AZ ,
@BoiseIdaho ,
@DaBull ,
@Tom109 ,
@nmoeder ,
@stickshifter , and others for their help behind the scenes.
The next step is to decide how many metal bracket kits we order. This will be influenced by the community response here on the forum. I will help get the components on order, and Stu will provide worldwide distribution via the forum store (just like we did with the reverse camera light shrouds). My wild guess is that the bracket kits will be sold for ~$150 with hardware. You order the lights separately yourself.
So let Stu know with your comments; which option would you want to see available thru the forum store?
