As the Winter Solstice approaches, you will need to grab your headlamps in order to continue or start those dark running excursions. A bright headlamp can be a great running accessory for late nights and early mornings. It will help you to stay visible to traffic, as well as illuminate your route to show any obstacles in nature.
Recently, I got the Princeton Tec Axis Headlamp. To test it’s capabilities on trail runs and road runs in the early morning and late evening hours, I took the headlamp on a few of these.
The Princeton Tec Axis: First Look
It is not clear why it would be necessary to rotate the headlamp in this direction, or even up and down. But, the Princeton Tec Axis has that capability.
Axis comes with a headband that is adjustable and measures an inch in width. In my experience, headlamps that have wider bands are more stable and result in less light bounce when you’re running.
Three AAA batteries are used to power the Axis. The only time I’d ever choose a headlamp powered by alkaline disposable batteries over a battery pack that can be recharged is if I was running an ultramarathon and didn’t want to charge the lamp. Princeton Tec offers the Axis as a rechargeable version. The cost to own this headlamp will be higher if you use disposable batteries. Please leave me a comment if you have any reasons why a headlamp with disposable batteries is better than a headlamp that uses rechargeable batteries. I’m curious to know if anyone has any. A rubber grommet is not included in the battery compartment for weatherproofing. However, it does have a tight seal and thus earns Axis level 1 rating. Lights that meet the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) IPX4 standard are given a Level 1. The lights rated Level 1 have been designed to resist water splashing or very rapid dunking.
Princeton Axis can be turned on or off using the side button. The Axis is a cylindrical headlamp that can be worn either upside-down or right-side up. This allows the button on/off to be placed on the right or left side, depending on personal preference. One press turns the Red Ultrabright Mode to 50% output. Double tapping activates White Spot Maxbright at 60%. Holding down the button turns on White Flood Maxbright at a 25% output. Why is it only 25% of the full output? The Axis has a dial around the power button, which allows you to increase or decrease the output of light in any mode. Any dial rotation will change the output of red when you are in Red Mode. Using the dial, you can start in White Flood mode to increase output and then switch to Spot mode. Dimming will only be possible in spot mode when you are first placed into Spot mode. A single button press that occurs more than 2 seconds after the last press of the button will also turn off the light. Confusing, Right? At first it was confusing for me, but once I started using the light regularly after a few runs, everything became second nature. Below is a diagram that will help you understand.
Four different types of bulbs are available for the Princeton Tec Axis:
- White LED primary high-power spot
- White LED secondary floodlights with lower power
- The two low-powered LEDs are great for reading maps and night vision.
Each bulb is dimmable and can be operated independently as described. Two white lights are able to be turned on simultaneously, allowing the Axis a maximum brightness of 250 lumens. The lumens measure the total output of light, but they are not necessarily the most important factor in achieving a better, brighter light. How the light is emitted determines its actual utility. The Axis’ maximum 250 lumens is about average for the category of running headlamps. The Axis’ dimmest setting produces 5 lumens. This is enough light to tie your shoe.
Specifications
- 3AAA (Included). 3 AAA Alkaline Batteries.
- DIMABLE LED This circuitry is advanced and allows the user to select any power level that suits their needs.
- NARROW FOCUSED BEAMS This pattern produces a powerful, long beam of light that is excellent for lighting distant areas. This long-throw light is ideal for searching and rescuing at night and hiking.
- MAXBRIGHT LED – The brightest and most efficient LED from Lumileds is the Maxbright led by Princeton Tec. The single LED produces a powerful white light that is useful for many tasks. Princeton Tec can use either reflectors or collimators with Maxbright depending on the application.
- MULTIPLE BEAM – This beam pattern allows for maximum versatility. The focused wide beams can be used to simulate daylight at close distances, allowing you to use your peripheral vision. Focused narrow beams produce a spotlight that can be thrown a distance, making it ideal for searching and rescue at night and hiking.
- MULTIPLE MODES Multiple setting on our product allows you to choose the brightness or beam size to light up a greater distance, and/or to save battery power.
- WATERPROOF-LEVEL 1– The level 1 rating is given to those lights which offer water resistance equivalent to IPX4 according to the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC), standards. The lights rated Level 1 have been designed to resist water splashing or quick dunks. The batteries must be taken out and cabinets inspected carefully for any signs of leakage if a light with Level 1 rating has been submerged in water for an extended period. The light must be dried if water enters the housing. Batteries should also be replaced if the lighting has been submerged for a longer period of time.
- FOCUSED LARGE BEAMS – This beam pattern is excellent for multi-purpose activities. Focused wide beams can be used to simulate daylight at close distances, allowing you to use your peripheral vision.
- Power 250 Lumen
- Burn Time: 109 Hours
- WEIGHT — 83 Grams
- WARRANTY – Princeton Tec guarantees that the Axis will be free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal usage for a period of 5 years. The warranty applies to all parts except the batteries.
Last Thoughts
Princeton Axis Headlamp combines excellent lighting with battery efficiency and comfort in a lightweight headlamp. It is suitable for almost everyone. This light is a great value at $60, especially when you consider the battery life and beam quality. If you use the headlamp often, you will need to replace the batteries. If you don’t want to buy rechargeable AAAs then the rechargeable option is a good choice.