MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: broncos11 on July 03, 2017, 05:34:27 PM
-
Okay can somebody shed some light on the fact that is it true ARB products are 10 times better than anything else??
ARB Intensity LED spots $1900.00 fitted
4WD Supercentre 9" LED spots and 22" LED bar free postage $189.00
Can somebody with far more knowledge than me explain the difference here please. Are they that inferior??
https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/specials/supa-combo-deals/pair-of-9-round-led-driving-lights-22-led-light-bar.html (https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/specials/supa-combo-deals/pair-of-9-round-led-driving-lights-22-led-light-bar.html)
-
I got a quote from ARB for the suspension for my Cruiser, that's as far as it went after reading the price.
-
I'm unashamedly a massive ARB fan so my opinion will be biased ;D ... there's no doubt that ARB charge accordingly for their products, they market themselves extremely well & produce industry leading gear. 4WDSC are at the other end of the equation, their products may work, they may not work or they may work for a while. Luck of the draw. In comparing those two lighting systems you're not comparing apples with apples, some would be prepared to gamble on the junk that is 4WDSC while others wouldn't. Compare feedback from people who have had the gear on their cars for 5+ years, I doubt too many people will have had anything from 4WDSC last that long, ARB could be expected to last significantly longer. People have varying budgets too, some can't justify or afford ARB prices.
-
I'm unashamedly a massive ARB fan so my opinion will be biased ;D ... there's no doubt that ARB charge accordingly for their products, they market themselves extremely well & produce industry leading gear. 4WDSC are at the other end of the equation, their products may work, they may not work or they may work for a while. Luck of the draw. In comparing those two lighting systems you're not comparing apples with apples, some would be prepared to gamble on the junk that is 4WDSC while others wouldn't. Compare feedback from people who have had the gear on their cars for 5+ years, I doubt too many people will have had anything from 4WDSC last that long, ARB could be expected to last significantly longer. People have varying budgets too, some can't justify or afford ARB prices.
Thanks mate. Probably should have worded my thread so it didn't look like I was bagging ARB as such, which wasn't my real intention. More the fact that a nuffy like me doeesn't really understand why there is such a huge difference in price, bearing in mind that I could replace the cheaper version every 2 years for the next 20 years for the same price??
-
It's like anything, there's a low, mid and high point in the market. Are you prepared to buy something cheaper and potentially have it not fit for purpose. Or do you spend the $$$ and have the R&D, warranty, AU wide support etc. It's your consumer choice. One thing is for sure, you won't continue in business selling cheap. Look at how 'premium' Ironman has made itself these days. I'm an ARB fan and couldn't justify the $$$ for ARB lights, so I went with a mid level light. However, if I needed a front bar the only place I would go is ARB.
-
Okay can somebody shed some light on the fact that is it true ARB products are 10 times better than anything else??
ARB Intensity LED spots $1900.00 fitted
4WD Supercentre 9" LED spots and 22" LED bar free postage $189.00
Can somebody with far more knowledge than me explain the difference here please. Are they that inferior??
https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/specials/supa-combo-deals/pair-of-9-round-led-driving-lights-22-led-light-bar.html (https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/specials/supa-combo-deals/pair-of-9-round-led-driving-lights-22-led-light-bar.html)
1 of them you can get your lights when you order (actually go in and pick them up) without a nightmare of dealing with them, and endless emails then the flood of spam..
`the other is 4wdSC...
Fwiw, I'd want someone to shoot me if I paid $1900 for spotties. Plenty of good options for less than 1/2 that ... They also sell well at the pub after they are stolen.
Agree with Jamie on the bullbar
-
Thanks mate. Probably should have worded my thread so it didn't look like I was bagging ARB as such, which wasn't my real intention. More the fact that a nuffy like me doeesn't really understand why there is such a huge difference in price, bearing in mind that I could replace the cheaper version every 2 years for the next 20 years for the same price??
All good. I can't be much help on lights, I don't have them. But I've been around forums long enough to have heard so much vitriol about 4WDSC, poor customer service, no warranty back up, phone calls & emails get ignored, delivery times are an abomination etc. Its a gamble.
-
My light bar - bought from ebay for ~$50 works perfectly; Mounted on an ARB Colour coded bar with a Runva Winch.
Mix and match. For some things ARB prices are a joke - for others I would pay but the bar was within $100 of the Opposite Lock equivalent and looks far better.
