First Impressions of Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′
The Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′ promises to be a versatile lighting solution for RV enthusiasts and anyone looking to add a splash of color and functionality to their mobile living spaces. Diamond Group aims to provide a complete, easy-to-install kit that can transform the ambiance of your RV both inside and out. With its promise of waterproof construction, customizable length, and a wide range of color options, this kit seemed like the perfect solution to illuminate our tired travel trailer.
For years, I’ve been enhancing the lighting in vehicles and outdoor spaces, from setting up tactical lighting for mobile command centers to creating cozy atmospheres in backcountry campsites. The need for durable, flexible, and easy-to-control lighting led me to the Diamond Group kit. I was searching for something that could withstand the rigors of outdoor use, offer a variety of lighting options, and be simple enough to install without requiring extensive electrical expertise.
Upon unboxing the Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′, I was immediately impressed by the completeness of the package. The strip felt robust, and the included remote, wiring, and power adapters signaled a user-friendly experience. Compared to some cheaper LED strip options I’ve encountered, the Diamond Group kit felt more substantial and well-engineered.
Before settling on this Diamond Group kit, I considered the “Minger LED Strip Lights” and the “SUPERNIGHT LED Strip Lights,” both popular choices on the market. The Diamond Group stood out due to its specific focus on RV applications, the inclusion of both 12V and 110V power options, and its advertised 5-year warranty. My initial excitement was high, anticipating a seamless installation and a vibrant lighting upgrade for our RV adventures.
Real-World Testing: Putting Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′ to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′ during a week-long camping trip in the Ozark National Forest. I installed a section of the strip under the RV’s awning to provide ambient lighting for our outdoor living space. The conditions varied from sunny afternoons to damp, dewy evenings.
The installation was surprisingly straightforward, taking less than the advertised 30 minutes. The 3M tape backing adhered well to the clean aluminum surface of the awning frame, and the ability to cut the strip to the desired length every 2 inches made customization easy. The lights performed flawlessly during the first few days, casting a soft, colorful glow. However, after an overnight rain, I noticed a slight dimming in a small section of the strip closest to the edge of the awning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including exposure to both hot and humid conditions, the Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′ has generally held up well. While the initial dimming issue persisted in the affected section, the rest of the strip continues to function as expected. I’ve noticed some slight peeling of the 3M tape in areas exposed to direct sunlight, requiring me to reinforce it with additional adhesive.
Cleaning the strip is easy; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth removes dirt and grime. Compared to some cheaper LED strips I’ve used in the past, the Diamond Group kit feels more resilient, but the minor issues with water resistance and adhesive performance are a bit disappointing. I expected better performance given the advertised waterproof rating and aggressive adhesive.
Breaking Down the Features of Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′
Specifications
- Strip Length: 16.4 feet. This provides ample lighting for most RV awning applications or interior accent lighting.
- LED Type: 300 x 5050 SMD diodes. These diodes are known for their brightness and color rendering capabilities.
- Power Options: 12V direct wire and 110V converter. This versatility allows for easy integration into RV electrical systems or standard household outlets.
- Remote Control: Wireless RF remote. This allows for convenient control of colors, brightness, and lighting modes.
- Waterproof: Advertised as waterproof. This ensures durability in outdoor environments.
- Cuttable: Can be cut to specific lengths every 2 inches. This provides flexibility for custom installations.
- Adhesive: Aggressive 3M tape backing. This is intended for secure adhesion to various surfaces (except wood).
- Warranty: 5-year warranty. This provides peace of mind regarding the product’s quality and longevity.
These specifications are important because they dictate the overall performance, ease of use, and durability of the lighting kit. The 5050 SMD diodes ensure bright and vibrant colors, while the dual power options make installation convenient regardless of the power source available. The ability to cut the strip allows for a tailored fit, and the advertised waterproof rating is crucial for outdoor applications.
Performance & Functionality
The Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′ performs its primary function of providing colorful and adjustable lighting effectively. The color options are vibrant, and the dimming and fading modes add a nice touch. The remote control is responsive and easy to use.
The main weakness lies in the actual waterproofness of the strip. As mentioned, I experienced some dimming after rain exposure. The adhesive, while initially strong, also proved to be less reliable than expected in direct sunlight.
Overall, the kit meets expectations in terms of lighting quality and ease of use, but falls slightly short on its claims of robust waterproofness and long-lasting adhesion.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′ is generally good. The strip feels durable and well-constructed. The remote is lightweight and comfortable to hold.
The kit is user-friendly, with a simple plug-and-play design. The only learning curve involves familiarizing yourself with the various color and lighting mode options on the remote.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′ should last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. Regular cleaning and occasional reinforcement of the adhesive may be necessary, especially in harsh weather conditions. The 50,000-hour lifespan of the LEDs suggests a long-term lighting solution.
Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving cleaning the strip and ensuring the connections remain secure. Repairing any damage to the strip itself may be difficult, but the cuttable design allows for replacement of damaged sections.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit comes with everything needed for basic installation, including the LED strip, RF remote, 12V power direct wire source, 110V converter, and a 12-foot wiring extension.
While the kit doesn’t offer extensive customization options, the ability to cut the strip to specific lengths and choose from a variety of colors provides some flexibility. The 3M tape allows for easy attachment to a wide range of surfaces. It is compatible with standard 12V RV electrical systems, making integration straightforward. You could potentially use third-party LED strip controllers for more advanced lighting effects, but that is not necessary for most applications.
Pros and Cons of Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′
Pros
- Vibrant and customizable lighting: Offers a wide range of colors and lighting modes to create the desired ambiance.
- Easy installation: The 3M tape backing and included accessories make installation quick and simple.
- Versatile power options: The 12V and 110V compatibility allows for use in various settings.
- Cuttable design: The ability to cut the strip to specific lengths ensures a perfect fit for any application.
- 5-year warranty: Provides peace of mind regarding the product’s quality and longevity.
Cons
- Questionable waterproofness: Experienced dimming in a section of the strip after rain exposure.
- Adhesive issues: The 3M tape may peel in direct sunlight, requiring reinforcement.
Who Should Buy Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′?
The Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′ is perfect for RV owners looking to add colorful and adjustable lighting to their awnings, interiors, or storage areas. It’s also suitable for anyone who wants to enhance the ambiance of their outdoor living spaces or create custom lighting solutions for various applications. Casual campers and DIY enthusiasts will appreciate the easy installation and versatile power options.
Individuals needing guaranteed, submersion-level waterproofing for marine applications or those seeking heavy-duty adhesive for extreme environments might want to explore alternative options.
A must-have accessory would be a higher-quality outdoor adhesive to supplement or replace the included 3M tape. Consider a silicone-based sealant for added water protection.
Conclusion on Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′
The Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′ offers a compelling combination of vibrant lighting, easy installation, and versatile power options for RV and outdoor enthusiasts. While it falls slightly short on its claims of robust waterproofness and adhesive performance, the overall value proposition remains strong.
At $139.99, the price is justified by the completeness of the kit, the quality of the LEDs, and the convenience of the remote control. Considering the 5-year warranty, it’s a reasonable investment for enhancing your RV or outdoor living space.
I would personally recommend the Diamond Group Led Strip Light Kit With Rf Remote – 16′ with the caveat that users should be prepared to reinforce the adhesive and take extra precautions to protect the strip from direct water exposure. If you’re looking to add a splash of color and functionality to your RV or outdoor setup, give this kit a try – just be mindful of its limitations and take steps to ensure its longevity.