china led lights on the cheap (product review)

[bigredkacy]

Originally Posted by Dookey

Yes.

We should have our couple of pallets worth of stuff in short order.

Prices?
will they carry a warranty?

[Dookey]

Originally Posted by bigredkacy

Prices?
will they carry a warranty?

Yes. They will have prices.

Yes. We will warranty them. Just like everything we sell.

We are going to do a barrage of testing on them. We are installing them on Todd's Jimmy's buggy and will have tons of info to go along with that.

[BGNASTY]

Can I get a price for a 13" led bar (flood pattern) shipped to 02631...
Thanks!

[Pto]

Might help to say who you are asking the question -

[Dookey]

Originally Posted by BGNASTY

Can I get a price for a 13" led bar (flood pattern) shipped to 02631...
Thanks!

Originally Posted by Pto

Might help to say who you are asking the question -

This is the Gen4x4 section for discussion and tech on the lights. Check out the vendors section for pricing quotes.

[battlebuddy618]

Thank you dookey. I agree whether you are a vendor or a individual and have some tech,reviews,info on where you got your lights post it up here. I don't think this is the place to buy/sell lights. This thread had just about been overran with that already. Lets just focus on the tech from now on gentlemen.

[Dookey]

Originally Posted by battlebuddy618

Thank you dookey. I agree whether you are a vendor or a individual and have some tech,reviews,info on where you got your lights post it up here. I don't think this is the place to buy/sell lights. This thread had just about been overran with that already. Lets just focus on the tech from now on gentlemen.

We will have a bunch of tech coming up shortly. This thread still has a ton of great info and hopefully it can get back on track. As soon as we receive our shipment we will get them installed on Todd's race car. We will do all kinds of info and tech along with that so people can know what they are buying ahead of time.

I'm excited to do some installs and picture taking. Been awhile since I had a need to pull out the Digital SLR.

[battlebuddy618]

That sounds great!

[sommertime]

Has anyone asked if a amber light bar is available? Or a option.....got to have a small forward facing amber light bar to pass tech and didn't want to spend a fortune

[jasonmt]

Originally Posted by Chrisbuilt

They are way to bright to even think about using on the street. Like lighting a cigar with a forest fire, a bit of overkill.



Sent from my iPhone, excuse the autocorrect.

Lots of PWM controllers on the market, I have the one below on my bike running a couple of the ubiquitous "Series 60" round LED lights:

http://stores.intuitwebsites.com/hst...mer/Detail.bok

[BajaDesigns]

Why are Chinese lights so much cheaper than lights Made in America? This response is not intended to bash any Chinese light, but to explain in detail the question we have been asked many times.

1. Low engineering costs – they just copy someone else’s product. Also, HANMA was definitely not out before Rigid. Rigid bought Holder Offroad in 2008. Holder Offroad produced the first LED light bar on the market.

2. Inferior components – Chinese manufactures use outdated LED technology in addition to cheaper bins which means your LED light will be up to 20% dimmer than a light that is made in America. Please reference our binning thread for more information(http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...=baja+designs-). Another key component to a quality LED light is heat management. If they don’t manage the heat properly, the LEDs will get dimmer over time. Cheaper drivers which someone already mentioned. If you don’t control the current to the LED they will burn out. Ineffective sealing methods which someone already pointed out.

3. No warranty or customer service costs. Can you send the unit back for a replacement? Can you replace the front cover when it gets pitted/hazed by off-roading? Can you replace the mounting tabs if you bend them? Baja Designs has been in business for 20 years so we will be here if you need us.

4. They do not have to sell to a distributor or dealer that also has to make money on each product they sell. They do not have to have liability insurance for our litigious society. They do not have to pay workers comp, SS, medicare, provide health insurance, etc. for their employees.

5. Chinese government actively supports exporters with tax breaks and other subsidies not even counting how their government manipulates their currency to artificially keep their prices low.

