Trap Range Case Study - Lighting Upgrade at Piedmont Trap Range

Quick Answer

The Piedmont Trap Range lighting upgrade featured eight 500-watt StadiumPro IV Series LED fixtures mounted on two 20-foot poles, delivering 78,000 lumens each with IP65 weather resistance and an expected life of 150,000 hours. A photometric study guided fixture placement around the target average footcandles, shooting-lane visibility, spill control, and shooter comfort.

The Challenge: Lighting a Trap Range

The Piedmont Trap Range needed a trap range lighting solution that could deliver consistent, high-intensity illumination across all shooting lanes. Visibility and target tracking are critical for trap shooting, especially in evening conditions where glare, shadows, or uneven lighting can affect comfort, awareness, and performance. The goal was to install a system that provided clear, uniform light coverage while maintaining durability and energy efficiency.

Lighting a trap range requires more than just brightness. It demands uniform distribution, minimal glare, and reliable operation in outdoor environments that face rain, wind, and temperature changes. Many ranges struggle with underlit targets, inconsistent coverage, or high maintenance costs from outdated fixtures. The challenge here was to find a lighting system that met the range's visibility goals while reducing maintenance and energy use compared with the older lighting approach.

trap range case study - trap range lighting

Photo after installation day and night time - Piedmont Trap Range - LED Light Expert

Solution

To meet these needs, the LED Light Expert team installed eight StadiumPro IV Series LED Stadium Lights, each rated at 500 watts, mounted on two 20-foot poles. This setup offered wide coverage, high lumen output, and a robust design suited for outdoor environments. The lights were positioned strategically to reduce dark areas and provide more balanced illumination across the shooting area.

Each 500-watt StadiumPro IV delivers approximately 78,000 lumens, supporting bright, more even light distribution. The installation was completed after photometric analysis to determine aiming angles, helping shooters and spectators get useful visibility while limiting glare.

Key Takeaway: The solution deployed eight 500W StadiumPro IV fixtures on two 20-foot poles, each producing 78,000 lumens, positioned after photometric analysis to improve uniformity across shooting lanes while reducing dark areas and glare.

stadiumpro iv series led stadium lights - trap range lighting

500 Watt - StadiumPro IV Series LED Stadium Lights - 78,000 Lumen - 5000K

Why the StadiumPro IV Was the Right Choice

The StadiumPro IV Series was selected for its combination of performance, durability, and efficiency. These fixtures were designed for sports and outdoor applications that require precision lighting. Key features include:

High Lumen Output: Each 500-watt fixture produces around 78,000 lumens, providing intense brightness suitable for long-range visibility.
Weather Resistance: With an IP65 waterproof rating, the lights are designed for rain, dust, and other outdoor range conditions when installed correctly.
Easy Adjustable Mount: The flood mount bracket allows for fine-tuning of light angles. This made field aiming more practical once the fixtures were mounted on the poles.
Extended Lifespan: With an expected life of 150,000 hours, these fixtures can reduce replacement and maintenance needs compared to traditional metal halide lights.
Energy Efficiency: LEDs can reduce power use compared with metal halide while maintaining the target light levels when the fixture count and aiming are correct.

In short, the StadiumPro IV's performance, reliability, and adjustability made it the ideal solution for the Piedmont Trap Range.

Key Takeaway: The StadiumPro IV Series combines IP65 weather resistance, a 150,000-hour expected life, and strong energy efficiency, making it a practical choice for long-term operation in competitive shooting facilities.

led stadium lights - trap range lighting

Installation Process

The installation process was carried out in stages, emphasizing stability, accuracy, and precision aiming. Below is a summary of the steps:

1. Auger Holes, Compacting the Light Pole Base, Leveling:

The foundation for each 20-foot pole was carefully prepared, ensuring proper depth and stability. Compacting and leveling the base helped create a solid foundation for long-term use.

light pole installation - trap range lighting

light pole ground leveling - trap range lighting

2. Assembling the Poles, Lights Prepped:

The poles were assembled and fitted with mounting hardware. Each StadiumPro IV fixture was prepped for installation with pre-wiring and bracket alignment.

led light installed - trap range lighting

3. Wiring, Switches Installed, Power Distribution:

Electrical wiring was completed according to safety standards, with individual switches installed for controlled operation. The power distribution system was designed to handle the high-output fixtures efficiently.

