Topic: H4 lens, bosch vs Stanley Headlight Q? Decision made.

[Don R]

 I'm using the Stanley H4 now, the voltage is good but I'm not wild about the light pattern. Maybe spoiled by new car headlights but I also have a Bosch H4  The fluting in the Bosch lens favors one side while the Stanley looks symmetrical.
 I haven't checked the watts yet in either one so maybe I'm putting the cart ahead of the horse.

 Anyway has anyone used both and have an opinion or should I do the test and report. I also have a couple sealed beam bulbs, one halogen but it appears to be for a car.

 Edit, going in a windjammer 3.

[Don R]

 It's dark here I go.

[Don R]

 The biggest difference is height adjustment, when the Stanley is where I like it on low beam the high beam is lighting up the top of the corn plants on this blacktop road. The Bosch needs a different adjustment but the low and high are both close enough that I like it on average better.
 Stanley low beam
https://photos.app.goo.gl/H3a2rQWSZhfccxSn2
 Bosch low beam
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ohz3iXJ5YC2MyKd53

 Bosch has a Sylvania, other is a ?? both 65/55 watts, As easy as it is to swap bulbs in the windjammer I may try both of the bulbs in one headlight to check light output.

[flatlander]

the bosch has the better pattern for countries where you drive on the right-hand side of the road. also more precise cut-off and better efficiency in the area where the light is focussed. TBH the pattern of the stanley indicates that the lens is old outdated junk.
i'd use the bosch and do a proper adjustment like this:

[Don R]

 Thanks flatlander, I like the Bosch pattern better but the Stanley seems brighter, tonight I'll test again with the Stanley's lamp switched into the Bosch lens. My digital voltmeter says we're getting plenty of power.
 That  Bosch light pattern does show the right shoulder better which is where the animals emerge.
 

[flatlander]

are you sure the stanley really is brighter and does not only create that illusion, by scattering the light more around?
if you know a really oldskool photographer you could borrow a light meter and measure

[RAFster122s]

I want a Cibie 7" round headlight...very very nice optics...worth the money.
Better than the Bosch...

David

[Don R]

are you sure the stanley really is brighter and does not only create that illusion, by scattering the light more around?
if you know a really oldskool photographer you could borrow a light meter and measure

 It is possible the difference is in the adjustment because the lens requires adjustment of the bucket for aim, and I was testing without adjusting it.  I'm also wondering if a better H4 bulb is a good option.

[Deltarider]

 

I'm also wondering if a better H4 bulb is a good option.

Stay with well known brands and first suppliers like Philips or Osram. They are good and stay good. Not like the cheaps China made H4s you find in warehouses. After some hours they get worse and they won't live long.
First choice in performance: Philips H4 X-Treme Vision Moto (specially designed for motorcycles) or Osram Night Breaker Plus H4 or General Electric Megalight Ultra +90% H4.
First choice in lifetime: Philips H4 Ecovision, a better than standard H4 that draws 20% less.

[Don R]

 The Bosch lens is clearly best with the Sylvania bulb. I swapped bulbs and retested. Thanks for the advise. I can see the road signs light up now too.

[flatlander]

i'm de-light-ed you got things sorted

[Don R]

 My brother gave me two old school fog lights now onward and upward. GE4415 4" bulbs one amber one clear. Nostalgic appearance.

[RAFster122s]

My brother gave me two old school fog lights now onward and upward. GE4415 4" bulbs one amber one clear. Nostalgic appearance.

Funny you should mention that... I am putting a pair of Hella 550 fogs I have on  my CX, it is going to be my commuter bike for school.

I bought several inexpensive 9W "Eagle Eye" LEDs and intend to put a few of those on the bike as well to make the visual signature different , so the bike does not blend into the background.  Considering putting a pair of red ones rear facing to add to the visual to the rear.  Intend to put a pair of amber ones facing to the side.  They are very bright points of light with diffused illumination.  They will get your attention...I just wonder if they will be enough.
The stator in the CX is replaced with the 250W unit, plenty of extra power for heated gear and the lights, etc.