How to Choose Headlamps

This product is not available.
Based on the popular Quad model, the Princeton Tec Quad Tactical headlamp is designed to meet specialized needs. With 3 interchangeable filters, you can modify the bright LEDs to suit your activity.
Shop similar productsMade in USA.
View all Princeton Tec LED HeadlampsBest Use | Camping |
---|---|
Bulb Type | LED |
Bulb Detail | 4 LEDs |
Red Light Mode | Yes |
Beam Type | Flood |
Max Light Output (Lumens) | 60 lumens |
Light Output | High: 60 / low: unavailable lumens |
Max Beam Distance (m) | 35 meters |
Beam Distance | High: 35 / low: 14 meters |
Brightness Levels | 3 |
Strobes | 1 |
Average Run Time | High: 1 hr. / low: 31 hrs. |
Regulated Output | Yes |
Rechargeability | Non-rechargeable |
Batteries | 3 AAA |
Dimensions | 2.5 x 2 x 1.5 |
Weight With Batteries | 3 ounces |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I bought this headlamp a number of years ago and it's only just stopped working on me after heavy and consistent use in all weather and seasons. I definitely plan on getting another one. The battery life is long, it's durable and weatherproof (I've used it in total downpours, of which the ONLY positive experiece was having a good headlamp so I could finish my work quickly), and I've never had a headlamp last as long as this one has. If you are outside at night or overnight for work or recreation on a consistent basis, or even daily, I would highly highly recommend getting this headlamp.
In my experience red is too dark for decent night vision and, if you are dealing with blood, renders blood invisible. The green filter on this light is just about right, and the filter slides up and down so you can have blinding white light in an instant if you want it. The first lighting option is the lowest setting, which is the one I use almost exclusively, so I don't have to toggle through too much light to get to my preferred setting. This headlamp is simple, functional and reliable. Everything you need and nothing you don't.
I've have been using this model headlamp for several years, and it would be the perfect headlamp except for a major design flaw in the hinge that allows you to adjust the angle of the light: The little hinge is too small and sooner or later it always breaks. I've been through four of these and on all of them the hinge has always failed eventually. The first one I had lasted almost a year, but the last one I had broke in a matter of months. I am not rough on it either, using it mainly for reading in bed at night on red light mode so I don't keep my wife up. Its worth noting that when the hinge snaps the light will not stay attached to the headband. You can still use it as a hand-held light. I have written to the company several times pointing out the flaw. They have always sent me a new light free of charge, which is great, but I wish they would just improve the hinge so the light would last longer. I don't like living in a "disposable" society and after going through four of these the time, hassle, and throw away mentality has finally taken its toll and I'm moving on to another brand. Pros: The light is very durable except for the hinge. The headband is very comfortable and incorporates a little tool for unscrewing the battery compartment. Love that it starts out on low light mode first so I don't have to cycle through all the modes to get to the one I use most often. Cons: The weak hinge, of course. Light level drops off quickly as the battery gets lower; I actually like this because even on low/red mode it was still a little too bright for reading at night, but for most other uses this would not be a benefit and would result in batteries being tossed way before they are fully drained.
I have had this little guy for a few years now and it is still the light I grab when I head out anywhere I expect to be after dark. I choose it first because it has a red filter (among other colors) that flips up so I never have to cycle through bright white light to get to it (just make sure the cover is up before switching on as it can be pushed down). I used this daily on missions to protect my night vision and back on my blackout FOB (meaning no white lights visible outside after dark)in Afghanistan last year and was amazed it held up so well and the batteries lasted so long. I never needed to turn it up much beyond low. I still use it when my hands are full flipping burgers or working on the car. A little tip since it can be a bit clunky in your pocket, when you get to camp throw it on like a necklace and it will be there for you later when it gets dark.
The variable beam adjustments are great. One of the four will work for what you're doing, otherwise you shouldn't be doing it in the dark. It has an adjustable snug fit that wobbles only little while moving around since there's only the headband. However, after a while (about 30 min) the plastic backing gets a little annoying on the forehead. I found a backwards hat eliminates this but you lose stability.