Halfords Extreme Brightness Bulbs

[supersport]

Has anyone used Halfords extreme brightness bulbs? They are rated the same as the standard bulbs 55/70w but "claim" to be 90% brighter. They have a bogof deal on these at the moment.

If they are any cop it would a simple straight swap upgrade.

 

[ronald smith]

Yes- have them in 944 and also BMW estate only problem one went in bm after about
6 weeks but they fitted those and may have handled bulb- refitted replacement myself.
It transforms 944 candles.
Cheers
Ron

 

[supersport]

ORIGINAL: ronald smith

Yes- have them in 944 and also BMW estate only problem one went in bm after about
6 weeks but they fitted those and may have handled bulb- refitted replacement myself.
It transforms 944 candles.
Cheers
Ron

That's what I wanted to know. Am going to try them in the 911 too. The 911 headlights make the 944 candles look like the brightest stars in the firmament, to behonest they might as well not be there they are that crap.

 

[Copperman05]

I have the Phillips Extreme Power version of these in my S2 and the difference was quite marked, especially on dipped.


Edd

 

[idwoodvale]

Used these last time in my Volvo. Definitely were brighter but didn't last long at all. For the price, I'm not bothering again.

 

[mik_ok]

I've only ever used Osram or Philips "+ x% " bulbs. Very pleased with them, but they were only +30% or +50%.

The "same wattage - higher output" claim of all these bulbs comes from thinner wire used in the filament. This allows them to wind them more tightly to concentrate the light output into a smaller area. The total light output therefore isn't greater, but the more concentrated windings are situated within an appropriate postition of the bulb body to "push" the beam pattern out further. As the light output tests are measured at a specific distance, their claims are valid.

As idwoodvale has discovered - they are therefore more fragile and have a shorter of life...

 

[supersport]

It's interesting the idea of them lasting less time. I don't know how long a headlight bulb should last, but my Mondeo used to eat them and had replace them on a regular basis. I changed to some of Halfords previous brighter bulbs and never changed them again.

For my second car which is weekends only even if they only lasted a year of normal use I would be happy as it doesn't get normal use and being able to see where I was going would be useful.

I think I will get some for the 944 and see how we get on.

 

[zcacogp]

ORIGINAL: mik_ok

The "same wattage - higher output" claim of all these bulbs comes from thinner wire used in the filament. This allows them to wind them more tightly to concentrate the light output into a smaller area. The total light output therefore isn't greater, but the more concentrated windings are situated within an appropriate postition of the bulb body to "push" the beam pattern out further. As the light output tests are measured at a specific distance, their claims are valid.

As idwoodvale has discovered - they are therefore more fragile and have a shorter of life...

Now that IS interesting, thank you mik_ok. I had often wondered how this was achieved (x watts is, after all, x watts no matter how you look at it.)

Given that the output from the "50% brighter" bulbs is the same, but more focussed, are they actually any better to drive by? Does the more focussed light help, or hinder? From the posts on here I'm guessing it helps.


Oli.

 

[Eldavo]

I have these bulbs in the 944 and they are a big improvement, I posted a pic of the comparison, will dig it out.

 

[FistsOfHam]

I've used Bosch and Halfords brighter bulbs in the past but I think they were 50% brighter or something like that (from using a different gas or something).

The Halfords ones I used in my Passat and they lasted for nearly 4 years, they may still be going but I don't own the car any longer..

 

[xenon]

ORIGINAL: zcacogp


Now that IS interesting, thank you mik_ok. I had often wondered how this was achieved (x watts is, after all, x watts no matter how you look at it.)

Oli.

The Watts specified is an elecrical consumption rather than a light output so it's possible for a different bulb to output more light than another, both consuming 55W, if one bulb is more efficient than the other. This is typically down to a higher-quality filament and higher pressure gas in the envelope. Likewise some gasses exhibit more of a halogen-effect than others. Some manufacturers fill halogen bulbs with xenon for this reason but that's more of a marketing gimmick to persuade people they now have xenon lights by which they mean gas discharge.

Although the technology is completely different, an HID bulb will output considerably more light than the best incandescent halogen bulb but only consume 35w.

