Spotlight Buying Guide
So you need a Spotlight – you’ve come to the right place!
Here at Powa Beam we’ve been in the Spotlight business since 1969. Spotlights are reliable, powerful lights that can be aimed in any direction from a motorised vehicle – cars, boats, ATVs, quadbikes, the list goes on.
When purchasing a spotlight, the considerations that are applicable are as follows;
1) Light Quality, Range, Flood
2) Mounting options – hand held, roof mounted, window mounted.
3) Thermal compatibility
4) Price
Below is a chart displaying the current range of spotlights available, by size and type.
HID vs QH
HID
High Intensity Discharge lights are the top quality, further range light on offer for spotlighting. HID lights are more expensive, and contain a ballast to regulate the current. They take a few moments for the light to reach it’s maximum, but are the best in the business at shining light at range. They also draw less power than QH lights so are more efficient.
The bright, white light offers better illumination at comparable distances and as a result are the top choice for many seasoned hunters.
QH
Quartz Halogen lights come with fewer moving parts, and are a more cost-effective option for spotlights. The light quality emitted (depending on bulb) is a warmer and (typically) shorter range than HID. The output of light is instantaneous, which offers a slight advantage on HID in that area.
QH lights are often the preferred option for those running a thermal in tandem with their spotlight, this is because searching for animals becomes easier with the thermal and the spotlight is used less to scan an area, and more to provide illumination before taking a shot.
The 250w QH systems provide a higher range and more spread light than the 100w QH counterparts, albeit with a higher draw of power. The light quality from an HID light is still superior, but the 250w system provides an advanced alternative. 250w QH systems come equipped with a step-up converter to operate (unless the source of energy is already equipped for 24v).
Size
The most popular sizes tend to be 7 or 9 inch. Certain configurations are impractical (for example, an 11inch light window mounted or handheld) and others can verge on overkill depending on necessary range.
Range
The following is a range estimate based on our own testing for the most common lights. Please note that the difference in light quality is still apparent at these ranges, with HID providing better concentration of light.
9” 250w – 850m+
9” HID – 700m+
9” QH – 600m+
7” HID – 500m
7” QH – 500m
Mounting
Powa Beam spotlights come with the option of handheld or bracket mounted.
There are currently 5 mounts to mount a spotlight - they are as follows:
1. Powa Beam Roof Mount
The Powa Beam Roof Mount is a waterproof mount designed to fit a spotlight onto the top of a dedicated work vehicle's roof (often a work ute or ATV), so that the spotlight is easily accessible from the driver's seat and can be aimed in any direction. This is the preferred choice for hunting and farming rigs.
2. Powa Beam Window Mount
The Powa Beam Window mount is ideal for those who aren't hunting from their vehicle full-time. This prevents the need to drill a hole in the roof & can be taken off when required. This allows it to work both from the driver's window OR the passengers. It also is perfect for those with multiple vehicles, as it can be swapped between them rapidly.
3. Powa Beam Roof Rack Mount
The Powa Beam Roof Rack Mount fits a 'flat platform roof rack' and is ideal for vehicles with that system in place.
4. Smartrest Light Mount
The Smartrest Light Mount is a system that connects onto a bar, and is primarily designed for use on a quad bike with a hand-held spotlight. The advantage of this setup is to be able to maneuver or detach a spotlight quickly while on the hunt.
5. Smartrest Roof Rack Mount
The Smartrest Roof Rack Mount fits to a bar or tube from a roof rack.
Thermal Capability
Thermal Monoculars are often run in tandem with a Spotlight. These can be hand-held, but are often mounted on top of the spotlight itself or side-by-side, streaming to the user's tablet or smartphone via bluetooth or wifi.
There are three thermal mounting options currently available:
1. Powa Beam 7" Thermal Mount & 9" Thermal Mount
The Powa Beam Thermal Mount is a dedicated thermal mount fitted onto a spotlight with a quick-release attachment.
2. Smartrest Rimtop Mount
The Smartrest Rimtop Mount provides a simple mounting option to the curved top of a spotlight.
The Smartrest Single QR Mount offers an option to fit a thermal side-by-side to a spotlight.
The Smartrest Double QR Mount is identical to the Single QR Mount, with an additional Quick Release Clamp and Rail. This allows for better balance and adaptability for the spotlight & thermal, allowing users to detach both the spotlight & thermal rapidly.
If you have any questions, give us a call on 1300 398 877. We’re always happy to offer advice and help you find the perfect setup to suit your needs.