Quick Verdict
The Putco Freedom Blade tailgate light bar is a vehicle-specific, plug-and-play LED lighting system built with high-density COB technology, SAE-compliant performance, and long-term durability.
The Amexmart 60-inch LED tailgate light bar is a universal-fit, budget tailgate light bar offering basic lighting functions with lower LED density and simplified construction.
Key Differences Table
| Features | Putco Freedom Blade (60″) | Amexmart Tailgate Light Bar (60″) |
| Installation | Plug-and-play wiring harness, fuse tap, no wire cutting or splicing | 4-pin trailer plug + wire tap required for reverse |
| LED Count | 1,296 LEDs | 648 LED chips |
| LED Type | COB (chip-on-board) | Not specified |
| Light Output | Continuous, solid beam | Standard LED strip with visible LEDs |
| Turn Signal | Sequential, selectable amber or red | Standard amber only |
| Startup Animation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Reverse Light Output | Up to 3,000 lumens | Not specified |
| Brake Light Effects | Selectable, triple flash or standard | Standard brake light |
| Build Material | Tinted polycarbonate, fully encapsulated | Silicone housing, sealed (stated) |
| Waterproof Rating | IP69K | IP68 (stated) |
| Wiring Components | Fuse tap + inline taillight harness + reverse wire + ground | Trailer plug + wire tap (reverse) |
| Fitment | Vehicle-specific | Universal fit |
| Compliance | SAE 2022 IRSE19 DOT compliant | Not listed |
| Warranty | Putco’s 3-Year Warranty on Blade Products | 1-year warranty |
| Price Positioning | Premium | Budget |
Mounting and Fitment (OEM tailgate light bar vs universal)
Freedom Blade: Vehicle-specific fitment with hidden tailgate gap mounting
Amexmart: Universal fit for any vehicle with a 60-inch tailgate
Fitment affects both the appearance and long-term performance of a tailgate light bar.
The Freedom Blade is designed for OEM-style integration, mounting inside the tailgate gap for a clean, factory-installed look with no exposed strip.
The Amexmart is a universal tailgate light bar that mounts similarly using adhesive. It remains visible after installation, and fitment can vary depending on the vehicle.
If you want a tailgate light bar that looks factory-installed and fits correctly, a vehicle-specific design is a key advantage.
LED Output and Brightness
Freedom Blade: Up to 1,296 LEDs with COB continuous output
Amexmart: 648 LED chips with standard LED strip design
LED count and LED type directly impact how a tailgate light bar performs in real-world visibility. Higher LED density creates a solid, continuous light beam, while lower-density strips show individual LEDs and less uniform output.
With COB LED technology and a higher LED count, the Freedom Blade produces a more uniform and consistent light pattern. The Amexmart uses a standard LED strip design with visible LEDs and no published lumen output.
If you are searching for the best tailgate light bar for brightness and visibility, LED density and output consistency are key factors.
Reverse Light Performance
Freedom Blade: Up to 3,000 lumens of reverse light output
Amexmart: Reverse light included, lumen output not specified
Not all tailgate light bars provide usable reverse lighting. Many function as accent lighting rather than true functional backup lighting.
The Freedom Blade is designed to provide functional reverse light output, improving visibility when backing up in low-light conditions. The Amexmart includes a reverse function, but no verified lumen output is provided.
If you want a tailgate light bar that improves rear visibility and safety when reversing, lumen output and usable light projection matter.
Build Quality and Materials
Freedom Blade: Tinted polycarbonate, fully encapsulated construction
Amexmart: Silicone housing with sealed construction
Material and construction determine how well a tailgate light bar holds up over time.
The Freedom Blade uses a fully encapsulated polycarbonate design, protecting internal components from moisture, dirt, and environmental exposure.
The Amexmart uses a sealed silicone housing, which provides basic protection but does not use a fully encapsulated structure.
Customer feedback reports issues such as moisture intrusion, connector corrosion, adhesive failure, and LED degradation over time.
If you want a durable tailgate light bar built for long-term use, the construction method and material quality matter.
Waterproof Rating and Durability
Freedom Blade: IP69K rated for high-pressure water, harsh weather, and extreme conditions
Amexmart: IP68 rating stated, with no detailed testing standards listed
An IP69K LED tailgate light bar is not just about being waterproof. It is about long-term durability, resistance to harsh conditions, and consistent performance, including holding up through high-pressure automatic car washes and commercial wash systems.
If you want a tailgate light bar that survives repeated car washes, pressure washing, road salt, and extreme weather without failing, IP69K is a key specification to look for.
Compliance and Safety
Freedom Blade: SAE 2022 IRSE19 DOT-compliant
Amexmart: No listed compliance standards
Lighting compliance ensures the product meets recognized safety and visibility standards.
The Freedom Blade is compliant with SAE 2022 IRSE19 DOT regulations, indicating it is designed for consistent signaling performance and road use.
The Amexmart does not list any SAE or DOT compliance standards.
If you are looking for a street-legal tailgate light bar with verified safety standards, compliance is an important factor.
Warranty and Long-Term Value
Freedom Blade: Putco’s 3-Year Warranty on Blade Products
Amexmart: 1-year warranty
Warranty coverage reflects expected product lifespan and manufacturer confidence.
A longer warranty typically indicates a product designed for long-term durability and consistent performance, while shorter warranties are common in budget tailgate light bar options.
If you are comparing premium vs budget tailgate light bars, warranty length is a key indicator of long-term value.
Final Verdict
For buyers searching for the best tailgate light bar for durability, brightness, and OEM-style integration, the Putco Freedom Blade tailgate light bar delivers higher LED density, verified compliance, and a true plug-and-play installation.
For buyers looking for a budget tailgate light bar with basic functionality, the
Amexmart 60-inch LED tailgate light bar offers a lower-cost option with fewer features and limited published performance data.
Explore More Freedom Blade Guides
- Putco Freedom Blade vs XKGlow Tailgate Light Bar
- Why Cheap Tailgate Light Bars Fail
- Putco Freedom Blade LED Tailgate Light Bar – Explained
- Putco Freedom Blade Installation Guide
