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Reviewer's
Impressions:
Princeton Tec has stepped into the ring with their
version in the latest trend in headlamps: LED/Incandescent
hybrids. These lamps utilize LEDs for low level lighting
and battery conservation and a bright incandescent bulb
for spotting.
 
The body of the Yukon includes a 3 point fully adjustable
elastic suspension system, a plastic battery box and
a plastic bezel assembly which contains the bulbs and
switching mechanism. The bezel assembly is attached
to the battery box via a cable that runs around the
user's right side and is attached to the headband at
2 points. The cable connections are reinforced at the
battery box and the bezel. The entire assembly is waterproof
via O-ring in the bezel and a gasket in the battery
box. The battery box lid is hinged and uses a clasp
to close the lid. 3 AA batteries (included) power the
unit.
The bezel has a rubber cover with raised sections for
protection and grip. The incandescent bulb is focusable
by twisting the front of the bezel. The switch is rubber
covered and is found near the rear of the bezel. Pressing
once turns the LEDs on, next press is off, next press
turns the bi-pin xenon incandescent bulb on, next press
is off. The switch requires a significant amount of
pressure to activate so I don't believe there is a serious
chance of the light turning on by accident in your pack.
Output is good. The LEDs produce a nice flood of light
with a bluish tinge while the incandescent bulb can
produce a nice tight spot. The reflector is textured
to smooth out the incandescent beam, which it does an
OK job of, but rings and artifacts are still noticeable
on a broad focus. This is partially due to the fact
that the 3 LEDs protrude through holes in the reflector.
Behind the bezel there is no padding and the strap presses
directly against your forehead giving the impression
of an even distribution of pressure around the head.
Overall the Yukon is very well made and is quite comfortable
in practical use. I really like the ease with which
the battery compartment opens, making battery changes
simple. However, the packaging does warn against putting
the batteries in incorrectly as this may damage the
unit. One thing that was very noticeable was that the
bezel sticks quite a ways out from your forehead, so
you tend to notice it there in the top of your field
of vision.
+ + + Pluses: Waterproof, Tough/impact resistant,
Good battery life, Bright, Easy battery change, 2 lighting
levels, comfortable
- - - Minuses: Wide focus is not
smooth
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