Again, this response is not to bash Chinese lights, but we hear a lot of bashing of American companies’ prices. Baja Designs lights and Rigid lights are the only lights that are made in America. They are not private labeled Chinese products. I can only speak about our components – almost all of them are made in America including the LED boards. Believe me, we are not getting rich, but we get to work in an industry that we are passionate about which makes working a lot more fun.

Thanks,

BD

[DieselD]

Originally Posted by BajaDesigns

Why are Chinese lights so much cheaper than lights Made in America? This response is not intended to bash any Chinese light, but to explain in detail the question we have been asked many times.

1. Low engineering costs – they just copy someone else’s product. Also, HANMA was definitely not out before Rigid. Rigid bought Holder Offroad in 2008. Holder Offroad produced the first LED light bar on the market.

2. Inferior components – Chinese manufactures use outdated LED technology in addition to cheaper bins which means your LED light will be up to 20% dimmer than a light that is made in America. Please reference our binning thread for more information(http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...=baja+designs-). Another key component to a quality LED light is heat management. If they don’t manage the heat properly, the LEDs will get dimmer over time. Cheaper drivers which someone already mentioned. If you don’t control the current to the LED they will burn out. Ineffective sealing methods which someone already pointed out.

3. No warranty or customer service costs. Can you send the unit back for a replacement? Can you replace the front cover when it gets pitted/hazed by off-roading? Can you replace the mounting tabs if you bend them? Baja Designs has been in business for 20 years so we will be here if you need us.

4. They do not have to sell to a distributor or dealer that also has to make money on each product they sell. They do not have to have liability insurance for our litigious society. They do not have to pay workers comp, SS, medicare, provide health insurance, etc. for their employees.

5. Chinese government actively supports exporters with tax breaks and other subsidies not even counting how their government manipulates their currency to artificially keep their prices low.

Again, this response is not to bash Chinese lights, but we hear a lot of bashing of American companies’ prices. Baja Designs lights and Rigid lights are the only lights that are made in America. They are not private labeled Chinese products. I can only speak about our components – almost all of them are made in America including the LED boards. Believe me, we are not getting rich, but we get to work in an industry that we are passionate about which makes working a lot more fun.

Thanks,

BD

I cant agree with this more. I just dont understand the following these Chinese knockoffs are getting. I know cost is always a factor and obviously LED lighting is not exactly cheap but there is more to it then cost IMO.

Being local to rigid I do alot of business with them both personal and professionally and I can say that I wouldn't ever think of buying a overseas copy. Customer service has been great with them as I hear it is with BD too. I would like to see the china company support their product these these guys too

[Sirennet]

Originally Posted by BajaDesigns

Baja Designs lights and Rigid lights and Whelen Engineering lights are the only lights that are made in America.

BD

Our clients don't want to be left out

[keller]

Done with bigredkacy's lights.

[Daddy4zack]

That looks good. What did you use? All 20? Or his new lights? Or?

[keller]

Originally Posted by Daddy4zack

That looks good. What did you use? All 20? Or his new lights? Or?

yes all 20 of the metal backed ones.

[Jwlman]

Originally Posted by keller

Done with bigredkacy's lights.

I think you were looking for the DIY rock lights thread

[CRUISINFJ60]

Originally Posted by Jwlman

I think you were looking for the DIY rock lights thread

This.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

[UGET IT]

In Febuary I assited Doug Bigelow with his KOH Prep on his Ultra4 Car. I ended up installing his BajaDesigns "Squadron" LED Lights. I can speak to the unreal quality and performance of these lights 1st hand.

There are things I can skimp on but lights have never been one of them. I am installing some of BajaDesigns lights on my JK this weekend.

Here are some pictures of the Squadron and the "20" Stryker. The Stryker has amazing light output...almost unreal.

The packaging, instructions and pure end quality of these lights are amazing. Did I pay more...YES.....and gladly.

These lights have a High, Dimmed and Strobe mode. I will post more pictures later this evening its frigging raining in Maryland!

[UGET IT]

Just some random pics but you can see the quality and pride in product....loud and clear.

