Mock-up of Whelen R316 and L31 cross bar style lights

gtpts27

Member
Jul 1, 2017
579
Virginia
Out of curiousity, I threw a pair of R316 Rota-Beams and a pair of L31s on a crossbar I had. Not sure what I think, though figured I'd share. I say a bit more in the YouTube video descriptions and also include a link to a video showing several Saginaw County (MI) cars with their Arch beacon setups.


 

Sparky_911

Supporting Donor
May 15, 2013
2,648
Central Illinois
Both look good. The 316s look better imo. The rotate patterns are much smoother than the 31s. But the 31s punch better. I've never seen the full range of flash patterns on the 316. Impressive, especially the sweep and adjusting rotor rate patterns.
 
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gtpts27

Member
Jul 1, 2017
579
Virginia
Both look good. The 316s look better imo. The rotate patterns are much smoother than the 31s. But the 31s punch better. I've never seen the full range of flash patterns on the 316. Impressive, especially the sweep and adjusting rotor rate patterns.

Yeah the L31 rotation patterns aren't worth much and I suspect were an afterthought, whereas the Rota-Beams were obviously designed to be simulated rotators. The RBs look great and have an undeniable cool factor, but I don't think that translates into more effectiveness. If it did - and I wish it did - I think we'd see more in service.
 

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