View Full Version : Difference between PIAA driving lights
bulldog
09-29-2006, 05:50 PM
Anybody know the difference between the 520 Ion Crystal and 520 SMR driving lights?
I see the Ion crystal has a 85W bulb vs 55W for the SMR, but which one produces the most light, difference in light spectrum, etc?
I measured and the Lightforce lights look like they just wont work on the SW bumper. The 240 wil stick out too much to the font and barely fit with the upright hoops I have. The 170 will not allow the hood to open.
From their site:
"For those who prefer the look of a “clear” lens, the 520 SMR features PIAA’s computer designed Super Multi-Surface Reflector technology. SMR technology reduces stray light providing an extremely focused beam pattern without the use of lens fluting."
So basically it's lens fluting and maybe the reflector tech allows less watts. Dunno
This may help more:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112576
bulldog
09-29-2006, 06:19 PM
OK, cool thx. ish PIAA would put it on their website. I obviously dont want yellow driving lights since I already have the Yellow fog lights. So the SMR would be the better way to go.
Which ones did you get Joel?
SMR. Nice tight beam pattern. No comments on how bright they are since it's still getting dark. Not sure if I'm going to run them with the grills or not.. looks good both ways.
bulldog
09-29-2006, 06:25 PM
SMR. Nice tight beam pattern. No comments on how bright they are since it's still getting dark. Not sure if I'm going to run them with the grills or not.. looks good both ways.
Yeah they seem like the best option. Would love to hear your feeback on them interms of how much they enhance the stock highbeams.
Might be worthwhile to keep the grills on them for some protection as they are pretty exposed. I didn't liek how the grils looked on the fogs personanlly adn I think they are somewhat less exposed sitting so deep and being smaller.
Some good information on aiming:
"Park the vehicle 25 feet from a wall on a level surface. Measure the distance between the center of the auxiliary light and the ground. Place a horizontal mark on the wall at that height.
Visual aim is made with the center of the driving beam hot spot 1.5 inches below the lamp center at 25 feet with the lamp facing straight forward."
Tucson T4R
10-02-2006, 07:54 AM
I finaly got a chance to try my fog and driving lights last night. I have ion crystal for both the fog and driving lights. I was partialy motivated to get the ion crystals because I like how they look when they are off during the day.
They both produce a yellow light. When driving down the street with trees and brush on both sides of the road, the fog lights clearly light up a wide pattern that reaches well off the shoulder of the road and across the oncoming lane. In clear weather, the yellow is not super bright but the intent is to penatrate fog or dust better than the white.
The ion crystal driving lights also produce a yellowish light and they greatly enhance the visible range beyond the stock high beams. Again, since they are yellow they don't turn night into day but they do add significant range both in distance and broadness. The driving lights lit up the area well, out beyond 100yds. If you like a crisp white light then these are not for you but I believe they will be great for off road and inclement weather driving.
AlexJet
10-02-2006, 09:08 AM
Yellow specter is also makes objects more sharp. Have you mentioned that “law enforcement” officers wear yellow glasses? Because you can see sharp edges of the objects.
expat
10-02-2006, 10:57 AM
What about the 580 series. They equal 135W !!!
bulldog
10-02-2006, 11:27 AM
What about the 580 series. They equal 135W !!!
Hmm, I already ordered the 520s. Will see how they do and upgrade if needed.
Mikestang
10-02-2006, 11:58 AM
The PIAA site does not show a height for the 580s. The dimensions shown appear just slightly larger than the 520.
AlexJet
10-02-2006, 12:29 PM
What about the 580 series. They equal 135W !!!
PIAA 580 is using 85w bulbs. =135w is for advertising, it compares to virtual regular bulb, something you'll buy at PartzNet for 2 bucks...
The PIAA site does not show a height for the 580s. The dimensions shown appear just slightly larger than the 520.
PIAA 510 is 4-7/16"
PIAA 540 is 5-5/8"
PIAA 520 is 6-7/16"
PIAA 580 is 7-3/16"
expat
10-02-2006, 01:12 PM
135w is for advertising, it compares to virtual regular bulb
Do you have experience with this light to establish it is the same brightness as a "regular bulb"?
