speed tech lights?
- Thread starter blulightandabat
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pdk9 said:
Wow you guys sounds like a bunch of cry baby whelen dealers!! :sadcry: :sadcry: :sadcry: Y'all probably never even bought from them before and are just talking out of your ass. I've been buying from them for years, my K-Force is still going strong and have had no issues. My LED Quads and Grille Lights have been outside and have had no issues what so ever. I had one issue with a Z unit and all I did was send it back for repair and got it back in no time. Not sure why everyone is hating so much on here but hey, I'd be upset too if I was spending a thousand dollars on a product I couldve got for 200. Keep blowing whatever little money yall have :duh: :sadcry:
Chargepod said:
STL junk inside and out. Yes I've fuckup and wasted money on them, BUT NEVER AGAIN! I'm all Federal Signal!!
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Quentin said:
Haha well looks to me like they are doing great, you're crying is really hurting their reputation Im sure. :sadcry: :sadcry:... :sadcry: :sadcry:
Chargepod said:
They are in this area! Only one shop Carried them, but not any more once I got done talking to them.
You cry all you want how good they are but 99.8% of us here will disagree.
Lets put your K-force next to my Valor and let's see who starts crying
Quentin said:They are in this area! Only one shop Carried them, but not any more once I got done talking to them.
You cry all you want how good they are but 99.8% of us here will disagree.
Lets put your K-force next to my Valor and let's see who starts crying
Sure do cry a lot for a firefighter... :sadcry: :sadcry: :hahano:
Chargepod said:
I cry because I hate being scammed out of hard earn money...
Lets start the Anti-troll team!
Quentin said:
You're scamming everyone on here because you don't know what you're talking about apparently. :weird:
tom said:
Technology always will have certain products that go bad. This bar looks super old I'm sure it was just a bad unit. Like I said I had a product fail and the issue was resolved with no hassle.. Haters will always be around (aka you guys)
Chargepod said:
So you come in and say STL products are the best thing since sliced bread, I show you an example of why they aren't, and your only excuse is that the bar "looks super old" or that "Technology always will have certain products that go bad"? Oh.. ok, nice argument.
Have fun for the few days while you're here, we all know you won't stay for long.
[Broken External Image]:http://www.i-collaboration.ch/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Troll.jpg
There are better used brand name, and new small maker (some of them members here) LEDs available for less. If STL is the best performance to price ratio you can do, you haven't been using this site long enough... IMHO
Chargepod said:
I think the point is, EVERYONE's had a product fail. That's where we got the whole "STL-Shit" thing from.
Chargepod said:
Sure love newbie trolls that revive threads almost a year old as soon as they join!!! :thumbsup:
I've said it once I'll say it again, I am one of the apparent few people who have gotten ahold of a "quality" STL product. I have had my dual pro for going on a year in a half, it has around 4 hours run time(not a lot, yes I know) and it is still as bright as the day I got it, which is bright enough to light up buildings from quite a few blocks away. It has been through 2 winters now with sub zero temps and deeply below 0 wind chills. It's also been through a summer of just about 2 weeks straight of 100+ degree temps and a month and a half of 90 degree temps around it, all while being inside a black car.
It hasn't fogged, it hasn't fried, it hasn't dimmed, it hasn't hazed, nor has the clear lens gone off colored. I haven't modified it in any way besides the tried-and-true method of adding some silicone to the suction cups. I did however swap cups because we have some excellent suction cups at work that are amazing.
I do know multiple other firefighters in the area who have stumbled across STL at some point or another. There's another guy with 3 dual pros whose had them longer than me, all working well. There's a couple with lightbars that are getting fairly aged and they're looking to replace, but they're still running very well with no burnouts.
I will be going to Tom for the next set of lights I'm buying, but I know several people with STL lights, including myself, who have had no problems. There are better options out there, but I am not one of those who immediately rule out STL. I will push Tom's products because I have seen several in person and want some myself, and like I said, there are many other options out there, but STL can be worth a shot if you need lights quickly, or are just looking to save a bit more money. Don't expect the greatest thing ever, but I have had no problems moving cars with mine.
