When it comes to rooftop warning light bars, there are several long-established brands that hold strong market share. While Putco has over 55 years of experience manufacturing automotive lighting and accessory products, our focus on safety lighting is relatively new, having been developed within the past several years. Leveraging our deep expertise in OEM-grade LED manufacturing and vehicle integration, Putco has introduced a fresh and innovative perspective to our product offering in this space. Our designs are quickly gaining traction among professional upfitters, fleet managers, and work truck owners across the nation, driving safety lighting to become our top growing category.
One such established competitor in this segment is Federal Signal, a company with more than a century of experience and a strong reputation across the Police, Fire/EMS, and Work Truck markets. We hold great respect for their legacy; however, we believe that the market has seen limited innovation in recent years. Federal Signal provides a great example of an established and successful product, giving us a great example of the status-quo to compare our offering to.
So, using only information published by Federal Signal through their official website and marketing materials, we compare the Putco YellowJacket (our high-end model) and the Putco Hornet (our standard warning light bar) to the Federal Signal 21″ Allegiant, their best-selling mini light bar.
Putco YellowJacket VS Putco Hornet VS Federal Signal Allegiant
| Putco YellowJacket | Putco Hornet | Federal Signal Allegiant | |
| Price | $389.99 | ✅ $181.99 | $750+ |
| Size Options (Length) | 12″ | 16″ (Additional full-size options available) | 21″ (Additional full size options available) |
| Dimensions (LWH) | 12″ x 4″ x 1.3″ | (VARIOUS x 4.75″ x 1.2″) | 21″ x 11.2″ x 1.8″ |
| Lumen Output | ✅ 7,000 LM Amber, 9,500 LM White | Not Advertised | Not Advertised |
| Optics | ✅ Compound Projection Lens | Total Internal Reflection (TIR) | Reflection |
| Body Material | ✅ Aluminum | Polycarbonate | Aluminum |
| Ingress Protection (IP Rating) | ✅ IP69K (Highest Possible) | ✅ IP69K (Highest Possible) | IP65K |
| Flash Patterns | ✅ 33 Flash Patterns | 30 Flash Patterns | 28 Flash Patterns |
| Additional Functions | Flash, Synchronization | White Override, Synchronization | ✅ Dual Pattern, White Override |
| Lens | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate |
| SAE Standards | Class 1 – J595, J845, Title 13 | Class 1 – J595, J845, Title 13 | Class 1 – J595, J845, Title 13 |
| Color Options | Amber, White, Combo | Amber, White, Green, Blue | Amber, Blue, Green, Red, White |
| Voltage | ✅12-56 VDC | 12-36 VDC | 12 VDC |
| Operating Current | ✅ 4.3 Amps | ✅ 4 Amps | 7 Amps |
| Operating Temperature | ✅ -40 to +185 Degrees F | -30 to +149 Degrees F | -40 to +149 Degrees F |
| Mounts | ✅ Model Specific Third Brake Light, Permanent Mount, Custom Headache Rack, Magnet | ✅ Model Specific Third Brake Light, Permanent Mount, Custom Headache Rack, Magnet | Permanent, Magnet |
| Warranty | ✅ 10 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years |
The Verdict
All three of these products are professional-grade lighting solutions built to meet demanding specifications. Each has its place depending on the application.
If your priority is certified quality and dependable performance at a cost-effective price, the Hornet is an excellent choice.
If you require additional functionality for your use-case, such as bed lighting, independent control of the front and rear of the light bar, and multi-mode operation, the Allegiant delivers these functions at a premium.
However, if the need is premium construction, proven reliability, and uncompromising performance, the Putco YellowJacket stands above the rest as the pinnacle of performance, dependability, and quality.
See below for a detail look at each testing criteria.
Housing
YellowJacket
The Putco YellowJacket was meticulously engineered to deliver maximum light output within an exceptionally compact housing. Every aspect of its construction was developed to achieve unmatched brightness relative to its size. Further details on these engineering innovations are outlined in the section below.
Hornet
The Putco Hornet maintains a tiny footprint by incorporating multiple individual TIR (Total Internal Reflection) modules within a durable polycarbonate housing. Each end features a uniquely engineered lens that enhances side visibility and ensures uniform light distribution across all viewing angles.
Allegient
In comparison, the Federal Signal Allegiant adopts a larger, more traditional form factor, measuring roughly 21 inches in length and 11 inches in width. While its size supports a substantial light array, it presents a noticeably bulkier profile when set against Putco’s streamlined, modern designs.
Optics, Luminosity, and Body Material
YellowJacket
The Putco YellowJacket delivers exceptional light output in a company housing, backed by a 10-year warranty. This is done through a variety of design elements. The YellowJacket utilizes high-power LEDs driven hard to obtain 7,000 Lumen (Amber) and 9,500 Lumen (White) output levels. This is made possible due to a combination of Putco’s proprietary circuit board technology, which maximizes electrical efficiency, and our custom aluminum base that also acts as a heatsink.
