Ok folks, I respect most of you (haha jk) so I would love your input on this subject.

I am looking to get HID headlights. My TCH is black. What color temp should I get?

My goal is simple: I hate the light output of the halogens. They are way too dim or maybe because this is a car I am just too used to having the appearance of more light from driving trucks. Either way, I want more light. Secondary, I want a nice professional look.

 

it seems to be brand dependent. Most people say 4300k, which is a yellowish-white light. 5000k is more of a pure white and 6000k is a blueish-white.

Biologically speaking, our eyes are able to see the 4300k better. 5000k is a nice clean white light, but it can be too strong for many eyes. 6000k with it's blueish tint is actually more reflective on road signs and such. Also, the lower the temp, the higher the light output is. though when you are already putting out 3x more than stock, you shouldn't be worried about that.

Personally, I don't like the yellow look of 4300k, and it kind of hurts my eyes. So for me, it's a toss up between 5000k and 6000k. I actually have both 5000k and 6000k sitting on my work bench waiting to be installed... but that's still a week away when I get back from vacation.

 

Thanks David.

When you mentioned 6000k reflects off signs more, do you mean that in a good way or a bad way?

When it comes to my home, I use CFLs everywhere. Now I understand this is obviously not the same as HIDs, but, I do know that I cannot stand the blueish white CFLs for room lighting (6500k+). I do not know how much that is a factor in the auto environment.

I also feel a little turned off by 4300k, but am open to suggestion. I can always get a different bulb if I don't like it.

As far as brand, I am looking at getting them from Mobile HID.

Thanks again and have a great vacation!
Mike

 

If you want to "impress" oncoming drivers then use something other than 4300K. If, on the other hand, you are more interested in personal safety aspect of good night vision then choose 4300K.

 

The 6000k reflecting more is a good thing. If you look closely at a stop sign, you will notice a lot of little blueish flecks in the reflection material. Those, along with the white are reflected VERY well with 6000k as well as 5000k. If you can find them, try 5500k it's a nice happy medium.

As for personal safety... 4300k is better for normal night vision. However, people like me who have hyper-sensitive eyes, the 6000k often are better - when the color a little more soothing on the eyes, where as the 4300k can be very over-whelming.

 

Thanks David and Willard.

 

I have the 4300k. They work fine and don't attract the boys with the nasty note pad. I work in the lighting business and there are lots of studies about color and vision. Some bulb manufacturers report higher lumen output at the lower temperature. There is good reason why auto manufacturers mostly supply 4300k in new cars. I got mine from Velocity Getter a year ago and have not had any trouble.

 

Thanks for the thoughts Phil!