The Bottom Line
Pros
- Bright blue 1 watt LED light output equals or exceeds halogen and xenon bulbs.
- Comfortable and adjustable headgear, with batteries in front and adjustable light angle.
- Waterproof, shockproof, and impact resistant; includes Duracell batteries and fleece storage bag.
Cons
- Beam can't be focused.
- Instructions included could be better and more thorough.
- When you turn it off, unscrew it sufficiently so pressure on the lens won't turn it on accidentally.
Description
- LED headlamp which provides good light and long battery life.
- Waterproof to 100 meters, shockproof, and impact resistant.
- Adjustable light angle; bulb life is rated at 10,000 hours of life.
- Rated burn time is 8-10 hours. I have used mine at least that much and it's still going strong.
- Lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials.
- I will definitely be taking this light hunting with me in the future.
- Made in USA (with domestic and foreign components).
- The beam can't be focused, which I don't mind.
- Their tiny Eclipse 2 LED is also a good light, very handy and most who see it want one of their own.
Guide Review - Princeton Tec Matrix 2 Headlamp
This headlamp is one of the best I've tried. I've used it quite a bit in the woods, checking for treed raccoons in the yard, working in a friend's attic, and anytime I need hands-free light. After several months of use, the light is still plenty bright using the original (included) Duracell AA batteries. The (included) dark green fleece storage bag is very handy and protects the light when it's not in use.Batteries go right into the light unit itself, so there are no wires or separate battery packs. I found that small screwdriver or knife is handy to pry the front lug loose for changing batteries, but that's no problem because I usually have a Leatherman or Swiss Army knife in my pocket, and it can be done without a tool. With the long battery life that LEDs allow, you probably won't have to change them very often anyway.
The light switches on and off by screwing the lens assembly in or out. When you screw it out to turn it off, be sure to give it an extra half-turn or so, so pressure on the lens won't turn it on by accident and drain the batteries. The beam angle is adjustable up-and-down, and the intelligent design uses a small bolt which can be tightened to keep it from becoming loose and floppy.
The comfortable, adjustable head straps can't be removed for laundering, but you could unscrew the bolt and set the light aside and easily wash them if need be. All in all, this is a very nice light that should last for years, and it will probably be with me on many future hunts.
