Discussion:
Owner Review of Princeton Tec Solo Headlamp by Jon Pfaff
P***@public.gmane.org
2005-03-09 16:52:46 UTC
Permalink
Princeton Tech Solo Headlamp


Reviewer Bio:

Name: Jonathan Pfaff
Age: 18 years
Gender: Male
Height: 5’11” (1.8 Meters)
Weight: 190 Pounds (86 Kg)
Email Address: Puffdaddy306-***@public.gmane.org
City: Mechanicsburg
State: Pennsylvania
Country: USA
Date: January 17, 2005

Backpacking Background: I have been backpacking for about 8 years now,
mostly on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. As an eagle scout and an adult
leader, I consider myself advanced in the outdoors and I carry many years of
practice. So far I have finished hiking the AT in PA with hopes to through-hike
it someday when I can find the time. I have camped and hiked in all kinds of
weather ranging from freezing pouring rain and snow to 100 degree blistering
sunshine. I prefer lightweight conservative backpacking, but I don’t mind
carrying extra water or gear for the group. I usually hike with a pack weight
ranging from 30 to 60 pounds. I generally go on shorter 2 to 4 day trips with an
occasional week-long or longer trip.


Product Information

Manufacturer: Princeton Tech
URL: http://www.ptsportlights.com/
Listed Weight With Batteries: 4.5oz (135 grams)
Date of Manufacture: Unknown
Length: 2.75 in. (6.99 cm.)
Width: 2.25 in. (5.72 cm.)
Height: 2 in. (5.08 cm.)
MSRP: $39.95

Power: 2 Watts
Batteries: 2 AA Alkaline (Included)
Reflector: (2) Focused Wide and Narrow
Burn Time: 2 Hours Halogen, 8 Hours PR-4 (long burn krypton bulb)
Storage: Fleece Bag
Illumination distance: Approx. 100 ft. (30.48 meters) - halogen bulb, 50 ft.
(15.24 meters) - Krypton bulb
Waterproof: to 2000 ft. (stated) (610 meters)

The Solo Headlamp comes in a plastic blister pack containing the headlamp
with attached straps, a fleece drawstring carry bag, warranty instructions,
operation instructions, 1 halogen high power bulb, 1 long burn krypton low power
bulb, 1 wide beam reflector, 1 narrow beam reflector, and batteries (2 AA size).
The head-straps are made out of soft elastic fabric bands and the front lamp
and battery compartment are made out of tough ABS plastic. The light is
hinged on the front to allow beam adjustment up or down. The elastic straps are
adjustable to accommodate most head sizes.

The Solo uses 2 AA size batteries (1.5V alkaline or 1.2V rechargeable)
located directly behind the lamp assembly which rests on the forehead. The headband
straps go around the sides of the head and one over the top from front to
back for stabilization. To turn the light on, the lamp head is rotated clockwise
until the light turns on, opposite of the way a Mag-Light is turned on. To
turn it off, simply rotate the head counterclockwise until the light turns off.
For battery replacement or installation, just pull on the tab on the snap
lid on the side of the light assembly, replace batteries, then snap the lid back
on. The lid is also attached to the case by a plastic strap. An O-Ring
gasket seals the battery compartment from water entry. The lid is very durable
and will not pop off on it’s own. For bulb replacement or to switch the
reflector, the light head is screwed completely counterclockwise until it comes off
and the reflector assembly can then be removed along with the light bulb, which
is contained in the reflector. All that needs to be done is to simply pull
the base unit apart from the reflector, replace the bulb and/or reflector, then
snap them back together and reassemble. The whole light and body are
completely waterproof and sealed with O-Ring gaskets.

I have carried the Solo on several trips, and it is very useful for night
hiking and use around camp. I have found that for hiking, the halogen bulb is
essential, especially if in rocky terrain like Pennsylvania. For general camp
use though, the long burn bulb would be much more efficient, as the halogen
bulb tends to kill batteries fairly quickly ( about 1.5 to 2 hours). The light
is extremely durable and can resist being dropped or stepped on. I have also
found it to be completely waterproof which would make it useful for caving or
diving. It is also dependable as long as you keep the battery contacts clean,
which only consists of removing the batteries if the light is not being used
for long periods of time. Brightness varies with battery level, and as the
batteries start to weaken, the brightness deteriorates greatly with the halogen
bulb. The light is extremely easy to use and even changing the reflector and
bulb assembly only takes seconds. The light is stored in a convenient fleece
drawstring carry bag which makes transport and storage of the spare bulb and
reflector easy. The lens is protected by the rim of the rotating head of the
light, making it relatively scratch resistant. One negative thing that I have
found with this light is that if you wear it a long time and are sweating, the
headband can either get too hot, or is uncomfortable on the forehead. This
problem could be solved by wearing a hat or helmet. Overall, this is a great
light and is extremely dependable under extreme conditions and will last nearly
forever. It also carries a lifetime warranty (which I probably will never
will need to use).

Summary

The Solo is an excellent choice for an extreme sports light and is suitable
for caving, hiking, biking, diving, and many other uses. It is rugged,
dependable, and carries a Lifetime Warranty. I would recommend this light to anyone
who requires a multi-use lightweight headlamp that is dependable and
waterproof.

Things I like about this light:

1. Durable
2. Dependable
3. Waterproof

Things I don’t like about this light:

1. Headband can be uncomfortable if worn for extended periods of time
2. Short battery life with halogen bulb


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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chcoa
2005-03-10 05:26:53 UTC
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Hell Jonathan

PLEASE READ THIS EMAIL IN FULL. IT IS MOST IMPORTANT!

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