Customer Reviews

Princeton Tec Tactical Quad LED Headlamp

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I hesitate to write such a title, but after owning who knows how many headlamps and flashlights over the years, I think that the quad tactical takes the biscuit - it is the business.

Here's why.

Lightweight.
Single unit (means it can be rolled up and put in a jeans pocket when not in use...)
4 way LED provides nice broad flood light which is excellent for reading/map reading/navigation etc...many of the new lights are using high output luxeons etc... like the PT EOS (which I also have on my helmet and love) - but though these give great throw, they are very focused. Reading a book with a PT EOS on lowest setting means moving your head all the time to get the light spread. This is what the Quad does so well with the four LEDs. I wondered before I bought it whether you'd get four overlapping beams (like Surefire's A2), but you don't - it all merges beautifully into broad seamless light. If you want to save your night vision, the tactical version offers the pull up red screen. You know if you need this and if you're not sure, you probably don't. With the red screen in place, the low setting offers over 50 hours of good reading light on 3xAAAs very impressive.

So that is what I bought it for.

What blew me away however, was that with the screen lowered and the four LEDs exposed, set the light on full output and it is a very good floodlight indeed. It has excellent spread and smoothness and really reaches a long way. It doesn't beat the QT EOS in this area, but then horses for courses. This is not just a reading light - and it's probably everything you ever need for camping.

Added bonus - this light, unlike the PT EOS, comes on first on the lowest setting which for a reading/nav light is tactically appropriate I would suggest. One touch of the EOS and you blind everyone to kingdom come until you repeat the button and dim it.

I love both these headlamps, but the PT Quad tactical just seems about as perfect as you can get. I was waiting for the Surefire offering which looks very nice indeed - but has no red screen option - shame - I suspect that will lose them a bunch of military sales.

Can't be more happy with the Quad Tactical...oh and did I mention that the weather sealed battery door screws down with a thumbscrew so it doesn't fly open in your gear bag etc... - they got this one right!!

I'm an American Soldier currently stationed in Afghanistan. I ordered two of these headlamps because the other Princeton that I was issued 'dissapeared'. My first impressions were very favorable; great illumination, useful red lense, sturdy construction. But shortly thereafter the light failed to stay on. It came to the point where I had to hold the button down in order to use the light. This happened with both headlamps. I've changed batteries multiple times, but it seems to be a flaw in the lamps construction and not an issue with its powersource. If this issue could be fixed it would easily be a four-to-five star headlamp, but because of this malfunction I can't justify anything more than two stars.

I have the bigger Princeton that has the big battery pack in the back also and I love it but sometimes its just overkill and a tad heavy. This is very light weight and good for most things. When outdoors you most likely would want to use the highest setting to light a path. I thought the red lens would be more useful but havent foiund a great need. You cant use it to light a path so it would be more for reading and adjusting equipment relatively close up within a few feet. Has a very long run time and like all Princetons it is water proof so you can drop it in the creek or lake and it will still keep working. Its sometimes hard to tell which side is up on it when you put it on, as both look almost the same. Its great having your hands free to do whatever. My kids still give me crap about the geekiness of it though. Hmm I wonder if I got them one if they would see the light :)

I had an older LL Bean headlamp and decided it was time to replace it. This one is much lighter and uses 3AAA batteries. A night-vision red lense cover can be raised and lowered while wearing the headlamp - very convenient. The light intensity is significantly less with the night vision lense raised. Strap is comfortable. Instructions regarding Alkaline and Lithium battery burn times were a bit confusing however batteries are cheap and there is a low battery indicator built into the unit. Seems sturdy.

This is my second LED Headlamp, I like them so much. This version is slightly different than my Streamlight, in that, it has more than just a low and high beam. It has four settings. The first three are for intensity of light (high, medium, low) and the fourth is a bright blinking flash. They all work on one large easy to use button. The waterproof strap is easily adjustable and fits comfortably and snug. It runs on 3 AAA batteries (included) and the `adjustment tool' is used to open the battery compartment. I was really surprised at how bright this headlamp is. You definitely cannot look directly into the light. I got this just in time for winter time when the lights go out in the house during a storm and I can easily move about the house in bright light.

Initially, this was a camping purchase, as its more fun to cook around a fire at night, but it is definitely unsafe with a flashlight in one hand while you are trying all of this. Even with a Coleman lantern on, this headlamp will guide you to exactly where you need to go, also letting you read instructions on camping gear and food preparations. Did I mention that it is waterproof? Ever slowly canoe at night when the animals think there is no one there? This is a necessary and fun tool.

Having run through a number of headlamps over the years, I say "ditto" to the other 5 star reviews about the PT Tactical Quad. I couldn't be happier, this is an awesome product with a smart design.

I just received it today and it seems like a great head light. The color lens of choice is built in and slides up when needed. It tilts for aiming the beam down to see where you're walking. It isn't the camo color shown. I received the green strap and am happy with it. When I saw no color listed I tried to contact Amazon to tell them I wanted it as pictured but couldn't find any way to contact them. Oh well, I like the light.

I like the headlamp it works well with the lithium batteries which are suppose to be lighter and longer lasting. I read the brocure that came with the headlamp and it says that alkalines actually last almost 3X longer in use than the lithiums. Only time will tell if this is the case. I will say that the headlamp came with 3 dead alkaline batteries which was a little disapointing and made me think my headlamp was broken when I tried firing it up using those batteries. I was impressed after putting some fresh batteries in though. The Light is comfortable to wear and gives a good range of motion for varied tasks. I look forward to putting it through it's paces in my upcoming hiking trips. I would highly recomend this light to anyone looking for one. Mine works great and I will say the cheapest I have found this light available for was when I found it on Amazon.com! Thanks!

I like that the first button press turns on the lowest light, then subsequent pushes brighten the light. The low setting is sufficient for most use within 15 feet, and you won't notice the benefit of the higher settings until you look out to 30 feet or more. The filters work as advertised and cut the brightness way down! The band fits comfortably, the housing is solid and water resistant, and I appreciate that instead of France or China this thing is made in the USA. My only doubt about the product is its level hinge. It's made of lightweight plastic and doesn't feel like it will withstand rough handling.

Bought the quad led headlamp and it is great, the light has a tinge of blue which may be annoying if you are a picky person. The headlamps throws a great amount of usable light, In comparison to other headlights it gives a wider throw that the princeton apex. The design is great.

edit 2010/08/11
OK well I got chance to carry the headlamp on a 2 night outdoor camp, Outdoors is where this headlamp "shines". For its size it throws a great amount of light on the low setting, I did not have need to use any other higher settings. The spread of the beam is one of the best features of this headlamp. For camping I will definitely recommend it.