Princeton Tec Switchback 3 LED Bike Light - Special Buy

Comments about Princeton Tec Switchback 3 LED Bike Light - Special Buy:

I have used this light for several overnight adventure races. It is very powerful. And it can be a little overkill if you aren't doing technical single track or needing to view a long way into the distance. But that's why it has multiple power level options. You can conserve battery life with lower output.

I have had absolutely no trouble with reliability as the other review mentioned.

Comments about Princeton Tec Switchback 3 LED Bike Light - Special Buy:

Not being a weight weenie, I didn't flinch at the large battery pack size. I like the convenience of not having to frequently charge it, and where else can you get a 10 cell Li ion pack with 3 LED emitters for a price like this? It also comes with every accessory imaginable, though I will probably never use most of them...

A previous reviewer complained about charging issues and erratic charge level readings, this is almost certainly because he failed to follow the charging instructions in the manual- MAKE SURE TO FULLY CHARGE THE BATTERY BEFORE USE! Any rechargeable light will have similar issues if not charged correctly.

Not giving it 5 stars just because of weight and a less than perfect battery pack mounting system (I would like to see a quick release mounting bracket instead of a cheap velcro strap; for city use it's necessary to frequently install/remove to avoid theft).

Comments about Princeton Tec Switchback 3 LED Bike Light - Special Buy:

I use this light to commute on a very dark bike path, often populated with walkers and dogs who don't carry lights or wear reflective gear. I finally ponied up for a good light after one too many close calls. Now, people see my headlight coming before I get to them, and I see them in plenty of time to warn them I'm coming (ding-ding!).

My only con for this light is the battery pack mount - it is a cheap velcro strap, which doesn't always hold tightly, and makes taking the battery on and off the bike (which is required to prevent theft) a pain in the butt.

Comments about Princeton Tec Switchback 3 LED Bike Light - Special Buy:

Bought to replace my Light & Motion Vega. Attracted to this light by the clearance price.
The light was very bright--probably a lot more than I need for commuting on a paved trail, and the battery was REALLY heavy.

The light failed on my second commute, despite the indicator showing a full charge. I charged it overnight, and it worked on the third morning, but after my ride home, the battery indicator showed that it was at half charge, although I had only used it on low power for about 1 hour. (It was supposed to last 60+ hours on low.) When I plugged in the charger, the battery indicator showed that it was fully charged. I reattached the light, and the battery indicator showed less than 50% charge.

So I sratched my head, and left it plugged into the charger overnight. In the morning, the battery indicator did not register anything at all, and the light would not turn on. I tried several different outlets, but nothing. I think the battery is bad. I returned it today. Too expensive and too heavy for me to fuss with. I don't need a lot of light, but I need reliable light. The Switchback 3 isn't it.

Comments about Princeton Tec Switchback 3 LED Bike Light - Special Buy:

I use this light for night riding road and MTB. Light is bright enough to light the trail and road fine. Sure there are brighter lights but for <$200 you can not go wrong with this light. The previous review obviously got a bad battery, bummer but it happens. Mine if fine and was well worth the price and time. Comes with 2 cables, shorter one for handle bar mount (which is a snap to install and remove) and a longer for head mounted. The weight did not bother me as it must have only been a few pounds. Lets face it, you are not going to race with this thing, just running the trails or doing winter maint. mileage.

Comments about Princeton Tec Switchback 3 LED Bike Light - Special Buy:

The light is great, if not heavy. However, I had problems with it from the start - the light nearly fell off into my spokes because the 2 small screws that hold it to the bracket were stripped (at the factory). There were also some other minor problems. After much discussion, the company reluctantly sent me a new light. Now, just 3 months later one bulb has burned out. [...]