Life Span of Sylvania Silverstar Ultra Headlight 9003 SU/2 ?

[GolfVenture]

Can someone who rides daily share their experience of the life span of these lights. I understand that they do light up the path really good, but the life span varies.

[Squidley]

There are quite a few members that run the Silverstars, both the regular and the Ultras. They are a decent bulb, but pricey, I just replace a set of Silverstars in my wife's SUV as she had a bulb burn out before we moved down to Texas last year. I was disappointed to say the least that we only got about 16 months out of the bulb as one went out 2 days ago and I replaced it with a set of the Ultras. I also had a Silverstar on one of my '99's and it went out within a month. Autozone replaced it, but I wasn't impressed.

 

It states right on the package that they dont have a long life expectancy. I think if I were to do it all over again I wouldn't go with a Silverstar. I will probably order a pair of PIAA's to replace the Ultras I just installed and sell them outright. Some will come on here and say they are the best thing since sliced bread, but I'm not one of them. The light output is ok, but I have seen the PIAA's and they were brighter in my estimation.

[Dave77459]

Squidley and I talked about these bulbs (the Ultras) at lunch today. I've gotten approximately 40,000 miles/20 months out of mine. Several riders that I've followed have accused me of having my high beams on. They are simply very bright and have worked extremely well for me.

 

Dave

[LilBeaver]

I know you specifically asked about the Silverstar Ultra but I figure I'll input my experience with the GE Motorsport bulb that cost me a grand total of $7.88.

16 months and ~25k miles later - it still lights up.

 

Compared to a silverstar ultra (last month... maybe 2 months ago) that Tx2sturgis had in his bike (he's got pictures of this too) the ultra was definitely whiter but in terms of brightness it was a toss up.

 

Oh, when I am home I do ride daily so this light bulb sees plenty of 'ons' and 'offs'. I have been traveling 15 weeks a year, or so, for work. So while I am a 'daily rider' there is plenty of time where the bike sits, all by it self with no one to take it out to play.

 

Just my

[Condor]

This is just a thought, but most folks, when comparing a bulbs brightness, do it with the naked eye. I wonder what it might be if someone actually did a brightness test comparison with one of the older lightmeters used in photography? Maybe a Minolta spotmeter?? That would give an exact read and not be subjective...

[BuddyRich]

The SilverStars have a crappy life expectancy . I would only get about 6 months out of them. About 3k a month. I had a set of PIAA Extreme white H4's on the other hand that lasted 4 years before they blew. They cost, but last. Just be sure to get real PIAA's. Theres so many counterfeits out there now, Especially on fleabay...

[LilBeaver]

This is just a thought, but most folks, when comparing a bulbs brightness, do it with the naked eye. I wonder what it might be if someone actually did a brightness test comparison with one of the older lightmeters used in photography? Maybe a Minolta spotmeter?? That would give an exact read and not be subjective...

 

Good call Jack. I've got a few in my lab... somewhere... Or I had some at some point. Regardless, I suspect I could get my hands on one - next time there is a M&E or maintenance day, or a get together of any sort I'll be sure to bring it along.

 

[Hummingbird]

Here's where I get my lamps http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/super-white-H1-foglights-xenon-1-best-ultra-white-85K-/230552336228?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AChevrolet&hash=item35adfd7764#ht_4222wt_954

 

If one burns out and it will eventually, send it back with $6.95 and get a new set - never a problem been using these on my cars and trucks for years

 

nice thing about the warranty is that it's RARE that both of them will burn out at the same time so you've always got at least one replacement on hand. no I don't replace both of them when one burns out. If it ain't broke I don't try to fix it.

 

 

btw - no need to pay $50 or $60 bucks for lamps when $9.99 does the SAME job. If you don't believe me, let me know which lamp you use - I've got several sets on the shelf that don't fit my '09' Silverado, you can have a set for mailing cost.

Edited November 21, 2010 by Hummingbird

[Ponch]

Over 2 years on my SilverStar Ultra. I'm pleased with it.

[Mike G in SC]

I use my brights alot, during the day.

The brights on the Silver Star Ultra rarely went 6 months.

If you find the right info page, their brights are rated for something like 50 hours.

Dims will last a long time.

 

I went to PIAA H4 (Amazon, 2 pack $40 free ship).

They usually last twice as long, or more, on the brights.

 

Mike G in SC

[bongobobny]

Never ever touch the glass of the bulb with your fingers!! Your body oils will decrease the life expectancy. Use Nytril gloves when handling and installing.

 

That being said, I've had them last for as short as a year or so to one set in my '98 Monte Carlo that were still working after 4 years...

[timgray]

I have tried them all, and this is what I use...

 

http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProducts/AutomotiveLighting/Products/Halogen/XtravisionProducts/

 

The Xtravisions have the lifespan and 95% of the light output of silverstar Ultra super mondos. Plus they are significantly cheaper.

 

I also find that "whiter" = less distance vision at night. The nuts that run blue headlights cant see 1/3rd the distance I can see with my slightly yellow headlamps.

 

If you are looking for safety, nothing adds more safety than a set of auxiliary lamps low to make you look "wierd" to oncoming and side traffic. My 5W LED bright yellow foglamps are on all the time and really get the attention of everyone. I am always told by group riders that they know exactly where I am all the time as I really stand out even in a 2000 bike group.

[Hummingbird]

Here's where I get my lamps http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/super-white-H1-foglights-xenon-1-best-ultra-white-85K-/230552336228?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AChevrolet&hash=item35adfd7764#ht_4222wt_954

 

If one burns out and it will eventually, send it back with $6.95 and get a new set - never a problem been using these on my cars and trucks for years

 

nice thing about the warranty is that it's RARE that both of them will burn out at the same time so you've always got at least one replacement on hand. no I don't replace both of them when one burns out. If it ain't broke I don't try to fix it.

 

 

btw - no need to pay $50 or $60 bucks for lamps when $9.99 does the SAME job. If you don't believe me, let me know which lamp you use - I've got several sets on the shelf that don't fit my '09' Silverado, you can have a set for mailing cost.

 

THESE LAMPS ARE FOR CARS, TRUCKS AND SUV's

 

I don't have a clue about vr lamps