Couple of questions concerning fogs. Why is there such a large price discrepancy between PIAA and Hella? I've heard good things about both but just wondering if PIAA's are really that much better. I have Xenon Superwhites in my headlights and corners and want some aftermarket fogs that will match that bluish-white HID look. I saw three that I liked.

PIAA 1000X Platinum Series - $214.95
PIAA 1100X Platinum Series - $204.95
PIAA 1900X Platinum Series - $203.80
Hella Optilux 1150 Blue Ion Fog Lamp - $45.50

Anybody have any of these? Would they match my superwhites? Would they fit in the stock airdam next to the license plate of a '97 (mfg 5/96)? Thanks!

 

well your looking at piaas top of the line fog lights. you can find more expensive hellas also. I like both brands. in my opinion piaa is a little bit brighter.

 

I've had both brands, but never had any of the models you are referring to (which is suprising because I've had PIAA 520's, 520 SMR's, 510's, 1400's, 1500 drivings's, 1500 fog's, 80 XT driving's, 80 xt fog's, 80 xt pencils, 80 Rally's, and 980's). All I can say for Hella quality is what I know when I installed a pair about 4 years ago, and then the quality sucked. The plstic they used constantly was cracking, and the lenses would fall out, the bulbs would burn out and the harness was of extremely low quality. Thats for the hella 550's. I've heard they've improved it since. I've got nothin but good things to say about PIAA's, except they are pretty pricy.

 

I'll probably go with the PIAA's just b/c I think I've heard more good things about them here than the Hella's. I figured you (matt) would suggest the PIAA's. I love your airdam but don't really have the cash to invest in one right now. I just really liked the looks of the Hella casing. I guess what matters is the quality. Thanks guys!

 

I forgot to mention that Hella's representatives are not too nice either, LOL. When I was at the SEMA show back in October, I stopped off at every light manufacturers booth (PIAA/Catz/KC/Hella/Lightforce/etc.) because I am, well, into lights. KC and Lightforce and Catz were at least nice to be even though I identified myself as a "Piaa devotee" they were able to compare themselves to PIAA, how they were better, how they were not as good, price differences, bulb and reflector differences, etc. Hella was the only booth that the salesperson said "well if your such a fan of PIAA then why are you even stopping to look at another light?" Couldn't give me any reasons his were better, I think he was offended by my PIAA watch and PIAA nametag holder, heh heh.

 

hey matt did piaa pay you to use their lights? or do they give you free stuff? or what? or do you just pay for the stuff and promote them for free? jsut wondering thanks

 

I've had a bunch of hella stuff in the past. I have the ralleye 3000 lights on the front of my offroad truck, they are great. I also have had the 500 (driving and fog) and the 550 fogs. I like Piaa's fog lights much better. The beam pattern is more consistant, and the lights are much brighter. I can't wait to get all the new stuff put in...

Mitch

 

they don't pay me, but I get good deals on lights. Seeing as how I can qualify for a group purchase on my own, LOL. Over the last three vehicles I've had I've installed 17 pairs of lights... no not 17 lights... 17 PAIRS of lights
My F-150 has 15 (4 on brushguard, 4 in airdam, 5 on roof, 2 in reverse)
My Explorer has 14 (4 on brushguard, 2 in bumper, 6 on roof, 2 in reverse)
My old F-150 had 6 (two on brushguard, two in bumper, two in reverse)
Thats a total 35 lights, 17 1/2 sets .
Not to mention every vehicle has had PIAA Superwhites except the 98 F-150 (they didn't have superwhites for it at that time), so thats another two pairs.

 

I agree, Piaa's are definitely better, but pricey. If you're on a budget, then go for the Hella's.

drunken_aggie- I have a set of 1100X in the box (never used). The box is alittle torn but the lights are in perfect condition. I'll sell them to you for $150.00 and I'll pay shipping.

 

Hey Jupiterak! That's quite an interesting offer you make. Those really were the lights I was eyeing the most. Just got paid today, but have some bills. I don't want to go and spend a lot of my paycheck and then have to scrape by for two weeks. I can give you a definite answer probably next Friday (after Thanksgiving). If you get an offer from someone else, then go ahead, but I really do want those lights and I'm leaning towards yes. However, can you tell me if they will fit in the airdam of a '97 and if so, is it possible to wire them to the fog lamp switch that comes in the stock dash? I've got the switch (pulls out when headlights are on). Not sure about wiring though. How can I check that? Thanks!

 

Yes, hook them up according to the wiring diagram included, then take the hot switch from the relay that the instructions have you tap into high beam or whatever, and tap that into your fog light wire.

 

It'll work even though my truck isn't a 4x4 and doesn't have mounts for lamps in the airdam?

 

as long as you've got the switch it'll work!

 

drunken_aggie- Matt's right. There's so many ways you can wire the lights to the truck. The instructions are very detailed. The kit also comes with it's own lighted switch and have mounts. If you're interested, I'll hold them for you. Just let me know if you change your mind.