My thought is that PIAA is a pretty reputable maker and they are unlikely to make false advertsing claims ( =135W).
http://piaa.com/Lamps/Lamp-pages/580.html
Site says h3 85w bulb.
bulldog
10-02-2006, 01:35 PM
PIAA normally try to show the effectiveness of their bulbs by compring it to a generic bulb. That means they will say their 85W bulb light output is similar to a 135W generic's bulbs output.
I think we are all saying the same thing, just getting caught in semantics.
I doubt it would equal the lightforce 100W bulb in the 170 and 240s ;) , but who knows.
expat
10-02-2006, 01:35 PM
http://piaa.com/Lamps/Lamp-pages/580.html
Site says h3 85w bulb.
I know that, but using whatever technologies they have included into this light (eg reflective lensing etc) they quote the =135W. Is there a reason to distrust this? Any proof or experience?
Sorry, but this is starting to drive me nuts. Its the same problem as another place we all visited. People are saying things without validation. I am interested in the 580's as, according to PIAA, they put out as much light as 135W bulbs. If someone says it just advertising, what are they basing that on?
expat
10-02-2006, 01:39 PM
.... but who knows.
Correct. Who actually knows via experience or other validation?
The best way would be to compare candlepower but lots of light manufacturers don't present these measurements.
bulldog
10-02-2006, 01:46 PM
Correct. Who actually knows via experience or other validation?
The best way would be to compare candlepower but lots of light manufacturers don't present these measurements.
I have the PIAA Xtreme white high and low beam bulbs in my headlights (9005 and 9006). They make similar claims for them in terms of 55W=100W, etc. From my experience with the headlamps I would say the claims are exaggerated. They are brighter than the stock bulbs, but not nearly 2x . Just a reference point.
This was a very good light comparison, unfortunately they didn't have the PIAA lights.
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=520
I think for the purposes of this discussion though the 520 SMR is a better option as driving light than the 520 Ion Crystal. The 580 is however a better option with more oomph than the 520s.
AlexJet
10-03-2006, 04:49 AM
Correct. Who actually knows via experience or other validation?
...
PM ksneubec.
Karl has PIAA 580 fog, but he would tell you how they perform against regular headlight low beam. As far as I remember he is happy with them.
I, personally never use 580, but I used many other lights: Hella, PIAA, KC, ...
From my personal experience, Hella and PIAA are the best on the market. They do their job very well. So far for driving the best light I ever had is Hella Rallye 4000, but they are big, 9" in diameter.
Some guys here own Lightforce. I never had them, so I can't comment on those lights. There are some features which I like and some which I dislike in Lightforce, so take my words as my personal opinion on the lights I personally used.
bulldog
10-10-2006, 08:57 PM
Any feedback on the 520 SMRs from those who have them fitted already?
I just got my 520 SMR kit tonight, so I will probably fit them during the weekend. Hopefully I will get some time to aim them properly. The nice thing is that they do come with a heavy duty wiring kit, so it will be easy to swap out to 580s later or more powerful bulbs in the 520s (not sure if the lamp can handle more power though).
Mine are pretty bright. Def brighter than the hi or low beams. Very focused tho.
bulldog
10-10-2006, 09:17 PM
Mine are pretty bright. Def brighter than the hi or low beams. Very focused tho.
Good to know. I'm pretty happy with the 4R lights as they do fill out the road nicely on hi. I wanted something to light up the road and space way ahead. Guess we will see out at Randsburg.
bulldog
10-26-2006, 05:47 PM
BTW apprently the Pro 80 XT PIaa is the same as the 580s apart from the balck grill. They have a white cover of some sorts. Just FYI. Also it seems the pencil beams in both have been discontinued, but you might find stock if you search a bit for it.
bulldog
11-03-2006, 09:24 PM
Well I got a set of 580s fitted tonight and I'm so much more happy with them. They prduce a very bright and white light with very good distance and a good spread to boot.
BTW good call Mark :bigok:
Did you use the same wiring harness from the 520's?
bulldog
11-05-2006, 01:12 PM
Did you use the same wiring harness from the 520's?
Yes, the 520 SMRs came with exactly the same wiring harnass as the 580s. It is the PIAA heavy duty harness, that allows for up to 130W bulbs in each driving light. Same part number as well. THe relay is a big black assembly with the fuse in it I believe.
Would it be possible to just put a H3 120watt bulb in the 520's?
Mikestang
11-06-2006, 01:02 PM
BTW apprently the Pro 80 XT PIaa is the same as the 580s apart from the balck grill. They have a white cover of some sorts. Just FYI. Also it seems the pencil beams in both have been discontinued, but you might find stock if you search a bit for it.
