I want to mount 6" round lights on the front of my truck

[Colo_Ranger]

I think I'll avoid interacting with this level of discourse. You can easily find my work by googling my name, plus any topic you might be interested in.

I don't have any issue with you, and I am not trying to start arguments, but I have to agree that it's important to disclose whether you bought or were given products. The FTC even has rules about it. I searched your article and can't find any reference to whether you were given the products to review or whether you bought them. Given that you write for a publication, it wouldn't be a stretch that you were given the product to test.

I am also curious about the fact that you said:

Down low, in front of the truck is the way to go.

The ideal location is in front of the grille. That puts the light out in front of the truck, without glare or reflections.

Then you posted a picture with a lightbar above the roof. It seems contradictory, what you said vs what you did on your truck. I'm not trying to challenge you, just asking why the discrepancy.

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[Wes Siler]

I don't have any issue with you, and I am not trying to start arguments, but I have to agree that it's important to disclose whether you bought or were given products. The FTC even has rules about it. I searched your article and can't find any reference to whether you were given the products to review or whether you bought them. Given that you write for a publication, it wouldn't be a stretch that you were given the product to test.

I am also curious about the fact that you said:



Then you posted a picture with a lightbar above the roof. It seems contradictory, what you said vs what you did on your truck. I'm not trying to challenge you, just asking why the discrepancy.

Here's an explainer I put together around ethics in gear reviews: https://wessiler.substack.com/p/lets-talk-about-ethics-in-gear-reviews

The takeaway there is that you're asking the wrong question when you ask if a product was free or not. You should be asking if a journalist is actually able to deliver real insights into the products they're covering. Essentially any product I want is an email away, up to and including vehicles. The ethical challenges run much deeper than "freebies," and it's the express job of a journalist to navigate them in service of their readers. More in the above link. Remember I'm entering my 21st year of calling this a career, and write for the largest publications out there. I enjoy and get a lot of value out of talking to my readers. Let's please keep that civil, or I won't be able to participate.

Back to lights: The big spot lights are overwhelming powerful if you point them at stuff close up. So, I'm running that roof bar switched separately, for terrain like dense brush. That's one of the reasons I'm recommending the Solis 36 and 21s here, not only do they outperform lights from the brands that are more common in this country, but they include a dimmer, so you can knock down their power in, say, that brush, and achieve a true total solution from single pair of lights. Getting over 1,000 meters of light from a set of 6 inch rounds in extraordinary. Given how cheap they're likely to be (again, likely $500ish).

"American" brands: lying to your customers about how your product performs isn't just a marketing tactic, it speaks to a company culture that fundamentally disrespects the consumer, and turns what should be a function-driven product into a naked cash grab. That's the kind of bullshit that gets journalists up in arms. It also creates real problems for buyers. Let me go find that first BD build I can on instagram:



All those lights look cool, right?! Well, lights are a safety components, in that they facilitate your ability to see at night. So, bullshit like this isn't just synonymous with bolting a giant wing on the back of a FWD econobox. Those lights probably appear super, super bright. But, none of them is capable of reaching past about 400yds (i'm being generous here). So, all that overwhelming brightness is going to create just too much light in the foreground, leading to glare and reflections that are hard to look at, and which will then prevent you from seeing any further down the road. So, they're actually limiting the driver's safety at night.

Since BD won't tell its customers what its lights do, they aren't able to know how to use them properly. It's one of my goals to educate readers about stuff like that, hopefully empowering them to make smarter shopping decisions.

FYI: The Solis lights are made in China. From my experience working with, traveling with, and drinking beers with the people at ARB who are responsible for design and quality control: I wouldn't worry about their longevity.

 

[D Fresh]

I think I'll avoid interacting with this level of discourse. You can easily find my work by googling my name, plus any topic you might be interested in.

Here's an explainer I put together around ethics in gear reviews: https://wessiler.substack.com/p/lets-talk-about-ethics-in-gear-reviews

The takeaway there is that you're asking the wrong question when you ask if a product was free or not. You should be asking if a journalist is actually able to deliver real insights into the products they're covering. Essentially any product I want is an email away, up to and including vehicles. The ethical challenges run much deeper than "freebies," and it's the express job of a journalist to navigate them in service of their readers. More in the above link. Remember I'm entering my 21st year of calling this a career, and write for the largest publications out there. I enjoy and get a lot of value out of talking to my readers. Let's please keep that civil, or I won't be able to participate.

Back to lights: The big spot lights are overwhelming powerful if you point them at stuff close up. So, I'm running that roof bar switched separately, for terrain like dense brush. That's one of the reasons I'm recommending the Solis 36 and 21s here, not only do they outperform lights from the brands that are more common in this country, but they include a dimmer, so you can knock down their power in, say, that brush, and achieve a true total solution from single pair of lights. Getting over 1,000 meters of light from a set of 6 inch rounds in extraordinary. Given how cheap they're likely to be (again, likely $500ish).

