Your stock UTV comes with headlights, but are they enough? Probably not, so you need extra UTV lights to really enjoy the full capacity of your machine. They’re crucial for riding safely during the nighttime exploring and late night chores that can’t wait till the morning. Besides, most parks and trails require extra lighting while riding at night.
It can be nerve-racking to decide between cube, bar, or whip lights and where to place them. At SuperATV, we’ll walk you through all the ins and outs of UTV lights.
When shopping around for lights, you might have noticed terms that don’t make sense unless you’re an electrician. We’re here to dispel that mystery, so you can make the best decision.
An amp is the movement of electrons to a certain point in a second. But how does this relate to lights?
The lower the amp draw, the better it is for the charging system and overall electrical system on any given machine. The downside is that lower amp lights typically equate to lower light output.
Diffused lights work best if you want to see around the machine. You don’t want to go faster than 10 MPH with these. You outrun the light because you can only see a few feet ahead.
Driving lights are great when you’re going 10–25 MPH, giving you a 45° beam. Although it’s a wide angle, the light doesn’t reach very far.
Flood lights let you go a little faster at 20–50 MPH with a 25° beam. You can see further, but the width grows narrower.
LEDs are more popular compared to traditional light sources because of their efficiency. They work by having electricity flow in one direction from an anode to a cathode, which is a diode. LEDs run cooler and use less energy.
The number of lumens a light has determines the brightness of it. More lumens equal a brighter light.
The IP rating tells you a product’s level of protection from certain solids and liquids, such as dust and water, getting inside. For example, you might come across light with a 67 IP rating. The first number gives the solid resistance, so the 6 in this IP rating means dust can’t get inside the light. And the second number gives the liquid resistance, which 7 tells you that the light can be submerged in 1 meter of water without any getting into the casing.
This IP rating chart helps you figure out what different numbers mean.
Spot lights let you travel at speeds faster than 50 MPH with a 10° beam. These lights reach the furthest, but the light cone is the narrowest.
Lights usually work in a wide range of temperatures. For example, ours work from -40°F to 140°F, which means you can take them to Alaska and Death Valley.
Pay attention to the watts because it tells you exactly how much energy is needed to run the light. Brighter lights require more energy.
Shopping for a light can feel like a chore when there’s a lot to look at and think about. Where do you even begin to know which types of lights are right for you? We made it easy by listing the primary considerations you should keep in mind.
UTV lights should be strong and resist the elements because riding doesn’t end when weather turns bad or trails get too tough.
Look at reviews for durability, the IP rating, and the material the light is encased in.
Add style and functionality to your machine with a light that stands out from the crowd. There are low-profile cube lights and light bars that add a sharp finish. And some whip lights are real party-starters with their infinite color combinations that move to the beat of your drum (AKA your music playlist).
Check to see how much power is available on your machine before adding a bunch of cool accessories. You don’t want your riding to end because you lost power all of a sudden. Using multiple lights and a winch can eat up a lot. So the less energy a light takes, the more awesome stuff you can run.
Do you know where you want to mount your lights? Spot and flood light cones are narrow, but you can add cube lights next to them to widen the view. You can put lights on top of your cage, down low with a bumper, or behind. A combination of lights offers a better picture of what’s around and ahead of you.
Cheaper lights often work fine, but you will need to replace them more often. Water and dust easily get inside, and they use a lot more power. Cost has to be factored into what you can comfortably afford while giving you the best bang for your buck. Our lights are the perfect balance between cost, brightness, and power.
Now that you’ve learned all about what to look for in a light and understand the terms used, get ready to figure out which ones are right for you. There are three primary types of UTV LED lights—cube, bar, and whip—and each has their own unique purpose.
Cube lights are shaped like the name suggests—a square. These compact lights come in pairs and offer the best value for extra visibility. Because of their small size, cube lights have powerful versatility. Stick them in the rear for reverse lights or anywhere you want. Put the two lights on opposite sides of each other facing outward for a wider view. Just make sure to clean off any mud from the fins or they will burn out fast.
UTV light bars are popular among off-road enthusiasts and the possibilities are endless.
First off, there are lots of sizes to choose from. With our lights bars, you can choose a 6” light bar all the way up to a 40” light bar, although bigger and smaller ones do exist.
Second, there’s a choice between a curved or straight light with each offering their own benefits. Straight lights (usually spot lights) are better when you need a focused, intense light for going fast. Curved light bars (usually flood lights) are best for working in the field. Their light cone reaches the maximum width to both sides, so there’s no need for extra LEDs on the sides.
Third, pick a single row of lights or double row that’s much brighter. With a double row, there’s 2 times the number of lights, which doubles the lumens and increases the wattage.
UTV whip lights are designed to get noticed and the price tag demands it. They’re necessary to ride inside most trails and parks, and you might as well show off. With a remote or phone, you can customize the colors and sync them to your voice or music—that’s sexy and simple.
Also, it’s a good idea to get lights with quick disconnect, so you can easily remove them. The installation is pretty straightforward too, especially since a lot of machines come with pre-built holes.
And watch out for power-feeding effects because it means the light is not good quality and not as bright. This happens when the same amount of voltage that’s hitting the bottom doesn’t hit the top. You can tell if there’s a yellow tint at the top when the lights are supposed to be white.
Bumpers are the biggest supporter for lights. Many of ours are designed with special cutouts for recessed cube lights and lights bars that can sit on top of them for a sleek style.
Most lights attach to your cage with brackets. These brackets can overlap with other accessories that use them too, such as windshields, roofs, sound bars, and side view mirrors. Pay attention to the light’s position in relation to other accessories, and it shouldn’t pose any problems.
The nighttime doesn’t have to mean packing up and heading back home. The fun never ends when UTV lights are guiding you. Hit the gas on the dunes, trails, or anywhere—lights will make a difference in your safety game. Whether you decide on cube, bar, or whip lights, we have the highest quality that includes everything you need.
If you have any questions, give us a call or comment below. We want you to have an awesome experience and be safe at the same time.
