See without being seen with BlackOakLED's professional infrared lights. Our military-grade IR light bars deliver superior performance for law enforcement, security professionals, tactical teams, and serious hunters who demand invisible illumination with maximum range.
Trusted by military units, federal agencies, and marine patrol, each system is backed by our lifetime warranty and commitment to mission-critical reliability.
Revolutionary Integration: Combine with our exclusive Nitron XD Pro Night Vision Camera for the ultimate marine night time navigation system.
Infrared LED Buying Guide: 850nm vs 940nm
Understanding Wavelength Selection
850nm Infrared Technology
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Maximum Range: 300-500+ yards effective distance with night vision equipment
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Slight Red Glow: Faint visibility at close range (minimal signature)
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Best Applications: Long-distance surveillance, perimeter security, hunting, marine navigation
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Professional Use: Law enforcement patrol, border security, wildlife management
940nm Infrared Technology
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Complete Invisibility: Zero visible signature whatsoever
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Stealth Operations: Perfect for covert tactical applications
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Best Applications: Close-range security, tactical operations, stealth hunting
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Professional Use: Special operations, undercover surveillance, military applications
Wavelength Comparison Table
|
Feature
|
850nm
|
940nm
|
|
Effective Range
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300-500+ yards
|
200-400 yards
|
|
Visible Signature
|
Faint red glow at close range
|
Completely invisible
|
|
Power Efficiency
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Higher IR output per watt
|
Optimized for stealth
|
|
Best Applications
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Surveillance, hunting, marine
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Tactical, military, covert ops
|
|
Night Vision Compatibility
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Excellent with all generations
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Optimized for Gen 3+ & digital
|
|
Professional Use
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Law enforcement, border patrol
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Special operations, undercover
|
|
Detection Range
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Visible within 10-15 feet
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Zero detection at any distance
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Size Selection by Application
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Size
|
Coverage
|
Best For
|
Effective Range
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Power Draw
|
|
2" Pods
|
Spot/supplemental
|
ATVs, motorcycles, compact vehicles
|
100-200 yards
|
12W
|
|
10" Light Bars
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Medium coverage
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UTVs, patrol vehicles, boats
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200-300 yards
|
60W
|
|
20" Light Bars
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Maximum coverage
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Full-size trucks, marine vessels, fixed installations
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300-500+ yards
|
120W
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Effective range will vary depending on your night vision camera/gear
Professional Performance Comparison
BlackOakLED Advantage vs Standard IR Lights:
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Genuine IR LEDs: 300% more output than filtered white LEDs
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Military-grade housing: IP69K waterproof rating exceeds industry standards
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Thermal management: Advanced heat sinks prevent power degradation
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Beam optimization: Engineered flood/spot patterns for maximum effectiveness
Professional Applications
Application-Specific Recommendations
|
Application
|
Recommended Size
|
Wavelength
|
Range Needed
|
Key Benefits
|
|
Law Enforcement Patrol
|
20" Light Bar
|
850nm
|
400-500+ yards
|
Maximum range, vehicle identification
|
|
Military Operations
|
10"/20" Light Bar
|
940nm
|
200-400 yards
|
Complete stealth, tactical advantage
|
|
Marine Navigation
|
20" Marine Grade
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850nm
|
300-500+ yards
|
Channel marker ID, vessel detection
|
|
Hunting/Wildlife
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10" Light Bar + Pods
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850nm
|
300-400 yards
|
Game won't spook, maximum coverage
|
|
Perimeter Security
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Multiple 10" Bars
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940nm
|
200-300 yards
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Invisible monitoring, wide coverage
|
|
Tactical Operations
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2" Pods + 10" Bar
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940nm
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200-400 yards
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Portable, zero signature
|
Law Enforcement & Security Operations
Patrol Vehicle Enhancement: Our IR systems provide tactical advantages during nighttime operations while maintaining complete operational security. Perfect for:
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Perimeter surveillance: 500+ yard effective range for area monitoring
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Stealth patrol: Zero visible signature maintains tactical advantage
Recommended Configuration: 20" 850nm IR Light Bar paired with vehicle-mounted night vision for maximum patrol effectiveness.
Military & Tactical Operations
Mission-Critical Reliability: Trusted by military units for vehicle-mounted lighting and base security applications. Both 850nm and 940nm options meet specific operational requirements:
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Forward operating bases: Perimeter security without compromising position
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Vehicle convoys: Enhanced driver vision while maintaining blackout protocols
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Reconnaissance operations: Long-range target identification capabilities
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Training facilities: Safe night operations with complete stealth
Tactical Package: 940nm systems for zero-signature operations where complete invisibility is mandatory.
Marine & Coastal Security
Marine-Grade Construction: Our waterproof IR lights excel in saltwater environments with specialized marine coatings and corrosion resistance:
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Coast Guard operations: Channel marker identification from 500+ yards
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Harbor patrol: Vessel identification without revealing patrol position
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Offshore navigation: Safe passage through shipping lanes and restricted areas
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Search and rescue: Wide-area coverage for missing vessel location
Marine Products: 20" Marine 850nm and 10" Marine 850nm with enhanced saltwater protection.