Sidenote @ Chargepod: Seriously? How old are we? I'm only 22 turning 23 in April but I have NEVER spoken to anyone like that. These people are bringing in their opinions with what they know of the product(if they've truly had an experience with them) and everyone is entitled to said opinion. Come in, say hey my product hasn't had any issues or if they have it was solved immediately, and end it. It's not difficult. No need to start disrespect.
It hasn't fogged, it hasn't fried, it hasn't dimmed, it hasn't hazed, nor has the clear lens gone off colored. I haven't modified it in any way besides the tried-and-true method of adding some silicone to the suction cups. I did however swap cups because we have some excellent suction cups at work that are amazing.
I do know multiple other firefighters in the area who have stumbled across STL at some point or another. There's another guy with 3 dual pros whose had them longer than me, all working well. There's a couple with lightbars that are getting fairly aged and they're looking to replace, but they're still running very well with no burnouts.
I will be going to Tom for the next set of lights I'm buying, but I know several people with STL lights, including myself, who have had no problems. There are better options out there, but I am not one of those who immediately rule out STL. I will push Tom's products because I have seen several in person and want some myself, and like I said, there are many other options out there, but STL can be worth a shot if you need lights quickly, or are just looking to save a bit more money. Don't expect the greatest thing ever, but I have had no problems moving cars with mine.
Sidenote @ Chargepod: Seriously? How old are we? I'm only 22 turning 23 in April but I have NEVER spoken to anyone like that. These people are bringing in their opinions with what they know of the product(if they've truly had an experience with them) and everyone is entitled to said opinion. Come in, say hey my product hasn't had any issues or if they have it was solved immediately, and end it. It's not difficult. No need to start disrespect.
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Chargepod said:
I helped make that video, and helped install the bar. The bar was only 1 1/2 year old. The modules started going out at the one year mark. This bar also saw very, very little use. It only had -maybe- 20-25 hours run time in that time period. I was very disappointed with the product, and STL customer service basically told us to shove it.
At another station in my area, a guy bought the STL Eclipse interior bar. Modules in his bar starting failing five months out of the box. His set of grill lights made it to a year, and his light stick in the rear window made it to eight months. All were STL products, and like me, STL told him that it was his problem.
The bar in the video has been replaced with a SOS EPL9000, and my friend with the Eclipse replaced his bar with a SOS Pinnacle interior bar.
I'll never buy from them again, and I'll never refer anyone to them again. Horrible products, and horrible customer service.
JPolston said:
I don't think you will find any serious member here who is going to begrudge you or make ridiculous comments because you happened to have a good experience with STL. Your comments about posting with respect are what this board is about and what the Mods here have worked tirelessly to create and maintain. This was a well thought out and well stated post.
Note - I don't own any STL lights and have never dealt with them. I just liked the professionalism displayed in this post.
firefighter7017 said:
I have worked on two STL bars with the modules stuck on because the whole bar is energized or grounded from water leakage. When I hear what people pay for these bars I cringe. That's all my opinion is based on besides anecdotal evidence here.
Those of you who are able to discuss this like adults, kudos. There have been a few really well written posts here that disagree but still do so with detail and respect. It makes trolling pretty hard when it all it does is cause an interesting adult discussion to break out.
Yeah... so... one of the people on my department had a STL visor light... nighttime it was ok, daytime it was damn near invisible, even when i was right in front of the car, plus some LED's were burnt out...
The siren they have is also STL... i watched them responding one night, and couldnt hear the siren until the car was within 100 feet of me. mind you, i was standing alongside of the road, not in a car, just standing there. everyone who has ears that work, know that if you are outside, stationary, and paying attention, you can hear the siren of an EV from a good distance off. Theirs, not so much.
