Light bar pattern question

[RysiuM]

I got myself 30 inch light bar to put behind the grill. It has 60 LED's (30 x 2) taking total 140W (measured at 12V). Estimated real light output should be between 12000 and 14000 lumens. LED's are behind some lenses creating particular light pattern.

Now the question is about this light pattern. 12 lenses on each side (6 x 2) are creating flat pattern light (see the picture attached - pattern A). 36 lenses at the center (18 x 2) creating round pattern (pattern B on attached picture). Both patterns are very tight almost like a spot light.

Total pattern created by the light bar is shown on the picture attached. It is flat one the edges and more round at the center. Is this how you guys would like to see or would it be more useful is the "flat" pattern would be at the center and "round" at the edges?

 

[RysiuM]

Here is the real picture of light patterns from this bar:

 

[davester00]

Light pattern

I think there is more "useful" illumination with the center pattern round. When driving forward you can see more of what's below and above the plane you're are focusing on. Anything at is the the direct path of your route will be illuminated and you can decide on your course of action. The sides (flat) are more for what is in periphery of your driving path, not immediately in the path of the vehicle. My opinion.

 

[RysiuM]

Thanks, I guess it makes sense to see more what is hiding is in front of the bumper and ignore animals hidden in a ditch :eyebrows:

I just looked at some pictures how big guys do it (rigid) and the pattern is following the same rule: more up-down in front and narrower at sides.

 

[jwkilgore]

My personal use for aux lights is that I need more to the sides.

Your OEM headlights are typically sufficient to light everything you need on the road. About the only time you would need long-throw lights straight ahead would be for something like high-speed desert racing, or maybe if you're in a very rural area driving down the highway (making sure to switch them off the instant you see oncoming traffic).

Always where I've needed more light is trying to see around tight corners on a twisty mountain road; or in a rural area trying to spot deer on the shoulder or in the ditch before they jump in my path.

So I will probably never get a new-fangled light bar, and instead get floods (maybe 2x6's) pointed ahead and out. But if I were to get a bar, my ideal pattern would be roundish/flat long-throw in the center with round flood patterns on the sides.