Diode Dynamics SS3 Max vs. Auxbeam V Ultra 

A Flagship 3 INCH LIGHT POD Comparison

I’ll admit it: I’ve always been a bit of a nerd when it comes to LED pod lights. Back in my early twenties, I even ran a side hustle selling and installing some of the first-generation pods. Things have changed a lot since then. Optics were basic, patterns didn’t matter much, and performance was nothing like what we see today. Now? We’re in the golden age of lighting, where a rabbit hole of options can easily lead to spending a small fortune.

With that in mind, I wanted to compare two popular 3" pod lights—Diode Dynamics SS3 Max and Auxbeam V Ultra—to see how they stack up in terms of performance, value, and overall design. Whether you're building a serious off-road setup or just want some eye-catching ditch lights, this breakdown should help guide your decision.


Specs

Starting with hard numbers:

At first glance, both lights seem powerful, but Diode Dynamics offers far more transparency and depth in their spec sheet, which is key for serious buyers.


Optics & Light Quality

This is where things start to separate.

Diode Dynamics uses Total Internal Reflection (TIR) optics—engineered to maximize usable light and minimize scatter. You get a sealed, focused beam that puts light exactly where you want it. Plus, if you want to change your beam pattern, it’s as easy as swapping out the optic lens using just four Torx screws.

Auxbeam, meanwhile, sticks with traditional reflectors and includes “side shooters,” essentially lens chamfers that widen the beam slightly. It’s a decent design, but once they’re mounted, that’s it—what you see is what you get.

When I tested both, the Auxbeams were bright but lacked refinement. The beam was broad but diffused. The SS3s had a sharper hotspot, which can be tuned and directed further with more pods. Bottom line: the SS3 Max delivers a much more controlled and professional lighting output.


Durability & Weather Resistance

Both claim serious weatherproofing, and while I’m not testing these in a lab, their ratings speak volumes:

That extra level of sealing is why I trust the SS3 Max on marine builds and harsh environments. They’re built to take abuse and keep working.


Customer Support

In my experience, this is one of the most overlooked but important parts of any product.

When I reached out for help with a lighting build for my boat, Diode Dynamics was the only company to respond, and they didn’t stop there—they actively helped plan the layout and made sure I had what I needed. I now work with them as an ambassador, and while I’m not obligated to use their products exclusively, I continue to do so because the support and quality are top-tier.


Pricing

This is where Auxbeam clearly has the edge—for those on a tighter budget.

But keep in mind, you’re not paying for the same product category. The SS3 Max is built to compete with Baja Designs and Rigid, while the Auxbeam pods are more of an entry-level option. That said, if you want Diode-level performance on a budget, you can get their SS3 Sport Driving Pods for close to Auxbeam’s price—and even those outperform the V Ultras in key areas.


Final Thoughts

If performance, durability, and beam control matter to you, Diode Dynamics is the clear winner here. The Auxbeam V Ultra has its place—it’s affordable and visually bright—but it’s not in the same class when it comes to engineering or output. Despite the higher price, the SS3 Max offers significantly more in terms of build quality, lighting precision, and modularity.

If you're building a rig for function over flash, I’d recommend saving a bit more and grabbing a set of Diode pods—even the Sport line will get you further than most budget options. Plus, they’re made in the USA, which is increasingly rare these days.