Question about LED reels -- price vs quality

Since most if not all of the leds are manufactured in China or other Asian countries, I'd just try to get the best price possible. Make sure that you get the same type of leds(cool white/warm white) otherwise the brightness and color will be different from reel to reel. As to running at 8V versus 12V, if they look "right" at 8V, then use 8v. no problem at all. 

So far, I've just searched for the type I want and ordered on price.  The reels I've gotten have all had 3M backing and identical operation.  I've gotten them from eBay and Amazon, those seem to be the best prices when I look.  I have yet to have any issues with any of them.  I think I've used 8 or 9 reels so far, some on trains, and some on other lighting projects.

I buy many LEDs from this Ebay store. I have never had a problem. Make sure you get warm white unless you like the look of the cool white.

 

http://stores.ebay.com/HKJE-Led-Lamp-Center

 

Dale H

FYI. I started using LEDs in the signage industry since they first came out as replacements for Neon. All were rated for either damp or wet locations. Needless to say, I replaced just about every manufacturers products in the first five years. Most due to total corrosion via galvanic corrosion due to dissimilar materials. I only use Sloan and GE products now. Best warranties and performance. Performance, color options, efficiency, and has improved tremendously and cost has steadily gone down. Probably not a big issue for train layouts but I have seen generic strips used I custom displays lose 50-75% of there intensity in less than 3 years. They are also constantly being discontinued and blown out at about 25% of original retail. I doubt most folks use their max output anyway so it may not matter of the life of the layout but you get what you pay for and sometimes not even that. Nothing worse than a client calling with what should be a simple service call and having to retro fitting an entire sign with different product. And if parts are available and except for GE high end, they never match. Again not a big issue for building lights but could be for a passenger car set.

And everyone puts 3M double sides tape on them. The only way to get listed as a UL Recognized Component for signs. And the best double sided pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive on a foam based carrier in the industry and maybe the world. Not a 3M rep, just a fan of their products. Great two part acrylic epoxies and adhesives for foam layouts and train repair. Except for JB Weld for casting, nothing else compares.