Baja Designs - Off Road Lights & Light Bars | The Scientists of Lighting


The All New Squadron 2.0

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The XL Lineup Explained – Which light is Best for You?

https://youtu.be/wlLCU81n91AWhen you look at the XL series, it can be overwhelming; there are a lot of options. Which is the best? What is the brightest? And will it fit on my truck? We are going to dive into the XL series and figure out which is best for you, not find out what the best light is, because we would argue that what is best for you might not be best for everyone else. It all depends on the application you are putting the light on. I'd argue the brightest light might be the wrong choice for most people, and one of the dimmest lights in the XL catalog on paper is the one that'll let you drive the fastest. Most people are chasing lumen figures off a spec sheet. Lumens and power numbers are only part of the story; what actually decides how a light performs is the depth of the reflector behind the LED, the size of the die inside it, the lens pattern sitting in front of it, and where the thing ends up mounted on your vehicle.The XL comes in five different options: XL Sport, XL Pro, XL40, XL80, and XL Racer Edition, all in the same housing doing five completely different jobs. It's the oldest light still in production at Baja Designs, and it's also the one people order wrong the most, because from 5 feet away they look like the same light with a different logo on the front.Empty heading The XL was designed from the original Squadron with the need to have more distance from a single light, and the solution wasn't to throw more power at the Squadron but to scale up the housing and reflector size. The XL has two different two housing styles:  standard housing and moto. The standard light is the one you've seen most, with extended fins across the back for maximum heat dissipation for peak efficiency. The moto housing is a slimmed down version of the XL designed for moto specific applications.That same thin XL housing also gave us something we weren't planning on. We took the moto-specific Sport and Pro, built links for them, and ended up with the XL Linkable that allowed us to connect multiple lights into a single light bar and build exactly as much light as the application calls for, with complete adjustability and modularity to create a 3XL to 9XL linkable light bar.Like every Baja Designs off-road light, the XL is built with uService. Damage a lens or want a different beam pattern? Unscrew the lens, swap in a replacement, and reseal it with the O-ring. The waterproof, dustproof housing stays intact, and you're back on the trail in minutes. XL SPORTThe Baja Designs XL Sport is where most people start. Putting out 3,150 lumens on 26 watts and 2.2 amps. It's the entry price into the XL family, but that doesn’t mean the light is compromised or bad at all. You still get 5000K, ClearView optics, and serious off-road performance.  XL PRO  The Baja Designs XL Pro is the original XL of the series and the workhorse that mostly gets overshadowed by the XL80 constantly. At 4,900 lumens and 40 watts, it's the middle of the range on paper, but the XL Pro will be perfect with any of Baja Designs ClearView lens patterns, which means the same light can be a cornering light on an A-pillar, a driving light in a grille, or a high-speed spot, depending on what you put in front of it. If you're only buying one XL and you want it to do it all, this is it.  XL80The Baja Designs XL80 is the powerhouse, and it is exactly what it says it is: 80 watts, 9,500 lumens, about 5.9 amps. It is the most powerful light in the lineup, and the beam pattern wasn’t designed to throw the light the furthest. The light was engineered to be intense in the near-to-midfield, and we only sell it with a combo lens on purpose. In fact, the XL Pro throws light further than the XL80 despite being less power, and that is because of the combination of different LEDS are used on the corcuit board.  XL40The Baja Designs XL40 was designed specifically for moto applications.  XL40, a purpose-built light designed for motorcycles. Developed from the XL80 platform, the XL40 delivers a powerful single-light solution for technical trail riding. Its improved near-field beam pattern comes in a lower-draw 43.5W package producing 5,224 lumens. The result is XL80-level performance for most motorcycles equipped with lower-output OEM stators. XL Racer EditionThe Baja Designs XL Racer Edition is the light built for anyone running north of 100 mph. You'd expect the light made for the fastest drivers to be the brightest of the bunch, but it isn't; however, it does throw light the furthest. It makes fewer lumens than both the XL80 and the XL Pro, and it throws light roughly 45% farther than the XL Pro, because every watt in it goes toward distance instead of intensity due to the size of the LED die. It makes 2800 lumens at 45.5 watts, and the beam pattern is thin and narrow. We only sell it with a spot lens, and it shouldn't be run by itself because it is a piece of a package to compliment a lighting package for racing. XL Linkable The Baja Designs XL Linkable LED light bar kit is available in Sport or Pro, was engineered utilizing our moto housing. The XL Linkable can be built with 3 up to 9 XL Sport or XL Pro forward projecting lights that provide a smooth blend due to the use of multiple lenses illuminating various lighting zones. The system provides 45 degrees of vertical pitch adjustment within each light or the entire unit. Completely independent horizontal adjustment per light allows for straight or arc configurations to perfectly match the lines of your vehicle’s bumper or roofline.  So which one do you buy?If you're getting into the XL series or building to a budget, buy the Sport. If you want one light you can retune with lenses as the build changes, buy the Pro. If you need serious near-field intensity and you've got the electrical system to feed it, buy the 80. If you're on a bike or working with a lower-output stator, buy the 40 and run the trail lens. And if you're seeing 80 or 90 in the open desert and what you actually need is reaction time, buy the Racer — then build a package around it.Fifteen years in, the XL is still in the lineup because it adapts. The housing hasn't changed much because it never needed to. Everything behind the lens has changed constantly, and there's now a version of it for nearly every job.Still not sure which one that is? Call us. Our lighting experts would rather talk through your build with you than have you guess at it.
Community Content