-
Hi Broncos11, I have had both ARB and TJM steel bull bars could not tell the difference they did the job, Hate to hit a big Roo with both to me made to light, and both were rusty after 4 to 6 years, As for there light please $1900 you got to be joking, I have one Hella 4000 with a 100watt payed $50 for it of Gumtree, And I found a FYRLYT spotty laying on the road it has a 150 Xenophot bulb simply the best bulbed spotty I have had on any 4wd so far, for range and brightness, Craig
-
I personally wouldn't pay that much for lights, but a mate bought the ARB led spotties not long after they first came out. I actually thought he had bought some more recently when I saw them on a new vehicle he had just got. He said nope same ones, 3rd vehicle they've been transfered too. Still going strong and look like new years later.
So many options light wise these days, expensive ain't necessarily the best and cheap ain't necessarily the worst.
Bar wise Ive found ARB to be pretty good, especially with colour coded bars.
-
I bought ARB gear as a newby mainly because there was a local branch, they had the advertising and the reputation and I didn't know enough to evaluate other options. Every thing I bought is still going strong 5 - 7 years later.
The only ARB product I feel it would be fair for me to comment on is their fridge. So far I have owned ARB, Engel and Ironman fridges. I would rate the ARB the best of that group.
-
It's like anything, there's a low, mid and high point in the market. Are you prepared to buy something cheaper and potentially have it not fit for purpose. Or do you spend the $$$ and have the R&D, warranty, AU wide support etc. It's your consumer choice. One thing is for sure, you won't continue in business selling cheap. Look at how 'premium' Ironman has made itself these days. I'm an ARB fan and couldn't justify the $$$ for ARB lights, so I went with a mid level light. However, if I needed a front bar the only place I would go is ARB.
I used to think the same, but got quoted $4800 for my Amarok bar
Ironman sold me a deluxe winch bar for $850, $150 to have it painted the same as my truck and $150 fitting
( I will say that I wasn't happy with the finished fitting, but that was the local installer, I refitted it myself and am very happy with the bar. I have since parked up next to a genuine ARB deluxe winch bar and compared, other than my bar has a winch cradle(a plus in my eyes) I can't see anything structurally different with the actual bar
Lloyd
-
l hav an ARB bulbar on my Paj with the ARB badge in the insert ,, that has been sprayed black over to cover the brand . :laugh: :cheers:
My Rig my choice :cheers:
-
lol
I would have another arb, just can't see why my disco arb bar was 1800, yet my Amarok was going to be $4800 only 2 years later, both were deluxe winch bars
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
(http://bbsimg.ngfiles.com/1/19808000/ngbbs4a84bbe8311c9.jpg)
-
Quality gear from a innovative Australian company. I wouldn't pay the amount for the lights but that is because I no longer do the night driving to warrant the expense. In fact on my current 4wd I am happy with no driving lights and may consider a Narva LED light upgrade as a compromise.
The most of my gear has been sourced from ARB through a great franchise at Calboolutre. I am happy to use ARB as my 1st choice. I am also happy to buy other quality gear from the likes of Rhino,redarc,and small operators like Kaon over the stuff that Supa-centre sell. In saying that I do have a kings RTT.
If I had a 10-15 year old 4wd I probably would throw the supa-centre gear on it, but not on a new $xx thousand dollar vehicle.
I am also biased to ARB as I was wise enough to buy shares many years ago not that long after listing and today those shares are now worth a lot more.
-
Similar to Rags in that I had at the time of purchase a nearly $60k vehicle and I wanted quality gear. I am a big ARB fan and think a huge percentage of their bar work suits the vehicle lines more than other bar brands. I have a fair bit of kit that is either ARB branded or sourced from ARB eg Safari, OME, Rhino, IPF etc.
Would I pay for the ARB LED lights. Not on your life but I have been really interested in the 4WDSC units for a long time but have yet to see them in the flesh to compare to the ARB ones. Also their awnings interest me as well.
D4D made a good point on price points and you really need to assess the risk. I have an ARB fridge. People say you can buy multiple cheaper fridges and still be in front but if you are in the middle of the Simpson and your cheap fridge packs it in and spoils all your food are you going to say that is OK I will buy another and still save money. Same with winches.
Another side to the argument is does anyone remember Hyundai in the mid '90s and the quality of their product. Look at them now.
-
Twist
ARB's logo is far better than any of it's competitors ;D
I dont like any yellow logo, it looks cheap >:D with the exception of lightforce, a true aussie icon in its logo ;D
Kangaroo's on wheels just dont do it for me nor do any other silly pictures of steroid load animals or monsters >:D
Royalty logo looks desperate >:D
etc, etc
ARB show girls are truly the cream of the crop............I could never afford one of them.
