I've done a bit of research on the subject and the answers are all over the map.

The question is for you - what is the primarily purpose when you use your fogs? example - do you turn them on for added light all of the time? Or do you use them in foggy conditions only? Or do you want to look ccooolll with an extra set of lights on the front?

 

I only use them when added light is necessary and the high beams aren't the best choice (traffic, fog, etc.). Sure the aesthetic quality plays into it, but im more concerned with the driving experience and complimenting the low beams. TBH I've never been interested in yellow fogs but I'm much more open to it now. Truly 50/50.

 

I'm assuming you have the factory setup now?

Then the first thing I would do is to upgrade the whole assembly with the ones used in the Outback - Tyc 19-5785-80 (or the Tyc 19-5785-80-1). These are the OE ones with glass lenses (instead of our stock plastic ones) as well as upgraded H11 bulbs. All you need to do is get an adapter harness from our current system to the new one (readily available at less than $10 for the set).

Here's a thread on the process - http://www.subaruxvforum.com/forum/...hting-electrical/74225-fog-light-upgrades-using-2010-2012-outback-assembly.html. During the process, you can decide on various ways of making them yellow or use them white until you decide. However, you will get a much brighter light output while you are deciding.

Now back to the original question... some people love yellow as it gives the car a JDM feel as yellow fog lights are big over there. Others like it as it's more 'traditional'. And still other point back to a study years ago about yellow being better than white in fog (ie. fog is white so shining a white light on a white mist might not yield much). On the other side of the argument, most people feel that white is actually brighter so you'll get more distance (especially if you consider that most 'yellow' systems involve putting a coating over the lens or bulb and thus reducing the level of light output).

Personally, I think if you upgrade the whole assembly, you'll get that boost in light output and then adding a yellow system (either a coating on the lens or a bulb) while lowing the output slightly compared to the new assembly will still be a big increase in brightness to what you have now.

 

From what I have seen, beam pattern is much more significant for fogs than color. Most of what I have read on color says it is purely aesthetic. I tend to prefer yellow fogs. I choose yellow for mostly aesthetic reasons. However, I also feel they are a little easier on my eyes when there is snow on the ground.

If you are undecided and don't hate the look of a yellow lens, you could always get white and put yellow film over the lenses. My Focus is running Yellow PIAA bulbs in standard housings (i.e. no film). The Crosstrek is running Luxeon LED fog lamps (complete housing replacement night just an LED bulb replacement) with Lamin-X Yellow film. Of the two, I prefer the Luxeon setup.

 

I switched mine to Baja Designs Squadron Sports with the Wide Cornering Yellow lenses. I have been very pleased with my yellow lenses, but if I ever feel the need, I can switch the lenses to different beam and/or color.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

13ST14XV

. The Crosstrek is running Luxeon LED fog lamps (complete housing replacement night just an LED bulb replacement) with Lamin-X Yellow film. Of the two, I prefer the Luxeon setup.

This is What I asked Santa for this year (fingers crossed ) But in case the lump of coal comes instead, will order these in the New Year :thumb_smileyvault-e

Cheers

Troutbum

 

13ST14XV

This is What I asked Santa for this year (fingers crossed ) But in case the lump of coal comes instead, will order these in the New Year :thumb_smileyvault-e

Cheers

Troutbum

I was hesitant to order because of price, but they are well worth it. If you are going to put yellow Lamin-x on, don't buy the precut kit. It did not fit right. Instead buy a blank yellow fog sheet from them and cut yourself. Pretty easy to install the film when housings are not on the car.

 

I love having yellow fogs. Mostly for aesthetic reasons. I stuck with stock bulbs and just tinted the glass.

 

A slight difference from the input so far -- true colour matching is difficult, but most can't tell the difference if you're relatively close. Our eyes do respond differently to different wavelengths, and yellows may be better for true fogs. However, for most the difference is minimal and as such, it does come down more to aesthetics.

Somehow, I'm feeling yellow would be a better recommendation for you, but you really can't go wrong with any shade of white either.

 

I went with the Luxeon set up from Diode Dynamics. It's plug and play and has (IMHO) a better dispersion pattern than the OEM. Then, like others, I put Lamin-X yellow film over them to protect them from rocks, etc and so I'd know they're on so I wouldn't forget to turn them off when no longer needed.

 

The yellow is not just aesthetic, the colour has actual purpose in fog or heavy snow condition. Especially if your headlight is bright white, by having a headlight white hit on white moisture or snow it just become blind driving. Yellow light shine through the snow and fog actually let you instinct the road lines.

I am not sure about in the states, I did not pay attention to street lights but in Canada, a lot of street lights are switched to yellow for fog situation.

 

Water droplets reflect light in the blue portion of the spectrum. That's why the sky looks blue. I prefer yellow fog lights because there is less back scatter. Whiter lights put out more light for the same power rating but some of that advantage is lost to scatter and the part of that scatter that is directed back at the driver makes it harder to see. That's also part of why I hate blue headlights.