Professional Hunting & Wildlife Management
Ultimate Stealth Advantage: Gain invisible illumination that won't spook game or alert targets. Popular with professional guides and wildlife management teams:
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Predator control: Long-range identification without alerting targets
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Wildlife surveys: Non-intrusive animal behavior observation
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Ranch security: Livestock protection and trespasser detection
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Game recovery: Tracking wounded game without visibility compromise
Why Choose BlackOakLED Infrared Technology
Genuine Infrared LEDs (Not Filtered)
The BlackOak LED Difference: While others use white LEDs with IR filters that waste 70% of the energy, we engineer genuine infrared LEDs that convert 100% of power into usable IR energy. This critical distinction delivers:
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300% more effective IR output than filtered alternatives
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No visible light contamination maintaining complete stealth
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Maximum night vision performance with all equipment types
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Superior long-distance capability for professional applications
Lifetime Warranty & Professional Support
Mission-Critical Confidence: Our lifetime limited warranty reflects confidence in military-grade engineering and veteran-operated quality standards:
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No-questions-asked replacement for LED failure or housing damage
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30-day money-back guarantee for complete satisfaction
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Florida-based technical support from experts who understand tactical requirements
Veteran-Operated Mission Understanding
Built by Professionals for Professionals
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Real-world testing: Proven in military, law enforcement, and marine applications
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Tactical expertise: Design input from veteran professionals
Technical Specifications & Features
Advanced Infrared LED Technology
Premium Component Selection: Only the highest-grade infrared LEDs make it into Pro Series 3.0 systems:
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Wavelength accuracy: ±5nm tolerance for optimal night vision compatibility
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Power efficiency: Maximum IR output per watt consumed
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Thermal stability: Consistent output across -40°F to +145°F operating range
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50,000+ hour lifespan: 25+ years of typical professional use
Technical Specifications Comparison
|
Specification
|
BlackOakLED Pro Series 3.0
|
Industry Standard
|
Our Advantage
|
|
Waterproof Rating
|
IP69K
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IP67
|
Highest international standard
|
|
Operating Temperature
|
-40°F to +145°F
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-20°F to +120°F
|
Extended range capability
|
|
LED Lifespan
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50,000+ hours
|
20,000-30,000 hours
|
2x longer operational life
|
|
Wavelength Accuracy
|
±5nm tolerance
|
±15nm tolerance
|
3x more precise
|
|
Power Efficiency
|
100% IR conversion
|
30% IR conversion (filtered)
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300% more effective output
|
|
Construction Standard
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MIL-STD-810 tested
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Commercial grade
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Military-grade durability
|
Military-Grade Construction Standards
Exceeding Industry Requirements:
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IP69K waterproof rating: Highest international standard (most products use IP67)
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MIL-STD-810 environmental testing: Shock, vibration, and temperature extremes
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Corrosion resistance: Marine-grade materials for saltwater environments
Electrical Excellence
Professional-Grade Performance:
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10-30V DC operation: Compatible with 12V and 24V vehicle systems
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Reverse polarity protection: Prevents damage from incorrect installation
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Thermal management: Automatic protection prevents overheating
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Low power consumption: Maximum efficiency for extended operations
Installation & Mounting Solutions
Complete Hardware Included
Everything Needed for DIY Installation:
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Adjustable mounting brackets: Stainless steel hardware for all vehicle types
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Professional wiring harness: Fused relay system with weatherproof connections
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Detailed instructions: Step-by-step installation guide with tactical mounting tips
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Technical support: Phone assistance during installation process
Installation Guide by Vehicle Type
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Vehicle Type
|
Installation Time
|
Difficulty Level
|
Special Requirements
|
|
ATVs/UTVs
|
1-2 hours
|
Easy
|
Basic hand tools
|
|
Patrol Cars
|
2-3 hours
|
Moderate
|
Electrical knowledge helpful
|
|
Marine Vessels
|
2-4 hours
|
Moderate
|
Marine-grade connections
|
|
Fixed Installations
|
3-5 hours
|
Advanced
|
Permanent mounting solutions
|
|
Tactical Vehicles
|
1-3 hours
|
Variable
|
Mission-specific requirements
|
Installation typically takes 2-3 hours with basic tools. Most professionals complete vehicle installation without removing panels or major components.
Product Variations & Configurations
Wavelength Options
850nm Products (Maximum Range):
940nm Products (Complete Stealth):
Specialized Accessories
Tactical Enhancement Options:
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 850nm and 940nm infrared light?
850nm infrared lights provide maximum range (300-500+ yards) but emit a faint red glow visible at close range. This makes them ideal for applications where maximum distance is critical, such as perimeter security, hunting, and marine navigation. The slight red signature is only visible within 10-15 feet.
