Our 4x4s Running reports
No expense spared Jeep Wrangler Matt Carson
T
he stock headlamps on a Jeep Wrangler are just about good enough, in other words, OK but not great. So when I got a call offering
a test of some LED headlights, I was intrigued. Sharp-eyed readers may have spotted these sort of lamps making their way onto bespoke, high end Land
Rovers from the likes of Nene Overland and others, but they haven’t hit the mainstream yet. The lights in question are LED not HID, and are manufactured by JW Speaker. JW Speaker is probably the biggest light company you’ve never heard of and has been producing top quality lights for the military, mining and construction industry for many years. More recently,
these lamps have filtered down to the aftermarket, where JW Speaker is already the bestselling LED lamp brand in Europe. The lights are fully ECE approved for both high and low beam, as well as conforming to DOT standards, which means they are fully legal come MOT time, as unlike HID type headlamps, washing and levelling is not required. Before and after.
82 July 2012 • www.4x4i.com
Easy fit replacement
Originally developed for the military market, the light output is rated at about four times greater when compared to the original sealed beam. And that’s the first thing that hits you when it gets dark. The whiteness of the light is impressive; there’s probably a technical measurement for this, but let’s just say they are extremely white and bright. Even
in the full daylight the beam pattern can clearly been seen. The Jeep (unlike Defender) has an integral sidelight, which is a small white bar, and this is a huge contrast to the old warm glow of the originals. Fire up the main beam at night and the upgrade really makes sense. The spread of light is extremely uniform and has a sharp cut off to avoid
glare for oncoming drivers. The difference is really impressive, combined with the near daylight white colour of light the experience of driving at night is transformed. The fitting is thankfully simple and for once, really is plug and play. Did I mention durability? These lamps will outlast 50 halogen bulbs or 20 HID headlamps. There
are no breakable filaments or electrodes, and the lens is made from tough polycarbonate, the chance are these lamps will last you a lifetime. LED headlight upgrades start at £800 (plus VAT). Check out www. jeepantics.com for more details. Many thanks to Nene Overland. You can contact Nene by calling 01733 380687. www.neneoverland.co.uk Let there be light! A serious improvement over stock lamps
www.4x4i.com • July 2012 83