"American" brands: lying to your customers about how your product performs isn't just a marketing tactic, it speaks to a company culture that fundamentally disrespects the consumer, and turns what should be a function-driven product into a naked cash grab. That's the kind of bullshit that gets journalists up in arms. It also creates real problems for buyers. Let me go find that first BD build I can on instagram:



All those lights look cool, right?! Well, lights are a safety components, in that they facilitate your ability to see at night. So, bullshit like this isn't just synonymous with bolting a giant wing on the back of a FWD econobox. Those lights probably appear super, super bright. But, none of them is capable of reaching past about 400yds (i'm being generous here). So, all that overwhelming brightness is going to create just too much light in the foreground, leading to glare and reflections that are hard to look at, and which will then prevent you from seeing any further down the road. So, they're actually limiting the driver's safety at night.

Since BD won't tell its customers what its lights do, they aren't able to know how to use them properly. It's one of my goals to educate readers about stuff like that, hopefully empowering them to make smarter shopping decisions.

FYI: The Solis lights are made in China. From my experience working with, traveling with, and drinking beers with the people at ARB who are responsible for design and quality control: I wouldn't worry about their longevity.

All that hemming and hawing, yet you still couldn't give a clear answer to very straight forward question.

Your explanation of your beliefs, and the claim that you "have beers with the ARB guys," leaves plenty for all of us to imagine though.

 

[OCL]

I read through all three pages because I want to put off road spot lights on my Tremor. This tread got long and winded and then shifted to personal rants.

I originally wanted to mount two lights on my bumper but decided against that. Too much trouble to have a bracket mounted up there.

Decided to make things simple and just use the A-Pillar mounts. I plan to get the Baja Design lights. Made in USA. There's no way I'm going to get Chinese lights and I don't care how BD markets their lights. Two lights is all I need for long distance off road visibility.

 

[D Fresh]

I read through all three pages because I want to put off road spot lights on my Tremor. This tread got long and winded and then shifted to personal rants.

I originally wanted to mount two lights on my bumper but decided against that. Too much trouble to have a bracket mounted up there.

Decided to make things simple and just use the A-Pillar mounts. I plan to get the Baja Design lights. Made in USA. There's no way I'm going to get Chinese lights and I don't care how BD markets their lights. Two lights is all I need for long distance off road visibility.

Good choice.

Made in the USA

Lifetime warranty

Excellent customer service, even more important these days.

And excellent performance.

Some Mickey Mouse, made in China, POS that is twice as expensive as the unbranded lights made on the same line will never compare.

 

[OCL]

Baja Designs are famous in the motorcycle community as well. They are usually the go-to source for off road lights and adventure bike lights. The other brand is Denali from Twisted throttle. None are cheap. But they are proven. Plus, it doesn't feel right for me to put Chinese made stuff on my Ford Ranger Tremor. Yes I know the truck probably has many Chinese sourced parts...I would guess at least the wheels are. But the truck is made in Michigan. So far I have Rokblokz mud guards made in US. Truxedo bed cover made in US. Weathertech wind deflector and bug and rock guards made in Germany. It's just my preference to try to avoid buying stuff from a country that makes an enemy of the US and other Asian allies in their region. China is going to implode soon (already imploding actually) and they've turned against everyone in order to prepare their people for a tighter Iron Fist rule. I strongly believe they're preparing for War in Taiwan, Hong Kong style hostile takeover.

 

[Wes Siler]

Decided to make things simple and just use the A-Pillar mounts. I plan to get the Baja Design lights. Made in USA. Two lights is all I need for long distance off road visibility.

If you want to add forward vision, you're going to need to go with at least a 6" round. That's the LP6 since you're going BD. Anything smaller won't be worthwhile. Those little 4 LED pods can't reach further than the stock high beams, regardless of their beam pattern. (This is an example of where knowing how a light performs would be useful, right?)

Typically, A Pillar mounts, or "ditch lights" direct the light outwards, at an angle (like into the ditches on the sides of the road). Make sure you get a mount that allows you to face them forward. Things to watch out for are going to be wind noise, and hood reflections. I'm not sure if the LP6 is available in different patterns, but sticking with a very tight spot beam will help minimize those reflections.

 

[RangerPNW]

I read through all three pages because I want to put off road spot lights on my Tremor. This tread got long and winded and then shifted to personal rants.

I originally wanted to mount two lights on my bumper but decided against that. Too much trouble to have a bracket mounted up there.

Decided to make things simple and just use the A-Pillar mounts. I plan to get the Baja Design lights. Made in USA. There's no way I'm going to get Chinese lights and I don't care how BD markets their lights. Two lights is all I need for long distance off road visibility.

