The Stage Series C1 and C1R LED pods both pack powerful 10-watt LED chips with custom-engineered TIR optics into an ultra-compact design. They can be mounted virtually anywhere on your vehicle — including in our popular HitchMount LED Pod Reverse Kits. But which one is right for you? Here's how they compare.
Table of Contents
- Video Overview
- Shared Features
- C1R-Exclusive Features
- Common Questions
- Which One Should You Choose?
- Shop C1 and C1R Pods at Ess K Customs
Video Overview
Shared Features
High-Power White Main Beam
Both the SSC1 and C1R feature a powerful white main beam that automatically turns on when your vehicle shifts into reverse (via the included wiring harness), adding impressive light output to your factory reverse lights.
Backlight Function
Both pods feature a backlight that works as an additional running light while driving. The SSC1 is available in white, amber, blue, and red backlight options. The C1R exclusively features a red backlight designed to complement its fourth brake light function.
C1R-Exclusive Features
Fourth Brake Light
The C1R adds a high-power red light in addition to the white reverse output and backlight. This red beam activates whenever the brakes are applied, providing increased brake signal visibility to drivers behind you.
Safety Strobe Feature
The C1R also includes a Safety Strobe that flashes the red beam three times when brakes are applied for extra attention-grabbing visibility. An internal timer only allows the strobe to activate if the brakes haven't been pressed for 10 seconds — preventing constant strobing in stop-and-go traffic.
Common Questions
What happens if you're backing up and then hit the brakes with a C1R?
The white main beam stays on even when the brakes are applied while in reverse.
Can you disable the running light on the SSC1?
Yes — cutting the blue wire disables the backlight, letting you use the pod as a reverse light only.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want a high-powered reverse light with a running light, the SSC1 is the way to go. If you want the additional functionality of a fourth brake light and the Safety Strobe feature, the C1R is the better choice. Both deliver impressive output and better visibility.
Shop C1 and C1R Pods at Ess K Customs
Ready to upgrade? As an authorized Diode Dynamics dealer, Ess K Customs carries both the SSC1 and C1R LED pods with full manufacturer warranty.