Seriously, are some H7 headlight bulbs better than others?

[Fatherless One]

Hi lads (and ladies),

I need to buy some new headlight bulbs as a headlight is out/blown (55w H7 halogens) 4300k white.

I've been using cheap ebay bulbs for $10 a pair, but am considering some better bulbs (Philips Crystalvision), I've just been on Suercheap's website and they're $109 (the add says each, or is that the pair?)

Philips Headlight Globes - Crystal Vision, H7, 55W - Supercheap Auto Australia

Are there differences in quality between bulbs? (apart from colour), are there any less expensive options, other retailers etc?

Your input is valued as usual.

Good luck on the Melbourne Cup today too

[team_v]

I use Osram Rally's (55W H7's) off ebay and they have been flawless.

[Fatherless One]

This looks like a good deal:

Philips Crystal Vision H7 (Twin) | PowerBulbs

[Diesel_vert]

The blue coating is designed to filter out the yellow spectrum, but this also decreases total luminous flux (as one would expect a filter to do), so the bulb has to burn hotter and brighter to compensate, with a corresponding decrease in lifespan.

I would expect bulbs made by OE suppliers, such as Osram or Philips, to have more stringent quality control standards. It would fair to expect less of a decrease in lifespan compared to other brands - but the laws of physics are not easily overcome.

Alternatively, the lifespan can remain unchanged and simply operate with reduced overall light output. However, such bulbs are not approved for usage on the public highway if they are not bright enough, as the ECE specification for a category H7 filament lamp has a reference luminous flux of 1500 lm at 13.2 V with a tolerance of +/- 10%.

The other thing to keep in mind is that different bulbs are manufactured with a different balance of luminance and lifespan, depending on the target market.

For instance, Philips' range of X-tremeVision bulbs sacrifice some lifespan for best output, whereas Philips's range of EcoVision bulbs sacrifice some output for best lifespan. It is all about finding the right bulb for your own needs.

[Fatherless One]

Thanks Diesel_vert,

Interesting and makes complete sense, I've gone ahead and ordered some philips Crystal Vision 4300.

Looking forward to fitting them.

[nat225]

I have used Philips Extreme Vision, Osram Nightbreaker and now using Crystal Vision Ultra.

Bought from Amazon:
Amazon.com: Philips H7 CrystalVision Ultra Headlight Bulb, Pack of 2: Automotive

On my Tiguan, due to the higher position of the headlights, all of the give good light better than OEM Osram bulbs..

[Fatherless One]

These are what I bought:

Philips H7 Crystal Vision 4300K With Parking Lights | eBay

[Mattlock]

I replaced my (ageing) OEM bulbs with Philips Extreme Vision bulbs from powerbulbs.co.uk and was really happy with the cost and the performance.

[brad]

Powerbulbs - half any AU price & quick delivery with free W5W bulbs. Great value

[nick_mk1]

Philips are the way to go!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mr gee]

Extreme vision the way to go

Philips X-tremeVision | Auto Express

[Melts75]

06 Jetta 09 Tiguan and now my Passat. Sadly they all have crap headlights. I'm running the Phillips Extreme 200% (I think). Some improvement there

[mummbles]

How are you guys finding the longevity of the Phillips bulbs?
Twice I had Phillips Extremes in my commodore and both times they failed within 5 months.
Replaced with the Narva equivalents and never had an issue again.

[Transporter]

I'm happy with the Osram Nightbreakers.

[golfi_vend]

Swapped my xenon's for Osram Night Breaker Unlimited Xenarc and high beams for Night breaker unlimited H7.
My non-VW uses Osram NBU in high beam(h1) and I'm extremely happy of the light output.

Although I wouldn't recommend high output bulbs in non DRL car cause they have low life when using continuously.