Question about light bar bulbs

[shortstop2828]

Hey all, the stock bulbs in my light bar are H3 12V 35W as I am sure you all know. My question is should I stay with the stock bulbs or can I change to a higher wattage or kind of bulb? What I mean by different kind is xenon or plasma vs halogen. The xenon and plasma are both rated for at least twice the life of the halogen but are also rated at higher wattages. Is there a potential problem going to a different bulb with a higher wattage and if not what is the max watts you all would recommend. Thanks Rudy

 

[Kmutt]

I went with the PIAA star white bulbs and that made a huge difference.......They only draw 35w (same as the stock bubl) but put out 55w or around there.....point is....there is no more draw on your electrical system but you get a brighter light......Also changed my headlight as well.....at the time it costs me about 80 -90 bucks for all three but well worth it.....just search the internet for the best price....good luck!

mutt

 

[shortstop2828]

Thanks for the reply KMutt.

 

[rainman]

im using 55watt in mine from advance auto

 

[HellFire]

I would assume they are like the fog lights and made entirely of metal. I would think twice about it if they were plastic, my fog's get way too hot to touch with the stock bulbs. ouch!

 

[GPMAZ]

I've used Nokya Hyper Yellow 55 w bulbs for a couple of years, no problems. The yellow bulbs are quite noticeable in a sea of white lights.

 

[muleskinner]

As I don't ride at night, I change mine out to the clear, non fluted, Amber replacement bulbs from JP Cycle sales. The Amber bulbs are much easier for oncoming traffic to see during the day than the white bulbs. I got the idea from seeing HD bikes coming at me on the road. The one's with clear passing lamps were just so so as far as increased visibility. The one's with Amber passing lights really showed up and were much easier to see. As safety is the only reason I run my passing lamps during the day, I want the color that really "Pops" out there. Plus they look great.

 

[muleskinner]

I've used Nokya Hyper Yellow 55 w bulbs for a couple of years, no problems. The yellow bulbs are quite noticeable in a sea of white lights.

I just ordered a pair from high performance bulbs .com Cheaper than new lamps from JP Cycles. After thinking about it, they should be brighter than the replacement old style bulbs from JP Cycle. See I learn something new every day.