;D
-
Some logos are also confused. I was stopped at the lights opposite Ironman HQ yesterday. My son says 'why do they have hulk when it says ironman' :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
Some logos are also confused. I was stopped at the lights opposite Ironman HQ yesterday. My son says 'why do they have hulk when it says ironman' :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
That's gold! I'd pay that.
-
I used to think the same, but got quoted $4800 for my Amarok bar
Ironman sold me a deluxe winch bar for $850, $150 to have it painted the same as my truck and $150 fitting
( I will say that I wasn't happy with the finished fitting, but that was the local installer, I refitted it myself and am very happy with the bar. I have since parked up next to a genuine ARB deluxe winch bar and compared, other than my bar has a winch cradle(a plus in my eyes) I can't see anything structurally different with the actual bar
Lloyd
My boy has a new Colorado (not that I'm disowning him ..........yet........... >:D ;D ). He researched his bar and sidesteps. After recovering from the ARB price, he found out that ARB and TJM (and a couple of other sole bulbar manufacturers) are the only ones who test and have tested airbag compatibility. This includes side airbag with sidesteps and brush bars. Let's just say, he's saved his sheckles and went with a certified brand. The cheap copies (and that's all they are) and backyard mate of a mate who owns a welder are just that. COPIES.
Your choice as to your own safety and wallet.............
-
My boy has a new Colorado (not that I'm disowning him ..........yet........... >:D ;D ). He researched his bar and sidesteps. After recovering from the ARB price, he found out that ARB and TJM (and a couple of other sole bulbar manufacturers) are the only ones who test and have tested airbag compatibility. This includes side airbag with sidesteps and brush bars. Let's just say, he's saved his sheckles and went with a certified brand. The cheap copies (and that's all they are) and backyard mate of a mate who owns a welder are just that. COPIES.
Your choice as to your own safety and wallet.............
And that there is often the biggest difference in price you are paying for the R&D certification etc
Yes the lights may be overkill but when it comes to bar work on the modern vehicle ARB is one of the few if only that i trust that the R&D has been completed correctly and when kitting out fleet vehicles we get certificates of compliance produced on demand and not vague stories of computer simulated testing.
-
It's hard to be too critical of ARB, sure they ask a lot but for the most part they sell quality products that are well fitted, on the other side is that they have invited into the marketplace plenty of competitors, ie TJM, Opposite Lock, Ironman etc who largely exist because people aren't prepared to pay the ARB tax. It's the old story, they are sitting ducks in the marketplace but they have made it that way.
-
Thanks people.
as mentioned, it wasn't my intention to have a go at ARB products. I love there stuff and if and when I get a new vehicle, I dare say there will be a lot of ARB product on it. My question was, and I probably should have been a bit clearer, is there obvious reasons as to why lighting products around the middle of that $1700.00 price gap shouldn't be considered. And maybe get an idea of alternatives from members. I fully get quality of bullbars, safety gear etc are a totally different story.
-
As many has said, ARB gear are good except for the price.
I have an ARB bar. Why? Same reason as others has said already: tested.
It depends on what you buy. If it is safety, go for the good stuff.
If it's nice to have, you can go for the cheap brands.
-
Thanks people.
as mentioned, it wasn't my intention to have a go at ARB products. I love there stuff and if and when I get a new vehicle, I dare say there will be a lot of ARB product on it. My question was, and I probably should have been a bit clearer, is there obvious reasons as to why lighting products around the middle of that $1700.00 price gap shouldn't be considered. And maybe get an idea of alternatives from members. I fully get quality of bullbars, safety gear etc are a totally different story.
Again, It's the same old chestnut..............Quality, R&D, warranty (if any), customer service/satisfaction and product knowledge.
Too many of the cheap lights dazzle you with lumens and wattage output. Reputable brands again , test their product and can give you knowledge as to what lux at what distance.
NOT COPY a product that has gone through the hard yards developing their product.
Remember when Lightforce were the ducks nuts in incandescent lighting even shooting their product with a shottie, they still are at the forefront of lighting development with HID and LED technology however, so many have copied their lights. Like Hella et al, the can and do give you lux figures NOT watt or lumen output!
-
I bought ARB gear as a newby mainly because there was a local branch, they had the advertising and the reputation and I didn't know enough to evaluate other options. Every thing I bought is still going strong 5 - 7 years later.
