Best halogen headlamp bulbs?

ThisIsWeird

The only thread I can find on here is now pretty old, but it did recommend the Osram Nightbreakers. Are these still considered an improvement over standard halogens for a 4-headlamp setup (separate dip and main, with all 4 on for main)?

Thanks.

TadleyBaggie

They were always my go-to bulbs for light output, however they did have a noticeable shorter life. Always kept a couple of spares in the glovebox.

LookingForPeace

Hi ThisIsWeird

I used to co-run an automotive lighting company, so I'm a little excited to answer! 

Osram Nightbreakers are a solid option, but as TadleyBaggie mentions they have a shorter life as compensation. Philips RacingVision are a good alternative but will also have a shorter life than less performant bulbs.

If you want longer life, Osram Ultra Life would be my suggestion., Though OE bulbs from Hella, Valeo etc. are often cheaper and last just as long! 

fatbelly

I've had good results with Osram nightbreakers.

Your choice might depend on how easy they are to replace. Mine are a bit of a fiddle so currently using Osrams but not the highest brightness ones, as the brightest ones are only really going to last one season

ThisIsWeird

LookingForPeace said:

Hi ThisIsWeird

I used to co-run an automotive lighting company, so I'm a little excited to answer! 

Osram Nightbreakers are a solid option, but as TadleyBaggie mentions they have a shorter life as compensation. Philips RacingVision are a good alternative but will also have a shorter life than less performant bulbs.

If you want longer life, Osram Ultra Life would be my suggestion., Though OE bulbs from Hella, Valeo etc. are often cheaper and last just as long! 

Thanks all. I've just ordered a pair of the Philips R Vision GT200 as they seemed to have a similar performance to the Osrams, but at a slightly lower price. Yes, it looks as tho' they'll all have a shorter lifespan - I can't expect them to last anywhere as long as the originals, the first of which has just failed after 7 years... But, I'm sure I'll welcome the brighter light, which was the main consideration - really not happy with the dips on my C4 Picasso.

These Osram Ultra Life, LfP, how do their brightness compare with OE lights?

Thanks.

forgotmyname

Osram or Philips whichever one is on sale at the time I need them. Check the lifespan of them though.

Some have a fairly short life if you drive an night a lot, 200 hours lifespan can be used up fairly quickly at this
time of year if you drive at night a lot. It maybe a year or years for others.

fatbelly

ThisIsWeird said:

These Osram Ultra Life, LfP, how do their brightness compare with OE lights?

Thanks.

I think they claim +30%

ThisIsWeird

forgotmyname said:

Osram or Philips whichever one is on sale at the time I need them. Check the lifespan of them though.

Some have a fairly short life if you drive an night a lot, 200 hours lifespan can be used up fairly quickly at this time of year if you drive at night a lot. It maybe a year or years for others.

Thanks. Yes, from what I can see from user reviews, all the +200% makes have seriously reduced lifespans. Still worth a bash, tho', as I'm not too impressed by the current dips on my car.

ThisIsWeird

fatbelly said:

ThisIsWeird said:

These Osram Ultra Life, LfP, how do their brightness compare with OE lights?

Thanks.

I think they claim +30%

That's pretty good, then. I'd assumed they'd just be similar, but if it's+30% along with 4year warranty, that's not bad.

fred990

Just fitted Phillips GT200 bulbs.....big improvement over standard ones.

Hope they last! 

ThisIsWeird

fred990 said:

Just fitted Phillips GT200 bulbs.....big improvement over standard ones.

Hope they last! 

Thank you - good to hear.