To ensure this light is utilized effectively, Putco developed a custom compound projection lens. This is an injection-molded lens that includes curvature that shapes the light beam into a uniform +/-4 candela distribution. The YellowJacket LEDs and circuit board are placed flat within the aluminum base, then light from the diodes is shot upward into this lens. This design provides a brilliant, even spread of light at a precise and optimal beam angle. This is important for a safety light bar as it ensures the product is highly visible at any viewing angle and distance.
Hornet
The Putco Hornet maintains a tiny footprint by incorporating multiple individual TIR (Total Internal Reflection) modules within a durable polycarbonate housing. Each diode is individually and equally affected by a reflector structure molded directly in the lens. This structure limits the “spread” of the light and focuses it outward. This prevents loss of luminosity, or brightness, from light dispersing outside the desired light profile of the product in its use-environment.
Allegient
In comparison, the Federal Signal Allegiant adopts more traditional design that utilizes individual conical reflectors that direct light from each LED outward. However, when compared to the Hornet and YellowJacket – several weaknesses in the design come out.
First, the reflectors tend to fade over time and lose their reflectivity, limiting output and consistent luminosity across the product.
Second – both the TIR system in the Hornet and Compound Projection system in the YellowJacket include lens types that affect the entire system of lights equally. This gives more uniform light dispersion across the entire product, which eliminates dark spots and maintains consistent luminosity across the product.
Ingress Protection (IP Rating)
YellowJacket & Hornet
Putco lighting products are rigorously tested to meet the IP69K Standard, including both the YellowJacket and Hornet models. IP stands for Ingress Protection, an ISO/IEC standard that defines a product’s resistance to dust and moisture intrusion. The first numeral, 6, signifies complete dust-tight protection. No dust can enter the enclosure under any conditions. The second numeral, 9K, indicates that the product can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets without ingress; maintaining full functionality.
Allegiant
The Allegiant, on the other hand, is rated at IP65. This is the lowest rating Putco would deem acceptable for use in this application; an IP65 rating faces many potential failure points in harsh weather condition including rain or snow.
The chart below, sourced from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), provides an overview of how each rating level is defined and what level of protection it represents.
| First Numeral – Dust | Second Numeral – Water | |
| 0 | No Protection | No Protection |
| 1 | Protection against solid foreign objects of 50 MM and greater | Protected against vertically falling water drops when enclosure is tilted up to 15 degrees |
| 2 | Protection against solid foreign objects of 12.5 MM and greater | Protected against vertically falling water drops when the enclosure is tilted up to 15 degrees |
| 3 | Protection against solid foreign objects of 2.5 MM and greater | Protected against spraying water. |
| 4 | Protection against solid foreign objects of 1 MM and greater | Protected against water splashed from all directions |
| 5 | Dust-protected | Protected against low pressure water jets |
| 6 | Dust-tight | Protected against powerful water jets |
| 7 | Protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water | |
| 8 | Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water | |
| 9 | Protected against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets from any direction |
Flash Patterns
YellowJacket Flash Patterns
Hornet Flash Patterns
Operating Voltage and Amperage
YellowJacket & Hornet
The Putco YellowJacket operates within a 12–56V range, while the Putco Hornet operates within a 12–36V range. This broad voltage capability enables both models to operate safely and reliably across a wider range of vehicles and equipment.
Both models are also engineered for efficient power consumption, featuring notably low amperage draw relative to their lumen output, particularly in the YellowJacket. This efficiency minimizes strain on the vehicle’s electrical system, which is crucial for applications that run multiple accessories simultaneously. The reduced electrical load not only enhances system reliability but also extends component life, supporting Putco’s 10-year warranty and long-term product durability.
Allegiant
The Federal Signal Allegiant specifies only 12V operation in its marketing materials (though it may support up to 24V). These limitations reduce compatibility in mixed or specialized fleets. By comparison, the YellowJacket and Hornet maintain consistent light output even when vehicle voltage fluctuates, ensuring dependable illumination under all operating conditions. Putco products are also compatible with a wide range of non-automotive applications, such as equipment.
Operating Temperature
Both the Putco YellowJacket and Hornet are engineered to deliver dependable performance in all weather conditions, ensuring consistent visibility and reliability regardless of the environment. Each model is designed to operate flawlessly across a broad thermal range. Like the Federal Signal Allegiant, both are rated for operation in extreme heat and cold, meeting the rigorous expectations of professional fleet and worksite applications.
However, as with most aspects of the YellowJacket’s design, Putco went beyond standard testing protocols. Our engineering team subjected the YellowJacket to additional testing, such as thermal-shock, that exceed the benchmarks typically required for professional-grade safety lighting. These tests simulate harsh real-world conditions. Because of this, we are able to have an exceptionally broad temperature rating on the YellowJacket at -40F to +185F.