The only ARB product I feel it would be fair for me to comment on is their fridge. So far I have owned ARB, Engel and Ironman fridges. I would rate the ARB the best of that group.
ARB don't make fridges, Waeco make the ARB fridge and the Ironman fridge as well as the 4WDSC fridge 8)
I am fairly sure ARB don't make a lot of the stuff you see apart from maybe lockers and bar work, even the bar work is rumoured to be done in Thailand nowadays, I could be wrong though, I often am :D
I have an Opposite lock bar, has been great so far, I've had a couple of strikes, it's come out with no damage and protected the car, I'll put a big thumbs up for lightforce spotties, tuff as and was hit by an EMU and not a mark, just a bit of blood and a few feathers on them and the bar.
-
Redback, ARB freely admit they have a production facility in Thailand.
-
Redback, ARB freely admit they have a production facility in Thailand.
So is it totally done there now, they did at one point have it so only exported bar work was from Thailand and for the local market it was made here.
-
ARB bars, lockers & associated bits are made in their factory at Kilsyth in Melbourne, you can do a tour & see it all being made. While some smaller items are made OS, the bars etc are not made in Thailand.
-
Haven't asked them specifically.
But this is on their website.
https://www.arb.com.au/products/protection-equipment/bull-bars-frontal-protection/ (https://www.arb.com.au/products/protection-equipment/bull-bars-frontal-protection/)
-
lol
I would have another arb, just can't see why my disco arb bar was 1800, yet my Amarok was going to be $4800 only 2 years later, both were deluxe winch bars
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My amarok bar was around $2k fitted and colour coded!
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
-
My amarok bar was around $2k fitted and colour coded!
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
And had I got that quote, I would have an arb bar on the front, clearly the local distributor did not want the business. That's franchises for you
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
That franchisee needs his franchise revoked! You should have sent the quote to head office!
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
-
ARB bars, lockers & associated bits are made in their factory at Kilsyth in Melbourne, you can do a tour & see it all being made. While some smaller items are made OS, the bars etc are not made in Thailand.
Correct, only roof racks and export market items are manufactured in Thailand.
-
Correct, only roof racks and export market items are manufactured in Thailand.
Not so... Most dual cab bull bars are made offshore, as are anything out of series 1 vehicle. e.g. 200 series bull bar is now manufactured in Thailand unless they have critical demand in Australia, which is when Kilsyth ramps up production. Kilsyth is more R&D and getting the machines dialled in than full-time plant these days.
They do, however assemble most of the compressors at Kilsyth - not sure where they mill the components though
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
-
Not so... Most dual cab bull bars are made offshore, as are anything out of series 1 vehicle. e.g. 200 series bull bar is now manufactured in Thailand unless they have critical demand in Australia, which is when Kilsyth ramps up production. Kilsyth is more R&D and getting the machines dialled in than full-time plant these days.
They do, however assemble most of the compressors at Kilsyth - not sure where they mill the components though
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
I'll let ya know... planning another club trip out to the plant soon, but waiting on a call back from the bloke twice now for last 5 months to confirm.
-
Horses for courses. ARB mostly make awesome quality stuff. I wouldn't rank ALL their stuff as better than the competitors, but some of their stuff is definitely my/our preferred preference. Between all our vehicles we have a lot of ARB gear - both the Jimny and Patrol have ARB deluxe bars, compressors, and lockers just for starters. But it all comes down for what's right for each and their own - consider your own budget, preferences, etc. and decide what's best for you.
I personally wouldn't justify the price on the spotties this thread started out comparing. No way. Good options at much lower price that'll suit me just fine. But I would steer clear of the 4WD Supa Centre stuff too. A $35 action cam sounds like a great buy until you end up throwing it in the bin. So I've learnt my lesson with 4WD Supa Centre. LOL
I haven't heard of inflating prices as much as the Amarok bar getting discussed, but I have had different quotes from different ARB stores on occasion (usually only small differences, or someone else is more willing to discount to get a sale, that sort of thing). I live in the city, its easy enough to find one who wants my business with only a few phone calls. ;)
-
One of their canopies that I bought.
http://i68.tinypic.com/21kh34m.jpg[/img]](http://i68.tinypic.com/21kh34m.jpg) (http://[IMG)
http://i66.tinypic.com/nmg3eu.jpg[/img]](http://i66.tinypic.com/nmg3eu.jpg) (http://[img width=640 height=480)
Gap between the rear window seal & the tailgate when fitted.
http://i65.tinypic.com/260u0xh.jpg[/img]](http://i65.tinypic.com/260u0xh.jpg) (http://[img width=575 height=480)
The seal between the tub & the canopy also fell out.
http://i66.tinypic.com/2zrg8z9.jpg[/img]](http://i66.tinypic.com/2zrg8z9.jpg) (http://[img width=640 height=480)
-
It's hard to be too critical of ARB, sure they ask a lot but for the most part they sell quality products that are well fitted, on the other side is that they have invited into the marketplace plenty of competitors, ie TJM, Opposite Lock, Ironman etc who largely exist because people aren't prepared to pay the ARB tax. It's the old story, they are sitting ducks in the marketplace but they have made it that way.
