pafixitman
Registered User
You know, I wonder how much the change in the design of headlights has effected the light output and pattern. I've noticed on the 2 vehicles that I have that use the conventional 900X "halogen" bulb seem to be so much brighter than the old seal beams, or early composite 900X headlights. (My Infiniti isn't a fair comparison since it has factory HID headlights).
I think the clear "flat" lens and faceted mirrors have something to do with it. All the OEM's switched to this style, so there must be a reason this change was made. Aiming the light with the mirror, instead of just reflecting it to be bent again to aim it at the lens. Changing the direction of light does add some attenuation. Good example is fiber optics. Every connector, bend in the fiber, splice takes some of the power of the light beam away. So manipulating the the light twice would reduce the light, even if it's just a tiny bit. Then throw in a fogged/cloudy/yellowed lens and now you usable light "outside" the housing is now less.
Not to hijack the original thread but IMHO design is now playing a huge part. I drive 121 miles one way leaving at 4:45 am. This time of the year I am driving in the dark pretty much both ways. Combination of highway and back roads. The new super duties with their C shaped stacked headlight on low kill me! I run into enough of them that it is not aftermarket / modified / hi beams. I have my own opinion on modified headlights. I give kudos to Brian for trying to make them as legal as possible. I run into enough non DOT approved lights on my commute it is not even funny.