Light Patterns 101
Welcome to our latest newsletter where we will be discussing Lights 101, focusing specifically on different spread patterns and what they’re best used for.
Off-road lighting is an essential component of any off-road or overlanding setup. Not only does it enhance visibility and safety on the trail, but it can also improve the overall aesthetics of your vehicle. One important consideration when choosing lights is the spread pattern. Here are the main types of spread patterns and their recommended uses
*example images from Baja Designs
Spot beam: Spot beams are the most focused type of light pattern, providing a narrow, intense beam of light. They are best used for long-range visibility, such as when driving at high speeds or when navigating technical terrain at night. Spot beams are also great for highlighting specific objects or areas, such as trail markers or obstacles. Spot beams have a longer and narrower beam to focus for illumination further down the trail or road. The Spot pattern is designed to be used in conjunction with additional Wide Driving and/or Driving/Combo beam lights.
Flood beam/Work/Scene: Flood beams provide a wider, less intense beam of light, illuminating a larger area. They are best used for general area lighting, such as when setting up camp or performing maintenance on your vehicle. Flood beams are also great for enhancing visibility in inclement weather, such as rain or fog. Flood beams are excellent work light or “scene light” but this pattern is not suitable for driving. We typically recommend this pattern for rear bumper lighting.
Combo beam: Combo beams provide the best of both worlds, combining spot and flood beams to provide a balance of long-range visibility and wide area lighting. They are a great all-around option for off-road driving and camping.
Wide Cornering: The Wide Driving pattern has flattened horizontal beam for the ultimate in comfort lighting. This pattern is specifically for cornering, dust, snow, rain, and/or fog conditions.
When selecting lights for your off-road setup, it is important to consider the type of terrain you will be navigating, your frequent weather conditions, and your specific lighting needs. Many off-road light manufacturers offer a variety of spread patterns, allowing you to customize your lighting setup to best suit your needs. Most Expedition One bumpers come equipped with ports for aftermarket lights to enhance your off-roading experience and we carry a wide array of high quality lighting options with multiple beam patterns and lens color options to get your rig trail ready!
Understanding the different spread patterns of off-road lights is an important aspect of building a successful off-road setup. By selecting the right spread pattern for your specific needs, you can enhance visibility and safety on the trail, as well as improve the overall functionality and aesthetics of your vehicle. Learn more about spread patterns and light research from Diode Dynamics and spread patterns and lighting zones from Baja Designs and then check out expeditiononestore.com to see our selection of lights for your bumper or ask us to ship you the light of your choice. As always, our customer service team is happy to answer any questions you have about our products and light recommendations so don’t hesitate to reach out by email, phone, or online chat! Happy Trails!!