Four Wheel Drive, Gear

Field Tested: ARB Intensity Light Bar

/ January 23rd, 2017

During the past decade, LED technology has crept into and dominated the auxiliary lighting sector. There are many benefits of utilizing light emitting diodes to illuminate your path, a few of which are longer lifespan, lower amperage draw, and desirable color temperature. ARB entered the market in 2013, not with a “me too” lookalike, but with a unique, 32-LED fire-breather. Rumors were circulating that they had a light bar in the works, and during a recent trip to Australia I had a sneak preview and test drive with their newest offering.

2017 ARB Light Bar 007

Rather than taking a boxy one-size-fits-all approach, the Intensity is designed specifically for mounting on the upper hoop of an ARB bull bar. The pressure-cast aluminum body incorporates a concave, or radius rear section that is paired to a 47-, 60-, or 76-millimeter mounting bracket (roof rack mounts are also available). Its 40 3.5-watt Osram SMD LEDs emit an impressive 9,200 raw lumens while drawing only 8 amps. Lumens are collimated by hybrid optics (combination of reflector and parabolic lens), which are protected by a polycarbonate lens and rock shield. In addition to deep cooling fins cast in the body for heat dissipation, the Intensity features integrated thermal management and over/under voltage protection. Its UV-resistant, powder-coated housing has an IP68 rating for dust and moisture intrusion, and is RoHS compliant (Restriction of Hazardous Substances). The wiring system falls in line with ARB’s other kits, incorporating Deutsch DT06 waterproof connectors, Gore-Tex breather membrane, and a 30-amp relay.

2017 ARB Light Bar 008

 

Driving along narrow, tree-lined tracks on a moonless night in Victoria’s High Country, I found the 5,700° Kelvin beam to be exceptionally bright and void of hot spots or shadows. Projection was excellent and vibration from mount shake nonexistent. The unit I tested was a spot beam, but for my style of driving I would lean toward the combination option. I’m looking forward to mounting this U.S.-made torch on one of our project vehicles and taking it for a long, well-illuminated spin across the Nevada desert. arbusa.com, 888-427-2827

ARB_Spot_Flood_Combo_2016_V3

 

Chris spent his formative years riding dirt bikes with his dad in the deserts of Southern California and Baja, Mexico, which led to a lifelong quest for adventure. He is handy behind a viewfinder and at the keyboard, and brings four decades of international travel experience to Overland Journal as Editor-in-Chief. His career, which includes work for National Geographic Adventure, Four Wheeler, Hot Rod, and Autoweek, has taken him through 50-plus countries and to every continent. He has also served as correspondent to magazines in a dozen countries and in as many languages. In 2013 he was part of the Expeditions7 team that crossed Antarctica and he has recently been inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame as a pioneering journalist. When not behind the camera Chris can be found on The Office (his sailboat), or undertaking meticulous “research” for upcoming articles in locales such as Tequila, Mexico.