Ironman 4x4’s Scope 9-inch driving lights fitted to our Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series

When Ironman 4×4 fitted the bullbar, winch and side protection to our VDJ79 LandCruiser, they also installed a pair of the company’s Scope 9-inch driving lights. 

Auxiliary driving lights are a must for outback and bush driving at night, providing a much clearer view of the road ahead and to the sides – and giving you a better chance of spotting wildlife before it’s too late. That extra lighting is especially important on the 70 Series, as the factory headlights still leave a lot to be desired – even though the new LED units on the 2024 facelift are a step up from the old halogen lamps.

LED lighting is the standard these days, and Ironman’s Scope lamps sit at the top of the brand’s lighting range. The lineup also includes other models and styles, along with a smaller 7-inch version of the Scope.

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What sets the Scope lights apart is their use of high-output LEDs combined with a clever reflector design. Each unit features six 12W and four 10W LED chips, producing an exceptionally bright, clear beam. The 5700K colour temperature has become the sweet spot for driving lights – bright enough to deliver excellent visibility without harsh reflections or the eye fatigue that can come with higher temperatures.

Ironman claims a 1-lux throw of 1050 metres per light for the combo-beam Scope 9-inch, and 1250 metres for the spot-beam version. Current draw is listed at under 12.6A per light at 12V – another advantage of LEDs over traditional halogen units, which typically draw more power for less output.

The Scope lights use a hooded reflector design, with the reflectors positioned along the top and bottom of the housing to capture the output from the high-power LEDs. This setup is said to be more efficient than traditional reflector cups, as the LEDs shine directly into the hoods, minimising light loss and improving overall performance.

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The Scope 9-inch lights also feature eight ‘side shooter’ LEDs built into the sides of each lamp. These broaden the beam pattern, improving visibility to the sides of the road. They also double as daytime running lights or positioning lights when the main driving beams aren’t in use.

One feature we’ve found surprisingly useful is the dimmer function on the Scope lights. It’s particularly handy in areas with lots of reflective road signs that can bounce light back into your eyes. A quick tap of the button dims the beams without switching them off completely, so you still get enhanced visibility without the harsh glare. It’s also great on long, open outback roads when an oncoming vehicle is still a fair way off – you can dial the spotties down without plunging into darkness.

They’re not the brightest LED driving lights we’ve used, and the beam pattern isn’t the most uniform. But they’re also significantly more affordable than some of the premium options that deliver better overall performance.

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At $349 each, the Scope lights aren’t the cheapest on the market, but they still offer solid value – especially when bundled with Ironman’s plug-and-play wiring harness. The harness retails for $66, bringing the total to just under $765 for a complete pair, which makes for a well-priced setup that should many most drivers.

Build quality is solid, with polycarbonate lenses, a screw-free front fascia to prevent moisture ingress, and a breather system that releases heat while keeping water out. The lights are IP69K-rated for dust and water resistance, and the powder-coated cast aluminium housings are matched with a stainless steel mounting system. Centre and side pinning bolts provide excellent rigidity – we’ve had zero vibration from the lights on our Cruiser.

That level of build quality allows Ironman to back the Scope lights with a three-year warranty.