Ive had my Sound Off LED3 grille lights for 4 years now. Theyve been through sub zero temps, 100+ temps, covered in ice, and even striking a deer with them. not one problem with any kind of moisture, hardly any hazing at all. Theyre still as bright as the day i bought them.
My lightbar, is a Whelen Mini Liberty with 2 additional 500 series LED's installed by me. The lenses are original, as well as the wiring, and all of the corner lightheads. The reflectors are still in excellent condition, the lenses have been abused by the same conditions the LED3's have, minus the deer, and are still looking great. Im sure your going to say, how old can that bar be? Its LED, its modern, its new, yadda yadda... the bar is 10 years old, and still no problems whatsoever. Ballast lightheads, ballast flasher, 2 passive 500 series heads added to the bar, with no problems. Its been modified probably 5 times since ive had it, by adding strobes, LED's, vertex... but the corner LED's, flasher, and lenses have all stayed the same.
So you ask why we have such a problem with STL. They do not have the reputation that the big companies have. There are how many stories in the past few pages stating that they stopped working, or malfunctioned, or got moisture in them, you name it. Figure out how much product that STL sells in 1 year. Out of those products, how many go bad. Now look at Whelen. Look at how much product they push in 1 year, and compare that to how many go bad. Now look at the warranty.
Story about the first time i used the whelen warranty. I had an L32 mag mount beacon in red. For some reason it was stuck on low power. So i put it in a box, wrote a note stating it was stuck on low power, and gave my info. Paid less than 10 dollars to ship it. 1 Week later, it was sittin on my door step, in a box from whelen, all fixed and working like new. Do that with any whelen product that is within its 5 year MFG date. Dont matter if you bought it from a dealer, or found it on the side of the road. Whelen will fix that thing, with no cost to you other than shipping.
Does STL do that? From what ive read in the past few posts, youre stuck with what they give you.
Are you starting to understand why we dont like STL?
Im sure we can look up more stories. Or we can look up info from the BBB.
Check. (chess reference)
The siren they have is also STL... i watched them responding one night, and couldnt hear the siren until the car was within 100 feet of me. mind you, i was standing alongside of the road, not in a car, just standing there. everyone who has ears that work, know that if you are outside, stationary, and paying attention, you can hear the siren of an EV from a good distance off. Theirs, not so much.
Ive had my Sound Off LED3 grille lights for 4 years now. Theyve been through sub zero temps, 100+ temps, covered in ice, and even striking a deer with them. not one problem with any kind of moisture, hardly any hazing at all. Theyre still as bright as the day i bought them.
My lightbar, is a Whelen Mini Liberty with 2 additional 500 series LED's installed by me. The lenses are original, as well as the wiring, and all of the corner lightheads. The reflectors are still in excellent condition, the lenses have been abused by the same conditions the LED3's have, minus the deer, and are still looking great. Im sure your going to say, how old can that bar be? Its LED, its modern, its new, yadda yadda... the bar is 10 years old, and still no problems whatsoever. Ballast lightheads, ballast flasher, 2 passive 500 series heads added to the bar, with no problems. Its been modified probably 5 times since ive had it, by adding strobes, LED's, vertex... but the corner LED's, flasher, and lenses have all stayed the same.
So you ask why we have such a problem with STL. They do not have the reputation that the big companies have. There are how many stories in the past few pages stating that they stopped working, or malfunctioned, or got moisture in them, you name it. Figure out how much product that STL sells in 1 year. Out of those products, how many go bad. Now look at Whelen. Look at how much product they push in 1 year, and compare that to how many go bad. Now look at the warranty.
Story about the first time i used the whelen warranty. I had an L32 mag mount beacon in red. For some reason it was stuck on low power. So i put it in a box, wrote a note stating it was stuck on low power, and gave my info. Paid less than 10 dollars to ship it. 1 Week later, it was sittin on my door step, in a box from whelen, all fixed and working like new. Do that with any whelen product that is within its 5 year MFG date. Dont matter if you bought it from a dealer, or found it on the side of the road. Whelen will fix that thing, with no cost to you other than shipping.