940nm lights are completely invisible to the naked eye but have shorter effective range (200-400 yards). Choose 940nm for tactical operations requiring absolute stealth, such as military operations, undercover surveillance, or close-range security applications where any visible signature could compromise the mission.
Are infrared light bars legal for vehicle use?
Infrared lights are legal for off-road use, private property, and professional applications in all 50 states. Since they're invisible to the naked eye, they don't violate DOT headlight regulations. However, check local laws regarding auxiliary lighting on public roads. Law enforcement, military, and security professional use is unrestricted.
Many states specifically allow IR lighting for agricultural, security, and emergency vehicle applications. Always verify local regulations for your specific use case.
Which wavelength works better with night vision equipment?
Both wavelengths excel with night vision, but optimization depends on your equipment type. 850nm provides maximum brightness and range with all night vision generations (Gen 1, 2, 3+) and is the preferred choice for maximum performance applications.
940nm is specifically optimized for digital night vision and Generation 3+ systems. Many military and tactical users prefer 940nm for operations requiring absolute stealth, as it provides excellent performance while maintaining zero visible signature.
Night Vision Compatibility Guide
|
Night Vision Type
|
850nm Performance
|
940nm Performance
|
Recommended Choice
|
|
Generation 1
|
Excellent
|
Good
|
850nm for maximum brightness
|
|
Generation 2
|
Excellent
|
Very Good
|
850nm for best range
|
|
Generation 3+
|
Excellent
|
Excellent
|
Either - depends on stealth needs
|
|
Digital Night Vision
|
Very Good
|
Excellent
|
940nm optimized
|
|
Thermal Imaging
|
Good (supplemental)
|
Good (supplemental)
|
Either wavelength
|
|
Security Cameras
|
Excellent
|
Very Good
|
850nm for maximum range
|
What effective range can I expect from infrared LED light bars?
Range depends on wavelength, night vision equipment quality, and atmospheric conditions. With quality night vision equipment:
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850nm lights: 300-500+ yard effective range for target identification
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940nm lights: 200-400 yard effective range with complete stealth
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Professional systems: Some customers report identifying targets beyond 500 yards with Generation 3 night vision and our 20" 850nm light bars
Real customer feedback: "Used with Gen 3 night vision, I can easily see for a mile on a moonless night."
Do your infrared lights work with digital night vision cameras?
Yes, our lights excel with digital night vision systems. 940nm wavelength is specifically optimized for digital cameras and thermal systems, while 850nm works excellently with both digital and traditional intensifier tube systems.
Our Nitron XD integration: Pair any IR light with our Nitron XD Pro Night Vision Camera for the industry's most advanced night vision system, delivering crystal-clear images in complete darkness.
How do your infrared LEDs compare to filtered white LEDs?
BlackOakLED uses genuine infrared LEDs, not white LEDs with IR filters. This critical engineering difference delivers:
-
300% more effective IR output than filtered alternatives
-
No visible light contamination maintaining complete stealth
-
Maximum power efficiency - 100% of energy converts to usable IR light
-
Superior thermal management with dedicated IR LED heat dissipation
Why this matters: Filtered white LEDs waste 70% of their energy blocking visible light, while our genuine IR LEDs convert 100% of power into the infrared spectrum your night vision equipment needs.
What night vision compatibility do you recommend?
Our IR lights work with all night vision types:
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Generation 1-3 intensifier tubes: Excellent performance with both wavelengths
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Digital night vision: Optimized for 940nm, excellent with 850nm
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Security cameras: Both wavelengths improve low-light camera performance
Professional recommendation: 850nm for maximum range applications (hunting, surveillance, marine navigation) and 940nm for tactical operations requiring complete stealth (military, special operations, undercover work).
Can I install infrared light bars myself?
Yes, most professionals successfully install Pro Series 3.0 infrared systems with basic tools. We include complete mounting hardware, professional wiring harnesses with fused relays, and detailed installation instructions.
Installation typically takes 2-3 hours and requires basic electrical knowledge for proper connection.
The BlackOakLED Infrared Advantage
When missions depend on invisible illumination, trust the veteran-operated company that understands what's at stake. Our Pro Series 3.0 infrared systems aren't just invisible—they're engineered for professionals who operate where failure isn't an option.
Revolutionary Nitron XD Integration: Combine your IR lights with our groundbreaking Nitron XD Pro Night Vision Camera for the industry's most advanced night vision system. See crystal-clear images in complete darkness while maintaining absolute stealth advantage.
Need specialized lighting solutions? Explore our LED light bars for visible lighting applications, marine LED lights for watercraft, or military LED lights for tactical applications.
Expert consultation available: Our infrared lighting specialists understand tactical requirements and can recommend the perfect system for your mission. Contact us at 1-800-348-1287 for personalized recommendations based on your specific operational needs.
Rule the night with invisible advantage. Professional infrared lighting solutions await above.
