Rmagic vs. hotwaterlabs headlights
03-17-15, 05:09 PM
#55
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I can tell you that the lead time is actually 1 month for R magic lights...I just recently had a set made for me.
Like others have mentioned the exterior cover of the light is different between the two with HWL having a more aggressive angle but no perspex cover.
And the light covers go together quite differently as R magic has a two piece cover, lower cover encloses the lights and then the upper exterior cover attaches to that while HWL just has a upper exterior cover.
I think the R magic light bucket is a much cleaner finish the HWL in that sense, but obviously I’m bias
And the orientation of the lights are different between the two.
Like others have mentioned the exterior cover of the light is different between the two with HWL having a more aggressive angle but no perspex cover.
And the light covers go together quite differently as R magic has a two piece cover, lower cover encloses the lights and then the upper exterior cover attaches to that while HWL just has a upper exterior cover.
I think the R magic light bucket is a much cleaner finish the HWL in that sense, but obviously I’m bias
And the orientation of the lights are different between the two.
03-20-15, 05:17 PM
#59
Looking at $1040 -$1050 shipped for R-Magic lights.
THE HWL kit is $835 + whatever shipping and applicable taxes are. for a little bit more, I'd personally rather have the R-Magic kit. To each his own.
03-20-15, 06:55 PM
#60
lol didnt know about this thread. Theres a lot of wrong info here.
Like this \/\/\/\/\/
That price for rhdjapan is for the H3 version which is the ones that has the lowest ouput. Even the replicas out there for sale have better output.
You should check all the info better before posting dude lol. Rmagic only uses their HID version on their car, which its over 1500.00 once you add the clear plexiglass cover. And i also think thats shipped in Japan, not international.
H3 version
R Magic GARAGE / FD???????????EYE'S-H3?
HID version
R Magic GARAGE / FD?HID??????????EYE'S?
Like this \/\/\/\/\/
on rhdjapan you're looking at around $894, a $31 "payment charge and shipping anywher from $81 to $114.
Looking at $1040 -$1050 shipped for R-Magic lights.
THE HWL kit is $835 + whatever shipping and applicable taxes are. for a little bit more, I'd personally rather have the R-Magic kit. To each his own.
Looking at $1040 -$1050 shipped for R-Magic lights.
THE HWL kit is $835 + whatever shipping and applicable taxes are. for a little bit more, I'd personally rather have the R-Magic kit. To each his own.
That price for rhdjapan is for the H3 version which is the ones that has the lowest ouput. Even the replicas out there for sale have better output.
You should check all the info better before posting dude lol. Rmagic only uses their HID version on their car, which its over 1500.00 once you add the clear plexiglass cover. And i also think thats shipped in Japan, not international.
H3 version
R Magic GARAGE / FD???????????EYE'S-H3?
HID version
R Magic GARAGE / FD?HID??????????EYE'S?
04-22-15, 12:38 PM
#62
So I went ahead and bought both sets of lights. I have the hwl lights and non hid r magic lights. I will be doing a side by side with them. Other than light output (not entirely sure if the comparison is fair in this aspect), is there anything specific anyone wants to see or know?
04-22-15, 11:02 PM
#65
FWIW, I purchased the HWL kit. I use HID 6000k temp bulbs for all bulbs. My projectors are able to reflect signs at extreme distances, although they lack close range light on the roads (HWL has since made booster lights to remedy this issue). Although close range isn't that great, most cities are well lit enough that it shouldn't be an issue to most people. I live in a smaller city, so street lights here aren't even yellow, they're brown and useless. On highways, I will use my high beams and all those issues go away (as I would use high beams on the highways anyways).
The reason I chose HWL over R Magic wasn't the money. It was simply the customization. I had options on the configuration, like if I wanted two bulbs or all bulb activated during "high beam". I don't even have to send an e-mail as I just hop onto Facebook and send them a message when I have questions and they have been SUPER accommodating. They have better customer service than companies with a customer service department. FYI, I did take Japanese in University and have travelled to Japan several times, so accessibility wasn't the only factor, as I could send e-mails to R Magic if I wanted to.
Another reason I went with HWL was simply value. It's a good quality kit. The only thing I was worried about was rain, since there are no covers. I have yet to take it in heavy rain, so keep what I'm about to say in mind. I was concerned with cold water hitting extremely hot glass, as I thought it might shatter (much like my Metal Halide bulbs in my aquarium when water occidentally splashed on the bulbs and caused it to explode). I have not had issues with the HWL kit and the projector lens is actually quite thick. The only real issues I have is constantly cleaning the bugs off the light assembly (that bake on) since my car is built as a highway cruiser.
I am a fan of both kits and I would have bought the R Magic kit since a head light cover flew off at high speeds, but HWL had just released their kit around the same time and I ultimately chose HWL.
