Value of HID's to those who have no nightvision?

[tom4bren]

I've never driven with HIDs before so can't input on the visibility aspect. I was told that they do draw significantly more current than the stock lights so make sure your electrical system can handle the added load or that they provide a relay set up that doesn't put the load on your existing wiring harness.

This won't help with driving but may help otherwise. Image Intensifiers are commercially available & although still pricey the quality is pretty good. One source I found by googling "pocket scope": http://www.opticsplanet.net/us-night-vision.html. There should also be mariner versions available for boating.

Your optometrist/optomologist (sp?) may be able to find out more info for you. Years ago, I helped my optometrist obtain a couple for some of his patients with retinitis pigmentosa (sp?) which causes severe night blindness. At that time, ITT had a program to sell them at cost to patients with a prescription. They used to (and may still) make them for the Army.

Sorry to take this thread so far off course but I spent 20 years on Night Vision stuff for the Army. PM me if you want more info or if I can be of any other assistance (maybe even try one before you put down the $$$).

[Joe Isuzu]

Maugan VX,
no, the HID kit I referenced was for my A4 and came from Canada, Lltek I believe, there's always the chance it was operator error as well but my mechanic dealt with two ballast changes through the company with no improvement, I had more experience with my mechanic than I did with Lltek so I cut my losses and returned the product in exchange for store credit
From what I understand, people have been generally pleased with Tone's products and he's a good supporter of the site if that helps any
Good luck!

[johnnyapollo]

I have Tone's kit and it has served me well with no issues for many years.

-- John

[Ascinder]

Keep it at 5000K and no higher (higher numbers = bluer tint).

I run 6500K and they are bright white with no blue tint at all. The research I did before I got them indicated that 6500K is the closest color temperature to actual bright sunlight. At night it lights up signs from quite a distance. Also the set of HIDs I got have shields around the undersides to make it so glare isn't reflected into oncoming drivers' eyes.

[Maugan_VX]

Hey guys thanks for the input. I don't think I'm at the point where I need night vision goggles but its always nice to know that there's more options.

I've had another procedure since I posted last and was driving last night pretty well. Definitely can notice a loss of peripheral vision but I'm not losing sight of the road or anything.

[VCAMILO]

I like them alot. I have gotten some compliments also... but unfortulately one of them when out 4 months ago and the other bulb went out 2 days ago. So, if I have to spend $170 to replace the bulbs everytime one of them go out its not worth it.