Suggestions for Inexpensive Amber Lightbars

[John Hearne]

I'm looking for ideas for an inexpensive all amber light bar for a number of utility vehicles. I'm thinking 48" mounted on locally made headache racks to make future transfers easier. The Whelen Justice & Century Elite as well as the SOS Skyfire came to mind - anything else to think about?


These vehicles will be blocking lanes occassionally and parked on the side of the road. Hoping I can do better than this:





(Yes, those are cable ties)

 

[RES347CUE]

1.That's real bad if that is what you guys are utilizing a street hawk with a b.s. strobe zip tied to it funny looking but bad.


2 have you thought about bolting a tir3 or tir6 or even linear4 or linear6 style light heads directly to the headache rack front and rear?


It might be more cost effective for you to do 2 or 3 to the rear and 2 or 3 to the front , you can probably get them for around $40. a pop


just a thought . just an alternative to a full light bar

 

[JCS]

Perhaps a couple Feniex T6's front and rear?


Also, just a thought, and you could maintain a level of consistency in their appearances.


Just my initial idea.

 

[firefighter7017]

What's wrong with the streethawk?

 

[RES347CUE]

What's wrong with the streethawk?

nothing at all I actually like the street hawk bar ( it was my first light bar I ever purchased ) I just looks ridiculous with that b.s. strobe on top

 

[got_yogurt]

Have you thought about the SOS magnum? http://www.soundoffsignal.com/product/magnum


Equivalent to a justice (3 led inboards, 6 led corners). Never seen one in person but I like everything about the specifications and I like the control module, looks like it offers lots of options and flexibility.

 

[firefighter7017]

nothing at all I actually like the street hawk bar ( it was my first light bar I ever purchased ) I just looks ridiculous with that b.s. strobe on top

I agree, I was wondering why he's wanting to replace them.

 

[John Hearne]

There is nothing wrong with the Streethawk per se. That was an old fire bar that the put amber lenses on after a significant near miss. They are wanting to put full lightbars on most of our utility trucks. Some trucks had no lighting, most had a single amber mini bar which were lower end offerings. They are looking to improve the lighting of all the trucks across the fleet.


When I checked pricing the Magnum was more expensive that the Skyfire, any reason it might be a better option?

 

[Black Hoe]

How about just picking up a used working Federal Twinsonic or Aerodynic?

 

[GPC]

Saw a Skyfire in person the other day and was pleasantly surprised by it. Haven't seen one in person but a Feniex Avatar should be in the same price range as a Justice or a Skyfire too.


Another cheap option would be buying old Whelen Edge strobe bars and changing the lenses out for amber.

 

[firefighter7017]

Saw a Skyfire in person the other day and was pleasantly surprised by it. Haven't seen one in person but a Feniex Avatar should be in the same price range as a Justice or a Skyfire too.

Another cheap option would be buying old Whelen Edge strobe bars and changing the lenses out for amber.

I second this motion.

 

[John Hearne]

It's a .gov purchase and they really frown on buying used equipment. The Streethawk was in the "surplus" pile when they grabbed it and put on amber lenses. Depending on what they decide, the quantity may be several dozen bars so a few used bars won't cut it.


My thoughts are that long term, they are going to be better off with an LED bar from the upkeep standpoint. They are fabricating mounts on their pickup tool boxes so whatever is purchased will transfer easily. I liked the Skyfire because it has a work light option which is something they've said they want.

 

[Strobesnmore]

Whelen Justice would be my vote. How many do you need?

 

[SNOW SYSTEMS]

I wouldn't even bother switching from streethawks to used whelen edges. I like the street hawk bar. But if they are serious about switching over, then without a doubt the justice bar is the way to go. About a 1K$ though. For the trucks looking to have the mini bars replaced, mini whelen con3 or lin6 responder bars.

 

[got_yogurt]

It's a .gov purchase and they really frown on buying used equipment. The Streethawk was in the "surplus" pile when they grabbed it and put on amber lenses. Depending on what they decide, the quantity may be several dozen bars so a few used bars won't cut it.

My thoughts are that long term, they are going to be better off with an LED bar from the upkeep standpoint. They are fabricating mounts on their pickup tool boxes so whatever is purchased will transfer easily. I liked the Skyfire because it has a work light option which is something they've said they want.

I didn't think the magnum would be much more than a skyfire, it's the same frame. I like that on the magnum the inner modules aren't angled at 40 degrees, and it has way better options like cruise mode, pattern override, traffic director patters, low power etc. it can be loaded with work lights or STT as well.

 

[pdk9]

I'm looking for ideas for an inexpensive all amber light bar for a number of utility vehicles. I'm thinking 48" mounted on locally made headache racks to make future transfers easier. The Whelen Justice & Century Elite as well as the SOS Skyfire came to mind - anything else to think about?

These vehicles will be blocking lanes occassionally and parked on the side of the road. Hoping I can do better than this:





(Yes, those are cable ties)

I think I've seen that custom lightbar before...Cajun made that masterpiece, right?


As for quality, budget-friendly lightbars, the only way to go is STL or ETD!!! Economically-priced lightbars with SUPERIOR output (superior to what is still the question) that are guaranteed to last you 7 Whole Days!!!


