Princeton Tech Matrix headlamp Review

"The lamp itself is excellent; waterproof, tough, pivots to put light where you want it, simple & not "gimmicky". I've found that the level of customer service you get depends on whom you deal with. Some of their people will go out of their way to help you, while others will just ignore you."

"I have a regular 2aa Princeton tech as well as the Petzl dual, for purposes of comparison. The Matrix is a2AA headlamp which uses 3 white LEDs. I comes with an extra reflector and krypton bulb. I have realy fallen in love with this lamp. It boasts two features which I really think merit its extraordinary cost ($50). First is the length of battery life 40 hours on regular alkaline, 100 on lithium. THis enables the useer to leave it on with less concern about conserving batteries. Second the light is very usable in camp applications. The light is even, without hot spots in the center, it is great to read or work by. Its downside is that it offers little penetration. IN a side by side with the Petzl dual in its low output mode, the princeton leds shone about thirty feet of usuable light, while the krypton Petzl shone about fifty. the issue here is use, I dont think Id want the LEDs in a night downclimb situation, or on any terrain where I have to follow something other than a trail. Despite the aspect of knowing the lamp would burn all night, it is not bright. On a trip to NEpal, with many hours in the dark to read or simply stumble about camp, the lamp is unequalled."