TRDLEGACY
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- Tundra
- 2023 TRD Off Road SR5 4X4
Hey everyone! Lately, I’ve been going down the rabbit hole of ditch light options for my 3rd Gen Tundra, and I wanted to share my thoughts and comparisons between some of the top contenders: Baja Designs, Diode Dynamics, Heretic, and Auxbeam. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to brightness, build quality, beam pattern, and of course, budget.
Baja Designs – These are pretty much the gold standard when it comes to premium ditch lights. They’re known for their excellent build quality and incredible output. The Squadron Sports and Pros are super popular options, with the Pros putting out a massive 4,900 lumens per light. I love how rugged these are – they’re built to take a beating, and their beam patterns (spot, wide cornering, or combo) let you dial in exactly what you need for different trails and driving situations. The downside? They’re definitely the priciest option on this list, usually around $400+ per pair.
Diode Dynamics – These have been getting a lot of attention lately for their balance of performance and price. The SS3 Pro and Max series are serious contenders, putting out impressive output (the Max can get up to 6,000 lumens). One of the biggest advantages is their customizability with beam patterns and backlight colors – you can really match them to your style and needs. Plus, they’re built in the USA and have a solid warranty, which gives me peace of mind.
Heretic Studio – I’ve been eyeing the Heretic Quattro Series, and they look like a great option if you’re into a sleek, more unique aesthetic. They’ve got a billet aluminum housing that’s super tough and a compact design that tucks in nicely on the A-pillars. The output is no slouch either – around 3,000 lumens per light – and they’ve got that rugged boutique feel that stands out compared to the big brands. Pricing-wise, they’re competitive with Baja and Diode’s higher-end offerings.
Auxbeam – These are definitely the budget-friendly option. They’re not going to compete with Baja or Diode in pure performance, but they get the job done for a fraction of the price. For someone who doesn’t need the absolute best beam pattern or top-tier durability, Auxbeam ditch lights are a great way to get some extra light on the trail without spending $400+. They’re also widely available and easy to replace if needed.
So where do I stand? I’m torn! Baja Designs has that “no compromises” factor, but Diode Dynamics is a close second, especially with their flexibility and slightly better pricing. Heretic is really tempting for that boutique rugged feel, and Auxbeam is hard to ignore if budget is top priority.
What about you all? Anyone running ditch lights from these brands? I’d love to hear how they’ve held up over time and if you’d recommend one over the other. Let’s swap some real-world experiences and help narrow it down!
Baja Designs – These are pretty much the gold standard when it comes to premium ditch lights. They’re known for their excellent build quality and incredible output. The Squadron Sports and Pros are super popular options, with the Pros putting out a massive 4,900 lumens per light. I love how rugged these are – they’re built to take a beating, and their beam patterns (spot, wide cornering, or combo) let you dial in exactly what you need for different trails and driving situations. The downside? They’re definitely the priciest option on this list, usually around $400+ per pair.
Diode Dynamics – These have been getting a lot of attention lately for their balance of performance and price. The SS3 Pro and Max series are serious contenders, putting out impressive output (the Max can get up to 6,000 lumens). One of the biggest advantages is their customizability with beam patterns and backlight colors – you can really match them to your style and needs. Plus, they’re built in the USA and have a solid warranty, which gives me peace of mind.
Heretic Studio – I’ve been eyeing the Heretic Quattro Series, and they look like a great option if you’re into a sleek, more unique aesthetic. They’ve got a billet aluminum housing that’s super tough and a compact design that tucks in nicely on the A-pillars. The output is no slouch either – around 3,000 lumens per light – and they’ve got that rugged boutique feel that stands out compared to the big brands. Pricing-wise, they’re competitive with Baja and Diode’s higher-end offerings.
Auxbeam – These are definitely the budget-friendly option. They’re not going to compete with Baja or Diode in pure performance, but they get the job done for a fraction of the price. For someone who doesn’t need the absolute best beam pattern or top-tier durability, Auxbeam ditch lights are a great way to get some extra light on the trail without spending $400+. They’re also widely available and easy to replace if needed.
So where do I stand? I’m torn! Baja Designs has that “no compromises” factor, but Diode Dynamics is a close second, especially with their flexibility and slightly better pricing. Heretic is really tempting for that boutique rugged feel, and Auxbeam is hard to ignore if budget is top priority.
What about you all? Anyone running ditch lights from these brands? I’d love to hear how they’ve held up over time and if you’d recommend one over the other. Let’s swap some real-world experiences and help narrow it down!
