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"Genesis". This simple word had a lot
of significance. It means "creation" or "coming
into being". In some cases it means "beginning".
For Princeton Tec, it truly is a beginning - the beginning of
their entry into aluminum high-powered LED lights.
Body: The body is gray anodized aluminum with
an elastomer sleeve around the center. When I first saw it,
I honestly thought the whole thing was plastic due to the color
and smooth texture of the anodize finish, but it really
is aluminum. The light comes with
either gray/green accents (reviewed) or black accents. Flutes
are machined into the head and tailcap which help with grip
when removing the bezel or tailcap. On the end is a rubber
covered momentary-capable click switch with a rubber cap. Between
the tailcap and the body tube is a removable ring which may be replaced
with one of three rings that come with the light; one has a clip
attached, one has a lanyard ring, and one is octagonal to serve as
an anti-roll device.
Bezel/Head: The head consists of a removable
bezel ring, a plastic replaceable lens, seal, reflector,
and a 3 Watt LED resting under a special focusing lens
capsule. This special capsule makes the 3 Watt LED look
like a large 5mm LED, but it does a good job of focusing
the light from the LED into a coherent spot. The LED
rests in a smooth reflector which captures the stray
light from around the LED to produce a coronal beam
surrounding the central spot. Deeper in the head is
the heat sink which draws heat away from the LED and
transfers it to the aluminum body, and the regulator
circuit that actually outperforms the manufacturer's
estimates. The clear lens that is installed in the light
may be replaced with a red, green, or blue lens, all
of which are included with the light. The crennelations
around the bezel ring allow you to see whether the light
is turned on or not when placed face down on a flat
surface.
Note: Lens is flat, not dome-shaped.
Output: The white light produced by the LED
produces good color rendition. No real tint is detectable
in the beam. The beam itself consists of a tight central spot
with a wide corona. The center spot was a little off-center
in the beam in my sample.
Beam at one meter at target center.
Runtime Plot: Princeton Tec says the Genesis is
regulated for 1.7 hours. I think they need to update their figures.
In the sample I tested, the light was regulated for about 2.75 hours.
50% starting output was reached in about 3 hours with the included
cells.
Runtime
completed with GE/Sanyo
brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is
available HERE.
Switch: The switch is a rubber covered clickie.
Please excuse the photo - that's not a scrape on the
rubber cap, just dust. Press in for momentary operation, press
until it clicks for constant on. The switch takes a significant
amount of pressure to activate and provides both auditory and tactile
feedback. The switch cover does extend beyond the tailcap, so it
will not stand on end without help.
Seals / Water Resistance: The Genesis is rated at
IPX7, waterproof at 1 meter depth for 30 minutes.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: Although very lightweight, it has a sturdy
feel to it. The elastomer body sleeve provides good grip and it
is a comfortable size to hold in the hand.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: Two 123A lithium cells power the light. 123A cells
have a 10 year shelf life and function better than alkalines in
cold temperatures. I
would recommend Titanium
brand cells for $1.00 each (here's
a review) or BatteryStation
or Surefire
brand cells for less than $2 each. I would not recommend purchasing
these cells at retail stores since they cost $10 a pair
or more in most retail stores!
To change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop
out the old cells, place in new cells observing proper
polarity. Reattach the tailcap and you're ready to go.
Accessories: Three colored lenses come with the light: red,
green, and blue. Three accessory rings are also included and
can be swapped for one another. They install just below the
tailcap and you have to carefully remove the O-ring from the end
of the body tube to install or remove them.
They provide either a spring-loaded clip (which works very nicely),
a lanyard attachment ring, or an anti-roll ring with flat sides. An elastic-sided
nylon belt sheath is included and I'll tell you; this is the best elastic-sided
sheath I've ever seen. Very high quality.
What I Liked: Waterproof,
Generally tough/impact resistant, Regulated with long battery life,
Bright, Easy battery change, Lightweight
What I Didn't Like: Nothing
Picky Little Things: Beam slightly off center, clip
leaves a permanent little indent in the elastomer sleeve.
Conclusions: Well, Princeton Tec, welcome
to the world of aluminum high-powered-LED lights. For their
first foray into this field, they have done a very good job.
This light is a great general-purpose LED flashlight, built to
the high standards we have come to expect from Princeton Tec.
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