Predator Chromiums vs. DDE Raptors

Ok, believe me, i know that this has been posted 1 milllion times. I am in the middle of a conflict. I was set on ordering the Predator Chromiums until I spoke with someone at Bimmian today. They offer both, but he actually recommended the Raptors over the Chromiums, and the Raptors are $50 cheaper!!! They said the Raptors are higher quality. I know Bimmian is reputable and experienced, so I trust them, but this really threw me off.

I know that new designs have come out and things are changing, so thats why I posted this question again, for the latest and greatest. I have clicked on the links in other posts left my umnitza and jlevi, but I need another good honest opinion about the raptors. I heard they have a patented ballast...is this true? I know that the Chromiums have a slight purpilish/blueish color to them when they are turned off. Do the raptors hum at all or have problems lighting up? I read that on one of the links I followed.

Your help would be great! I want non-biased opinions if possible. I've spent SEVERAL hours reading up on this.

One last question, I live in PA but I'm probably moving south to NC in January. Is it necessary or recommended to get the heated ballasts? Are the non-heated chromiums better in colder weather than the raptors or vise versa??

Thanks for your help!

I would do a search on what most people prefer. You will find that the Chromiums are the more popular choice. They are much easier to install and use less wires to install. Not to mention they come with a full lifetime warranty and with thousands kits installed...you know it's proven

Originally Posted by SickE46Bimmer

Ok, believe me, i know that this has been posted 1 milllion times. I am in the middle of a conflict. I was set on ordering the Predator Chromiums until I spoke with someone at Bimmian today. They offer both, but he actually recommended the Raptors over the Chromiums, and the Raptors are $50 cheaper!!! They said the Raptors are higher quality. I know Bimmian is reputable and experienced, so I trust them, but this really threw me off.

I know that new designs have come out and things are changing, so thats why I posted this question again, for the latest and greatest. I have clicked on the links in other posts left my umnitza and jlevi, but I need another good honest opinion about the raptors. I heard they have a patented ballast...is this true? I know that the Chromiums have a slight purpilish/blueish color to them when they are turned off. Do the raptors hum at all or have problems lighting up? I read that on one of the links I followed.

Your help would be great! I want non-biased opinions if possible. I've spent SEVERAL hours reading up on this.

One last question, I live in PA but I'm probably moving south to NC in January. Is it necessary or recommended to get the heated ballasts? Are the non-heated chromiums better in colder weather than the raptors or vise versa??

Thanks for your help!

I'll be happy to give you my honest and rather angry opinion.

Bimmian and I have had a minor falling out regarding the way they handle product sales for our products. Therefore, they don't really sell our products because of their refusal to do some minor things that all our other retailers are all too happy and more adequately equipped to perform.

Therefore, they have chosen to make their "bed" with an inferior product. Even though all the objectively produced data by customers that have had both proves that Crhomiums are better, there are other products you can buy for less.

You do get what you pay for.

Won't bore you with more details, but suffice it to say - search for "predator chromium + raptor" and you'll get your immediate answer.

Here's one:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...hromium+raptor

Originally Posted by umnitza

Here's one:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...hromium+raptor

I've seen this link in about every post mentioning the Raptors. This is only one scenaria, and I know that a while back, Unique Design had a GB and I didn't see anyone come back with a negative response.

Can someone who has the Raptors on their car please give me a good honest response about how they feel about their Raptors?

Umnitza and JLevi, I will admit, you guys do a great job getting your product out there. You do have an awesome product and seems like you have good customer service. I just want to hear what everyone has to say about the Raptors though.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by SickE46Bimmer

I've seen this link in about every post mentioning the Raptors. This is only one scenaria, and I know that a while back, Unique Design had a GB and I didn't see anyone come back with a negative response.

Can someone who has the Raptors on their car please give me a good honest response about how they feel about their Raptors?

Umnitza and JLevi, I will admit, you guys do a great job getting your product out there. You do have an awesome product and seems like you have good customer service. I just want to hear what everyone has to say about the Raptors though.

Thanks!

Ask anyone with any of the angel eyes products that have been spawned since we invented the Cold Cathode technology for BMW angel eyes in its current form and everyone will tell you that they love their products and won't complain about it at all - in a test tube

That means that in isolation, people love all the products they receive as long as they don't see another one in technical detail next to it. So of course you won't hear bad publicity too often as very few customers are as discerning to even take the time to go through 3 products or 4 to get the one that they wanted in the first place.

