Optic Types

Dapper Lighting offers a range of Optic Types for different needs. The top of the line will be the 30 Watt LED because of its combination of brightness, reliability, and efficiency, but you can read below for more information on the different options.

30 Watt LED Bulbs:

• Very energy efficient, drawing approximately 2.4 amps per bulb.
• Over 3x brighter than halogen with a longer projected lifespan
• They produce a bright, crisp light output and are designed to mimic the color temperature of natural daylight, improving visibility for drivers (5000K output).
• Covered by a Dapper Lighting 5 year warranty

13 Watt LED Bulbs:

• Extremely energy efficient, drawing approximately 1.1 amps per bulb.
• Over 2x brighter than halogen with a longer projected lifespan
• They produce a bright, crisp light output and are designed to mimic the color temperature of natural daylight, improving visibility for drivers (5000K output).
• Covered by a Dapper Lighting 5 year warranty

Halogen Bulbs:

• Halogen bulbs have been a traditional choice for automotive headlights for many years.
• They provide a bright, yellow-ish white light that is suitable for illuminating the road ahead.
• While they are widely used, newer technologies like LEDs are becoming increasingly popular due to their higher efficiency, brighter output, and longer lifespan.
• Covered by a Dapper Lighting 1 year warranty

HID Bulbs:

• Has an in-rush current draw of ≈ 8 amps and a steady state current draw of ≈ 3.5 amps
• Over 4x brighter than halogen with a longer projected lifespan
• Requires a relay harness in most vehicles
• HID headlights, also known as "xenon" use High-Intensity Discharge technology to produce bright light.
• They offer superior brightness compared to halogen bulbs and have a longer lifespan.
• HID headlights were popular in luxury vehicles and high-performance cars, but their usage has declined with the rise of LED technology due to factors like energy efficiency, sensitivity, and instant illumination.
• Covered by a Dapper Lighting 5 year warranty

In recent years, LED headlights have become increasingly prevalent in automotive applications due to their combination of brightness, energy efficiency, and longevity. However, halogen bulbs are still commonly found in many vehicles, especially in older models or vehicles with budget constraints. HID headlights, while still in use, are becoming less common as LED technology continues to advance.

Keep in mind, many manufacturers will make claims about the theoretical brightness (such as lumen ratings) of an LED chip, however with real world constraints such as thermal throttling (heat limitations), the measured light output will be significantly less. You may ask, "Well, how do I truly know how bright the bulb is, and what numbers can I trust?". Unfortunately, the equipment needed to measure the effective brightness of the entire beam pattern is extremely expensive, and therefore those numbers can be tough to find. This is where purchasing from a reputable brand can make a difference and save you from some headaches.

Another important factor to consider is that the bulb is just one component of the entire lighting system. The design and implementation of the bulb into the housing is where the performance is truly determined. That is why Dapper Lighting uses projector technology. If you’d like to learn more about that, click here.

If you have additional questions, please shoot us an email at support@dapperlighting.com.