The reason I chose HWL over R Magic wasn't the money. It was simply the customization. I had options on the configuration, like if I wanted two bulbs or all bulb activated during "high beam". I don't even have to send an e-mail as I just hop onto Facebook and send them a message when I have questions and they have been SUPER accommodating. They have better customer service than companies with a customer service department. FYI, I did take Japanese in University and have travelled to Japan several times, so accessibility wasn't the only factor, as I could send e-mails to R Magic if I wanted to.
Another reason I went with HWL was simply value. It's a good quality kit. The only thing I was worried about was rain, since there are no covers. I have yet to take it in heavy rain, so keep what I'm about to say in mind. I was concerned with cold water hitting extremely hot glass, as I thought it might shatter (much like my Metal Halide bulbs in my aquarium when water occidentally splashed on the bulbs and caused it to explode). I have not had issues with the HWL kit and the projector lens is actually quite thick. The only real issues I have is constantly cleaning the bugs off the light assembly (that bake on) since my car is built as a highway cruiser.
I am a fan of both kits and I would have bought the R Magic kit since a head light cover flew off at high speeds, but HWL had just released their kit around the same time and I ultimately chose HWL.
09-10-15, 02:55 AM
#66
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How can the HWL kit be counted as a quality kit? There is one flimsy bracket on top and one bracket on the side... that is all. Without the top cover, these are the 100% same exact buckets as the Evo-R buckets. The brackets (mounting points) are also the exact exact same. For whatever reason the Evo-R headlights are hated on this forum and received a ton of bad response.
How are these any different then?.....
That being said, I will still be buying the HWL kit bc im broke, they have a very clean install, and they have the option of running all 4 lights at the same time, which is an absolute must when touge racing. The R-Magics mount up a lot nicer though. Seriously, why can't anyone design lights that have quality mounting points and not cheap brackets...
How are these any different then?.....
That being said, I will still be buying the HWL kit bc im broke, they have a very clean install, and they have the option of running all 4 lights at the same time, which is an absolute must when touge racing. The R-Magics mount up a lot nicer though. Seriously, why can't anyone design lights that have quality mounting points and not cheap brackets...
09-10-15, 07:26 AM
#67
Wastegate John
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How can the HWL kit be counted as a quality kit? There is one flimsy bracket on top and one bracket on the side... that is all. Without the top cover, these are the 100% same exact buckets as the Evo-R buckets. The brackets (mounting points) are also the exact exact same. For whatever reason the Evo-R headlights are hated on this forum and received a ton of bad response.
How are these any different then?.....
That being said, I will still be buying the HWL kit bc im broke, they have a very clean install, and they have the option of running all 4 lights at the same time, which is an absolute must when touge racing. The R-Magics mount up a lot nicer though. Seriously, why can't anyone design lights that have quality mounting points and not cheap brackets...
How are these any different then?.....
That being said, I will still be buying the HWL kit bc im broke, they have a very clean install, and they have the option of running all 4 lights at the same time, which is an absolute must when touge racing. The R-Magics mount up a lot nicer though. Seriously, why can't anyone design lights that have quality mounting points and not cheap brackets...
They do, it is just a lot more expensive.
09-10-15, 01:50 PM
#70
I don't think EvoR lights are hated here (forum) , I think it's the other way. I've read various people saying hwl are replicas and this and that , when they are actually not. Yes, they're similar but not replicas. EvoR lights are straight out replicas from A to B. But ... Nobody complains now cause they're able to get what they've always wanted it but couldn't afford (rmagics)
You see a lot more people now posting their cars with the lights on and when you ask them if they're Rmagic or EvoR , somehow now everyone has "authentic" Rmagics lol. I think people only complain or trashes EvoR's old lights, the RE-A reps; but it's cause now it's easier to find an authentic used set. They didn't complain when they came out back when getting authentic RE-A was harder. Same goes with Shines products, people doesn't complain of those replicas parts because they can afford them and get what they've wanted. Some will come with the "yea, but their fitment it's near perfect or perfect" excuse. It is still a replica! Lol.
There's also people that will say that if hwl it's not a straight replica, it still based on Rmagics looks. That would be like complaining about garage katagoni or jkl's Mazda speed gtc bumper that I think was mentioned here before.
Regarding the top brackets that hwl uses, those look like the ones EvoR and RE-A use for their lights, so would that mean RE-A isn't quality?
I asked hwl why did they go with those and not make the tops 1 piece that just sits on the frame, and what they replied was that because those brackets allow you more adjustment specially when you have other aftermarket panels that don't align correctly, cause not everyone has the time or money to spend at a body shop to get them fixed.
I've asked people that had Rmagic before EvoR came out with their evil eye version about their fitment. Most said that the shop had to do some sanding /trimming to the tops in order to fit right , but that's something people doesn't know cause they see them once work has been done. If you guys know Carol and her old purple FD, that was one of those.
But it's expected because at the end of the day it's a fiberglass piece.
