HID 5000k or 6000k?
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531 Posts
I got the 6000 I like them a lot. A slight hint of blue.
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My 5k's give just the "right" hint of blue, IMHO, without being either obnoxious, or - degradation of good visual useful light, which as mentioned - once getting much above 4.5k, starts to make it counter productive to the REAL reasoning you should be getting HID's in the 1st place anyway, right? ...Which is, TO SEE (better) 
- Hello.
You can tell right away they're HID's, without having to be "showy" or ricey about it. Like I say - just right. My "vote": 5k's. FWIW. YMMV. Just one of those personal preference things.
If you're buying 'em for improved visibility - going much higher than 5k is defeating the purpose (and the benefit). Buying 'em to "look cool"? - Even the 6k's then aren't even as blue as a new Audi. But that is more reflectors in the Audi than it is the bulb/light temp, which was constructed FOR the HID's. To get even as "blue" as factory stock reflector (which most are 4.x k)HID's, you have to trade off usable light to accomplish it. Not worth "chasing" if you ask me (and you did!) Get the HID's to improve your visibility, and stay within 5k. JMO.
- Hello.You can tell right away they're HID's, without having to be "showy" or ricey about it. Like I say - just right. My "vote": 5k's. FWIW. YMMV. Just one of those personal preference things.
If you're buying 'em for improved visibility - going much higher than 5k is defeating the purpose (and the benefit). Buying 'em to "look cool"? - Even the 6k's then aren't even as blue as a new Audi. But that is more reflectors in the Audi than it is the bulb/light temp, which was constructed FOR the HID's. To get even as "blue" as factory stock reflector (which most are 4.x k)HID's, you have to trade off usable light to accomplish it. Not worth "chasing" if you ask me (and you did!
) Get the HID's to improve your visibility, and stay within 5k. JMO.
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393 Posts
slightly off topic- but does the improved output outweigh the increased weight of the ballasts etc?
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377 Posts
I have a set of 5000k and would probably want lower color temperature. Its white with a tint of blue noticed in the high beams. They are a 55w set of obnoxiously bright white beacons of light that bounce off road signs creating a blinding pattern of rectangles lining the road. On the other hand, it is an awesome feature to have out in the country side. Deer, possum, even squirrel will win battles against our sensitive front clam and I need anything light up their eyes for a heads up. The 5000k 55w lamps are amazingly bright and great safety feature.
IMO the blue is a bit overplayed and associated with fake carbon fiber. An increased wattage will make up for the less visibility of the 6000k and it may not be as blue as the ricer crap I am imagining.
IMO the blue is a bit overplayed and associated with fake carbon fiber. An increased wattage will make up for the less visibility of the 6000k and it may not be as blue as the ricer crap I am imagining.
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5,529 Posts
All stock HID's are 4300K, which is going to give you the most Lumens (re: ability to see). The 5000K's are probably the best compromise of output and color, and the 6000K's are the most common, but suffer much more rain problems than the 4300K's.
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If you drive in the rain, I'd strongly suggest that you get 5000K or lower.
If you drive in the rain, I'd strongly suggest that you get 5000K or lower.
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1,268 Posts
Having 6000k HIDs installed on my Lotus for about 2 years now, I would recommend getting 5000k or 4500k. I helped another member here install HIDs recently, based on my recommendation he went with 5000k and we really liked the light output from his HIDs much better. I may even go down to 4500k when I swap mine out.
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580 Posts
If you like actually seeing things while driving at night, yes. They could weigh 20 pounds and still be worth it.
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12,215 Posts
100% correct. Plus, funny.
Isn't the point to see best @ night? Do we spend lots of time looking at our own headlights? No, I'm not willing to give up vision to impress some imaginary bystander. :shrug:
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You guys need to start doing a search.
"Color" of your lights has been talked about forever... (try to be around 4.3K unless you don't want to see - blue actually reduces what you see from your lights because of the way your eyes perceive vision). A search will turn up a lot of threads about this.
Driving Lights - First they are NOT fog lights - they are auxiliary long range high beams and are VERY bright. Don't even think about aftermarket - the factory kit is reasonably priced, is designed for the car, has all the mounting brackets, relay, wring, and even a new dash panel with switch. And again, this has been discussed over and over again - try a search.
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Sir, you are a more patient man than I. [sigh]
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403 Posts
i install hid kits (about 3-4 a month for 2 years) most people like the 6k...however i have found that on a projector style light the hid's appear more blue so 5k would be ok.
i have found on like chevy trucks the 5k lights dont look as good but do put out alot of light, not a sacrifice to go 6k imo
i have found on like chevy trucks the 5k lights dont look as good but do put out alot of light, not a sacrifice to go 6k imo
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