RE: Ion blue lights - a test report

[Luis Marques <marques@rtis.ray.com>]

>From these two real-world reports, I would conclude that there are in fact two
kinds of "blue ion" bulbs: the real McCoy (PIAA?) blue-ion bulbs available in H4
and H1 form, and the cheap imitations in 9004 form.

BTW, the cars that I have seen had really blue lights, not just a blueish tint,
and the concrete pavement in front of the car was lit dim blue, not bright
natural color.  Who makes these "Blue-ion" bulbs? I thought the PIAA Cristal
Blue-Ion's were supposed to light kind of yellow.

Luis Marques
'87 4kcsq

quattro <quattro@acacianet.com> (Glen) wrote:
> I had exactly the same opinion as the author below. Just another
> passing automotive fad and nothing more. Then I tried them in the 85
> ur-q. "Blue Ion" H4s in 80/100, exactly the same wattage as the bulbs
> that were in there. Well, surprise - surprise! They really work! In
> use they do not appear to be blue to the driver. They appear to be a
> hotter, whiter-white than are standard halogen bulbs. Everything
> regardless of color appears to be much more visible and overall
> contrast is vastly improved. The difference between the "Blue Ion" and
> conventional halogens is as big or bigger than is the difference
> between conventional halogens and the old conventional tungsten
> filament incandescent lamps.

ejfluhr@austin.ibm.com (Eric Fluhr) reported:
> I have driven the car, and the bulbs do create an interesting driving
> experience.  Many objects do not show up nearly as well, but things
> like reflectors and reflective tape really stand out nicely.
> 
> I wouldn't put them on my car, though.