arsh88
Senior Member
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- Dec 5, 2018
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- Location
- Wisconsin
- Vehicle(s)
- 2018 Honda Civic Hatchback EX
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EDITED NOTES For Quick Reference:
the 12000lm has an external driver box similar to a ballast, which is why most people use that version for low beams, and go with the smaller version for high beams. You could use either interchangeably.
Recommended Low Beam
https://www.amazon.com/KATANA-Headlight-Extremely-Conversion-Adjustable/dp/B078W5WJZ2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3PCW5NQ8AIZCW&keywords=Katana+12000Lm&linkCode=sl2&linkId=6df0216ffc9d15dc8767862e3af7b427&qid=1584040501&s=automotive&sprefix=Katana+,automotive,174&sr=1-2
Recommended High Beam
https://www.amazon.com/KATANA-9005-Headlight-10000LM-Conversion/dp/B07T8YGVWC/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2UZ23HZI69OMP&dchild=1&keywords=katana+9005+led+headlight+bulbs&qid=1590609790&sprefix=katana+9005,aps,246&sr=8-6
Original Post:
This weekend I finally installed the Katana LED headlights I ordered and man am I impressed. First thing to get a few facts out of the way. I’m not at all endorsed or connected to either this companies bulbs, nor any website I used for research. I just want to point out where I got the information, since I found it extremely helpful in a world of mystery surrounding LED bulbs. To get to the direct review just skip a few paragraphs down.
The Amazon reviews on Katana were stellar given that it’s listed for $48 and one of the reviews does claim that it is a repackaged Supernova v.4. I don’t know that I believe that entirely, but in seeing the results, data, and design, it does appear the factory that makes supernova may have found a way to alter the design of the v.4 to make an affordable yet quality item for cheaper.
I also used https://bulbfacts.com/ for any research. I’ve used their data in the past on Halogens with my old car which pointed me towards the Osram Nightbreakers I used to use, and their LED info is extremely useful, especially with it being broken down between affordable and premium bulbs. Under affordable, they have it rated as the “best value and light spread” and basically have it as 2nd place behind Hikari despite being half the price. The only downside is they haven’t posted their actual review article yet so I wasn’t able to use anything other than data. It’s data also shows it can compete with some of the top premium bulbs like morimoto and supernova. Now whether they last as long we’ll find out.
Now for the actual review. They are plug in play. For the negatives they’re snug when trying to turn into place. The driver being external also made finding a mounting location a bit annoying. On the driver side I was able to pull the driver up under the bracket next to the fuse box, then loop it over and zip tie it in place. I can get pics of that if anyone really wants to see that. Minus that though, mine seemed to be aimed spot on with where stock was.
I tested last night and went past 6 cars no one flashing lights, aiming appeared correct and low, yet gave great output. On the way in this morning I noticed I do not need my fogs at all, which is nice given that I couldn’t see a dang thing with the stock lights unless the fogs were also on. And I find the color to be a lot better at lighting up the road, but I will admit it’s got a slight blue tint to it. I expect that tint given my experience with other LED bulbs, but for those who are nitpicky this will not be a true white. Even with it being a slight blue though it does match the DRL exactly in color.
Obviously, I just installed so I can’t speak to longevity, so I’ll update if they crap out early. But for now if someone wants to venture into LEDs and doesn’t want to break the bank, these would be my go to recommendation for people.
TLDR, did some research, found these bulbs for $48 rated as good as $100 and close to $150 bulbs. Color is fantastic, bright, doesn’t blind people, and slightly blue. I would highly recommend. Now here’s some pics. Note the quality isn't the best so I apologize.
the 12000lm has an external driver box similar to a ballast, which is why most people use that version for low beams, and go with the smaller version for high beams. You could use either interchangeably.
Recommended Low Beam
https://www.amazon.com/KATANA-Headlight-Extremely-Conversion-Adjustable/dp/B078W5WJZ2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3PCW5NQ8AIZCW&keywords=Katana+12000Lm&linkCode=sl2&linkId=6df0216ffc9d15dc8767862e3af7b427&qid=1584040501&s=automotive&sprefix=Katana+,automotive,174&sr=1-2
Recommended High Beam
https://www.amazon.com/KATANA-9005-Headlight-10000LM-Conversion/dp/B07T8YGVWC/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2UZ23HZI69OMP&dchild=1&keywords=katana+9005+led+headlight+bulbs&qid=1590609790&sprefix=katana+9005,aps,246&sr=8-6
Original Post:
This weekend I finally installed the Katana LED headlights I ordered and man am I impressed. First thing to get a few facts out of the way. I’m not at all endorsed or connected to either this companies bulbs, nor any website I used for research. I just want to point out where I got the information, since I found it extremely helpful in a world of mystery surrounding LED bulbs. To get to the direct review just skip a few paragraphs down.
The Amazon reviews on Katana were stellar given that it’s listed for $48 and one of the reviews does claim that it is a repackaged Supernova v.4. I don’t know that I believe that entirely, but in seeing the results, data, and design, it does appear the factory that makes supernova may have found a way to alter the design of the v.4 to make an affordable yet quality item for cheaper.
I also used https://bulbfacts.com/ for any research. I’ve used their data in the past on Halogens with my old car which pointed me towards the Osram Nightbreakers I used to use, and their LED info is extremely useful, especially with it being broken down between affordable and premium bulbs. Under affordable, they have it rated as the “best value and light spread” and basically have it as 2nd place behind Hikari despite being half the price. The only downside is they haven’t posted their actual review article yet so I wasn’t able to use anything other than data. It’s data also shows it can compete with some of the top premium bulbs like morimoto and supernova. Now whether they last as long we’ll find out.
Now for the actual review. They are plug in play. For the negatives they’re snug when trying to turn into place. The driver being external also made finding a mounting location a bit annoying. On the driver side I was able to pull the driver up under the bracket next to the fuse box, then loop it over and zip tie it in place. I can get pics of that if anyone really wants to see that. Minus that though, mine seemed to be aimed spot on with where stock was.
I tested last night and went past 6 cars no one flashing lights, aiming appeared correct and low, yet gave great output. On the way in this morning I noticed I do not need my fogs at all, which is nice given that I couldn’t see a dang thing with the stock lights unless the fogs were also on. And I find the color to be a lot better at lighting up the road, but I will admit it’s got a slight blue tint to it. I expect that tint given my experience with other LED bulbs, but for those who are nitpicky this will not be a true white. Even with it being a slight blue though it does match the DRL exactly in color.
Obviously, I just installed so I can’t speak to longevity, so I’ll update if they crap out early. But for now if someone wants to venture into LEDs and doesn’t want to break the bank, these would be my go to recommendation for people.
TLDR, did some research, found these bulbs for $48 rated as good as $100 and close to $150 bulbs. Color is fantastic, bright, doesn’t blind people, and slightly blue. I would highly recommend. Now here’s some pics. Note the quality isn't the best so I apologize.
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