Mount and Accessories
Brackets are another area where Putco clearly stands out. With over 55 years of experience in designing and manufacturing pickup truck accessories, Putco has developed thousands of vehicle-specific mounting systems. This background in precision bracketry directly influences how we approach the design and installation of our lighting products.
For both the Hornet and YellowJacket, Putco offers several mounting options, with a permanent mount included in every box. Federal Signal also offers a range of standard mounting options. Still, Putco extends far beyond the basics with a complete lineup of low-profile, model-specific rooftop brackets for today’s most popular pickups.
Each Putco rooftop bracket (Also referred to as third-brake light or CHMSL brackets) is a bolt-on installation directly behind the vehicle’s factory third brake light. This provides a secure and model-specific fit that does not require drilling or permanent modification to the vehicle. Putco is the market leader in custom-fit applications with wide coverage as shown below.
Federal Signal also offers a CHMSL-style mount, although it is currently limited to the current-model Ford F-150 and Super Duty trucks. Their version requires drilling into the bracket to attach the light bar. Putco’s design, on the other hand, includes precision pre-cut holes compatible with both the Hornet and YellowJacket, removing the need for modification.
Each Putco bracket also features pre-cut stabilization tabs lined with 3M Automotive Tape. These tabs adhere directly to the top of the cab, preventing vibration, rattling, or lifting while the vehicle is in motion.
See below for Putco’s full lineup of custom-fit third brake light brackets. All brackets are compatible with all YellowJacket and Hornet products of all sizes (16″ to 48″).
Ford Hornet / YellowJacket Rooftop Brackets
| Model | Year Range | Part Number |
| F-150 | 2015-2026 | 950001 |
| Super Duty (F-350, F-450, F-550) | 2017-2026 | 950001 |
| Maverick | 2022-2026 | 950009 |
| Ranger | 2019-2026 | 950009 |
Chevrolet & GMC Hornet / YellowJacket Rooftop Brackets
| Model | Year Range | Part Number |
| Silverado / Sierra 1500 | 2014-2018 | 950002 |
| Silverado / Sierra 2500 | 2015-2019 | 950002 |
| Silverado / Sierra 1500 (Work Truck Model ONLY – Old Style) | 2019-2026 | 950002 |
| Silverado / Sierra 1500 (Work Truck Model ONLY – Old Style) | 2020-2026 | 950002 |
| Silverado/Sierra 1500 (New Body – With Spoiler) | 2019-2026 | 950003 |
| Silverado/Sierra 2500 (New Body – With Spoiler) | 2020-2026 | 950003 |
| Colorado/Canyon | 2015-2026 | 950008 |
RAM Hornet / YellowJacket Rooftop Brackets
| Model | Year Range | Part Number |
| Ram 1500 | 2009-2018 | 950004 |
| Ram 2500 | 2009-2025 | 950004 |
| Ram 1500 *CLASSIC* | 2019-2024 | 950004 |
| Ram 1500 | 2019-2026 | 950005 |
Toyota Hornet / YellowJacket Rooftop Brackets
| Model | Year Range | Part Number |
| Tacoma | 2024-2026 | 950011 |
Putco also offers additional mounting solutions designed for use with popular headache racks, including our own BOSS Aluminum Headache Rack and RealTruck’s BackRack systems. These options provide added versatility for customers who require specialized mounting configurations or prefer to integrate their warning lights into existing rack setups.
| Headache Rack | Part Number |
| Putco BOSS Rack | 950010 |
| REALTRUCK BackRack | 950007 |
Warranty
YellowJacket – 10 Year Warranty
As we’ve made clear throughout this article – the YellowJacket is designed for long-term dependability and sustained high performance. We are proud to offer a 10-Year warranty in a market where most major brands provide a standard 5-Year.
We stand firmly behind this product.
Hornet and Reflex – 5 Year Warranty
Just because the YellowJacket offers a 10-Year Warranty doesn’t mean a 5-year warranty is anything to scoff at. 5 years is a very impressive lifespan for equipment of this type, and only top-of-line products can meet this standard.
Putco’s customer service goes beyond just warranty redemption – we pride ourselves in maintaining a close relationship with our customers and strive to offer premium support.
Putco Customer Service
Based in Des Moines, Iowa, Putco operates from a U.S. manufacturing facility with an on-site customer service and technical support team available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CT. Customers can reach us by phone, live chat on Putco.com, or email. Calls are answered by Putco staff in our building – no call centers or outsourcing – so you’re speaking directly with the people behind the product.
Customers can reach us in three ways:
Phone: Calls are always answered by real Putco staff inside our building – no call centers, outsourced agents, or robots between you and our people.
Live Chat: Available on Putco.com for quick, in-browser support.
Email: Send us a message anytime for detailed responses and documentation.
Every team member is factory-trained to provide installation guidance, troubleshooting assistance, and answers to general product questions. For more complex needs, our technicians can initiate live video support for real-time diagnostics and setup. The support team works closely with Putco engineering, enabling quick escalation and resolution of uncommon or highly technical issues.
