Best Old-School Off-Road Lights
KC HiLiTES Daylighter 238
These are the modern versions of the first off-road lights that KC made in the 1960s. The classic look of a round housing and a single bulb (now halogen instead of incandescent) can be shielded by bright yellow plastic lens covers that read “KC DAYLIGHTER” (but at a distance, they look like a smiley face). But it’s not all style. Each 100-watt lamp throws off 2,452 lumens. The rugged construction comes backed with lifetime warranty on the lens and housing. And the price is hard to beat. The few customer complaints are that the lights are not DOT-certified, tend to produce a yellowish beam and that while the lights and switch are of high quality, the wiring connectors are not.
Best Low-Profile Off-Road Lights
Rigid Industries SR-Series Pro 30-inch
If keeping a low profile is a priority, the Rigid Industries SR-Series Pro is a terrific choice. Six inches tall and six inches deep, this 30-inch-wide LED light bar can fit in narrow spaces such as the area between the grille and front bumper of a vehicle, or where a roof rack meets the windshield. Its light output of 18,810 lumens is among the best out there. The bar weighs only 12 pounds, is fully waterproof and comes with a lifetime warranty. While significantly less expensive than the KC HiLiTES Pro6, this is still a pricey setup.
Best Contemporary Pod-Style Off Road Lights
Baja Designs Squadron Pro
Simple looks, advanced lighting and a reasonable price come together to make the Baja Designs Squadron Pro a top choice for off-road lights. Each of the two lights contains four LEDs, producing 4,600 lumens per light. Baja Designs has chosen a color temperature of 5,000K, close to natural daylight, which the manufacturer claims can reduce driver fatigue. The lights are fully submersible, weigh only 12 ounces each and the optics and lenses are replaceable through the manufacturer. User-reported downsides are an installation that requires some wire cutting. A handful of owners also say they’ve received lesser Baja Design models shipped in Squadron Pro boxes and some complain of parts issues.
Best Budget Off-Road Lights
Hella Value Fit 500
Hella has been producing headlamps and driving lights for more than 100 years. The strong points of the Value Fit 500 are in its name. The lamps (LED clusters mounted in two small pods) are very reasonably priced and the size of the units combined with its pedestal mount allows the lights to fit in places many others won’t. Available as driving lights (1,080 lumens) or spotlights (3,090 lumens), both feature a 6,000K color temperature, which is close to the natural daylight spectrum. Cooling ribs dissipate heat and the Hellas consume very little power. Downsides reported by owners are a one-year warranty, poorly-written instructions and a flimsy-feeling switch.