In any comparison - side by side - the Chromiums are simply superior. That doesn't mean the other product is bad. Quite the contrary, it's a very flattering copy, and quite good at that. It's a good product, sold at a good price. But it's not the best. That's what it's about isn't it sometimes? The Best?

Originally Posted by umnitza

I'll be happy to give you my honest and rather angry opinion.

Bimmian and I have had a minor falling out regarding the way they handle product sales for our products. Therefore, they don't really sell our products because of their refusal to do some minor things that all our other retailers are all too happy and more adequately equipped to perform.

Therefore, they have chosen to make their "bed" with an inferior product. Even though all the objectively produced data by customers that have had both proves that Crhomiums are better, there are other products you can buy for less.

You do get what you pay for.

Won't bore you with more details, but suffice it to say - search for "predator chromium + raptor" and you'll get your immediate answer.

Here's one:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...hromium+raptor

Hi,
This is amanda from Bimmian. I was just reading up on your information. If you are moving to a colder climate I would recomend the Raptor heated, because they work better in a colder clmate and also they do not freeze up and do not have as many problems when the weather is cold. The Chromium are also a good choice but not in colder weather. If you have any other questions please feel free to e-mail me at Amanda@bimmian.com. I would be glad to help with whatever you need.

Originally Posted by umnitza

I'll be happy to give you my honest and rather angry opinion.

Bimmian and I have had a minor falling out regarding the way they handle product sales for our products. Therefore, they don't really sell our products because of their refusal to do some minor things that all our other retailers are all too happy and more adequately equipped to perform.

Therefore, they have chosen to make their "bed" with an inferior product. Even though all the objectively produced data by customers that have had both proves that Crhomiums are better, there are other products you can buy for less.

You do get what you pay for.

Won't bore you with more details, but suffice it to say - search for "predator chromium + raptor" and you'll get your immediate answer.

Here's one:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...hromium+raptor

I think there is some confusion here.

We sell both the Raptor and Predator products. To us, we have not heard that one is any better than the other from our customers, including local installed sets.

We have no problem with Matt or Umnitza, the only reason why we encourage customers to purchase Raptor brand products is because the warranty is more convenient for our customers. If a Raptor ring goes bad, anytime, the ring in its entirety is replaced without question, and without charge.

If a predator ring goes bad, we have to pay for shipping to us of a new light bulb, we have to then open up a plastic ring, insert the light bulb inside, and epoxy it back together again, taking time and costing money. In the case that a bulb is sent directly to the customer from umnitza (sometimes with a shipping charge), that customer is forced to mess around with replacing the bulb inside the ring.

Other than the after warranty service, we like both products equally and are happy to provide customers with whichever product they prefer.

We actually make slightly better margins on the Predator product, so from that standpoint, I would prefer everyone purchases the predator over the raptor, but at the same time, it is in the best interest of the customer to have a hassle-free warranty.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by bimmian

I would prefer everyone purchases the predator over the raptor, but at the same time, it is in the best interest of the customer to have a hassle-free warranty.

Now come come The fact that you use the warranty more often is inconvenience enough.

Originally Posted by umnitza

Now come come The fact that you use the warranty more often is inconvenience enough.

I don't believe there is any mention of having to use the warranty more often...and i've heard plenty of warranty exchange issues with the chromiums, so i don't quite get this? If you guys don't sell them, how do you know how many go in on warranty exchange??

If you ask me, a free warranty exchange, even if you have to replace them, sounds good to me. I've been reading some not so fun problems with the Chromiums and getting moisture in them...even with "correct" installation.


http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=380548
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=378975
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=370374
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=379929
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=390494


I just think this is a matter or advertisement more than anything. Both products seem good, both products have their flaws, both products have excellent warranties. I'd say the reason the chromiums are selling so well is because umnitza's and jlevi's fast responses to people's questions and posts. Good for you guys, thats excellent work. I just don't think vendors should bash other vendors or say their product is inferior without proof...other than the same 3 or 4 posts that have been linked to every topic on this matter.

So...I ended up ordering the DDE Raptors. I am glad I got to read through everyone's thought and opinions, but I received some opinions from non-vendors that swayed me in that direction, not to mention Unique Euro Design has a great deal until the end of August for $135 shipped for the non-heated. Even the non-heated Raptors are waterproof (unlike the Chromiums to my knowledge, but correct me if i'm wrong, i know you guys will ), and if later i want to upgrade to the heated raptors, it'll cost me $50...still less than the chromiums when added up.

I will leave a full detailed and honest review of the Raptors. If I find that I'm having problems with them, maybe then will I try the Chromiums.

