Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting has been gaining popularity in the wheeling world. Although still fairly expensive when compared to other technologies, LEDs offer a host of benefits that make them a perfect choice for any 4x4. Advantages to LED lighting include incredible light output, low draw, solid-state electronics, and no bulbs to burn out.

Two of the biggest names right now in LED headlight replacement are Truck-Lite and J.W. Speaker. Recently revamped are both companies’ American-made, 7-inch-round, direct-replacement LED offerings. While these lights will work with any vehicle that uses a 7-inch sealed-beam light (PAR56, 6014, 6015, 6016, and H6024), they are a direct replacement for the popular ’07-’13 Wrangler JK (as well as other models), which is known for its mediocre factory headlight performance.

To test these products, we loaded up a ’12 Wrangler Unlimited and headed out to an open location where we were able to directly compare the lights against each other. In addition to the stock and LED headlights, we also brought along a pair of Philips’ X-tremeVision direct replacement bulbs to see how they would stack up as a low-cost option. These halogen bulb replacements use a unique filament design and are said to increase output by up to 100-percent over stock bulbs. The X-tremeVision bulbs are a more affordable upgrade for those looking to increase light output without the expense of LED lights.

To help visualize the beam patterns and give a sense of scale, we used six cones, placing four of them 25 feet apart, all the way out to 100 feet at the centerline of the vehicle. We then placed the remaining two cones 25 feet away on each side of the 50-foot cones. Without moving the vehicle, we swapped the various lights in and took photos of the high-beam patterns. After the test, the product was divvied up to our testers to be run on two different ’12 Wranglers to gauge what these lights were like in everyday situations. After several hundred miles of testing, we had a good idea of each product’s strength and weakness.

Philips X-tremeVision

Hot:Affordable, whiter light

Not:Still uses factory optics

Our Take:A nice improvement for the price

MSRP:$67

Truck-Lite 7-inch Phase 7

Hot:Intense light output, biggest change in the test

Not:Pattern not quite as clean as the J.W. Speaker lights, has a noticeable “X” artifact in the middle of pattern

Our Take:Our favorite lights for plying deserted two-tracks

MSRP:$599.98

J.W. Speaker 8700 Evolution

Hot:Futuristic looks, refined light pattern

Not:Price, low beam doesn’t stay on with high beam

Our Take:Our favorite lights for a daily driver

MSRP:$995.95

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