Unless you really want LEDs, you don't need drop that kind of coin.
I'm completely satisfied with the Hella H4 conversion for a little over $100.
Yikes...I agree that is a ton of coin for lights. I outfitted my entire jeep's lighting system for about half the cost of the JWs...I'd rather spend that coin on a rear locker (if I didn't already have one) or gas/food for my next trip!
Call me old school, but I will take a good set of HIDs over LED any day. in fact, a good halogen bulb and a good reflector/lens will out shine an LED in a $$$ vs Value/ROI comparison any day.
I bought Cibie's and an upgraded harness. I run a 55W/100W Hella bulb (55 on low, 100 on high) and I couldn't be happier. I had a chance to sit in a jeep with JW Speaker LEDs (in a desert application) and came away with thinking I made a good decision with the Cibie's.
For driving/long range lights, am currently using Hella 4000s with a 100W bulb, euro pattern. After my last trip, I will be doing a 55W HID conversion - although to be honest, the 4000s combined with the Cibie on high beams do an awesome job. I've never felt like I was out-driving my lights on high speed gravel roads. The amount of fore-ground illumination vs long throw combination is great!
It is possible to have lights that are too bright and therefore not as usable - that is how I feel about by Hella 4000s - they throw so much light, I have to be really careful about using them on two lane roads in the middle of the night (worry about blinding someone). I almost need an intermediate solution.
For backup lights, I have bought (but not mounted) a set of Amazon 4 x LEDs (think Rigid knockoffs). I have JDW replacement backup LEDs bulbs (in place of the stock 3157?) now that do a damn nice job.
For side fill, I will be mounting similar Amazon cheepy LED lights on windshield pillar pointed down and off to the side. (Purchased, not mounted). I may end up mounting these on a bumper once I decide which one...
