RECTANGULAR or ROUND driving lights - huh????

[pauluow]

Ok, this is most likely really easy - BUT what is the advantage of rectangular or round driving lights?? Eg im looking at IPF XS Sport and the 800 is square 900 round both the same globe/price/everything, except shape - what do I buy?? Thanks

[ludacris]

I would have thought rectangular lights were better but I guess it comes down to which one takes your fancy.

LudaCris

[GUJohnno]

4WD Monthly did a test on numerous spot lights a few years ago and found that generally the round lights put out the best light.

[pauluow]

Thanks for that GUJohnno.. I was kinda leaning toward round anyway as the car lights are round and I figured with a round reflector surface shape the light would be more direct?? Maybe??

[HotFourOk]

I think the rectangular lights tend to produce more of a spread beam, due to the longer sides, whereas a round light tends to be more concentrated (except if there is a diffuser on the lens).
I have also heard rectangular lights can suffer from dark spots coming from the corners of the lamps.

Personally, i would go round lights for my main driving lights.

[Shadow]

round is better as you have an even and consistant reflector.

[pauluow]

Well, it sound like the crowd has spoken (small crowd, but hey) anyway, to answer my own question - I have contacted people elsewhere and just to let people kNOW - IPF basically says there is no difference in any of the light specs, only the asthetics of the lights to match cars with rectangular mains or round mains - although some independent testing seems to suggest that round does seem to perfore (SLIGHTLY) better in round lights - due to the symmetrical nature of the reflectors - hope thats OK for everyone....

Cheers,

Paul

[Turbz]

Square lights can also fit in spots that round lights of the same specs, can not. If you want better air flow you can mount square lights on the lower bar, or on roof ( minimizing height over round lights )

[GUJohnno]

4WD Montly - May 2000 - Driving Light Comparison

Some say that round lights are more efficient, as a rectangular light is simpily a round light with the top and bottom missing.
However, some rectangular units outperpormed their round brothers quite brilliantly.

Comments on the IPF 800SC recangular lights

This solidly built duo performed better than their round counterparts, with very good long range illumination.

(end quotes)

Guess my memory wasn't as good as I thought....

[Zute]

What do the WRC Rally cars use ? Theres your answer.

[GQ Bear]

What do the WRC Rally cars use ? Theres your answer.

Hella Rallye 4000 (round)

personally i reckon it comes down to how a light will suit your fourby. Generally if the headlights are round, go round. If the headlights are rectangular like an 80series, then rectangular look better.

[Ruffy]

It depends on what you want from your lights. A round reflector will out perform a rectangle reflector if you are looking for long distance lighting.
If you are looking for a good off road spread the rectangle will out perform an equivelent round reflector.
I have rectangle IPF's with HID inserts and they are great off road.