I had TJM on my first 4wd long before I'd heard of the name ARB, it's not like TJM are Jonny Come Latelies by any means.Not so... Most dual cab bull bars are made offshore, as are anything out of series 1 vehicle. e.g. 200 series bull bar is now manufactured in Thailand unless they have critical demand in Australia, which is when Kilsyth ramps up production. Kilsyth is more R&D and getting the machines dialled in than full-time plant these days.
They do, however assemble most of the compressors at Kilsyth - not sure where they mill the components though
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
that was pretty much my understanding of the current situation also.
-
I would say that is the fitters crap quality of work there Me, not ARB's poor quality product.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
-
Most dual cab bull bars are made offshore, as are anything out of series 1 vehicle. e.g. 200 series bull bar is now manufactured in Thailand
Wrong, my brother has worked at Kilsyth for the past 7 or so years, bull bars sold in Australia are made here.
-
Wrong, my brother has worked at Kilsyth for the past 7 or so years, bull bars sold in Australia are made here.
That explains why everytime I've ordered a bullbar recently it's had to come from overseas?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
-
I'll let ya know... planning another club trip out to the plant soon, but waiting on a call back from the bloke twice now for last 5 months to confirm.
You must be waiting for the same guy to call you back as I am
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
-
I had TJM on my first 4wd long before I'd heard of the name ARB, it's not like TJM are Jonny Come Latelies by any means.that was pretty much my understanding of the current situation also.
As far as I know TJM were started before ARB, but I could be wrong on that. Either way, they've been going for a while.
I have always found ARB overpriced. I believe in supporting companies that do their own R&D on their own products rather than just copying others but the price still has to be justifiable. In some cases I've also found their design philosophy to be a bit "just like the last one" which doesn't always work.
I was going to buy a Ranger and was looking at canopies. ARB's Ascent canopy was somewhat pricey BUT I felt had points of difference over others (such as the hidden side window locks etc) and therefore was justifiable and I probably would have got one if I'd bought the Ranger.
On the other hand for the bar work on my 200 (which I bought instead of the Ranger) ARB were a good bit more expensive than TJM for a bar that seemed to be an inferior product in my opinion and didn't suit the car as much as others. In that case I though their prices were overinflated and not justifiable. When you see some of the ARB showrooms you can see where the money goes though!
For me the 3 criteria I look at when buying stuff are:
1) Did they design it, or copy it/design it to a price? - I prefer to buy from companies who designed it, even if it cost more. If you buy a copy you're assuming that the company who were too lazy to design it themselves were competent enough to copy it properly. If it's designed to a price then you'll get what you pay for.
2) How vital a component is it? - If it is something that you're going to expect to save your life or you are going to depend on it greatly then perhaps the extra money for the better brand is worth it for peace of mind, both on terms of quality and overall support. If it's just a "nice to have" then risking the lesser brands stuff could well be a good trade off to save money.
3) How often will I use it? - If it's something you will use very often then again, buying the better brand is probably worth the extra money. if it's something that you'll use once every blue moon then the lesser brand may be worth the punt (pending the answer to point 2).
That's just my take on it. Everything has a value proposition and that proposition is different for everyone depending on the expectations of the product.
-
As far as I know TJM were started before ARB, but I could be wrong on that. Either way, they've been going for a while.
Yep TJM started a year or three before ARB.
-
Yep TJM started a year or three before ARB.
i honestly have no idea who evolved first, just know that TJM have been around a long time here in Brisbane atleast, and for the earlier post from another Swagger to insuinuate ARB have paved the way for them is rubbish. ARB have become a very successful company and good on them for doing so, but they are to expensive for my liking now...most of their gear that I owned has never let me down, but the rear locker they installed leaked diff oil through the breather big time, which I've read many other people having the same issue also.
-
I looked around for a while before buying a bullbar.
What I did find is that a lot of the cheap gear is cheap for a reason.
