Understanding Spot, Flood and Combo LED Light Beam Patterns
When to choose spot beams
A spot beam directs light into a narrower pattern that focuses forward and not to the sides. Because less light goes to the sides, it reaches farther into the field or down the trail. This pattern is preferred when needing to see far into the distance.
Reasons to choose a spot beam:
Seeing at greater distances: If you need to see deep into the field or down the trail because there are obstacles or a lot of wildlife present, a spot beam will allow you to see issues up ahead sooner.
Driving at higher speeds: When driving ATVs at higher speeds, seeing at long distances is important to enhance reaction time. Spot lights give you more time to adjust your driving by offering long-distance illumination.
Open highway driving: If you take your tractor or industrial equipment on the highway, being able to see far down the road can help you anticipate issues up ahead.
When to choose flood beams
A flood beam spreads light broadly and to the sides. A flood beam is preferred when you need to know what the conditions are like nearby you.
Reasons to choose a flood beam:
Close-by visibility: When you need to see what’s happening near the front of your vehicle, a flood beam works well. Flood beams are helpful when you need to see ditches, shoulders or ridges. Flood beams are recommended for farmers driving tractors in fields or on highways. They are also good for industrial equipment on construction sites.
Visibility toward the sides: When you need to see to the side, flood lights are the way to go. Seeing wildlife that is lurking on the sidelines and may jump out into the pathway is a common reason to use flood lights. Avoiding boulders, stumps or depressions on the side is also a good reason to equip a vehicle with floodlights.
Narrow pathways: When you’re driving on paths with limited side-to-side latitude, flood lights can help you stay on course without straying off the pathway too much. This can be helpful when driving in areas with walls, fences, ditches or other obstructions.
When to choose combo beams
Of course, in many cases, having both spot and flood capabilities is helpful. Some LED lights are designed to offer both patterns. You might wonder why everyone wouldn’t simply choose the light that offers both spot and flood illumination. The thing you must consider is that a combo light does a good job at both, but not quite as good as a single-purpose beam pattern light. There is a slight compromise to make with combo pattern lights. When choosing LED lights, it’s important to consider your needs and make the choice that best serves your situation.
Photo credit: Jerry Drilling. Image captures Tiger Lights illuminating a field on his John Deere tractor.>/p>
