Category: LED Whip Lights

Whip lights almost never fail at the LEDs. They fail where the whip meets the machine.

Every one of these is a three-to-four foot lever arm bolted to a vehicle that spends its life bouncing. The forces at the base are enormous, and that’s the part manufacturers cut cost on. Look at the spring, not the light show.

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What actually matters

The spring base. More coils and thicker wire means the whip can lay over in the wind and snap back without loading the mount. Cheap sets use a short stiff spring that transmits every impact straight into the bolt.

Where the wire enters. The wire has to pass through the flex point. If the manufacturer ran it straight through without a service loop or strain relief, it will chafe through in a season. This is the single most common failure and it’s invisible until it happens.

Waterproofing at the base, not the tube. Everyone waterproofs the tube. Water gets in at the bottom connector, sits there, and corrodes the contacts.

Brightness barely matters. These are visibility markers so a truck can see you coming over a dune. Every set on the market is bright enough for that.

Ehaho 4FT, the one to buy

The Ehaho NA102 uses a reinforced spring base with more coils than most, which is the whole ballgame on a 4-foot whip. App and remote control both, hundreds of colors, music sync if you care about that.

Four feet is the right length for most machines. Tall enough to clear a dune lip, short enough that it isn’t whipping into branches on a trail.

What’s wrong with it: the app is mediocre. It works, it’s not pleasant, and it wants permissions it has no business asking for. Use the remote for day-to-day and open the app when you want to change something properly. It’s also the most expensive of the three.

Nilight 3FT, if you ride on roads

The Nilight set adds real stop, turn and reverse functions in the whip itself. Red brake, amber turn, white reverse.

If your machine sees any road or shared trail use, that’s a genuine safety argument rather than a styling one. A driver behind you sees intent instead of a color show.

The tradeoffs are real though. Three feet is short, and on a taller machine the whips disappear behind the cage from certain angles. Wiring is also more involved because you’re tapping into brake and signal circuits rather than running a single switched positive. Budget an afternoon, not an hour.

True MODS 4FT, the low-annoyance option

The True MODS whips skip the app entirely and run off an RF remote. Twenty color combinations, five brightness levels, ten patterns, and no phone involved.

That’s the appeal. Nothing to pair, nothing to update, nothing that stops working when the manufacturer abandons an app. RF also works with gloves on, which Bluetooth menus do not.

The limitation is the ceiling. You get the presets and that’s it, no custom colors and no music sync. If you want your whips to do anything specific, buy one of the other two.

Install notes that save you a set

Mount to a flat, backed surface. A bed panel or thin sheet metal will crack around the bolt inside one season. Add a backing plate if you don’t have structure there.

Leave a service loop of wire at the base, two or three inches of slack. This is the difference between a whip that lasts five years and one that goes dark in November.

Fuse the circuit at the battery, not at the whip. Five amps is plenty for a pair.

Run the whips off a switched source, not constant power. RGB controllers draw a small idle current forever and will flatten a battery over a month in storage.

Check your state rules before you fit anything red or blue facing forward. Several states treat forward-facing red as an emergency vehicle color, and that’s a conversation with a trooper you do not want.

Related whip light guides

• Are Whip Lights Worth It?
• Installing LED whip lights 
• Mounting whip lights on a UTV
• What Company Makes LED Whip Lights?

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A handful of brands make most of the LED whip lights you’ll actually see on UTVs and side-by-sides. They’re not identical products with different logos, either. Build quality, brightness, and how they mount vary enough that the brand you pick affects how the whip holds up on rough trails.

The main players

Ehaho. One of the more established names in whip lights, known for quick-release bases and remote color and pattern control. Their whips tend to be a middle-of-the-road price point with a wide range of length options.

Xprite. Popular for the sheer number of color and pattern combinations available, often bundled in pairs with a shared remote. A common pick for riders who want the light show as much as the visibility.

Nilight. Leans more toward straightforward, durable, single-color whips at a lower price point. Less flash, more focus on just being visible and holding up to vibration and weather.

