Are Philips X-tremeVision +130% headlights worth it?

[M6L11]

As title really. I've stumbled across these Philips halogen bulbs and they claim to give out 130% more light than other halogen bulbs. They also claim a much longer and wider beam than standard halogens, with whiter light, while remaining completely road legal and non-dazzling.

Crucially, from an AD perspective especially, they claim a 45 metre increase in beam/vision length which they say equates to an extra 2 whole seconds of reaction time to hazards compared to standard halogen bulbs. Well worth it if true, surely?

Has anyone got any experience of them? Are they worth the 'upgrade' from OEM standards or is it a gimmick? I note that Halfords sell their own version of these as well and they're currently buy one get one free for both the dipped beam headlights and the fog lights with this technology.

If they're worth buying I could therefore take advantage of their cheap fitting option (my car is a PITA for fitting new bulbs, including removing mud guards and the air filter box).I just wondered if anyone here had any experience of them. TIA.

[BritishRacinGrin]

The Philips and Osram bulbs are about the best upgraded bulbs you can get. They are noticeably brighter, but there is a trade-off in terms of price and longevity.

On older cars the best upgrade is often to clean the headlamp reflectors and polish the lenses as they dull over time and allow less light out.

[BritishRacinGrin]

Also I believe the Halfords ones are made by Ring which aren't as good.

[0a]

An interesting topic. I stumbled across this review in Auto Express - they seem to rate them. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/449...

[terenceb]

Philips made a huge difference to my A4s lights, , thoroughly recommended.

[rscott]

Fitted some of these to my MX5/- the difference was amazing.

[HertsBiker]

Some of the 'own brand' high power lights don't last very long at all. The Phillips are probably made a lot better.

[Japeries]

I would like to try these on my SLK as the standard dipped headlights are rubbish, but the reduced lifespan is a worry as they are a pain to change and I didn't think that Halfords would touch anything that wasn't just a simple swap over.

[catman]

You can buy Philips and Osram on Ebay and save quite a bit over the usual price. I've been using them for years and never had any problems with premature failure.

Tim

[vrsmxtb]

I've had them and currently the Osram equivalent in my car, as it has notoriously poor headlights. If I'm honest, they are a little brighter but the design of your light plays the most part in the spread and reach and any significant extra visibility. Couldn't really tell much difference personally. Mine seem to only last a year (that's using rubber gloves to change them as well) and both blew at exactly the same time, leaving me with only LED sidelights for one slightly scary short night drive to the nearest car parts place.

[jagnet]

Swapping over to these is always one of the first things I do when changing cars.

Euro Car Parts currently have them on offer at £20 per pair.

[lemonslap]

They make a great improvement, however the coating on the bulb tip flaked off on mine and is now floating around in the headlamp. Now have Osram nightbreakers installed and they seem equally as good but without the coating issue.

[AdeTuono]

The Philips site states a lifetime of 450 hours for these. That doesn't sound very much, does it?

[Drive Blind]

I've used them on 2 of my previous cars.
They were a noticable improvement and lasted the length of time I owned the car (over 2 years)

[Ved]

Yep I have them in both my Subarus and its a big difference.

I'd avoid Osram though. I went through four sets in two years. They just aren't reliable.

[A900ss]

Ved said:

Yep I have them in both my Subarus and its a big difference.

I'd avoid Osram though. I went through four sets in two years. They just aren't reliable.

Agree with this.

I'm a high mileage driver and get circa a year from Philips but go through two sets of Osrams in a year (so I now stick with Philips).

[Sir Bagalot]

BritishRacinGrin said:

The Philips and Osram bulbs are about the best upgraded bulbs you can get. They are noticeably brighter, but there is a trade-off in terms of price and longevity.

On older cars the best upgrade is often to clean the headlamp reflectors and polish the lenses as they dull over time and allow less light out.

I've highlighted the key word for you.

Yes, more light, but expect to replace them every 12 months

[VeeFource]

I've had Philips x-treme bulbs in a few cars now (couldn't swap them over due to being different types) and on my motorcycle and it's the first thing I now do if I get a new vehicle, they really are that good. Also I've never had one fail yet in a few years but I've found the Halfords equivalents to last barely a few months. Not hear great things about Osrams either.

Buy the Philips bulbs, you won't regret it!

[g3org3y]

catman said:

You can buy Philips and Osram on Ebay and save quite a bit over the usual price. I've been using them for years and never had any problems with premature failure.

Tim

+1

Been using Philips Vision Plus previously and now X-Treme bulbs in my cars for ages. Not noticed any premature failure. Without resorting to crappy aftermarket HIDs, these are a the best value upgrade for improving light output imo.