Kevin

[kkattfish]

Originally Posted by BajaDesigns

Why are Chinese lights so much cheaper than lights Made in America? This response is not intended to bash any Chinese light, but to explain in detail the question we have been asked many times.

marketing overseas or in the usa is a lot alike. i would love to say i buy everything made in the usa because i love our country and work hard and pay my taxes as an american citizen with children. however having multiple hobbies and children with hobbies i feel i need to reply to this post.
bash me if you must but these are just my thoughts and yes, i may be wrong on them but this is how i feel.

1. Low engineering costs – they just copy someone else’s product. Also, HANMA was definitely not out before Rigid. Rigid bought Holder Offroad in 2008. Holder Offroad produced the first LED light bar on the market.

1. Isn't a lot of American marketing and producing the same and just copying somebody else's design or idea? how many different steering setups and suspension setups are similar just as an example?

2. Inferior components – Chinese manufactures use outdated LED technology in addition to cheaper bins which means your LED light will be up to 20% dimmer than a light that is made in America. Please reference our binning thread for more information(http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...=baja+designs-). Another key component to a quality LED light is heat management. If they don’t manage the heat properly, the LEDs will get dimmer over time. Cheaper drivers which someone already mentioned. If you don’t control the current to the LED they will burn out. Ineffective sealing methods which someone already pointed out.

2. for the massive price difference i, myself would pay the cheaper rates for a slightly dimmer light that i am not racing or competing with.
until it can be tested for years i will not be able to comment on further issues or non-issues with the product.

3. No warranty or customer service costs. Can you send the unit back for a replacement? Can you replace the front cover when it gets pitted/hazed by off-roading? Can you replace the mounting tabs if you bend them? Baja Designs has been in business for 20 years so we will be here if you need us.

3. it's a 12 volt light. what kind of customer service are you referring to? 1 black ground and 1 red positive wire. i am definitely not the smartest person in this thread but i think i can figure out how to wire these lights.
warranty, now that is a good issue you bring up. once again however, i cannot comment on this until i run the lights for a few years. you have the advantage on this one, regardless of testing.

4. They do not have to sell to a distributor or dealer that also has to make money on each product they sell. They do not have to have liability insurance for our litigious society. They do not have to pay workers comp, SS, medicare, provide health insurance, etc. for their employees.

4. there are many companys that do not have to sell to a distributor or dealer but they choose to in order to make money. once again, as an american citizen i pay my insurance, social security, taxes, etc. if i can find a good deal from an overseas company and pass the savings on to other americans (without choosing to make money on it) then i have every right to do so.

5. Chinese government actively supports exporters with tax breaks and other subsidies not even counting how their government manipulates their currency to artificially keep their prices low.

5. i am not a political person, so i have no idea how the chinese government or the american government acts for that matter.
this i feel is an invalid point in this argument. if i'm wrong, then please disregard this point.

Again, this response is not to bash Chinese lights, but we hear a lot of bashing of American companies’ prices. Baja Designs lights and Rigid lights are the only lights that are made in America. They are not private labeled Chinese products. I can only speak about our components – almost all of them are made in America including the LED boards. Believe me, we are not getting rich, but we get to work in an industry that we are passionate about which makes working a lot more fun.

Thanks,

this thread is not meant to bash you or anybody for that matter but just to bring clarity to the matter at hand. the american made lights are way overpriced for the average american person 4 wheeling. if i could buy the same lights at the same price and have them american made i would in a heart beat. if it were even close, i would still buy them american made. however the price difference is almost triple the cost.
that is just not right. these big headed companies need to help out the average person and not try to get rich off of them.
that's just my 2 cents.
i'm sure i will get flamed for this but either way, have a nice day and good luck to you with your sales.

BD

my comments in red

[MaxPF]

Kkatt, do you realize that the single biggest cost for most companies is payroll? The Chinese workers making those lights are probably making around $3 per DAY working under sweatshop conditions. The only way we could make the product as cheap would be to pay our workers $3 per day, no health insurance, no 401K's, no otherworker benefits. No EPA, no OSHA, no safety standards whatsoever. Our workers would work under the same conditions and pay as the Chinese worker.