The bar that you see on the outside might look nice and solid, but there is as much steel again in a good one just in the mounts holding it to your chassis.
I found a cheap one on the Cape, it had been bolted to the mounts that a steel bumper bar liner attach to with a standard bumper. The mounts were still attached to the bar, but the vibrations saw the ends of chassis cracked off.... it was abandoned beside the track BTW.
ARB make some good gear, but I do agree that there is an ARB as well as the 4x4 tax, if I could afford it I'd probably get more of their stuff but can't justify it at the moment.
TJM make some good gear too, it cops a 4x4 tax as well, but overall I generally find that the design of most ARB stuff just looks more refined.
I'm a tightass, I couldn't justify full price for even TJM stuff, so found some 'factory seconds' on eBay for 1/2 price. It had a few scratches on it from being shipped to Australia, but I'd just add more and wasn't too concerned and touched it up with a rattle can of satin black.
My driving lights were a similar deal, a TJM discontinued line for a 1/3rd of retail but still a good solid product. They aren't the best or brightest lights around, but are more than adequate.
So to drag the thread kicking and screaming back on track; Are the name brand lights really worth 10 times as much as the cheapies?
Probably not. ARB would have kicked in $$ for R&D and the reflectors in the LED's might be better focused and the housing better waterproofed, mounts better assembled and you would hope after sales support would be better than the superstore. But I think they are pushing their gear as a Premium Product and pricing it to match. It will last though.
Most of the gear out of the Superstore isn't just cheap, but also nasty. Bugger-all spent on R&D, they just get some Chinese factory to copy something someone else has developed and chuck their name on it. If you get a few years out of it, you have probably done well.
-
I used to think the same, but got quoted $4800 for my Amarok bar
Ironman sold me a deluxe winch bar for $850, $150 to have it painted the same as my truck and $150 fitting
( I will say that I wasn't happy with the finished fitting, but that was the local installer, I refitted it myself and am very happy with the bar. I have since parked up next to a genuine ARB deluxe winch bar and compared, other than my bar has a winch cradle(a plus in my eyes) I can't see anything structurally different with the actual bar
Lloyd
I think your ARB franchise dealer was throwing in a free winch for your price. It seems exceptional and hard to believe as each and every dealer is committed to follow the ARB price structure that is freely published on the ARB web page https://www.arb.com.au/download/?fl=41280 (https://www.arb.com.au/download/?fl=41280) . It will be part of the franchise agreement. You can squeeze 10% of for parts excluding labour for a decent order and show specials.
Looking at the one I have saved as a PDF (March 16) a amarokmbar should be around $2500 fitted plus colour coding.
Oh well Iron Man is an ok second choice.
-
i honestly have no idea who evolved first, just know that TJM have been around a long time here in Brisbane atleast, and for the earlier post from another Swagger to insuinuate ARB have paved the way for them is rubbish. ARB have become a very successful company and good on them for doing so, but they are to expensive for my liking now...most of their gear that I owned has never let me down, but the rear locker they installed leaked diff oil through the breather big time, which I've read many other people having the same issue also.
TJM 1973, ARB 1975 as fledgling businesses.
I think you are correct Rumpig, TJM in the early days seemed to be the choice on Queensland vehicles and particular Aluminium bars whereas it was steel ARB down south.
I believe ARB have certainly lead the way forward as an innovative company.
As is often said, to copy is a good sign of flattery
Oh well keep talking them up, as the share price has risen 44c today or about the price of a bullbar for an Amarock for me.
I hope they will give me a few dollars in my retirement but I wonder about the future of this industry in 15 years time.
-
Going back to your original question about the lights. I have the 9.5 inch spotties from 4wd super centre. I got them about 12-18 months ago. They are stupid bright, I wouldn't want anything brighter than these, should have bought the 6 inch ones. On the dark highway they are awesome.
I also have an imported 20inch light bar that has been on the Cruza for about 4 years. Still working and bright as hell. I am more than happy with both of these purchases. Usually find the people that tell you how Shit imported products can be are the ones that have never tried them.
Each to their own with buying stuff.
-
As many has said, ARB gear are good except for the price.
I have an ARB bar. Why? Same reason as others has said already: tested.
It depends on what you buy. If it is safety, go for the good stuff.
If it's nice to have, you can go for the cheap brands.
Agree with that plus the other factor with bull bars is that it's easier to pay the extra for an ARB Bar because it's only 2/2.5 times as much as the cheaper ones (not x10) and its easier to see that there is a lot of testing, R&D etc for Each Vehicle. If the ARB Bar was $12000 (vs a $1200 cheapie) it would be a lot harder to justify it.
