I think some of the newer LED headlamps are significantly better than the older ones in terms of beam patterns.
For example, the Auxito Q16 9004 bulbs I've been using in both my 940s for almost a year now produce an excellent beam pattern in the 940 headlamp reflectors designed for those crappy Halogen 9004 bulbs. There's a decent horizontal cutoff line and a decent hot spot, although the hotspot is slightly higher than a Halogen. The left/right beam cutoff angle is all about the reflector design, not the bulb.
My only issue with the LED headlamps is them being too bright for oncoming traffic and not being anywhere near street legal.
Because the hotspot is a little high and because they're so bright, I've dropped mine down a little below the horizontal spec in order to reduce blinding oncoming drivers and having them flash at me. It still gives me excellent visibility down the road, especially in oncoming traffic, and high beam still lights up the horizon.
The second problem with LEDs in our large reflectors is that the SMD wafer naturally makes for a vertical dark line when looking at the headlights (it doesn't affect beam pattern), so when oncoming traffic sees what looks like four bulbs coming at them then you get flashed.
--
Dave -still with 940's, prev 740/240/140/120 You'd think I'd have learned by now
|