Expert Review: Quadratec Premium LED Projector Beam Headlight Kit For Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT

by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor

Not all headlights are created equal. Or, more importantly, really shine bright.

And if you’ve been paying attention over the past few years, you should pretty much know LED headlights are really the way to go these days versus weaker halogen lights.

Not only do LED headlights offer a significantly higher lumen count that increases brightness, but they throw an intense forward beam which makes things much easier to see in all kinds of weather conditions.

Plus, these LED lights draw almost no amperage, are super easy to install and make for a simple modification. In fact, a headlight swap is often one of the first things new Jeep owners do to their vehicles.

I know that is what I did. Both with my former JK and now JL Wrangler.

I looked at a lot of different LED offerings and for my 2021 Snazzberry EcoDiesel Rubicon, I went with the Quadratec 7-inch Projector Beam Headlights.

Full disclosure, I had the Quadratec Generation Two Headlights on Project Grey Wolf and they are an excellent entry-level LED offering, but I wanted more for the new JL.

So I upgraded to the Projector Beam Headlights.

What is the difference? Well, the lumen count for one. These projector beam lights offer a 1,770 lumen count at low beam and 3,200 at high beam as opposed to 719 and 1,169 from the Gen Two. That additional brightness cannot be understated. Second, these lights are built for Quadratec by JW Speaker, so you know there is quality right out of the box.

Now, as I said before, the illumination of the Generation Two Headlights is still way better than the stock halogen lights, so they do make for an excellent and affordable upgrade. And you may feel the same way. But for me, I just felt these newer Projector Beam lights were even better.

Another factor for me was the Dual-Burn technology engineered into the Projector Headlights. This means that when the high beams are activated, the low beam still stays on for maximum brightness. It pretty much turns the dark night into daytime and throws both a wide and deep light pattern for optimal visibility. Just make sure you swap back to low beam when there are oncoming drivers.

Additionally, I run a winch and off-road somewhat regularly, so I need to make sure it works when I need it to work. Also, I use some auxillary lighting for additional visibility, so I need headlights that don’t draw a lot of power.

I factored all of those things and decided to give these lights a try. And I was not disappointed.

These Quadratec Projector Beam Headlights are really the perfect fit for almost everyone. Now, I chose the non-heated edition, but there is a heated option available for those who live in significantly colder climates and need that heat to melt ice from the headlight.

One of the first things you notice with these headlights is there isn’t a ton of wiring involved when installing on your vehicle. In fact, once you remove the front grille and pull out the current headlights, you simply plug the included adapter to the factory wiring and hook into the new Projector lights and you are all set. No Pulse Width Modulation adapter needed.

Once the wiring is all clicked into place, then use the included headlight brackets to lock the lights into place. It is a simple three-screw system that will ensure proper fitment. From there, just slide the light back into place and you are almost all set.

The final thing to remember is to aim those new lights properly using the provided adjustment screws.

Whether it is night driving in rainy or snowy weather, or nights on the trail when we go to Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, these Projector Beam lights have not disappointed. I know I have all the visibility I need to ensure I see the correct line when encountering an obstacle, or simply heading home from work.