True Mods. Known for brighter output than most competitors at a given length, aimed at riders who want the whip to actually function as a visibility tool in dust or low light, not just look good parked.

What actually separates them

Three things matter more than the logo: how the base mounts (quick-release versus a fixed bolt-on), whether the light and any RGB function share one cable or run separate wiring, and how the manufacturer weatherproofs the base, since that’s the part that takes the most abuse from mud and water on a trail rig.

Once you’ve picked a brand, the next question is where to actually put it. See our guide on mounting whip lights on a UTV, and if you’re still deciding whether they’re worth adding at all, we cover that in are whip lights worth it.

Ready to add a set? Here’s a solid pair of whips with remote-controlled color patterns.

The full guide

• The Best UTV LED Whip Lights, and Which Ones Break

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Selecting the Perfect LED Whip

LED whips are preferred for their energy efficiency and brightness. They’re available in various lengths, and some even offer customizable color patterns. When choosing an LED whip, consider the compatibility with your vehicle, the brightness level, and any additional features like remote control or weather resistance.  See our guide here to help you select the right LED whip light.

Preparing for Wiring

Wiring is the heart of the installation process. You’ll need some basic tools like wire cutters, pliers, electrical tape, and possibly some zip ties to keep everything neat. Here’s a step-by-step guide to wiring your LED whip light:

1. Identify the Power Source: Locate the wire to the battery or an existing wiring harness to tap into for power. You’ll connect the red wire from the whip to the positive terminal and the black wire to the ground.
2. Measure and Cut: Use a tape measure to estimate the length of wire needed to reach from the whip’s location to the power source. Cut the wires to length, leaving a little extra just in case.
3. Strip and Connect: Use wire strippers to expose the underlying copper wire at the end of each wire. Connect the wires using connectors or by splicing them together. Make sure the wire connections are secure.
4. Secure the Wiring: Run the wire along the frame, using zip ties to secure it in place. Hide the wires underneath panels or along existing wiring paths to keep everything looking clean.
5. Test the Connection: Before finalizing everything, turn on the whip light to make sure everything is working correctly. Check inside the cab to make sure all connections are intact.
6. Are you using a rocker switch?  Then you will need to splice into the red power wire and run a line to the rocker switch.  That’s pretty simple but if the rocker switch is lighted you will need to supply power to the switch as well.  Check the wiring guide for your particular switch.

Mounting the LED Whip Light

Now that the wiring is done, it’s time to mount the whip light. Here’s how:

1. Choose the Location: Find a suitable place to install a whip, such as the roll cage or another exposed bar on the frame. The location should be sturdy and visible.
2. Drill a Hole: Depending on your mounting bracket, you may need to drill a hole for the mounting bolt. Make sure the hole is the right size for the bolt.
3. Attach the Base: Place the whip light base on top of the hole, insert the bolt, and tighten it down. Slide the whip light base onto the mounting bracket if necessary.
4. Connect the Whip: Get the whip and attach it to the whip to the base, usually by turning it clockwise. Depending on the whip some models may have a quick connector for easy attachment and removal.
5. Secure Additional Wiring: If there’s additional wiring for remote control or other features, connect those according to the instructions.

FAQs
Where is the best place to mount whip lights on a UTV?

The best place to mount lights on a UTV depends on the specific needs and preferences of the rider, as well as the type of lights being used. Generally, whip lights are …(read more)

What company makes whips?

Several companies specialize in manufacturing whips, particularly LED whips for UTVs, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles. Some of the well-known brands in this industry include …(read more)

Ready to add a set? Here’s a solid pair of whips with remote-controlled color patterns.

The full guide

• The Best UTV LED Whip Lights, and Which Ones Break

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Most riders mount whip lights at the rear corners of the roll cage, one on each side, bolted to the highest point of the cage that’s still within reach for changing bulbs or batteries. That’s the standard spot for a reason: maximum visibility from behind and the sides, which is the entire point of a whip.