I would recommend any of the economy bars from whelen, SOS, tomar, or FedSig. The skyfire is kinda in a category of it's own because it's significantly cheaper than the justice, but the standard justice is relatively close in price to the legend LPX, scorpion, & pinnacle EPL9K (1K-1200 range). For a private brand, consider sirennet bars; they're essentially rebranded SOS & whelen bars with a few minor differences that could save you a few hundred bucks in the long run, while still providing decent output

 

[ClintonPSE]

I would recommend the Star Starbar. It's 48", heavy duty, cheap to repair if needed and made in the USA. They are available in Halogen, Strobe and LED. I sell a LOT of them to oversize load truckers and flag cars because they are reasonably priced and durable. I stock a couple models of them and, of course, special order any quantity and configuration. I'll PM you my best price on them if you like!


STARBAR with HALOGEN Rotators





STARBAR with STROBE or LED heads (they look exactly the same)





EDIT: OR for a Low Profile, I'd consider a Star M-Tech Plus Razor bar

 

[justavillain]

I am from MI so I'm going to say SOS. Their bars are nice. A few companies here have 2 of their mini pinnacle bars mounted on their rack.


The mini pinnacle has a diamond shape and their lense is the same as the Feniex Apollo. So very good off axis and head on lighting.


For a full bar their epl series is very good, also has colored lenses if you want them or clear.


I personally have a whelen justice and it works very well and not bad on price new. The Fenix avatar is very close in price but I don't like the limited sizes of 47 and 57 for my Chevy the 47 is too small and the 57 is too large.

 

[nerdly_dood]

If you really want to pinch pennies you could always go with an LP6000. Cheap, bright, and from a reputable manufacturer.

 

[CrownVic97]

If you really want to pinch pennies you could always go with an LP6000. Cheap, bright, and from a reputable manufacturer.

I second this notion. You can find a lot of LP6Ks out there that are amber or clear w/ amber filters. Just make sure to get the metal rotator ones vs the newer free-form ones. The output on metal rotator LP6Ks are pretty darn good. Go trolling around on craigslist and you'd be surprised at what you find .

 

[emtanderson51]

I vote Century Elite. The inboard heads are super bright, it's linear so you have excellent off angle and I can get them for you at a great price. Just PM me for a quote. What do you have to lose?

 

[rwo978]

SIRENNET.COM - Sirennet Economy LED Lightbar

 

[LED]

High speed star-bar, under $400 new. 9404H

 

[EL1998P71]

You can't go wrong with an LP6000 or even the star bar.


I have seen many escort vehicles using dual Halogen Highlighters or Star mini bars.


Your streethawk is a good bar. I'd cut that strobe off.


maybe just add some front and rear lower flashers insted

 

[John Hearne]

Just to clarify, there is nothing wrong with the streethawk, we just need more bars for a bunch of vehicles.

 

[Rhinojoe]

I vote Century Elite. The inboard heads are super bright, it's linear so you have excellent off angle and I can get them for you at a great price. Just PM me for a quote. What do you have to lose?

+1 on the Whelen Century for the price. Go with the 23" model.


Lightweight study build.


Blinding bright in bright sun. Great off-axis coverage. And a 5 year warranty on their lightheads.

 

[lightnerd]

You mention "inexpensive", which to me means there is a specific budget in mind. Do the money folks have an idea of how much they're willing to spend per vehicle? How many vehicles?


You also mention the possibility that these trucks will probably be used to block lanes. 2 lane roads? 4 lane roads? State highways? County roads? Flat roads? Hilly terrain?

 

[CodeMan]

He did say inexpencive..... WOLO











Prices on amazon:


Amazon.com: wolo light bar


I post this in JEST.. But the OP did say inexpencive that they will look good sitting there in day light and when on at night.. Jus Sayin. :undecided:

 

[GPC]

He did say inexpencive..... WOLO

View attachment 69153


View attachment 69154


View attachment 69155


Prices on amazon:


Amazon.com: wolo light bar


I post this in JEST.. But the OP did say inexpencive that they will look good sitting there in day light and when on at night.. Jus Sayin. :undecided:

God no! Just don't do it.

 

[John Hearne]

WOW. My tastes are cheap but not that cheap. (Is that a sealed beam in the center section - I find that sexy )


Right now we have a loaded Skyfire (STT, takedowns, work lights) coming in for T&E purposes.

 

[ClintonPSE]

WOW. My tastes are cheap but not that cheap. (Is that a sealed beam in the center section - I find that sexy )

Right now we have a loaded Skyfire (STT, takedowns, work lights) coming in for T&E purposes.

Nope. It's a 27?Watt halogen bulb in the middle with a dual cone reflector capped with the amber lens. It's not a bad design, just poorly executed. It the quality was there, It'd be a nice light. But it's definitely NOT sealed beam bulbs!

 

[bluestinger90]

Contact JazzDad, of JazzDad Industries for something cheap, and effective.


View Profile: JazzDad - eLightbars.org


JDI ... "Better than WOLO!".

 

[August Arborists]

Contact JazzDad, of JazzDad Industries for something cheap, and effective.

View Profile: JazzDad - eLightbars.org


JDI ... "ALMOST Better than WOLO!".

Fixed that for ya!

 

[Eric1249]

Does it have to be a full size? Why not go with a good quality mini bar that would be easy to put on just about anything.

 

[John Hearne]

Does it have to be a full size? Why not go with a good quality mini bar that would be easy to put on just about anything.

They already have some vehicles running mini-bars and it was decided that they wanted something better. My plan is to fire the whole bar together in hopes of generating a larger, more noticeable light footprint. We're also looking to include some scene lighting capabilities and keep it in a neat package.