I won some gear from 4WDSC and bought a little too about 3 years ago and it's still all going well.
For Lights I got my latest ones from Steedi, and it's great, really solid and puts out a good amount of light, might be less than a more expensive light, but I'm only trying to see the roos, not through them.
Also, probably not the place for it, but I see EFS are now doing bars and steps.
BigDog.
-
Going back to your original question about the lights. I have the 9.5 inch spotties from 4wd super centre. I got them about 12-18 months ago. They are stupid bright, I wouldn't want anything brighter than these, should have bought the 6 inch ones. On the dark highway they are awesome.
I also have an imported 20inch light bar that has been on the Cruza for about 4 years. Still working and bright as hell. I am more than happy with both of these purchases. Usually find the people that tell you how Shit imported products can be are the ones that have never tried them.
Each to their own with buying stuff.
I think for the price point, the lights sold by ARB are ridiculously priced - I've sourced lights from the same factory in the past, and yes - they are a good light - are they worth the money ARB ask? In my opinion, no - there are better products out there at a better price point.
Stedi for example, with their X-Style driving light - it has a higher lumen output than both the ARB Intensity and Lightforce Genesis. LED's should be rated in lumen output rather than watts, as a good LED light may have less LED's yet more light output dependent on the reflector design.
We've installed a heap of SupaCentre lights, and for what you pay, they're an excellent product - just like the products that SunYee sells. They have their place in the market, which is to get people out there! Are there better products on the market? Undoubtedly, but not necessarily at a price that everyone can justify.
I have a pair of Hard KORR 90w lights on my car that cost me $110 with a 4WD Action subscription - Autobarn/Opposite Lock sell them for $460 a pair - would I pay that? not a chance in hell, because I can buy them from Aliexpress for about $160 a pair.
We've also found that the guys that install lights like ARB Intensity, JW Speaker, Lightforce tend to have them knocked off more, as the people who steal such things know what they're worth, and will walk straight past a set of cheaper lights, as they can't offload them as easily
-
I would have to say that there is more money wasted on driving lights than just about any other accessory fitted to a 4x4. When you think about how much dawn/dusk/night driving you actually do it just doesn't add up to spend much more than $3-400 on lights. Then again it doesn't account for the well heeled bogan red-neck aspect which is probably laying dormant in most of us.
-
<snip>
Stedi for example, with their X-Style driving light - it has a higher lumen output than both the ARB Intensity and Lightforce Genesis. LED's should be rated in lumen output rather than watts, as a good LED light may have less LED's yet more light output dependent on the reflector design.
<snip>
This bit gets me............... lumen output is NOT everything.............
You can have 1 million lumen lights……….it’s how the luminous flux is spread…………….thus, if 10000 lumen focused onto 1sq metre, it is lit to 10000 lux. Likewise, the same 10000 lumen lit over 10sq m it is only 1000 lux. And then distance comes into play. The more spread you have the less lux at distance will result.
Bright lights 10m from ya car might be awesome in the coles carpark, but I’d want the most lux at 200-500m………………
-
This bit gets me............... lumen output is NOT everything.............
You can have 1 million lumen lights……….it’s how the luminous flux is spread…………….thus, if 10000 lumen focused onto 1sq metre, it is lit to 10000 lux. Likewise, the same 10000 lumen lit over 10sq m it is only 1000 lux. And then distance comes into play. The more spread you have the less lux at distance will result.
Bright lights 10m from ya car might be awesome in the coles carpark, but I’d want the most lux at 200-500m………………
My bad... That's why I made the comment about reflector configuration, used the incorrect terminology
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
-
I would have to say that there is more money wasted on driving lights than just about any other accessory fitted to a 4x4. When you think about how much dawn/dusk/night driving you actually do it just doesn't add up to spend much more than $3-400 on lights. Then again it doesn't account for the well heeled bogan red-neck aspect which is probably laying dormant in most of us.
I bought an ex govt fleet Prado a year ago that had been given the ARB treatment. Bull bar, roof rack, drawers, on board air, dual battery, lift. And old school IPF driving lights. Turned them on once to see if they work ...
-
We did the Powerlines in Perth at night a few weeks ago and I was happy that I had my HID spots.
A member of our club has a few LED bars and man what a light he produces.
