|
Reviewer's
Impressions:
The Princeton Tec Scout is one tiny little headlamp.
Combining the size (~2 inches long) with the weight
(1.85 oz. with batteries) and the fact that the batteries
are lithium which gives them a 10 year shelf life and
good resistance to cold makes this what could possibly
be the ultimate backup headlamp.
The body of the Scout is translucent blue and opaque
black plastic with a 2 point elastic headstrap. There
are slots in the strap connection point allowing it
to be easily removed from the unit. In front of the
forehead plate is a clip which allows the unstrapped
unit to be attached to your clothing or gear.
In front of the clip is a tab that covers the switch
when the headlamp is folded closed, effectively acting
as a accidental activation lockout. The unit is hinged
on the forehead plate for tilting forward.
The bezel simply consists of two LEDs
behind a clear plastic lens. There are no optics or
reflectors in the bezel. The switch is on the top of
the unit and has a rubber cover. Press the switch in
series to access the 3 different lighting levels, starting
with high. Next is the slow blink mode and the LED flashes
twice quickly to indicate activation of this mode. After
this is the slow blink mode. Two seconds after selecting
any mode without making any changes, depressing the
switch will turn the unit off. Dimming is accomplished
by flickering the LEDs very rapidly. The flickering
is sometimes noticeable but in general is not distracting.
As mentioned, the light takes four 2032 lithium coin
cell batteries, placed in 2 stacks of 2. There is a
phillips screw on the back of the unit which must be
removed to open the unit for battery replacement. Batteries
are advertised to last 24-48 hours depending on the
mode selected.
The unit is advertised as waterproof,
but there does not appear to be a gasket or seal between
the two halves of the body. Overall construction seems
very good, the various modes are handy and the light
weight makes you forget you even have it on your head.
+ + + Pluses: Water resistant, Long battery
life, Lightweight, Multiple lighting modes
- - - Minuses: Requires tools for
battery change.
|
