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Princeton Tec headlamps

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Old 05-06-11 | 02:59 PM
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Thumbs down Princeton Tec headlamps

Quickly, not to bore you w/ verbiage: Commuter, bike tourer, car free, etc. have a few headlamps, which IMHO are the way to go for biking too. First, avoid Princeton Tec "fuel" headlamps. Once you have a catastrophic breaking of the battery door, or search it, you'll avoid those particular headlamps. Secondly, now, avoid Princeton Tec, altogether: Their policy is to send you new doors; you'll need a needlenose pliers, and if night time, you will nedd to bring ANOTHER light( wish there were italics) to perform the task. For this reason go elsewhere for your lighting requirements. Defeats the purpose of convenient, reliable light.
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Old 05-07-11 | 08:48 AM
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Yeah, good to know. There are many operational aspects of lighting systems that go over-looked. I find the battery compartment issues of some lights of much more importance than I did as a "lighting newbie."
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Old 05-07-11 | 04:14 PM
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I'm confused about what the issue is. And there are italics
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Old 05-07-11 | 05:09 PM
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I have had a Princeton Tec Quad for 6 months and it's held up well so far.
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Old 05-07-11 | 05:20 PM
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Guess I'm lucky, my princeton tec EOS has worked and held up well for about 3 years.
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Old 05-09-11 | 04:59 AM
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Princeton tec has offered to send me two new doors. Great, why not repalce the entire llight with a design that doesn't have well documented failures, this was my reply:

"Thanks Pam,I guess its the best thing to do, too bad now I'll have to carry the spare doors and probably another light to re attach the new door if it breaks at night. I'll bring a Black Diamond headlamp, for that."
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Old 05-09-11 | 10:16 PM
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I have had a PT Eos for years and replace the rechargeable batteries 2 or 3 times a week and never had a problem. Not sure why you have so much trouble
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Old 05-09-11 | 10:36 PM
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The Princeton Tec Quads use a different door system - Knurled screw, Not the pry open kind.
Mine has been very reliable.
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Old 05-09-11 | 10:55 PM
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the self contained PT headlamps seem to hold up better than the ones with the back mounted battery packs.. Been using an eos for years too, mostly use it now for running at night..
If you want to save some $$$, I have bought a bunch of these are they are right on spec with the eos at 1/6 the price..


https://cgi.ebay.com/1W-LED-NEW-HEADL...item3a5614626f
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Old 05-10-11 | 08:23 AM
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If you want to save some $$$, I have bought a bunch of these are they are right on spec with the eos at 1/6 the price..
I just wish all these "el cheapo" outfits could just cross-over the line and come up with a 2.5 or three-watt "cheapy" light.

I've bought, tried and measured five head lamps, three energizer styles, one unknown, and one Lenser.

The one thing I know for sure - you can't do it right with only one-watt of power. It's best to have at least 2 watts, and three watts makes a light usable for primary lighting. I can't believe I once rode around at night with two 40 lumen cat-eyes thinking I could actually see well because i aimed one spot a twenty yards up the road.
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Old 05-10-11 | 01:38 PM
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Richard

I agree, many of the higher powered headlamps I have bought have been huge disappointments.. I like to recommend this one, because I have used it and know it does what it says.. 1w is about 60 lumens, so not very bright but the slower flashing mode is great for being seen at night.. I wish some of the flashlights would incorporate a slower flashing mode instead of the super fast strobe which can be distracting to drivers at night..
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Old 05-10-11 | 01:56 PM
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I use Princeton Tec lamps exclusively whenever I cut my own arm off!
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Old 05-10-11 | 07:17 PM
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I use my PT Quad just for a backup to my regular head lamp system. Small enough and light enough to carry in a jersey pocket. I figure it would also be nice to have a hands-free light in case of a flat, but I've never had to use if for that.

Actually, I've found all kinds of uses for it around the house.
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