-
i honestly have no idea who evolved first, just know that TJM have been around a long time here in Brisbane atleast, and for the earlier post from another Swagger to insuinuate ARB have paved the way for them is rubbish. ARB have become a very successful company and good on them for doing so, but they are to expensive for my liking now...most of their gear that I owned has never let me down, but the rear locker they installed leaked diff oil through the breather big time, which I've read many other people having the same issue also.
TJM 1973, mostly made gear for Fords and VW Buggies, ARB 1975, mainly gear for Land Rovers and Toyota, Tony Brown drove Land Rovers and at the time knowone made accessories (bull bars and so on) for series Land Rovers or other 4WDs in NSW or VIC, sorry forgot to add the BJ40 was the first vehicle to be ARB equiped in 1976 for sale to the public.
-
Reading this thread I think ARB throw in a bullbar to mount the lights ;D. Seriously how much R & D goes into lighting to justify hundreds per unit sold.
Me I have a 4WD super centre 22" bar on my car. That and the wiring loom cost less than $50. $5 for a Chinese eBay switch fits into the blank switch hole. My biggest complaint is I don't have a bullbar and the longest number play bracket isn't long enough. So the bit of aluminium angle I made my own bracket from cost almost as much.
The spread of light is great. Distance is no more than the factory lights. But it is exactly what I need driving on the other metro / country roads on my daily commute to light up the roadsides.
-
When looking at lights a number of years ago for a led light bar, ended up buying just a cheap 20" light bar from SunYee and for what I paid I was pretty happy with the light. The light is nothing compared to the output when compared to other light but also nothing like the price either. At present have no need for good quality lights so that plan has been put on hold. If I had of gone ahead with the plan at the time the light bar I was going to get was $1200, but when compared to other lights, price and output, the light bar would be worth it.
The unfortunate thing with led and hid lights is there is no formal fixed output rating of the lights. Lumens are good but where are the lumens measured at? One meter? 10 meters? Companies just put up figures to make their product look good. It is when retailers put up direct comparisons of the light out puts that you can see just how good or bad light outputs are like. Clearly shows what light has the best spread or spot light to see which light, lights up the whole roadway including the edge of the roadway and which light, lights up the roadway well ahead of you. Lumens, watts and other stats are good but mean nothing compared to light output comparisons. Then you can work out what light performance you can afford.
-
Just a word of caution for those ARB Intensity spots as I came across one lying face down on the sandy track 3/4 of the way out to Coongie Lake from Innamincka a few days ago. Thought it was a big cow pat at first until I caught a glimpse of the flash of SS bracket and a peculiar tail which turned out to be the wiring loom that had unplugged itself fully intact when it fell off an alloy bull bar. Well not exactly fell off because it was still bolted securely to the thick alloy mounting bracket that had cracked off at the weld line and clearly the reason for it lying on the track. They're heavy suckers and clearly stressed out the alloy mount on rough roads.
So on to Coongie for the day looking out for any fourby with an odd spot but no luck asking around until 3/4 of the way back to Inna and coming to meet us was the odd spot fourby owner who'd finally missed it at Inna and was retracing his route on the off-chance and much relieved to recover his 700 bucks worth of light, none the worse for wear bar a small crack in the extra cover. Well apart from a rethink of fabricating and welding on more substantial light mounts that is.
-
Just a word of caution for those ARB Intensity spots as I came across one lying face down on the sandy track 3/4 of the way out to Coongie Lake from Innamincka a few days ago. Thought it was a big cow pat at first until I caught a glimpse of the flash of SS bracket and a peculiar tail which turned out to be the wiring loom that had unplugged itself fully intact when it fell off an alloy bull bar. Well not exactly fell off because it was still bolted securely to the thick alloy mounting bracket that had cracked off at the weld line and clearly the reason for it lying on the track. They're heavy suckers and clearly stressed out the alloy mount on rough roads.
So on to Coongie for the day looking out for any fourby with an odd spot but no luck asking around until 3/4 of the way back to Inna and coming to meet us was the odd spot fourby owner who'd finally missed it at Inna and was retracing his route on the off-chance and much relieved to recover his 700 bucks worth of light, none the worse for wear bar a small crack in the extra cover. Well apart from a rethink of fabricating and welding on more substantial light mounts that is.
Not exactly an ARB intensity light problem but rather an inferior Alloy bar, bolt one to an ARB or TJM steel bar and I doubt very much that the light would tear a section of steel away from the bar.
-
Probably a correct assessment rags but I was somewhat surprised at the substantial thickness of the alloy bracket that had cracked off but the unusual weight of the light was clearly too much for it long term and something to be aware of if you're investing in these ARB Intensity spots.