What kind of lighting for mobile detailing?

What is your prefered lighting for mobile detailing? The power for the lights will be run by the generator so high power consumption(1000-2000+) will not be quite possible.

 

You have a few option. Halogens come in varying sizes from 250 watts per light up to 500 watts per side. The Brinkmann Dual Xenon is a good buy as well as the battery life is good. 3M Sun Gun - expensive with poor battery life. Good if you have a shop and can recharge regularly. I would say try one of the new LED flashlights but, although I love mine, unless you are anal beyond belief, the work you can do with a set of halogens or Brinkmann is going to satisfy 99.99% of anyones clients. I used nothing but halogens for 14 years and it didn't hurt my business at all.

 

Fenix TK10 or TK11 LED, this light is super super compact and built like a tank (for tactical use) its great for tough metallic colors where halogens are unable to pick up all the defects and on silver its a dream!

Its about $75 and well worth it

 

I agree with Ken. But I found the 500w halogen (2 250watt bulbs) to be a little underpowered. So get 1000w halogens (two sets if you can..), a brinkman, and an LED light. As much as I love the Fenix (worked with one for a little while), you can find just as good of a light for half the cost just by looking at the lumen score. Those fenix lights are all 250lumen or less. I have 220lumen LED light that performs just as well as the Fenix (like I said, I have experience using one) and it was only $25-30 at Sears.

 

Is double head halogen really neccessary? 1000w may be too much for my generator since i will be running my makita together.

 

Yes, and the only reason I say so is because I've worked a couple details with one of my lamps burned out and it was quite annoying to bend and manipulate my body to get the light to shine where I wanted (it's cumbersome to constantly move the light and tripod around). Especially if you're after those sweet 50/50 shots, a double-light set-up is almost mandatory.

In the end it's up to you, but I'd recommend buying one 1000w (2-500w) in the beginning and seeing how it works for you. But then it comes down to generator power.. get the most it'll hold

 

What kind/size of generator do you have?

 

Another vote for the Fenix TK10. That is the brightest torch I have ever owned.

 

Plus one for the Fenix TK11

 

+1 for the Fenix TK10 :thumb:

 

Did I start a Fenix trend on here :hippie:

 

I think so. Even though I'm anti-fenix just 'cause I think they're over priced.. I'll probably pick one up eventually :tiptoe:

 

No, the wax we use is overpriced.

 

Overpriced? There is no way in hell I'm telling you what I paid for my Surefire then!

 

If you are concerned about power, get a Brinkmann as they are rechargeable and will easily last a full detail.

 

I just got my Brinkmann from Phil today! It's so awesome!

 

I was going to write the same thing. :thumb:The Fenix is a bargain compared to the Surefires.

 

Thx for all the comments! I am using a 2000w gen set, I just got myself a 500w halogen lamp. Will get another one it this lamp works. Is there a different in halogen lamp cause the 1 i got is dirt cheap..

 

Just keep a few spare bulbs around.

 

Is there any advantages to the surefire?