4. Placing Lights on Poles, Light Poles Raised:

The lights were securely mounted on the poles and raised into position using lifting equipment. Once in place, each fixture was tested to confirm alignment and secure installation.

5. Aiming Lights:

After dark, technicians adjusted beam angles to improve coverage across the trap stations. The adjustable mount made fine-tuning straightforward, allowing field aiming for target visibility and shooter comfort.

Photometric Study

Before installation, a photometric study was conducted to model light distribution and verify that the layout would meet target light levels. The simulation confirmed that eight 500-watt fixtures, placed on two 20-foot poles, would deliver optimal illumination across the full shooting area. The study ensured even coverage, reduced shadows, and provided measurable improvements in visibility and safety.

Trap Range Photometric Light Study - 2qty 20ft High Poles - 8qty 500w Lights - 12fc/50fc avg

Photometric Light Study Example - 3D Rendering - Trap Range Lighting

Results and Outcome

After installation, the difference was immediately visible. The range moved from dim and uneven to brighter, better-controlled light. The new lighting setup provided:

Improved Target Visibility: Clearer sightlines allowed shooters to track and hit targets more effectively.
Better Uniformity: Even lighting reduced dark spots and glare.
Lower Maintenance: With long-lasting LEDs, maintenance and bulb replacements were drastically reduced.
Energy Savings: Compared to traditional lighting, the new system consumes less power while improving visibility and control.

Key Takeaway: The post-installation results delivered improved target visibility, better uniformity, reduced dark spots and glare, lower maintenance compared to metal halide fixtures, and expected energy savings over the system's rated life.

Trap range lighting after LED upgrade daytime view

Photo after installation - Piedmont Trap Range

Trap range lighting after LED upgrade night result

Photo showing the final result after installation - Night shot - LED Light Expert

Conclusion

This trap range lighting project shows how proper planning, quality fixtures, and expert installation can improve a facility. From the early groundwork to the final light aiming, every step was designed for reliability and performance. The before-and-after photos show a clear improvement in brightness and clarity, making the range more usable and visually stronger at night.

The StadiumPro IV Series lights were a practical fit because they were bright, durable, and efficient. Their beam control and long lifespan make them a practical option for sports or recreational facilities needing professional lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What lights were used for the Piedmont Trap Range upgrade?

The Piedmont Trap Range upgrade used eight StadiumPro IV Series LED Stadium Lights, each rated at 500 watts with 78,000 lumens output. These fixtures feature a 120-degree flood mount design, IP65 waterproof rating, and an expected lifespan of 150,000 hours. The lights were mounted on two 20-foot poles to provide consistent, high-intensity illumination across all shooting lanes.

How were the trap range lights positioned for optimal coverage?

A photometric study was conducted before installation to model light distribution and verify optimal placement. The analysis confirmed that eight 500-watt fixtures positioned on two 20-foot poles would deliver uniform illumination across the full shooting area, achieving 12fc/50fc averages. After installation, technicians performed field aiming after dark, adjusting beam angles to improve coverage across trap stations while reducing dark spots and glare.

What results did the LED lighting upgrade achieve?

The upgrade delivered improved target visibility for shooters, better uniformity across the range, reduced dark spots and glare, lower maintenance costs compared to traditional metal halide fixtures, and expected energy savings. The change from dim and uneven lighting to brighter, more uniform illumination made the range easier to use for competitive shooting sports.

About the Author

Dara Greaney

Dara Greaney is the President and founder of LED Light Expert. With over a decade of experience in commercial and sports LED lighting, Dara has helped facilities like the Piedmont Trap Range plan LED lighting upgrades through practical fixture selection, photometric review, and installation coordination.

Editing by David Peguero.