I have Baja Designs squadron sports mounted using the SDHQ a-pillar mounts. I just threw the combo lens on them, and yeah they throw a good amount of light. Nothing crazy long distance, but compared to the stock high beams they're great. I wouldn't go blasting through the desert at full throttle with just these, but quiet back roads at normal speeds i really don't find myself wanting anything more...other than more lights is more better

 

[D Fresh]

Baja Designs are famous in the motorcycle community as well. They are usually the go-to source for off road lights and adventure bike lights. The other brand is Denali from Twisted throttle. None are cheap. But they are proven. Plus, it doesn't feel right for me to put Chinese made stuff on my Ford Ranger Tremor. Yes I know the truck probably has many Chinese sourced parts...I would guess at least the wheels are. But the truck is made in Michigan. So far I have Rokblokz mud guards made in US. Truxedo bed cover made in US. Weathertech wind deflector and bug and rock guards made in Germany. It's just my preference to try to avoid buying stuff from a country that makes an enemy of the US and other Asian allies in their region. China is going to implode soon (already imploding actually) and they've turned against everyone in order to prepare their people for a tighter Iron Fist rule. I strongly believe they're preparing for War in Taiwan, Hong Kong style hostile takeover.

Agreed about China.

Also, our Rangers are the MOST American made vehicle on the market!

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sl...merican-made-car-in-the-country-19638766/amp/

I can assure you I did not write that article.

If you want to add forward vision, you're going to need to go with at least a 6" round. That's the LP6 since you're going BD. Anything smaller won't be worthwhile. Those little 4 LED pods can't reach further than the stock high beams, regardless of their beam pattern. (This is an example of where knowing how a light performs would be useful, right?)

Typically, A Pillar mounts, or "ditch lights" direct the light outwards, at an angle (like into the ditches on the sides of the road). Make sure you get a mount that allows you to face them forward. Things to watch out for are going to be wind noise, and hood reflections. I'm not sure if the LP6 is available in different patterns, but sticking with a very tight spot beam will help minimize those reflections.

Knowing how light perform IS usefull! Perhaps you should educate yourself.

High beams throw light 350-400 ft.

The Squadron Racers, "little 4 LED pods," throw light thousands of feet. BD's laser lights reach another 350% past the Racer spots.

Part of the reason they can do this is driver power. But it's mostly a function of lensing.

You might not be aware because you haven't gotten free stuff from, or had beers with them.

 

[OCL]

I have Baja Designs squadron sports mounted using the SDHQ a-pillar mounts. I just threw the combo lens on them, and yeah they throw a good amount of light. Nothing crazy long distance, but compared to the stock high beams they're great. I wouldn't go blasting through the desert at full throttle with just these, but quiet back roads at normal speeds i really don't find myself wanting anything more...other than more lights is more better

Awesome! Thank you for that information.

During the Holidays, I spent a few days out in the desert, a little off road driving at night, and a lot of pavement as well. Off road was actually ok with the stock high beams because we were on a sand wash that meandered left and right and it wasn't a wide open valley. Ok we did drive on a dry lake bed and that was eerily dark all around and I would have wanted more distance from my high beams. But like you said, I wasn't going WOT across the lake bed. On the road was where I thought I could use a longer beam of light (empty, straight, desert road not an interstate). It's very strange when everything is pitch black and the only area you see is what your lights illuminate.

 

[OCL]

Agreed about China.

Also, our Rangers are the MOST American made vehicle on the market!

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sl...merican-made-car-in-the-country-19638766/amp/

I can assure you I did not write that article.

That is very good to hear. 70% N.A. content! Wow! I'm surprised at the F150 at 50%. WTF????

 

[D Fresh]

That is very good to hear. 70% N.A. content! Wow! I'm surprised at the F150 at 50%. WTF????

It might be the aluminum content. I don't think we do much of that here.

 

[TerraMechE]

would you mind sending some close up photos?

I've been too lazy lately to take all the shrouding off to help my fellow man... However, I found a picture of someone on this forum installing an intercooler. This is where I tied into with the angle (plus some spacers and fasteners, as needed). I also had to buy a "low mount" from Lightforce for the Strikers to get things to fit.

 

[Nopalito]

I've been too lazy lately to take all the shrouding off to help my fellow man... However, I found a picture of someone on this forum installing an intercooler. This is where I tied into with the angle (plus some spacers and fasteners, as needed). I also had to buy a "low mount" from Lightforce for the Strikers to get things to fit.

Awesome! Thanks for drawing up the location. This really helps me visualize where you mounted the lights

 

[Wes Siler]

Just wanted to revisit this thread, since Baja Designs finally released performance data for its products.

Like I was arguing before, the brand is just not competitive with higher quality rivals from Australia. And little pod lights don't offer enough distance to add any worthwhile illumination for actual driving scenarios (they do still make good work lights for around camp, or nighttime repairs.

https://wessiler.substack.com/p/baja-designs-finally-releases-light

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