Gear

i was thinking of getting a new head torch and i'm looking at the Black Diamond Icon and the Apex from princeton tec.

both seem very good and pretty similar, with all of the features you're likely to need. There is a big price difference in them and it's got me thinking that the icon could be the one to go for. but from what i've read the apex has much better water proofness, has this ever been an issue for people. i live in Scotland and rain is something we are certainly blessed with. does anyone have any experience using them, are they worth the costs?

i'm planning to start walking more at night hence the upgrade.

I bought an Apex a few weeks ago and I think it's great. The main beam is like a searchlight, it was by far the brightest torch on the recent OM Windy Meet! I've seen nothing like it on the hill (except when I use my bike lights!), but the dimmer LEDS work well too for more general light and power-saving. The waterproofing hasn't been an issue yet so for me it's more of a nice-to-have than an essential.

Two things that you get for the money (and I don't know if you do with the Icon):

- regulated current circuitry so that the light power remains constant until very near the end of the battery life.

- clearly stated that the torch will take alkalines, rechargeables, or lithium batteries. I like to use lithiums as they're lighter, longer lasting and far less susceptible to cold. (I'm amazed Petzl didn't sort that out with their much-heralded new Myo XP). 

Steve

thanks for the link. One question though... I looked all over and I still couldn't spot the PLUG?

lol John, I wondered too.

I actually have a Hope Vision headlight and it is very good. Mine is the 2 x 5W LED that is really a MTB front light, but last year they brought out a 3-strap headband mount for it. Jon did a news piece on it from that year's Outdoor Show:

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article/mps/uan/4518

It looks very similar to the 2 LED lamp in the range above but I couldn't say if it's technically the same.

Pros: Fantastic light beam, reasonable battery life

Cons: Not the most comfortable headband ever but ok, weight, uses specific l-ion rechargeable batteries so you need a power source, can't just slap in some AAs. Also it's designed to cool in the breeze at MTB speeds so if you're just walking or especially if you stand still it can get a bit hot.

A great light if you want something very bright for shortish night-time activity and then back to base. Not one to think of for multi-day trips or backpacking imo.

I have both Princeton Tec ( Quad) and a B.D. headlamp.

The B.D. now stays in my car for emergencies B/C it isn't regulated like the P.T. Quad. A regulated headlamp is one who's circuitry permits the light to remain at almost a constant brightness as the battery declines in power. This is something I had to learn the hard way, by buying the B.D. unregulated headlamp first.

I have a BD Ikon and it is very good.  It is far better than my previous ones, made by Princeton Tech and Silva, both of which used to switch themselves off then refused to switch on again: not what you want when up a mountain in pitch blackness!

The only fault I have had with the Ikon was the plastic screw that closes the battery compartment.  I overtightened it, stripped its threads, so had to replace it with a brass screw.

Well, I've owned 3 models of Princeton Tec and never had one of them "switch themselves off".

I dunno why yours would do that unless you had inadvertenly hit the switch or the switch was broken somehow. Princeton Tec will replace defective lights.

I have just bought an Icon and it's a great light. BUT the screw that fixes the battery pack together is too short to engage in the nut ! 

Some serious quality issue there, and since the straps go to the 2 different halves of the case and if it falls apart on your head you lose it.

 I'm taking it back and I'll be happy if the replacment screw works properly. It does have a 3 year warranty.

So if you buy one open the package it in the shop. Hopefully it was one run of mismatched components.