I called about 25 places before I found one that said they had 4 sets of the 580 pencil light kit (#5864) in stock, so I ordered the kit. Will report back on how they work out.
In case anyone else wants the 580 pencil beams, this place should have 3 sets left. It was a chore to find any, as they've been discontinued for about 2 years now: http://www.4wheelcustoms.com/Products.asp?Cat=127
bulldog
11-06-2006, 11:00 PM
Would it be possible to just put a H3 120watt bulb in the 520's?
The wiring harness would handle it, but I'm not sure about the light. You might want to try to fit the 85W bulbs of the 580s in the 520s if you want, but 130W sounds like a lot for the 520 light assembly. Given that you can get the 580s shipped for $230 or so you need to see fi it is worth your while fiddling iwth bulbs on the 520s. Maybe see if you can get 100W cheap bulbs to see if the light can actually handle the heat.
Dealmaker
01-30-2007, 05:09 PM
How are they working out? I just bought one of the remaining pencil beam sets from them, but haven't installed yet. I was hoping to get some positive feedback otherwise I may go ahead and exchange for the 580 driving lights.
I called about 25 places before I found one that said they had 4 sets of the 580 pencil light kit (#5864) in stock, so I ordered the kit. Will report back on how they work out.
In case anyone else wants the 580 pencil beams, this place should have 3 sets left. It was a chore to find any, as they've been discontinued for about 2 years now: http://www.4wheelcustoms.com/Products.asp?Cat=127
Mikestang
01-30-2007, 09:42 PM
They're awesome. Excellent light penetration, and they're BRIGHT! I turn on my high beams and you thing "wow, now I can see". Then you hit the 580s on top of that and small bushes in front of you burst into flames... well, ok, not that bright, but you won't be disappointed.
Now, I purchased the pencils for just this reason - I wanted something that would light up waaaaaaay in front of me. If you want slow-goin' flood light around the front then you don't want pencils.
bulldog
01-31-2007, 02:33 PM
They're awesome. Excellent light penetration, and they're BRIGHT! I turn on my high beams and you thing "wow, now I can see". Then you hit the 580s on top of that and small bushes in front of you burst into flames... well, ok, not that bright, but you won't be disappointed.
Now, I purchased the pencils for just this reason - I wanted something that would light up waaaaaaay in front of me. If you want slow-goin' flood light around the front then you don't want pencils.
Well you can swap one pencil for a driving light with me off course) and have a good spread and penetration :D :guitar:
I still have a pencil on backorder (dunno if it will ever arrive). The driving lights has great additional penetration over the stock lights, and also good spread.
tcummings
01-31-2007, 03:15 PM
After reviewing this thread, it looks like the PIAA 580 Xtreme White driving lights are the best choice. The pencil beams appear to be too focused and the fog lights are too broad. Is this correct assumption?
I need to buy a set and want to make sure it's the right choice. Thanks!
I love my 580 driving lights. I'd highly recommend them - unless you want a screaming deal I have some some 520s I have sitting around! :D
97kurt
01-31-2007, 03:41 PM
Now thats an avatar!!!
tcummings
01-31-2007, 03:49 PM
:cheers: Now thats an avatar!!!
I can't believe you don't appreciate the avatar I created just for you! :cheers:
tcummings
01-31-2007, 03:56 PM
I love my 580 driving lights. I'd highly recommend them - unless you want a screaming deal I have some some 520s I have sitting around! :D
580 Driving it is. Set up a rear light bar and mount the 520's on the roof?
my034runner
02-01-2007, 08:07 AM
:cheers:
I can't believe you don't appreciate the avatar I created just for you! :cheers:
Dude, that's da*n funny!!:bow:
Dealmaker
02-02-2007, 01:31 PM
Well, when its dark and wet and I'm going fast, I really prefer the deep penetration. And I would prefer to get that deep penetration with a good spread. And in the future, I'd like to try to get that penetration right down the middle of a big rack.
So I may keep the pencil beams for future rack use (hopefully the African Outback), and get a set of the 580 driving lights for the front bumper for now.
Well you can swap one pencil for a driving light with me off course) and have a good spread and penetration :D :guitar:
I still have a pencil on backorder (dunno if it will ever arrive). The driving lights has great additional penetration over the stock lights, and also good spread.
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