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276 Posts
First of all, I'd like to thank Ryan from dabears2k for posting this (http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=137814.0). It helps a lot with understanding how HID manufacturer's work.
The back-story:
I ordered an Expower 35w 6000k HID set from dabears2k. I was attracted to this set because:
1. dabears2k has an excellent reputation on this forum, and
2. It is of higher quality being made in Japan (Quote from dabears2k.com: "The ExPower HID Conversion kits utilize cutting edge HID components made with superior Japanese craftsmanship and quality. These kits are made with superior components as compared to Chinese kits, so there is no need for wiring harnesses.")
After receiving my kit, I became suspicious that the kit may actually have been manufactured in China (and not Japan) because there were no markings or engravings on the bulbs, ballasts, or other which would indicate they were made in Japan.
I did some searching and discovered that there was a Chinese manufacturer who produced ballasts that looked the same as mine.
Mine:
Chinese Manufacturer (www.klarheit-hid.com):
I also talked with another member on here, DrWebster, who also purchased an Expower 35w HID kit from dabears2k. His ballasts looked different than mine, and I found a Chinese manufacturer who made ballasts that looked the same.
DrWebster's ballast:
Chinese Manufacturer (www.lchid.com):
Ryan from dabears2k kindly explained that ballast covers are usually sourced out by HID manufacturers and therefore many companies(from China, Japan, Germany, where ever) will have the same ballast appearance, but that it is the internal components of the ballasts and the HID bulbs themselves which are of varying quality. (http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=137814.0)
I'm hoping he can also clear up these last two questions for me:
1. Why did DrWebster and I receive different ballast cases in our kits when we ordered the same product?
2. What indicators can I look for on my kit that will prove to me it is Japanese made and therefore higher quality? I don't mind opening up the ballast case to look inside.
Of course any other productive comments/questions/suggestions are welcome to be added!
Thanks everyone,
John
The back-story:
I ordered an Expower 35w 6000k HID set from dabears2k. I was attracted to this set because:
1. dabears2k has an excellent reputation on this forum, and
2. It is of higher quality being made in Japan (Quote from dabears2k.com: "The ExPower HID Conversion kits utilize cutting edge HID components made with superior Japanese craftsmanship and quality. These kits are made with superior components as compared to Chinese kits, so there is no need for wiring harnesses.")
After receiving my kit, I became suspicious that the kit may actually have been manufactured in China (and not Japan) because there were no markings or engravings on the bulbs, ballasts, or other which would indicate they were made in Japan.
I did some searching and discovered that there was a Chinese manufacturer who produced ballasts that looked the same as mine.
Mine:

Chinese Manufacturer (www.klarheit-hid.com):

I also talked with another member on here, DrWebster, who also purchased an Expower 35w HID kit from dabears2k. His ballasts looked different than mine, and I found a Chinese manufacturer who made ballasts that looked the same.
DrWebster's ballast:

Chinese Manufacturer (www.lchid.com):

Ryan from dabears2k kindly explained that ballast covers are usually sourced out by HID manufacturers and therefore many companies(from China, Japan, Germany, where ever) will have the same ballast appearance, but that it is the internal components of the ballasts and the HID bulbs themselves which are of varying quality. (http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=137814.0)
I'm hoping he can also clear up these last two questions for me:
1. Why did DrWebster and I receive different ballast cases in our kits when we ordered the same product?
2. What indicators can I look for on my kit that will prove to me it is Japanese made and therefore higher quality? I don't mind opening up the ballast case to look inside.
Of course any other productive comments/questions/suggestions are welcome to be added!
Thanks everyone,
John