Rear corners: the default choice

Mounting at the back two corners of the cage gives other riders on the trail the widest possible view of your whip, whether they’re coming up behind you in the dunes or approaching from an angle. It also keeps the whip out of your direct line of sight while driving, which matters more than people expect. A whip mounted too far forward ends up flapping in your peripheral vision at speed.

Front mounting: less common, still valid

Some riders run a single whip up front, usually centered or offset to one side, mainly for dune riding where being seen from the front matters as much as from behind. This works, but expect more wind noise and a slightly different flex pattern since front mounts catch more direct airflow.

What to check regardless of position

Wherever you mount it, the base needs a solid, flat surface on the cage, hardware rated for vibration (lock washers or thread locker, not just a bolt snugged down once), and a wiring path that doesn’t rub against anything sharp on the frame as the whip flexes. A loose base is the most common failure point, not the light itself.

Haven’t picked a whip yet? See installing LED whip lights for the wiring side, and are whip lights worth it if you’re still deciding.

Ready to add a set? Here’s a solid pair of whips with remote-controlled color patterns.

The full guide

• The Best UTV LED Whip Lights, and Which Ones Break

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Whip lights, those dazzling accessories that add flair and safety to off-road vehicles, have been a hot topic among enthusiasts. But are they really worth the investment? Let’s dive into the world of whip lights and explore what makes them a must-have for many.

LED whips are preferred for their energy efficiency and brightness. They’re available in various lengths, and some even offer customizable color patterns. When choosing an LED whip, consider the compatibility with your vehicle, the brightness level, and any additional features like remote control or weather resistance.  See our guide here to help you select the right LED whip light.

My LED Whip Light Experience

I’ve had the chance to test and experience various whip lights on my RZR. From the cool blue lights of Gorilla Whips to the simple yet bright white LEDs of Buggy Whips, each product has its unique charm.

I’ve driven through dunes and rough terrains, and the whip lights didn’t just improve my visibility; they added a cooler vibe to my ride. The ability to change the color, adjust the brightness, and even sync the lights with music made the experience even more enjoyable.

The installation was relatively simple, and the remote control functionality was a definite plus. I’ve also appreciated the waterproof and weather-resistant features, ensuring that the lights won’t give in to harsh conditions.

Considerations before buying whip lights

When considering buying whip lights, check for features like waterproofing, weather resistance, and battery life. Sites like Amazon offer a wide range of options but don’t overlook specialized stores that might provide a more tailored selection.  Before making a purchase, consider your vehicle’s specific needs, the conditions you’ll be driving in, and your personal preferences. Whether you want a single LED whip light or a pair, flexible or rigid, colorful or white, take the time to explore and choose what suits you best.

Gorilla: a Lead Company in Whip Lights

Gorilla Whips stand out as a top choice for many. With their bright LEDs, remote control functionality, and durable build, they offer a better experience for riders. Their quick-release harness and customizable options make them a favorite among off-road enthusiasts.

LED whip lights are known for their quality and durability. Brands like Gorilla Whips are renowned for their color-changing lights and excellent build. They offer one of the best experiences for off-road enthusiasts, with customizable options and easy installation.

Conclusion

So, are whip lights worth it? Definitely! They add safety, style, and functionality to your off-road vehicle. Whether you’re looking for a cheap option or are willing to invest in a high-quality product, whip lights offer something for everyone.

From enhancing visibility to allowing you to customize your ride with color-changing lights, whip lights are more than just a flashy addition. They enhance the driving experience, ensure safety, and give you the chance to express your personality on the road.

Consider your needs, explore the options, and choose the whip lights that will make your ride brighter and better. Happy driving!

FAQs

What is the purpose of whip lights on UTV?

Whip lights on UTV (Utility Task Vehicles) serve several essential purposes, enhancing the overall riding experience. They make the UTV more visible to other riders, especially …(read more)

Mounting whip lights on a UTV?

The best place to mount lights on a UTV depends on the specific needs and preferences of the rider, as well as the type of lights being used. Generally, whip lights are mounted …(read more)

Ready to add a set? Here’s a solid pair of whips with remote-controlled color patterns.

The full guide

• The Best UTV LED Whip Lights, and Which Ones Break