I've done it before... and I promise you that the Showoff's were brighter. I actually put a Showoff bulb in my left... and a SilverStar in the right... back when I had stock headlight housings... And aimed my car at a wall. I'm not BSing you dude... the showoff's were brighter. As far as rain goes they prolly do suck, come to think about it. But I never noticed a problem...