I’ve had my share of close calls with kangaroos and other wildlife while driving at night, so a good set of driving lights isn’t a luxury for me. I was looking for a set that puts out a lot of light without costing a fortune. That led me to the XTM Helios 224 LED Driving Lights. They promise a huge beam and a tough build, so I fitted them to my 4WD to see how well they light up outback roads.
Discontinued. The XTM Helios 224 is no longer sold. XTM’s current driving light in the same size class is the Hemera 220mm. We haven’t tested the Hemera: this review covers the Helios 224.
What’s in the box
A pair of powerful 224 mm LED driving lights with a sturdy cast aluminium housing and an IP68 rating, built for high light output and long-distance visibility on 4WDs.
What we like
- Huge 22000LM light output
- Illuminates up to 1238m away
- IP68 rated, dust and waterproof
- Sturdy cast aluminium housing
- Bright white light for clear vision
What we don’t
- Hefty 3.1 kg each
- Large size (224 mm)
- Specific, focused beam pattern
Quick Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | XTM |
| Material | Cast Aluminium Alloy |
| Weight | 3.1 kgeach |
| Size | 24.3 × 22.4 × 12.8 cm |
| Brightness | 22,000 lmper pair |
| Throw | 1 Lux @ 1238mper pair |
| Water rating | IP68 |
First look
As I pulled the XTM Helios lights out of the box, the first thing I noticed was their size and solid feel. These are not small lights. The 224 mm diameter is substantial, and the heavy-duty mounting bracket feels like it could handle serious corrugations. The black cast aluminium housing is sturdy and looks good on a 4WD. The wiring harness in the box was a pleasant surprise. It’s always a relief when a product comes with everything you need to get it running. The lights are big, but fitting them to my bullbar was pretty straightforward.
Materials & Build QualityMaterials & Build Quality
The XTM Helios 224 LED lights are built for tough outback conditions. The housing is a cast aluminium alloy, which is both lightweight and durable. The aluminium also works as a heat sink, which helps the LEDs last and keeps them performing after long periods of use.
The IP68 rating is a big plus. It means the lights are completely sealed against dust and protected from continuous submersion in water. That’s the protection you need when you’re crossing a muddy river or driving through a sudden downpour. The lens is a tough polycarbonate that can take hits from stones and other road debris without cracking. Everything about these lights, from the housing to the mounting bracket, feels built to last.
Ergonomics & WeightErgonomics & Weight
You can’t get something for nothing, and with the XTM Helios lights the cost is weight. At 3.1 kg each they’re on the heavy side for a driving light. That’s worth thinking about when you mount them, especially on a bullbar, because it adds to the load on your vehicle. The weight comes from the solid construction and the heat sink, though, and both matter for performance and a long life.
Once they’re mounted and aimed, they’re set. The mounting bracket is highly adjustable, so you can aim the beam exactly where you want it. The 224 mm diameter gives a broad spread of light without looking out of place on a typical 4WD. It’s a weight trade-off I’m happy to make for the durability and the light.
Performance & FeaturesPerformance & Features
Flicking on the XTM Helios driving lights for the first time is impressive. The beam is very powerful and focused. The pair has a combined output of 22000LM, which is a lot of light. The spec that matters most, though, is 1 Lux at 1238m. One lux is roughly the point where there’s enough light to read a newspaper, and getting that at over a kilometre makes a big difference on a dark road.
On the road, the lights turn night into day. They light up the road far beyond the reach of my standard high beams, which makes it much easier to spot wildlife, road signs or obstacles from a safe distance. The light is a crisp, bright white that doesn’t strain the eyes. The concentrated beam cuts through the darkness and gives you plenty of time to react to whatever is ahead.
Conclusion: XTM Helios 224 LED Driving LightsConclusion
The XTM Helios 224 LED Driving Lights are a very good choice if you often drive at night in rural or outback areas. They put out a huge amount of light and are tough and well built. They’re heavy at 3.1 kg each, large at 224 mm, and the beam is focused for distance. I’m happy with that trade for the durability and the light, and for the price it’s hard to find a more powerful set.
A huge amount of light for the price, in tough, well-built housings.
With 22,000 lumens reaching up to 1,238 m and IP68 sealing, they suit regular night driving in rural and outback areas. They're big and heavy at 3.1 kg each, and the beam is focused on distance rather than wide.
- 4WD tourers
- Travellers
- Caravanners
Yes, for remote night driving. 22,000 lumens, a 1,238 m reach and IP68 sealing are a lot of light for the price. They’re big and weigh 3.1 kg each, and the beam is focused rather than wide.
