grfd711 said:
+1
Not that I'm wanting to start an arguement, but I've looked into these lately and was impressed with them overall compared against the Pioneer. Here's a couple of reasons why:
Whelen Pioneer doesn't offer combination pattern of spot/flood, only one spot next to a flood.
As far as I know, Whelen Pioneer isn't offered in amber. Rigid does, as their tests have shown it performs better in fog and smoky environments. If the Whelen Pioneer is offered in amber, please let me know.
The Rigid lights are available in multiple sizes, as well as custom. Whelen only offered two.
The fact the Rigid can sustain damage that would stop a diode, two or however many that were physically damaged, but the remaining undamaged diodes would continue to operate.
Whelen does have the nod as far as mounting, as they've been available for a while. Rigid is still a young company. I stated that Rigid is going to be releasing more products later this year, which will include mounting options, pole mounting will be part of that. Havis' name was thrown around, but no guarantees. Still, the company is exploring many options.
**Edit** Got off the phone with my buddy who's an OEM Rigid dealer. Specifically for Fire/Rescue use, the E series light from Rigid has a LIFETIME warranty.
You made some good points. My department is finalizing our new Pierce specs now and I mentioned to the committee we should look at these; although its HIGHLY unlikely we would consider them. Just too many downsides that we can see.
Looking at Rigids diagram at the bottom of this page
http://www.rigidindustries.com/product_p/rgdl10.htm they detail how their light performs at 400 feet. Both FRC and Whelen go beyond that, 180 yards or more. Also the diagram shows a relatively shallow light output left to right which is also where both FRC and Whelen do better.
Whelen Pioneer doesn't offer combination pattern of spot/flood, only one spot next to a flood.
From what I can tell looking over Rigids website, neither does Rigid. You have to order in either Spot or Flood. At least Whelen gives you one light head with both options. Please provide a link to the part of the site that states they are combo's in a single unit. Not that I'm claiming incorrect information, I would just like to see if that is true.
As far as I know, Whelen Pioneer isn't offered in amber. Rigid does, as their tests have shown it performs better in fog and smoky environments. If the Whelen Pioneer is offered in amber, please let me know.
Interestingly enough- my department did tests with the Pioneer in a smoke house and it performed very well. In a smokey environment the light coming out of the Pioneer turns yellow. So much so you can look directly at the light, but its still strong enough that the light is shining in all 4 corners of the room very well.
I cant imagine Havis, Whelen or FRC would provide an amber scene light as its not practical for the fire market. The majority of the time your operating in nighttime conditions your going to be looking for a white light. The other purpose of the scene light is to provide exceptional side to side lighting which would not be accomplished very well with an amber design.
The Rigid lights are available in multiple sizes, as well as custom. Whelen only offered two.
Why offer more? The industry standard for as long as I can remember were 6 and 12 inch designs. Applications for vehicle mounted are designed specifically with those in mind, such as recessed mounts. If FRC, Havis, or Whelen offered 10 different sizes they would have to offer 10 different mounts, pedestals, chrome flanges, etc...
Cant image a pumper with 30" scene lights running along the side of it in place of hard suction. Although a pumper with 30" recessed scene lights does sound pretty sharp.
The fact the Rigid can sustain damage that would stop a diode, two or however many that were physically damaged, but the remaining undamaged diodes would continue to operate.
Thats relatively common with most LED setups now and days. I understand some applications involve the operation of the lights in "rough" conditions but I cant image any department would drive a pumper into a heavily wooded area and risk damaging not just the lights, but mounted equipment, and a precious paint job as well.
Some might, but not us volies.
Again, this is just my opinion.
Who knows, maybe these guys will become well known in the market one day, but until that time, I cant imagine they will take a big piece of the market share between FRC, Havis, and Whelen.
). But, it's a great direct replacement for those that already have the FRC lights. If you find out a price for both 12vdc and 120vac (in U.S.), please post it, as that's what my