Philips 12972XV+S2 X-tremeVision Halogen Headlamp H7, 12 V, 55 W, Set of 2

*Update* 19/4/17. Near side bulb has just died. So yes they are a bit brighter but 6 months is not worth the expense in my opinion. This would equate to about £70ish per year on bulbs plus the hassle of swapping out the bulb itself. I'm not disappointed as a short life span is expected when pushing the limits of a design like this. Just thought potential buyers would be interested. These are supposed to be the best bulbs on the market before going to some sort of HID xenon setup. Given that the bulb is still 55w it's impressive how much brighter it is. It's not night and day compared to oe bulbs but noticeable on dark motorways. I found the most difference in the peripheral light giving much better visibility on approach to exits, they also do put more light onto the road and shines further ahead than the oe bulbs. They are also whiter than others but if you're looking for imitation xenons you would be disappointed.

I've used these for 3 months now, and would say they are a slight upgrade on the factory fitted bulbs they replaced. The beam is certainly good, casting light a fair way into the distance, and we have noticed they are brighter than the originals, but it's hard to quantify if they are really 30% brighter. In terms of the quality of light, they are a good match to the originals, and do not have the blinding effect on other drivers that some of the blue/whiter high powered xenon or LED bulbs seem to have. In my book that's good news, so I'd recommend these as a solid replacement for blown factory fitted bulbs, or an upgrade/replacement for aged or underperforming bulbs. UPDATE: Having been pleased, but underwhelmed by fitting these, I noticed that one was apparently brighter than the other. Over the weekend I removed the less bright one took careful note of the direction of the filament in the bulb, and made sure I placed it so that the filament itself was at the top when fitted (which in the case of these bulbs meant that the indented “tab” was facing downwards). Instantly the situation improved to make each bulb equally bright, and the beam in front of the road suddenly lengthened & brightened considerably. I can now say there is a definite & significant improvement in the road illumination over the previous factory fitted bulbs, and I’ve changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars. Hope this has been helpful if it prevents you making the same mistake I did. UPDATE 2: - Last weekend, another driver of a similar car to mine approached me asking how I had "tuned" my headlights to be so much better than his :) ...so, must be noticeably different to other drivers as well as me.

These are about as good as an incandescent bulb can get and not much behind more expensive +150% bulbs. I changed from the Philips Vision Plus (plus 50%) which I had used in previous car 2008-2013. They match the Osram Nightbreaker Plus H7s in the dip beam very well. The colour and output is very good in range and spread. They are definitely needed in these nights when many cars have HIDs and newer cars have LED or laser light generators now. A standard halogen bulb is now like a pre-halogen gas bulb was. This type of bulb often receives criticism for poor life. My experience is different. I get good life from bulbs yet voltage to the bulbs is typically just over 14.0 volts. My tips for good bulb life are simple. Install carefully using either kitchen roll or nitrile gloves to prevent finger printing the quartz glass. Install correctly. If the bulb contacts it's holder correctly, more heat is dissipated into the reflector. Not only that, a good beam image is assured. Switch lights on and off as required. Do not rely on auto on and off function. The reason is even a soft start alternator can create a voltage spike at switch-off. This hugely reduces bulb life to a few weeks from what I've witnessed from others (clots). They are so good, I have no intention of converting to a dubious aftermarket HID kit which will likely produce a substandard beam image and cause dazzle. In fairness, the upgrade is more like half of what is claimed (+130% looks more like +65% to me). Of course, I only trust OE manufacturers to ensure correct geometry and lasting quality. I've seen the results which cheap varieties can produce. They may be bettered by very bright LEDs (of dubious legality and often beam image) which need to be bright due to narrow waveband of LED light but they can at least defrost/melt snow from the headlamp lenses in very cold weather.

I've been using Philips X-Treme Power H1 for the high/ main beam and H7 for the low/ dipped beambulbs for several years since I saw them get the first of several rave test reviews in Auto Express. PROS They are bright, white and more accurately focussed or controlled than any other bulb I have used. I don't get 'flashed' by oncoming vehicles which I did with less accurately controlled bulbs. My experience has been that they have a long life - certainly as good or better than a good quality conventional bulb. I had my first one burn out a few weeks ago after being used for about 50,000 miles/ 4 years. I bought a reputable branded replacement from a very well known national chain of Autocentres but could immediately see that that, the replacement bulb did not focus and project the light as sharply as the X-Treme Power. CONS Not as cheap as an inferior bulb - but that extra cost gives extra safety and makes night time driving a touch easier.

So far so good. Its a nice bright white light which was just what I was after. Installed them in to a 08 Toyota Yaris as one of my lights failed. Went for these as they are a trusted make and the write up seemed better than the basic ones. Having no experience changing car headlights before hand I was a little apprehensive. Putting them in was a little tricky as its a very tight space to work with. Especially the right hand side as the Yaris has a box right next to the headlight entrance. I managed to do it though with time and patience. For a Toyota Yaris 08 the process goes as follows. Pull off the rubber seal protecting the electric connection. Pull off the Electric Connection. Feel around inside for metal wires. Flick them out the way. (Its basically a latch that holds the bulb in) The bulb will fall out. (Pay attention to the metal pattern surrounding the bulb, it has some groves for the latch so the new bulb will need to be put back in the same way) Replace it with the new ones. Clamp the latch back on (Can be a little tricky doing it blind. Working out how the latch works with your fingers) Connect the electric Put on the electric seal. Done

As you would expect from Philips these are very good bulbs. For the price they are right now you cannot really go wrong with these. They come in a good rigid box for extra protection. They are easy to mount (unless your car is from one of those manufacturers that belong in hell), and they are made of quartz glass. This kind of glass filters the light in a way that it prevents optics from yellowing. It does not prevent sun damage but it does not add to it. Light is crisp and "whiter" than the originals that come in cars. Don't be put off by the bluish tint on them. The light output is perfect. I've had a pair of these on a Fiesta (H4s) and they've lasted 3 years and they are still going strong. As such I am expecting these to go as long as those. Had Osram before but they go out faster, specially if you live a in a poor road area.

Not a great upgrade to be honest Its a little whiter in colour to the normal bulb, however you would most likely be disappointed. It says extreme, meaning a much brighter light. Granted there is a difference, the output is alittle brighter over a standard bulb and you definitely see the difference at night. The only down side is the life of the bulb, I found it only lasted 6 months for me. (I use my headlights all the time) and drive mega miles (2000 miles a month) So for this reason it wasnt the ideal bulb for me, but It was nice to give them a go. You are better off buying a long lasting bulb and changing it much less frequently. (if you drive alot of miles and always use your headlights) Try the Osram ultra life bulbs. They burn less hotter and last a very long time. Otherwise if you dont mind the short life span they are a great upgrade, and you will notice the difference once installed.

Very good quality they were still working when i sold the car after years 9 months the beam pattern was good