LIGHT BAR HITS THE MARK

THE JOLT LIGHT bar is aimed at night workers, and our trial showed that it is a valuable tool in those circumstances. But to give it an extra workout, our reviewer – Dean Warwick also gave it a recreational assessment.

Test vehicle:

1995 80 Series Toyota Landcruiser. Intended usage:

• Beach fishing.

• Camping.

• Hunting.

• 4x4.

Unboxing:

No frills and compact.

Box includes:

• Light bar.

• Lens covers x3.

• Mounting brackets and hardware

• No installation instructions or electrical specifications

The light bar looks robust yet sleek. Two rows of twenty- one individual LEDs with a black housing and fins for dispersing heat.

QUALITY

The overall finish and workmanship on the light bar is to a high standard. The materials display quality and durability. The body appears to be powder coated aluminium with stainless steel fasteners. Three snug fitting plastic lens covers protect the inner lens of the LEDs. All exposed materials will hold up great in any outdoor environment.

INSTALLATION

Despite the lack of instructions and specifications, the light bar was very simple to install. Two mounting brackets can be slid on tracks along the length of the unit. This gives the installer flexibility when choosing a mounting location. I was fortunate enough to have two perfect tabs on my bull bars to mount to. The bracket also allows the light bar to be tilted up and down roughly 90 degrees. Once the brackets were adjusted and the desired angle set, it was as easy as tighten up a few bolts. These bolts are all stainless steel hex key heads with spring and flat washers so nothing can vibrate loose or corrode.

How the light bar is wired up will be dependent on the user. I had existing wires run to the same location for my old spotlights. The main issue I had was not knowing the typical power consumption. This is important when selecting the correct size wiring to run, what size fuse to fit, and how long you can run the light without flattening the battery. I assumed it drew no more than 10 Amps at 12 Volts, used 2.5mm twin core wire and fitted a 10 Amp fuse to protect the circuit.

Tools used:

• Metric hex keys.

• Socket/spanner set.

• Wire strippers.

• Electrical crimp tool.

• Heat gun.

Materials:

• 10 Amp fuse.

• In-line fuse holder.

• Switch.

• Waterproof wire joiners.

• 2.5mm twin core wire.

PERFORMANCE

The performance is fantastic. The bar has both spot and flood lights built into it. This gives ample distance and spread. When testing the lights, I switched between my truck’s full beam headlights and the LED bar. I had almost twice the width in spread and two or three times the distance. It is hard to gauge an actual distance, but when using a standard car’s headlights as a comparison, the LED light bar is far superior. Having a good range in tilt is another simple but great adjustment to have.

CONCLUSION

Great overall quality, reasonably easy to install and a great performer. I use mine on the beach fishing, up the river 4X4ing, and out in the bush hunting. I have been using the bar regularly now for over a month without issue and would highly recommend to anyone who needs good reliable light outdoors for work or play. I would have liked to have seen some instructions and specs, otherwise 10/10. Product Code # TXL9716C. Description – 42xLED Light Bar 505x73mm 9-32V 126W Combo Beam.

RRP – NZD481.95 + GST ($554 Inc).

WWW.JOLT.CO.NZ