[Redkorn]

In the market to upgrade my lead lamp for the upcoming season opener...

Black diamons Storm headlamp pumps out 100L of light

Princeton Tec Apex headlamp pumps out 200L of light

Do any of you own one or the other...looking for some sight before shelling out the money.

[IRPescador]

After many years of use, I can confidently recommend the Black Diamond head lamps, I use the Icon model, and the new Icon it's a VERY good model but a bit pricey (well worth it though). Just bought 2 Black Diamond Spot for my family and they love them.
Petzel it another great headlamps manufacturer.

[Mahigeer]

I love (really like) my Petzel core rechargeable headlamp. I bought it at REI, but could not find it now looking for it.

I paid close to $100.00 if memory serves. The rechargeable battery pack is supposed to last equivalent of 900 batteries during its life cycle.

Another plus is that should the rechargeable batteries lose their charge during an outing, a set of regular AAA batteries could be substituted. Thus, there is always light.

[dkkim]

I had a couple petzl's and a couple princeton's. I like the princeton tec quad the best because I beat the hell out of that thing and it still works. Dropped it into lakes, onto rocks and still works. I thought I lost it once but it was just in another spot, I now have two princeton tec quads. They are smaller and less Lumens than what you are looking at but they're also easier to wear and you can just slide them down to your neck. I never liked the bulky headlamps.

[spline9]

Black Diamond, Princeton Tec, and Petzel are all reputable manufacturers. Unless you get a very low-end unit , you’d probably be hard pressed to get anything bad from them. For the range youre looking at, you should be fine. I own a Black Diamond and 3 Princeton Tec headlamps. Like dkkim, 2 of mine are the Quad models. They get used all the time (kayaking, cycling, camping, general use) and I’m glad I bought them. I guess what I’m saying is that I have no preference. I like them both and the reviews I’ve read have been pretty equal amongst all 3 manufacturers.

To kinda answer your question, I’d lean towards the Princeton Tec just because it’s more lumens but you may want to check the specs. More lumens usually means shorter battery life. Also, if it takes CR123 batteries, they are more expensive and slightly less common (the tradeoff for power/duration/weight). Warranties also vary if that matters to you. It all depends on what you need it to do for you.

If you do your homework, you’ll get something you’ll wonder how you went without one for so long.

p.s. Some units have regulated power. If you get one that does, you’ll be able to use lithium batteries. I am a HUGE fan of the Energizer Ultimate Lithiums. They weigh half as much as an alkaline and last about 4x as long. The drawback is that they are pretty expensive. IMHO, they are absolutely worth it.

[Mahigeer]

Good tips and explanations.

[dkkim]

I forgot to mention... buy em both at REI and try them out. They have an awesome return policy.

[spline9]

[Redkorn]

Sweet thanks guys...

I going to go with APEX model. I found a cheap one online for about 20 bucks.

Some of you pointed out the power supply issues, if I cant handel them I'll move on to another brand.

[PTEC]

Hey All,

Saw this topic yesterday and just wanted to say thanks for the kind words regarding Princeton Tec lights.

Just a heads up on the APEX - this light has been consistently upgraded during its life. Probably a good guess that the one for sale at $20 is not a current 200 lumen unit. Still a great way to find out if the design of the light works for you.

There are now four versions of this light - variations we created based on user feedback. Since we make our lights in Trenton, New Jersey, we can do that sort of thing.

Apex - 4AA
Apex Pro - 2 CR123
Apex Rechargeable - NEW FOR 2012 - Rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack, can be strap or remote mounted
Apex Extreme - choice of 4 or 8 AA in a remote battery pack.

All are currently putting out 200 lumens. Specs on www.princetontec.com.

Cheers,
PTEC

[IRPescador]

Thanks for the input PTEC, can the Extreme & regular models handle lithium batteries?

[PTEC]

Sure, no problem, IRPescador! Apex and Apex Extreme are good to go with lithium batteries.

Also, Extreme is wired to give you the option to run either 4 or 8 batteries so you can go for lighter weight or longer burntime depending on your needs on a given day.