All-New Squadron 2.0 Backlight Update – How To Sync

The Squadron 2.0's programmable backlight just got even better. New firmware update adds color locking, locked-color strobing, and multi-light resync and it now ships standard on every Squadron 2.0.WHAT'S NEWWhen we launched the Squadron 2.0, the nine-color programmable backlight quickly became one of its most talked-about features. Now we're taking it further. The latest backlight firmware adds a new layer of control the ability to lock your color in place and run strobe or flash patterns in any of the nine programmable colors you choose.Here's what the new firmware unlocks:Color Lock — Set any of the nine programmable colors and lock it in place. Your color stays exactly where you set it, every start-up, every drive.Strobe Any Color — With the color locked, you can now strobe or flash the backlight in the exact color you chose — a first for the Squadron 2.0 platform.Easy Resync — Running multiple lights off one switch? A new reset sequence brings every light back to baseline in under a minute, so your whole Squadron 2.0 backlight matches.LOOK FOR THE YELLOW DOT. Every Squadron 2.0 now ships standard with the new backlight firmware. The easiest way to confirm yours has it: check for the yellow dot on the label of your Squadron 2.0 box. Want to add these features to an earlier Squadron 2.0? Reach out to us at [email protected]://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SJz4zKfyHACHANGING THE BACKLIGHT COLORThe backlight sequence hasn't changed as everything runs off your backlight switch. No apps, no tools, no wiring changes.1.        Turn the backlight off for 3 or more seconds.2.        Turn the backlight on and off 4 times to enter backlight changing mode.3.        Cycle the backlight on and off until the desired color is active.4.        To save the active color, either leave the backlight active for longer than 10 seconds, or turn the backlight off for longer than 3 seconds.LOCKING YOUR BACKLIGHT COLORLocking your backlight color is the big upgrade here, it keeps your color set exactly where you want it and allows for strobing and flashing in that color. To unlock later to change the desired color, follow the "Unlocking the Backlight Color" steps below.1.        Set and save the backlight color you want to lock.2.        Turn the backlight off for 5 seconds.3.        Turn the backlight on and wait for 10 seconds.Counting Mississippi out loud actually helps with the timing. We're serious.4.        Cycle the backlight on and off 5 times, finishing with the backlight on.If done successfully, the backlight will flash rapidly 3 times. If not, repeat the sequence  either wait slightly longer before cycling, or cycle more quickly.UNLOCKING THE BACKLIGHT COLORWant to pick a new color? Unlock it first:1.        Turn the backlight off for 5 seconds.2.        Turn the backlight on and wait for 10 seconds.3.        After 10 seconds, quickly cycle the backlight on and off 5 times.A successful unlock is confirmed by 3 rapid flashes. If it doesn't take, repeat adjusting your wait time or cycling speed.4.        Follow the "Changing the Backlight Color" steps above to set your new color.RESYNCING MULTIPLE LIGHTSControlling multiple Squadron 2.0s from a single switch? The new firmware makes it easy to bring every backlight to the same color in seconds:1.        Turn the backlight off for 3 or more seconds.2.        Turn the backlight on and off 4 times to enter backlight changing mode.3.        Quickly cycle the backlight on and off to run through all color options. After 3 full cycles, every light defaults to Amber and stops cycling.4.        With every light defaults to Amber, follow the color-change steps to set them all to your desired color together.PRO TIP: Setting different colors on different lights? Disconnect all other lights from the circuit, set and lock one light at a time, then repeat for each.. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSQ: Why do my backlight colors keep changing?A: If the backlight is triggered via a DRL or accessory circuit, starting the vehicle may turn that circuit on and off in a way that mimics the color-changing sequence. Corner illumination can do the same thing. The fix: set your desired color, then lock it.Q: Why does my color change when I strobe or flash the backlight?A: Strobing an unlocked backlight can mimic the color-change steps. Lock the color first using the steps above, then strobe away.Q: Why can't I change my backlight color?A: It's very likely locked. To test, quickly turn the backlight on and off 5 or more times. If the color doesn't change, follow the "Unlocking the Backlight Color" steps.Q: Can I set my backlights to different colors?A: Yes. We recommend setting each light individually — disconnect all other lights from the circuit, set the backlight color, lock it, and repeat for each light.Q: My Squadron 2.0 doesn't have these features. Why?A: You likely have a Squadron 2.0 with the original backlight firmware. Send us the light and we'll add the new features. Call 760.560.2252 or email [email protected] to set it up.QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE.Whether you're wanting to add the new firmware to an earlier Squadron 2.0 or dialing in a multi-light setup, our team has you covered. Email [email protected] or call 760.560.2252..
Vehicle Features

