Difference between Projector and Reflector Headlights - What's the big deal?

In this video, Chris informs us of the difference between Reflector and Projector-style headlights. This is vital information to know when choosing the correct lighting upgrades for your vehicle.

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[bradbergholdt]

Nicely done! As a 30 year automotive instructor I appreciate the clarity and presentation!

[ThePudgyPlatypi]

I think something worth mentioning is that most aftermarket LED bulbs don't work because the lights are usually not designed for them. Reflectora for example expect a continuous amount of light from all directions to work properly. LEDs don't work like that (some attempt to simulate this though) so if your wondering why your "upgraded" LED bulbs suck, it's probably because your headlights weren't designed for them...but it's ok, just install some more harbor freight light bars and you'll be fine

[SkypowerwithKarl]

If you can find aftermarket DOT projector headlight assemblies to replace your reflector type, I highly recommend it. This is the only way I’d ever use even quality LED’s. With a properly designed LED( two sides, thin, and placed in same position as the halogen filament) a reflector type still tends to have too much “spill” or glare for oncoming traffic. As a side note projectors have an internal mask that block light above a certain point. This helps immensely in fog!

[moeshe]

The man knows what he's talking about when he says the odds aren't that good with led upgrades because there's a ton of them to choose from and u might choose the wrong one easily.

[Redeemed-wg]

This guy is not only knowledgeable, he is an outstanding teacher!

[LynxGenisys]

As a tech for 12 yrs, I've found most HID kits don't last more than 2-3yrs. I've found LEDs far better, longer lasting, and generally brighter. Now with LEDs that can be adjusted to sit properly in the housings, they are even better. (When properly installed.)
Also, the cops are cracking down on HIDs installed in factory halogen housings, which are rarely designed for the hid bulbs.
I typically stear everyone away from HID, and towards LEDs when they're upgrading thier lights.

But, i did learn alot from this vid.. thanks!

[williamrodriguez]

I love how the projector headlights look which is why I'm changing my reflector headlights for projectors headlights later today on my Elantra 2, 016 Limited.

[ericpham]

thank you for this presentation. these are less boring than most school home work in school now around the world.

[dave]

This man is very good at explaining things. I wish i had seen his video sooner. But now i know what direction to go in. I have 2 headlights on a yamaha tdm 850 one is a projector. I fitted a led bulb to the projector and it was worse than the halogen bulb. So that backs up what this man has said. Im giving this guy and his video a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Rating.

[Siltarie]

My Outlander had a projector low beam with a seperate reflector high beam. Fantastic combination for factory lights, particularly since my area has potential wildlife on the road at night.

[takeitallin]

Just came across your channel. I have a 2026 f350 and am just being exposed to this stuff. Trying to decide how I want to brighten the output of my headlights. Your videos are as professional and helpful as anyone will see. Thanks for not wasting people's time with irrelevant chit chat. Thanks for all of your effort. bg

[rajeshr]

Basically there are two projection pattern: reflector and lens. Within this, you can use a regular bulb, xenon bulb or led bulb

[Dmccraw]

I love projector headlights so much better! All my cars have had reflectors and my new car I recently bought has projectors and I love them so much better. I love the straight even cutoff projectors provide so the light isn’t scattered all over the place

[pindiwal]

If projector was reflector and reflector looked like projector then reflector projector could be turned into reflectors projection. Dude man you need to reflect what you projected for 15 mins. Reflect you, son of a projection.

[lerogers]

Great explanation! I just just purchased a Dodge Durango and it's my first vehicle with projector headlights. I was curious about the design and engineering of them and this video answered all of the questions I had.

[paulnmarshall]

I read the regs regarding the “brightness” tolerances for your headlights. Your low beams need to operate below 3000 candelas, and high beams below 7000 candelas. Those numbers depend on your headlight housings. Basically, the wider angles your headlights are, the brighter the light you can pack. A 1700 lumen lightbulb can have a 135 cd rating, but the same light bulb in a narrower 20 degree beam can have a 18, 000 cd rating.

[bangthoyib]

Good explanation, but it will be better if you add some sample where you turn on each kind of lamp so prople can understand the differences.

[ferraricarpaccio]

So if the projectors reflector has more projected reflection over the projected reflections light then the reflectors projector can also be a good choice to reflect and project on your reflector or projector? Or was it projector is a better choice then reflector because the projector projects high beam reflector detector projector inspector.

[Will_Bx_NYC_]

Great description. I was wondering why when I turned on and off the high beams on my vehicles with projectors that I was hearing a shuttering sound. I thought something was wrong because my previous vehicle used the projector and reflector combo. The high beams used a separate bulb with the reflector.

[Angel-HC]

Once I got my FR-S with factory projector headlights after years of driving older cars with awful dim reflector housings, I told myself I'm done living that crappy headlight life. I got the Diode Dynamics 35W HID conversion kit for the low beams and I could not be happier with the superior light output compared to stock. Then, after driving my dad's Genesis with factory LED highs, I decided I need that, too, so I ordered some GTR lighting LEDs from you guys. Can't wait to get them and try them out.