Originally Posted by SickE46Bimmer

I don't believe there is any mention of having to use the warranty more often...and i've heard plenty of warranty exchange issues with the chromiums, so i don't quite get this? If you guys don't sell them, how do you know how many go in on warranty exchange??

No need to "mention" it. We have sold well over 3000 Chromiums since the release - with 3 major additions to the line-up and many minor changes that aren't always announced. So yes, since 1000s of customers are out there, there will be reports of more issues. It's natural. I'd say we have probably a 1-2% component failure rate.

Now, if you "assume" we sell many more than the competition, than any comment about the competition's lack of quality is worse (due to the decreased numbers). This isn't mere speculation. If you did a poll on who has what kit, you'll see quite quickly where those numbers are.


If you ask me, a free warranty exchange, even if you have to replace them, sounds good to me. I've been reading some not so fun problems with the Chromiums and getting moisture in them...even with "correct" installation.

Moisture will happen if you dont' install it properly. This is for ANY kit. Not specific to the Chromiums. So that's a red herring argument. And if you are "down" more often because you are getting a warranty, who cares if you get a free anything if it takes 2-3 tries at it.

I just think this is a matter or advertisement more than anything. Both products seem good, both products have their flaws, both products have excellent warranties.

Perhaps. I'd say you haven't really seen the "flaws" well if you haven't seen them side by side in real life. In real life it's not a contest.

I'd say the reason the chromiums are selling so well is because umnitza's and jlevi's fast responses to people's questions and posts.

Thank you, I agree, BUT, it's not the only reason. It's the retailers that make the choices as well. Bimmian, ModBargains, and many many others sell our products for good reason. They are in stock, they ship on time, they get warrantied IF there is a problem, and there is more support for them (install help, installers, etc.). We have a complete solution.

Good for you guys, thats excellent work. I just don't think vendors should bash other vendors or say their product is inferior without proof...other than the same 3 or 4 posts that have been linked to every topic on this matter.

I agree, and no one is bashing other vendors. Just extolling the virtues of the Chromium product line as a comparison against another product. Not another vendor.

So...I ended up ordering the DDE Raptors. I am glad I got to read through everyone's thought and opinions, but I received some opinions from non-vendors that swayed me in that direction, not to mention Unique Euro Design has a great deal until the end of August for $135 shipped for the non-heated. Even the non-heated Raptors are waterproof (unlike the Chromiums to my knowledge, but correct me if i'm wrong, i know you guys will ), and if later i want to upgrade to the heated raptors, it'll cost me $50...still less than the chromiums when added up.

The chromiums are also waterproof (potted) - but this has little to no bearing on the issue. Your information there is wrong.

I will leave a full detailed and honest review of the Raptors. If I find that I'm having problems with them, maybe then will I try the Chromiums.

Good, hope to see you as a customer. Give the product 1 week, then write your review.

any other opinions?

Do you really need to spend hundreds on angel eyes? You guys must have a lot of money. I paid less than half the price of the predators on ebay and they work just as good. PM if you want photos.

Y PM, just post them here for everyone to see. I would like to see them too

what temperatures are the cold weather package recommended for?

Originally Posted by SickE46Bimmer

Do they cost more to upgrade to?

Free upgrade.

Originally Posted by SK328CI

what temperatures are the cold weather package recommended for?

As cold as Calgary in the winter.

Originally Posted by umnitza

Free upgrade.


As cold as Calgary in the winter.

well i live in NYC, the summers can get to temps of the "feels like 110F" and the winters can get to the "feels like -15F"

would the cold weather package be more of what i should get or the standard should do just fine?

is there any downfall to the cold weather package?

Originally Posted by SickE46Bimmer

is there any downfall to the cold weather package?

from what it says on modbargains site, the life expectency is lowered with the CWP, but with lifetime warranty, i dont think thats a problem

Originally Posted by SK328CI

well i live in NYC, the summers can get to temps of the "feels like 110F" and the winters can get to the "feels like -15F"

would the cold weather package be more of what i should get or the standard should do just fine?

Calgary feels like -40F. So you should be ok. In fact, most of the standard chromiums simply don't have the issues with Cold Weather.

Originally Posted by SickE46Bimmer

is there any downfall to the cold weather package?

Not much of one, the decrease in life span is ultimately negligible.

Originally Posted by SK328CI

from what it says on modbargains site, the life expectency is lowered with the CWP, but with lifetime warranty, i dont think thats a problem

This information is correct.