The Perfect Shorty: Fit Garage Diesel-Swapped BJ70 Land Cruiser

If you're a Land Cruiser nerd, this BJ70 needs no introduction. If you're not, let us introduce you because the guys at Fit Garage did an incredible job building this Cruiser.This is a 1986 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ70. In the designation, the "B" identifies the engine family, while the "J" designates the Land Cruiser line. It's a 70 Series, introduced in 1984 as the replacement for the 40 Series, a heavy-duty, off-road workhorse. That made it an excellent adventure rig, or just a great truck for farm work. The only problem? We never got them in the U.S., so seeing one on the road is pretty rare. Thankfully, Land Cruiser nerds are importing them from all over the world. This BJ70 ended up at Fit Garage for a major overhaul to turn it into the perfect Land Cruiser shorty. Fit Garage swapped in a Toyota 1HD-FT, a diesel known for its reliability and massive low-end torque, paired with an H55F 5-speed and a transfer case retaining the factory PTO winch, which is still fully functional. And of course what is a Land Cruiser without factory cable differential lockers?Inside, Scheel-Mann Vario F seats sit on the factory suspension seat bases. It has a set of beautiful SSR forged 16x9.5 wheels wrapped in Nitto 35x11.50R16s. But what we are really here for is the Baja Designs lighting package. Call us biased, but we think it is the best part of this Land Cruiser. The factory halogen headlights were completely replaced with Baja Designs DOT LP6 universal headlights, mounted with custom brackets to make them fit. On the bumper sits a set of Baja Designs LP4s, which, honestly, is more than enough light for this Land Cruiser. It isn't a race truck, nor is it a UTV; it's a solid-axle diesel Land Cruiser, so it isn't racing in Baja anytime soon. But that doesn't mean it can't rip up and down the fire roads near Bend, Oregon, where Fit Garage has its shop. On the underside is a set of Baja Designs red rock lights. Why red? They look cool and provide area lighting while doing it, no harm in that. Red rock lights and dome lights are typically used in low-light tactical or off-grid applications, where red preserves your night vision. In this case, it's just awesome. If you haven't noticed by now, this Land Cruiser is left-hand drive, which makes it a bit rarer, since most BJ70s stateside were imported from Japan and sit right-hand drive. Japan's 25-year import rule made it the easiest pipeline, so RHD shorties dominate the U.S. scene. This Cruiser, though, came from Saudi Arabia. So not only does this BJ70 drive from the "correct" side for American roads it started life in one of the best preservation climates a 40-year-old truck could ask for. Fitting, too, that a Cruiser built for desert duty ended up living its second life ripping around the high desert of Central Oregon. This BJ70 is proof that the best builds don't chase trends, bolting random objects all over it to make it “cool”; they honor what the truck was always meant to do. Fit Garage kept the soul intact: the diesel clatter, the cable lockers, the working winch. They just gave it better bones, better seats, and if we may say so, much better light. If you find yourself on a fire road outside Bend and see a shorty Cruiser coming the other way, LP6s blazing, give them a wave. And if you want to light up your own rig, Land Cruiser or otherwise, you know where to find us.
Reflex Light Actuator
Introducing the Reflex Light Actuator (Patent Pending) – the first fully compatible actuator system designed exclusively for the Baja Designs light lineup. Born from racing in Baja, the Reflex brings professional race-level engineering to a consumer-ready solution. Engineered exclusively for our lights, the Reflex delivers instant, on-the-fly control of light pitch angle ensuring perfect light coverage for every terrain change, climb, descent, or high-speed section.
DOT LP6 Headlight
The all-new DOT LP6 is a purpose-built headlight replacement, offering both universal fitment and vehicle specific solutions. Delivering Baja Designs’ performance DNA in a fully road legal compliant package, with advanced projector optics, integrated high/low beams, and white or amber DRLs. The headlight redefined.
Effective Lighting Score (ELS™)
We’ve created “Effective Lighting Score (ELS™)” for one reason; to better describe lighting performance in the off-road space.Learn about the four key factors of ELS™: Blend Angle / Blendability / Distance / Output
Quality
In 1992, Baja Designs was founded in San Diego, California with a passion and thirst for off-road. Performance-driven and race proven - Baja Designs engineers and manufacturers using only the best components available on the market today.
Innovation
What separates Baja Designs from the imitators, fakes, and clones. NOT ALL LUMENS ARE CREATED EQUAL!
Meet the Team at Baja Designs
At Baja Designs, we take pride in delivering top-notch customer service. Whether you're reaching out to our Retail Sales, Technical Support, or Customer Service team, you can count on knowledgeable, friendly support every step of the way. Got questions? We’re here to help — give us a call at 760-560-2252.
Team Baja Designs Athletes
uService