Now, would YOU be willing to work under those conditions, for that pay? I already know the answer. Yet, you and many other Americans are perfectly fine with some other poor bastard in a far-away country toiling away for a pittance under wretched working conditions just so you can get cheap shit that you probably don't really need anyway. At the same time, the American worker that once made the product here now gets to work for minimum wage in a service job, or ends up with no job at all. THAT is the reality of the American consumption of cheap imported goods.

[OttawaXJ]

Its not our business it change their working Conditions MaxPF.

What you dont understand is that although they make 3$ a day, they can live well on 3$ a day in most cases. They dont have factories setup in downtown Hong Kong. These factories are in areas that are dirt cheap to live in.

I encourage you all to travel over there and see what life is like, those 3$ a day jobs are the best thing to happen to most of those people.

I happily buy Chinese products if its significantly cheaper mostly because of the impact on my wallet but also because its nice to support a person trying to build his family and working his ass off.

I wouldn't be willing to work for less than 40$ an hour, does that make me better than anyone else? no it doesnt. You make more than they do, but they are able to live much cheaper than you do. Its a different culture and until you experience it first hand you cant understand how important those 3$ a day jobs are to these people.

PS: I buy Canadian when possible but not for 3x the price. I'd rather buy Chinese then.

[kkattfish]

you make a good point here max. unfortunately other than purchasing a product, i have nothing to do with wages or working conditions for individuals. I also realize that if i do not purchase said product then i am not helping their production.
I don't purchase everything from China, but there are also some things that i purchase that i have no idea where they are made and it may be a small item that i do not care to take the time to check it out. I do try to purchase American Made as often as possible, but there are some occasions when i do not. I still love America

Originally Posted by MaxPF

Kkatt, do you realize that the single biggest cost for most companies is payroll? The Chinese workers making those lights are probably making around $3 per DAY working under sweatshop conditions. The only way we could make the product as cheap would be to pay our workers $3 per day, no health insurance, no 401K's, no otherworker benefits. No EPA, no OSHA, no safety standards whatsoever. Our workers would work under the same conditions and pay as the Chinese worker.

Now, would YOU be willing to work under those conditions, for that pay? I already know the answer. Yet, you and many other Americans are perfectly fine with some other poor bastard in a far-away country toiling away for a pittance under wretched working conditions just so you can get cheap shit that you probably don't really need anyway. At the same time, the American worker that once made the product here now gets to work for minimum wage in a service job, or ends up with no job at all. THAT is the reality of the American consumption of cheap imported goods.

[OHV Wildcat]

Originally Posted by MaxPF

Kkatt, do you realize that the single biggest cost for most companies is payroll? The Chinese workers making those lights are probably making around $3 per DAY working under sweatshop conditions. The only way we could make the product as cheap would be to pay our workers $3 per day, no health insurance, no 401K's, no otherworker benefits. No EPA, no OSHA, no safety standards whatsoever. Our workers would work under the same conditions and pay as the Chinese worker.

Now, would YOU be willing to work under those conditions, for that pay? I already know the answer. Yet, you and many other Americans are perfectly fine with some other poor bastard in a far-away country toiling away for a pittance under wretched working conditions just so you can get cheap shit that you probably don't really need anyway. At the same time, the American worker that once made the product here now gets to work for minimum wage in a service job, or ends up with no job at all. THAT is the reality of the American consumption of cheap imported goods.

Ha! Ok, guess what-those workers willingly work those conditions. Obviously, they're desperate. But you seem to suggest they'd be better off without those jobs. If that were the case, they wouldn't deal with the conditions.

To be clear, it's obvious that those people live a life of difficulty that I can't fathom. I feel for them. The best thing that I can do for them is to let them be. Let them earn what they can, where they can. Don't try to cut off trade with their country because our workers don't get to live as well as they would like to.

Sent from my phone