Does STL do that? From what ive read in the past few posts, youre stuck with what they give you.
Are you starting to understand why we dont like STL?
Im sure we can look up more stories. Or we can look up info from the BBB.
Check. (chess reference)
While I am a huge proponent of buying major brands, a few of the members here that have their own LEDs made to their specifications that are very nice.
Pimp, Microman, Strobesnmore all sell their own branded LEDs that are quite nice and beat STL on quality and price IMHO. Plus if something does go wrong you have a community member to turn to who will stand behind their products.
Pimp, Microman, Strobesnmore all sell their own branded LEDs that are quite nice and beat STL on quality and price IMHO. Plus if something does go wrong you have a community member to turn to who will stand behind their products.
JohnMarcson said:
And a good amount of people here, members, who actually have firsthand experience, POSITIVE, and can vouch for the products/services.
For those who have had issues, as you said John, those sellers stand behind their products and WILL ACTUALLY Warranty the products and make a wrong, right.
Unlike ETD, STL, etc.......
Generally speaking, STL has sold nothing but junk. However, I bought one of their visor lights r/r that was reconditioned and got it for $40. I've had it close to 3 yrs with no problem. But, I also had one of their sirens and it was terrible. Replaced it with a ShoMe 3 sound unit with wail, yelp, airhorn. Much louder and it works fine.
In their defense, they changed hands and moved from Richardson to Buda, TX. Since I've bought from them I'm on their ongoing email list. Looks like they're trying to improve, and you can even chat (or rant) with them via their site.
In their defense, they changed hands and moved from Richardson to Buda, TX. Since I've bought from them I'm on their ongoing email list. Looks like they're trying to improve, and you can even chat (or rant) with them via their site.
Where did the troll go? I've got a 13 year old light bar on my cruiser (recycled bar within the department). Strobe bulbs/takedowns have been replaced, but one of the benefits of a quality LED is longevity. I've not had a single problem with the LED modules, and I have had the lightbar since 2007.
The major names build quality products and stand behind them, hence the reason they can charge more. There are plenty of no name brands that can be had for a very fair price and are dependable too. My buddy has been running a Microman bar in the front grille of his cruiser for several years now. I can't even begin to guess how many hours its run, but its been at least 2 or 3 years in a police cruiser in the busiest beat of the busiest district of a busy department... so it has more usage than I would guess most volunteers would ever put on it. I've had Axixtech lights in the rear of my cruiser for about 4 years, and about a year and a half ago I sold them to a buddy to install in the grille of his cruiser. Never had a problem wiith them.
My point... there are plenty of dependable quality options for less than Whelen/FS/Code 3. STL does not have a good reputation, and for good reason. I installed grille and deck lights in another buddies cruiser. They were dim to start out with. Within months, a large number of diodes died, making them even more pathetic. There is a reason that the lights have such a reputation here.
I'm fairly certain the troll is representing STL and wonder what he thinks will happen by making a fake account here and bashing people for their honest opinions. Sure doesn't make me want to reconsider...
The major names build quality products and stand behind them, hence the reason they can charge more. There are plenty of no name brands that can be had for a very fair price and are dependable too. My buddy has been running a Microman bar in the front grille of his cruiser for several years now. I can't even begin to guess how many hours its run, but its been at least 2 or 3 years in a police cruiser in the busiest beat of the busiest district of a busy department... so it has more usage than I would guess most volunteers would ever put on it. I've had Axixtech lights in the rear of my cruiser for about 4 years, and about a year and a half ago I sold them to a buddy to install in the grille of his cruiser. Never had a problem wiith them.
My point... there are plenty of dependable quality options for less than Whelen/FS/Code 3. STL does not have a good reputation, and for good reason. I installed grille and deck lights in another buddies cruiser. They were dim to start out with. Within months, a large number of diodes died, making them even more pathetic. There is a reason that the lights have such a reputation here.
