I did a search but came up empty on the subject of "frosted" and clear projector lens. I'm curious as to the purpose of a translucent lens on a projector.
The only site I found that touches on this subject is The Retrofit Source, but I'm a bit wary of their "information."
Any comments? Is their information correct? What's the reasoning behind using translucent rather than clear lens? I'm guessing it has something to do with glare and light distribution...can anyone expound on that, if I'm correct? Is a clear lens a legal upgrade?
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/blog/headlight-tech-clear-lenses/
The only site I found that touches on this subject is The Retrofit Source, but I'm a bit wary of their "information."
Any comments? Is their information correct? What's the reasoning behind using translucent rather than clear lens? I'm guessing it has something to do with glare and light distribution...can anyone expound on that, if I'm correct? Is a clear lens a legal upgrade?
https://www.theretrofitsource.com/blog/headlight-tech-clear-lenses/
Most OEM projectors out there come standard with what is known as "fresnel" lenses. These projector lenses have circular lines molded into their surface, and are often produced with less than optically clear glass. So what? Well the fresnel lines and frosted/ translucent glass dim the output and soften the beam pattern so the projectors aren't performing to their full potential. A true clear lens will help maximize the performance of the projector compared to the "detuned" stock lenses. Think of a projector just like any other original part on your car, of course there will always be an aftermarket performance/aesthetic upgrade available. Why doesn't the car come with the most free flowing exhaust from the factory? Why aren't the throw's in the transmission shorter? The brakes stronger? The headlights brighter?
Note that very few cars in the US domestic market come from the factory with clear lenses mounted on the projectors used inside their headlights; European vehicles are spec'd with clear lenses much more often. In fact, when retrofitting headlights started gaining in popularity several years ago, it was usually only possible to obtain clear lenses for a upgrade swap from "ECE" (Euro spec) headlights. (Thanks DOT!) Now, TRS offers a full line of 2.5″ and 3″ optically clear projector lenses for most projectors on the market. So whether you're looking to enhance the output on the units you'll be retrofitting, or the detuned factory projectors in your higher-end vehicle, we likely have an upgrade for your application.