Light bar. Straight or curved?

[patkelly4370]

I plan on eventually adding a 52" roof mounted lightbar. Looks-wise I like the curved.
Which did you choose & why?
If you've tried both, which did you prefer & why?
Ditch lights are also in my future.

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[sn_85]

The only time I've ever seen people run roof mounted light bars are people doing a lot of desert runs and races. Either that or they just want "the look". Most of the time it just shoots light on your hood and reflects a lot of stuff. For most people a lower mounted light bar works better such as a hidden grill one, fog pocket, or bumper mounted. I'd consider putting one down below before putting one up top IMO.

 

[2112 R]

I have a 40" curved and it's more than enough.
Went with the curved as it has the floods on the side edges and the spot in the middle.
I have it angled enough to not bounce back off the hood scoop and as previously mentioned, it reflects back off signs a little too much.
Not supposed to be using it on roads, but those paved entrances into Death Valley are dark and that's where I've used it on road a few times.

When hitting the road for camp after work on a Friday they are great when you hit the trail head and it's totally dark, but really it's a luxury item. I maybe use it a dozen times a year at most. So keep that in mind when buying one, how often you going to really need it?

The other main con is it will humm and sing to you on the road. The heat dissipation fins on the back will vibrate at higher speeds so you might also need to get some rubber stripping or some stabilizers to prevent that happening.


This is the best straight on pic I have atm for the 40" curved. It's as wide as the gobi rack and adding another 12" might have it extend a bit over the edges of the roof. Never really seen a 52 in person.

 

[patkelly4370]

I live in the desert, rural AZ.
Use would be if misjudging time and getting off the trail after dark.
Many of our roads are not quite trails so it would come in handy there on a limited, discretionary basis.
I know about the hood reflection. I'm considering reclearcoating the hood flat black.
Also just like the looks.
Thanks for the replies so far

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