I'm fairly certain the troll is representing STL and wonder what he thinks will happen by making a fake account here and bashing people for their honest opinions. Sure doesn't make me want to reconsider...
Evening All,
The past few days I have been reading up on what I can do with my situation with my Strobes. I currently still have the bulbs installed in my 2008 Ford Ranger but somehow the Speedtech Lights 120 Watt power supply got wet and began to no longer work. I have the rubber floors on my pickup truck and somehow water got in the strobe pack. My question is, what can i do to get the strobes working again? i have the bulbs still in place just unplugged and based on my research another STL product is out of the question please assist me anyway you can.
P.S. when it comes to installing lights I am an amatuer at best but I hope to learn more about the basics, thanks!
NJ Firefighter
The past few days I have been reading up on what I can do with my situation with my Strobes. I currently still have the bulbs installed in my 2008 Ford Ranger but somehow the Speedtech Lights 120 Watt power supply got wet and began to no longer work. I have the rubber floors on my pickup truck and somehow water got in the strobe pack. My question is, what can i do to get the strobes working again? i have the bulbs still in place just unplugged and based on my research another STL product is out of the question please assist me anyway you can.
P.S. when it comes to installing lights I am an amatuer at best but I hope to learn more about the basics, thanks!
NJ Firefighter
You could get another strobe power supply and see if that will make them fire,. Id email them (idk how their customer service is) and say it stopped working. They may or may not answer you. But, the strobes are most likely still good, so just test them out. You can find a used power supply on here for around 50 bucks. Id go with a whelen 90 watt strobe pack, the 60 watt packs dont have as much output per bulb.fdguy743 said:Evening All,
The past few days I have been reading up on what I can do with my situation with my Strobes. I currently still have the bulbs installed in my 2008 Ford Ranger but somehow the Speedtech Lights 120 Watt power supply got wet and began to no longer work. I have the rubber floors on my pickup truck and somehow water got in the strobe pack. My question is, what can i do to get the strobes working again? i have the bulbs still in place just unplugged and based on my research another STL product is out of the question please assist me anyway you can.
P.S. when it comes to installing lights I am an amatuer at best but I hope to learn more about the basics, thanks!
NJ Firefighter
Welcome to the board!
I guess you have three options....
1) post a WANTED ad for another STL power pack
2) remove what you have for a better strobe system
3) remove what you have and upgrade to LED HAW's that will fit the same size (look into Feniex new Cannon)
Good luck!
I guess you have three options....
1) post a WANTED ad for another STL power pack
2) remove what you have for a better strobe system
3) remove what you have and upgrade to LED HAW's that will fit the same size (look into Feniex new Cannon)
Good luck!
theroofable said:
Thank you sir! i assume i wouldn't have a problem using the STL switch box to test the bulbs?
No, you need a strobe power supply to power the bulbs, which is what the strobe wires plug into. You wont need a switch box to test it.fdguy743 said:
Also remember strobes work by pulses of high voltage. I say remove the strobe pack and get a used whelen/fedsig/code3 pack off the classifieds.
PM me. I've got a used Whelen SPS660 6-outlet strobe power supply I'll let you have for the cost of shipping.
mvance27 said:
The overwhelming majority of users here are anti speedtech for one reason or another. Do a forum search for STL or Speedtech and you will see endless threads..
I see you are new here. Welcome to the site... try to use the search function as there is rarely a new topic anymore.
mvance27 said:
Try the search function, bud...you'll find a nearly unanimous consensus on them. The cliff notes version of the general consensus is that they and their products suck b@!!s
If you can afford it, I'd buy a product from one of the name brands that has a proven track record (ie whelen, FedSig, sound off).
