Owner Review of Princeton Tec Solo Headlamp

 

 

Reviewer Bio:

 

Name:  Jonathan Pfaff

Age:  18 years

Gender:  Male

Height:  5’11” (1.8 m)

Weight:  190 lb (86 kg)

Email Address:  Puffdaddy306@aol.com

City:  Mechanicsburg

State:  Pennsylvania

Country: USA

Date:  April 1, 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 an advanced backpacker and I carry many years of experience.  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 rain and snow to blistering heat.  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 lbs (14 to 27 kg).  I generally go on shorter 2 to 4 day trips with an occasional week-long or longer trip.

 

 

Product Information

 

Manufacturer:  Princeton Tec

URL:  http://www.ptsportlights.com/

Listed Weight with Batteries:  4.5oz (128 g)

Measured Weight with Alkaline Batteries:  4.6oz (130 g)

Date of Purchase:  June, 2002

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 m) - halogen bulb, 50 ft (15.24 m) - Krypton bulb

Waterproof:  to 2000 ft (610 m) (stated)

 

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 1” (2.54 cm) 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 and will stretch to fit over a helmet or hat.

 

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 to the way that a Maglite is turned on).  To turn it off, simply rotate the lamp head counterclockwise until the light turns off.  For battery replacement, I just unsnap the battery compartment lid and replace the batteries following the polarity symbol printed on the inside.  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 change the reflector, the lamp 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 at night, 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 lamp is extremely durable and can resist being dropped or stepped on.  I have also found it to be completely waterproof while swimming and submersion to 10 ft (3 m) It is also dependable as long as the battery contacts are kept clean, which consists of removing the batteries if the lamp is not being used for long periods of time.  If the contacts become dirty or corroded, I have found that bulb flickering or failure of operation can occur.  Brightness varies with battery level, and as the batteries start to weaken, the brightness deteriorates greatly with the halogen bulb.  The lamp is extremely easy to use and even changing the reflector and bulb assembly only takes seconds.  The lamp 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 lamp is that when I wear it a long time, the headband can either get too hot, or is uncomfortable on my forehead because of the accumulation of sweat on the foam head pad.  This problem is resolved when I wear a well ventilated hat that does not allow the buildup of sweat.  Overall, this is a great headlamp I have found it to be dependable in all weather and underwater.  It also carries a great lifetime warranty.

 

Summary

 

The Solo is an excellent choice for an extreme sports light and might be suitable for caving, hiking, biking, diving, and many other uses.  It is rugged, dependable, and carries a Lifetime Warranty. 

 

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