Are the XB35 D2S ballasts worth it?

[Steppe]

Hey, I am intending to get the MD2S 5.0 kit, but I am puzzled by the fact that are the XB35 D2S ballasts worth the extra money? I have a pair of DLT F3T Fast Bright ballasts already, so I am wondering will they outperform the XB35 ballasts (not to mention durability and other quality related features)?

The F3T input wattage is about 58 watts (haven't managed to measure the output wattage), so I am a bit worried if the D2S bulbs will be running on too high wattage to cause harm to the projectors reflector bowls, either through increased heat or the emitted UV radiation. This also quite obviously will shorten the lifespan of the bulbs.

If I happen to use the F3T ballasts, will a regular D2S adapter do the job? I am intending to power the ballasts from the original low beam wiring using the spade connectors.

[niZmO_Man]

Run a relay harness. The DLT F3 is great, like a close replica of the Denso slim.

[Steppe]

Run a relay harness. The DLT F3 is great, like a close replica of the Denso slim.

What are the main advantages of running a relay harness if the OEM wiring is able to keep up? The reason why I would not want to install the harness is (not only due to lack of effort) that the Volvo central electronic module will be whining about burnt bulbs when there is not a bulb attached to the end of the OEM low beam wiring. I've managed to make the OEM wiring and the bulb check work well with either OEM halogen or normal 35W HID, so I can't see a reason why a relay harness would be necessary.

[Andi.Rampson]

The XB35 D2S ballasts is available for 35w and 50 w standard. The F3T 58 w will make the bulb brighter. The ballast should be usable, But The excess heat generated by F3T 58 w has some bad effects.thus the bulb life may be shorter.

[4RunnerMan]

You can get genuine Denso slims off ebay from Lexus take off's and pot them for less than the XB's.

I had never bought the OEM ballasts in the past and on my current build decided to go as OEM as possible and HOLY MOLY is a Denso Slim better than any other AC ballast I have tried. The color is more true and the start up is crazy fast almost immediate for 90% brightness. Plus the whine of the coils sounds cool IMO

Now I won't use anything else given the price of the "premium aftermarket" ballasts is much more for less performance . The only downside is waterproofing/warranty but it is super easy to mix epoxy and pour. So for less than $100 a pair on ebay (including thermal potting) for OEM Densos, all said and sealed is a better deal in my opinion. I am not sure how many TRS sells at their price given you can find them for 1/2 their price on ebay.