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The Princeton Tec Eco Flare is a tiny marker light which
operates on 2 AAA alkaline batteries. It has two bulbs included: a
flashing red LED and an incandescent bulb. Both are interchangeable
and result in different runtimes and have different applications.
The red LED will run for about 500 hours on a single set of batteries and
the incandescent bulb is advertised to run for about 3 hours.
The top of the light acts as a diffuser, so the red LED appears
as a red flash while the bulb appears as a soft white glow. Either way,
the output should be sufficient to get attention in a low-light
environment. The incandescent bulb can also be used to allow the
light to serve as an area or tent light.
Body: The body of the light is plastic and is
very similar in form to many other Princeton Tec lights.
The tail has a drilled tab for the attachment of a lanyard.
There is also a built in clip on the backside.
Bezel/Head: The head of the light serves as the switch and
consists of a translucent white dome which covers the lamp module.
To switch out the LED or the bulb just unscrew the bezel which
exposes the reflector module. Carefully pull out the bulb and
replace it with the other bulb. Reinsert the entire assembly, attach
the bezel and tighten until it turns on. If using the LED and it
fails to light, open it up and turn the reflector assembly 180 deg. and
reinsert. The same procedure is used to replace the batteries.
Output: The red LED flashes about 3 times per
second and works well as a low-level marker light. The
white bulb is quite bright at first, but diminishes
over time.
Runtime Plot: A runtime plot will not be completed
for this light.
Seals / Water Resistance: The light is advertised
as waterproof to 100 meters.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: It's small but easy to use. Nothing
special to report.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Accessories: Batteries are included.
What I Liked: Waterproof,
Tough/impact resistant,
Good output for power source, Easy battery change, Lightweight
What I Didn't Like: Nothing.
Picky Little Things: Nothing.
Conclusions: Works as intended. A great marker
light that runs on an easily available and lightweight AAA cells.
Very energy efficient when using the red LED, and yet it provides
enough light with the regular bulb to be used as a small area or tent light.
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