Being able to service your own equipment is a necessity when out on the trail or back home in your garage. Baja Designs set out to make a light that is easily serviceable is the core mission behind our uService® technology

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MoistureBlock

Making sure the elements don’t damage the internals of your performance lights first and every light we produce works in the worst of conditions is core of our exclusive MoistureBlock™ technology.

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ClearView

ClearView™ is our proprietary optics, which are computer designed in-house by Baja Designs’ team of racing engineers who have first-hand knowledge of the lighting needs of all types of drivers and riders.

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What Our Customers Are Saying

"Way better quality than what I’ve had before. The harness is well made and even has extra connectors. That’s awesome. Thank you!"

Richard Nuno

"Excellent light pattern and installed right into factory location no modification needed"

Mark DiCesare

"I have purchased several Baja Designs lights and bars for multiple vehicles. I think you guys have the best aftermarket light options on the market, and your customer service is the best! 40", 50", squadrons, RTL, this bar, etc."

Colton Cook

"I love all my Baja Designs products and expect only the best in both quality and output, and you guys deliver every time on all fronts. Keep up the great work!"

Brandon Smith

"Put the XL80 on my supermoto and it has been FANTASTIC. Currently have 2 LP6 units on order for my Road Glide. Absolutely love Baja Designs."

Javier Arreola

"I have a 20in on my truck and a 30in on my razor. Both are very bright and reliable. They are well built, and I think they will last a long time."

Kirk Wilkerson

"Great product. Light color is far easier on the eyes than previous products purchased. This Light will be put to the test in temperatures from +30*C to -45*C, rain, mud, snow & ice in the god forsaken oilfield land of Wabasca Alberta."

Daniel Szever

"Just got them mounted and they are SUPER BRIGHT!"

Kenneth Leake

"BD lights are the best I’ve seen from both a build and performance aspect. I have three ON-X light bars on my boat, and they have performed beyond expectations. Recently, I noticed that my 30" light bar was only illuminating one of four sections, and after contacting BD and troubleshooting the issue with the tech department, it was determined to be unserviceable. After presenting my original purchase receipt, a new light bar was sent out and delivered in a very short time period. I am excited to get this mounted and look forward to many more years of service with BD lights. Thank You."

Mark Rigsby

"Fantastic company and products. Highly rated. And your customer service is second to none!"

Bryon Mayo

"Love BD. Product is well made, and lights are bright. Packaging is great with extra work to conceal contents."

Jorge Araujo

"Best decision ever made. I do most of my writing at nighttime, so this has been a godsend."

Christian Tomblin

"Absolutely love these lights, I have 3 sets of Squadrons and they are amazing. Worth every penny"

Chris Randall