 

[mik_ok]

ORIGINAL: xenon

ORIGINAL: zcacogp


Now that IS interesting, thank you mik_ok. I had often wondered how this was achieved (x watts is, after all, x watts no matter how you look at it.)

Oli.

The Watts specified is an elecrical consumption rather than a light output so it's possible for a different bulb to output more light than another, both consuming 55W, if one bulb is more efficient than the other.

Xenon - you are approprately named to contribute to this thread. []

You are of course correct regarding wattage, but - anticipating technology advances I guess - for a 55w to be e-marked it must be within a wattage range (obviously), but also within a lux range ( H7 bulb for example: Under ECE regulations, H7 bulbs must emit between 1350 and 1650 lumens at 13.2v)

In my experience the higher-output bulbs do feel visibly brighter as centring the lighting "hotspot" further away from the car and brightening it's "focus" lights the road ahead better. I put +30% Osram SilverStar's in the S2 (for approx £11!) and felt they were markedly more effecive than the std bulbs I took out.

 

[Pastry]

ORIGINAL: xenon

ORIGINAL: zcacogp


Now that IS interesting, thank you mik_ok. I had often wondered how this was achieved (x watts is, after all, x watts no matter how you look at it.)

Oli.

The Watts specified is an elecrical consumption rather than a light output so it's possible for a different bulb to output more light than another, both consuming 55W, if one bulb is more efficient than the other. This is typically down to a higher-quality filament and higher pressure gas in the envelope. Likewise some gasses exhibit more of a halogen-effect than others. Some manufacturers fill halogen bulbs with xenon for this reason but that's more of a marketing gimmick to persuade people they now have xenon lights by which they mean gas discharge.

Although the technology is completely different, an HID bulb will output considerably more light than the best incandescent halogen bulb but only consume 35w.

its all about how much of the wattage is converted to light, and how much is wasted as heat.

i suspect fresh bulbs will always look brighter than ancient ones, as for longevity, osrams website lists the average lifespan of the brighter bulbs as being shorter.

ORIGINAL: mik_ok
In my experience the higher-output bulbs do feel visibly brighter as centring the lighting "hotspot" further away from the car and brightening it's "focus" lights the road ahead better. I put +30% Osram SilverStar's in the S2 (for approx £11!) and felt they were markedly more effecive than the std bulbs I took out.

dont really know how this would work as the bulbs are capped at the front, Its down to the reflectors to focus the beam.

 

[mik_ok]

ORIGINAL: Pastry

ORIGINAL: mik_ok
In my experience the higher-output bulbs do feel visibly brighter as centring the lighting "hotspot" further away from the car and brightening it's "focus" lights the road ahead better. I put +30% Osram SilverStar's in the S2 (for approx £11!) and felt they were markedly more effecive than the std bulbs I took out.

dont really know how this would work as the bulbs are capped at the front, Its down to the reflectors to focus the beam.

You don't see how a brighter and more optimally positioned point source could allow the reflectors to do a more effective job? [&:]

Despite the fact that Autoexpress is the most hateful drivel-filled rag (now that MaxPower is gone) they have demonstrated empirically that these bulbs do what they say on the tin. The fact they remain e-marked suggests they are achieving this within the bounds of the regulations.

 

[Super_Marv]

I didn't know they'd stopped publishing max power?

I've fitted the Philips Extreme Power &b Osram nightbreakers to my cars. The Osrams didn't last long, but the Philips are lasting quite well.

 

[Pastry]

ORIGINAL: mik_ok

You don't see how a brighter and more optimally positioned point source could allow the reflectors to do a more effective job? [&:] 

I never said they weren't brighter, I'll have to judge the 'focus and hotspot' myself when I fit them. I suspect the bulb design regarding position of filaments and dip reflector will be identical.

 

[ukmastiff]

Orram Silver Star , are my normal buy for the two 'regular cars' .
I find they last longer than the cheepo bulbs I was buying before, not shorter and they illuminate the road far more clearly.

I live down an unmade track/road and the bumpiness plays havoc with all bulbs front and rear. I have just purchased Osram Nightbreakers which are supposed to be even better than Silver Star and will fit them to the 944 on arrival. As soon as I have used them , I'll post an honest evaluation.

Regards Mas