You see a lot more people now posting their cars with the lights on and when you ask them if they're Rmagic or EvoR , somehow now everyone has "authentic" Rmagics lol. I think people only complain or trashes EvoR's old lights, the RE-A reps; but it's cause now it's easier to find an authentic used set. They didn't complain when they came out back when getting authentic RE-A was harder. Same goes with Shines products, people doesn't complain of those replicas parts because they can afford them and get what they've wanted. Some will come with the "yea, but their fitment it's near perfect or perfect" excuse. It is still a replica! Lol.
There's also people that will say that if hwl it's not a straight replica, it still based on Rmagics looks. That would be like complaining about garage katagoni or jkl's Mazda speed gtc bumper that I think was mentioned here before.
Regarding the top brackets that hwl uses, those look like the ones EvoR and RE-A use for their lights, so would that mean RE-A isn't quality?
I asked hwl why did they go with those and not make the tops 1 piece that just sits on the frame, and what they replied was that because those brackets allow you more adjustment specially when you have other aftermarket panels that don't align correctly, cause not everyone has the time or money to spend at a body shop to get them fixed.
I've asked people that had Rmagic before EvoR came out with their evil eye version about their fitment. Most said that the shop had to do some sanding /trimming to the tops in order to fit right , but that's something people doesn't know cause they see them once work has been done. If you guys know Carol and her old purple FD, that was one of those.
But it's expected because at the end of the day it's a fiberglass piece.
09-14-15, 12:21 PM
#72
i never got around to doing the side by side like i wanted but after installing the rmagic kit the light output is actually pretty amazing for what they are. theres actually kind of a greenish tint to them. i havent gotten them aimed yet so the light output will more than likely be better than what it is. i also installed the hwl lights on another fd and havent gotten them aimed yet either but the light output is what i expected from an hid/projector set up. i will be back with more at a later time.......
10-12-15, 02:05 AM
#73
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what brand of lights in HWL??
does anyone know what brand of lights are used in the hwl kit? they dont look like piaa or hella lights. they use morimoto ballasts but they dont look like morimoto lights. thanks!!
10-18-16, 03:14 PM
#74
i never got around to doing the side by side like i wanted but after installing the rmagic kit the light output is actually pretty amazing for what they are. theres actually kind of a greenish tint to them. i havent gotten them aimed yet so the light output will more than likely be better than what it is. i also installed the hwl lights on another fd and havent gotten them aimed yet either but the light output is what i expected from an hid/projector set up. i will be back with more at a later time.......
10-18-16, 04:10 PM
#75
yes.... i aimed the HWL lights and the lo and high beam are good. the actual light spread is a lot more exaggerated in the pictures they have on the website. i will post pictures and all that in a few weeks. i will be going to my car with the rmagic lights and will be able to get all the pictures and data that one man could handle.
EDIT: actually, tonight i will post pictures of the light output/spread of the HWL and in few weeks when i am with my car with the r magic lights, i will do the same tests using the same camera. are there any requests for specific tests/comparisons?
EDIT x2: so heres the test i did.... i went to the darkest place in town that was out of the way and turned on the headlights. heres the thing with these images though, the camera makes the lights look brighter than they actually are. you know exposure and all that. i have a point and click camera so i dont have the option to set all those settings. also want to note, i have the hwl led booster lights and they were covered up for this test. the images below are low beam only.
this first image is with the camera on tripod set to the same height as the lights. the camera is set to left of the driver side light.
this image is from inside the car. i held the camera in the center of the dash
this one was taken from the passenger side from the roof
this picture was taken with the camera set to the same height as the lights from in front of the bumper at the center
these next 2 are just of the light spread
the below video is me driving showing both low and high beam. the video is a much better depiction of what the light coverage/output ACTUALLY is. of course its not exact like in real life but the pictures definitely exaggerate the brightness quite a bit.
this is how i set it up
EDIT: actually, tonight i will post pictures of the light output/spread of the HWL and in few weeks when i am with my car with the r magic lights, i will do the same tests using the same camera. are there any requests for specific tests/comparisons?
EDIT x2: so heres the test i did.... i went to the darkest place in town that was out of the way and turned on the headlights. heres the thing with these images though, the camera makes the lights look brighter than they actually are. you know exposure and all that. i have a point and click camera so i dont have the option to set all those settings. also want to note, i have the hwl led booster lights and they were covered up for this test. the images below are low beam only.
this first image is with the camera on tripod set to the same height as the lights. the camera is set to left of the driver side light.
this image is from inside the car. i held the camera in the center of the dash
this one was taken from the passenger side from the roof
this picture was taken with the camera set to the same height as the lights from in front of the bumper at the center
these next 2 are just of the light spread
the below video is me driving showing both low and high beam. the video is a much better depiction of what the light coverage/output ACTUALLY is. of course its not exact like in real life but the pictures definitely exaggerate the brightness quite a bit.
this is how i set it up
Last edited by cr-rex; 10-18-16 at 10:32 PM.