Safelite vs Hamco Light Board (Menabo)
Safelite vs Hamco Light Board (Menabo): Which is Best for NZ?
Hamco is a Christchurch-based auto accessories specialist that stocks the Menabo brand light board from Italy. At $99, it sits in the mid-range of the NZ market and is one of the few light boards available from a physical South Island store. But how does it compare to the Safelite Light Bar on quality, warranty, and compliance?
At a Glance
|
Feature |
Safelite Light Bar |
Hamco Light Board (Menabo) |
|
Price (NZD) |
$160 |
$99 |
|
Material |
UVP Waterproof Aluminium Composite |
Not specified |
|
Attachment |
Bungee cords with proprietary Safe Clips (included) |
2 straps (supplied) |
|
Plug options |
7-pin flat |
Round 7-pin or 7-pin inline (specify at order) |
|
Number plate mounting |
Pre-positioned holes with bolts included |
Accommodates supplementary plates |
|
Supplementary plate service |
Yes (bundle available) |
No (directs to VTNZ/NZTA) |
|
Warranty |
2 years |
Not stated |
|
Made in |
New Zealand |
Italy (Menabo brand) |
|
Physical store |
Online only |
Yes (Christchurch) |
Build Quality: Known vs Unknown
One of the challenges with the Hamco light board is that the product listing does not specify what material it is made from. There are no dimensions, no weight, and no material data sheet. For a safety product that will be exposed to rain, road grime, UV radiation, and highway vibration, this lack of specification is a concern.
The Safelite Light Bar is made from UVP waterproof aluminium composite. This is a specific, tested material chosen for its UV resistance, rigidity, and waterproofing. Every Safelite product is built to a defined specification, and that specification is publicly stated.
Plug Flexibility: One Advantage for Hamco
The Hamco light board offers one genuine advantage: you can specify at the time of ordering whether you want a round 7-pin plug or a 7-pin inline plug. This is useful if your vehicle has a round plug rather than the flat 7-pin that is more common in New Zealand. The Safelite Light Bar comes with the standard 7-pin flat plug, which fits the vast majority of NZ vehicles.
Warranty: 2 Years vs Unspecified
The Hamco product listing does not state a warranty period. Safelite backs every Light Bar with a full 2-year warranty. When you are buying a safety product, knowing exactly what protection you have matters.
NZTA Compliance: The Supplementary Plate Difference
The Hamco listing directs customers to VTNZ or NZTA to order their supplementary plate separately. Safelite's Panel with Supplementary Plate bundle ($210) handles this process for you. Your NZTA plate arrives pre-mounted on your Safelite board.
The Verdict
The Hamco Light Board is a reasonable budget option for South Island customers who want to buy in person in Christchurch, or for those who need a round 7-pin plug. The $99 price point is competitive.
However, the lack of material specifications, the absence of a stated warranty, and the need to sort your own supplementary plate make it a less complete solution than Safelite. If you want a product built to a known specification, backed by a clear warranty, and available with full NZTA compliance support, the Safelite Light Bar is the better investment.
Shop the Safelite Light Bar →
Hamco and Menabo product specifications and pricing based on publicly available information as at April 2026. Safelite is not affiliated with Hamco or Menabo.