On the other hand, if you're looking for budget/non-name brand, try strobesnmore.com's line of products or advancedwarninglights.com's brand, because those dealers & their products have a solid rep here
mvance27 said:
:beat_deadhorse: :beat_deadhorse: :thx: :thx: :lock_it: :lock_it: :lock_it: :lock_it: :lock_it: :lock_it:
See Signature Below
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Friends don't let friends buy SpeedTech Lights.
Welcome to the board! Do some perusing of the site, search the board for products you may be interested in, and you're bound to find reviews that are applicable. In all seriousness, when it comes to emergency lighting and equipment, the old adage of "you get what you pay for" rings true (9 times out of 10). Just because you find some new LED lights for a great price doesn't mean it's a great deal... Usually, the products you'll find that seem like a bargain are a bargain because they're imported from overseas (usually China) and are of a lower quality. The more seasoned and honest veterans of the board will let you know up front. Some may seem blunt, but it's more of a case of trying to inform and educate new members so that they don't get burned.
Purchase your products that come from a reputable manufacturer. Yes, they all have their faults, but if its used by hundreds of thousands of people (including government agencies), chances are its a trusted product. There's a reason the majority of buyers will go the route of Whelen, Federal Signal, Feniex, Code 3, TOMAR, SoundOff Signal and so on... meanwhile, they'll steer clear of the LEDOutfitters, Extreme Tactical Dynamics, Speed Tech Lights and Delta III Technologies of the world. If a vendor has their own line of products - investigate it. Don't go on face value alone. If they don't want to disclose who the product manufacturer is, or if they say they make it themselves, more often than not that's a good sign they're purchasing lower quality products and passing them off as their own for a quick buck. On the other side of that coin, you'll have places like Strobes N More that import their own line of products from overseas, but it's gone through a rigorous quality control process; quality components are used, a full 5 year warranty is provided (an industry norm for LEDs, by the way), and the product is tested and revised over and over before being offered to the public.
Sorry for the long post... Just want to make sure that another new member isn't taken advantage of! A little bit of knowledge and research will go a long way, for you! Better to spend $75 on a single name brand light than buy a $25 knock off and have to replace it over and over. :thumbsup:
Welcome to the board! Do some perusing of the site, search the board for products you may be interested in, and you're bound to find reviews that are applicable. In all seriousness, when it comes to emergency lighting and equipment, the old adage of "you get what you pay for" rings true (9 times out of 10). Just because you find some new LED lights for a great price doesn't mean it's a great deal... Usually, the products you'll find that seem like a bargain are a bargain because they're imported from overseas (usually China) and are of a lower quality. The more seasoned and honest veterans of the board will let you know up front. Some may seem blunt, but it's more of a case of trying to inform and educate new members so that they don't get burned.
Purchase your products that come from a reputable manufacturer. Yes, they all have their faults, but if its used by hundreds of thousands of people (including government agencies), chances are its a trusted product. There's a reason the majority of buyers will go the route of Whelen, Federal Signal, Feniex, Code 3, TOMAR, SoundOff Signal and so on... meanwhile, they'll steer clear of the LEDOutfitters, Extreme Tactical Dynamics, Speed Tech Lights and Delta III Technologies of the world. If a vendor has their own line of products - investigate it. Don't go on face value alone. If they don't want to disclose who the product manufacturer is, or if they say they make it themselves, more often than not that's a good sign they're purchasing lower quality products and passing them off as their own for a quick buck. On the other side of that coin, you'll have places like Strobes N More that import their own line of products from overseas, but it's gone through a rigorous quality control process; quality components are used, a full 5 year warranty is provided (an industry norm for LEDs, by the way), and the product is tested and revised over and over before being offered to the public.
Sorry for the long post... Just want to make sure that another new member isn't taken advantage of! A little bit of knowledge and research will go a long way, for you! Better to spend $75 on a single name brand light than buy a $25 knock off and have to replace it over and over. :thumbsup:
Zapp Brannigan said:
Zapp :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
This is why the search bar was developed! To search for information related to what your asking:bonk:
