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Princeton Tec Apex Pro Headlamp

Hiking & Camping > Lights & HeadlampsRated: *** by 22 reviews.

REI

Whether you're a casual camper or professional adventurer, the Princeton Tec® Apex Pro headlamp provides the power and versatility required for nearly any outing.

  • Apex Pro features an intense 3-watt LED with optimized lens that casts an incredibly bright beam, illuminating objects up to 114m away
  • 3-watt LED combined with the Princeton Tec optimized lens/collimator maximizes the beam by balancing long throw with flood light
  • 4 standard 5mm LEDs surround the 3-watt LED for softer light with extended battery life
  • Select from 2 lighting levels on both the 3-watt and standard LEDs to meet your lighting needs; features a flashing emergency strobe
  • Power-regulated circuit board ensures consistent lighting levels; Apex Extreme provides 2.5 hrs. of regulated light and 100 hrs. of total burn time on high
  • Proprietary heat sink technology prevents light from getting too hot and damaging the LEDs
  • 3-strap headband holds light in place; user can quickly detach the top-of-head strap if desired
  • High-grade materials ensure durability and strong resistance to water, weather and environmental conditions
  • Headlamp uses 2 CR123 lithium batteries (included); features a rear-mounted, water-tight battery case; power meter ensures you're always aware of battery life

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)

For the ultimate in brightness with up to 130 lumens of output, the Apex Pro from Princeton Tec® is a lightweight, powerful, and durable headlamp.

Features:

  • Battery power meter provides you with continuous feedback on the condition of the batteries, indicating high, medium or low battery life
  • Combines a regulated three-watt Maxbright LED with four regulated Ultrabright LEDs, for constant brightness on all modes
  • Dual-switch system allows independent control of the intense, smooth, long-range lighting from the Maxbright LED, and the wide-angle, close-range lighting from the four Ultrabright LEDs
  • Powered by 2 CR123 lithium batteries (batteries included)
  • Proprietary heatsink technology allows the LEDs to burn brighter and longer; heatsink allows LED heat to dissipate preventing damage to the LED
  • Protected in a highly durable and waterproof case
  • Single Maxbright LED is extremely bright and efficient: emits a smooth, powerful, white light useful for a wide range of tasks
  • Ultralight battery pack
  • Waterproof to 1 meter
  • Wide beam and spotlight

Mountain Gear

The Apex Pro headlamp from Princeton Tec is the ultimate lightweight, durable and powerful torch for professional athletes, guides and daring adventurers. By using compact, powerful CR-123 batteries, the Apex Pro provides incredible illumination with less weight and bulk.

Features:

  • Dual switch mode allows you to independently control the intensity of your lights for close range and far away illumination
  • Just like many of the pro's who use this headlamp, the Mountain Gear staff was totally impressed by the design, durability and power of this great little light!
  • LED battery power meter keeps you informed of the charge status
  • Two CR-123 high-powered batteries are protected in a waterproof, durable shell for blazing performance in any conditionsS-watt Maxbright LED or 4 Ultrabright LEDs maintain a consistent brightness for all modes, thanks to the built-in power regulator that ensures your path is bright from beginning to end
  • Waterproof to 3 feet

Campsaver.com

The Princeton Tec Apex Pro is a lighterweight version of the Apex. It is the pinnacle of waterproof LED headlamp design, boasting up to 60 lumens of output. With its four light levels, safety flash mode, and impact-resistant design, the Apex Pro is an ideal headlamp for any hardcore adventure. The Apex Pro combines a regulated three-watt Maxbright LED with four regulated Ultrabright LEDs, for Constant Brightness on all modes. Switching modes has never been easier —the dual switch system allows you to independently control the intense, smooth, long-range lighting from the Maxbright LED, and the wide-angle, close-range lighting from the four Ultrabright LEDs. The Apex Pro runs on 2 CR123 Lithium batteries for a lighter and smaller battery pack.

Features:

  • Lamp: 1 Maxbright 3 Watt LED, 4 Ultrabright LEDsU modes
  • battery power meter
  • heat regulation

USOutdoor.com

The Apex Pro is the pinnacle of waterproof LED headlamp design, boasting up to 60 lumens of output. With its four light levels, safety flash mode, and impact-resistant design, the Apex Pro is an ideal headlamp for any hardcore adventure. The Apex Pro combines a regulated three-watt Maxbright LED with four regulated Ultrabright LEDs, for Constant Brightness on all modes. Switching modes has never been easier —the dual switch system allows you to independently control the intense, smooth, long-range lighting from the Maxbright LED, and the wide-angle, close-range lighting from the four Ultrabright LEDs. Proprietary heatsink technology allows the LEDs to burn brighter and longer. The Apex Pro is compatible with alkaline, lithium, and rechargeable batteries.

Features:

  • Battery power meter LED
  • Heatsink technology
  • Regulated LEDs
  • Ultralight battery pack
  • Waterproof to 1MS Watt Maxbright LEDT ultrabright LEDs

Backcountry.com

If you need a headlamp that can handle your hardcore adventures, look no further than the Princeton Tec Apex Pro Headlamp. The Apex represents the pinnacle of Princeton Tech's waterproof LED headlamps and is ideal for alpine climbers, midnight mountain bikers, and cold-weather campers. It can put out up to 130 lumens of light, and boasts four light levels, a safety flash mode, and an impact-resistant design. The dual switch system allows you to independently control all of the Apex Pro's lighting modes—from the Maxbright LED to the wide-angle, close-range four Ultrabright LEDs. Princeton Tec engineered the Apex Pro with proprietary Heatsink technology, so that whatever the lighting mode, this headlamp provides a consistent bright light that will burn for a long time.


SummitOnline.com (2007)

Where lightweight is a must, ultimate power and function are a demand, and durability is an expectation - we introduce you to the Apex Pro by Princeton Tec. Professional athletes and adventurers around the world have marveled at the power of the Apex. In an effort to meet their unique and ever evolving needs, they have developed the Apex Pro to provide a faster lighter option while still providing the ultimate in brightness and output. The Apex Pro is powered by 2 CR123 lithium batteries protected in a highly durable and waterproof case. Designed for professionals, and perfect for all users.


SummitHut.com

The Apex Pro Headlamp from Princeton Tec has all of the great features of the Apex, in addition to a lighter battery pack.

Features:

  • Battery Power Meter lets you know the battery level with settings of high, medium or low
  • Made with Heatsink Technology to protect from overheating
  • Regulated LEDs keep the lamp burning at initial brightness for the life of the batteries
  • Ultralight battery pack
  • Waterproof to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes

Altrec

Professional athletes and adventurers around the world have marveled at the power of the Apex. In an effort to meet their unique and ever evolving needs, Princeton Tec developed the Apex Pro to provide a faster and lighter option while still providing the ultimate in brightness and output.

Features:

  • BATTERIES 2 CR123 Lithium
  • BURN TIME 100 Hours
  • LAMP Maxbright LED,4 Ultrabright LEDs
  • POWER 130 Lumens
  • WEIGHT 173g
Adjustable Focus:No
Backup Power Source:No
Batteries:2 CR123
Battery:CR-123 lithium
Battery Location:Back
Battery life at 70 degrees:High: 2 hrs. 30 min. / low: 30 hrs.
Beam type:Flood / spot
Brightness (lux @ 2 meters):High: 950 / low: 18
Brightness levels:4
Bulb Type:1 Maxbright 3-Watt LED, 4 Ultrabright LEDs
Bulbs:LED
Burn time:up to 35 hours
Country of Origin:United States
Dimensions:2.3 x 1.8 x 1.75
Dimming Switch:Yes
Headband Type:Stretch, adjustable, over-the-head
Lumens:100-199
Material:Plastic
Maximum Battery Life:35 hr.
Maximum Range:92 m
Maximum beam distance:High: 114 / low: 24 meters
Power Source:2 CR123 Lithiums
Range:14 - 85 meters
Rechargeable:No
Recommended Use:Backpacking, climbing, trail running, camping
Regulated output:Yes
Strobe Mode:Yes
Strobes:1
Tiltable Housing:Yes
Voltage Regulator:Yes
Warranty:Lifetime
Water Resistant:Yes
Waterproof:Yes, 1m
Weight:6.1oz (173g)
Weight W/ Batteries:6.7 oz.
Weight with batteries:6.1 ounces

View other products from Princeton Tec classified in Hiking & Camping > Lights & Headlamps.

View all products from Princeton Tec.
View other products classified in Hiking & Camping > Lights & Headlamps.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

Princeton Tec Apex HeadlampPrinceton Tec Apex Headlamp$71.99 - $89.99
Princeton Tec Apex Pro Headlamp - BEST OF URBAN CLIMBERPrinceton Tec Apex Pro Headlamp - BEST OF URBAN CLIMBER$94.99

These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:

Princeton Tec Amp 4.0Princeton Tec Amp 4.0
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Princeton Tec EosPrinceton Tec Eos
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Princeton Tec EOS Bike LightPrinceton Tec EOS Bike Light
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Mammut Lucido TX1 HeadlampMammut Lucido TX1 Headlamp
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$63.95 - $79.95
Princeton Tec Quad HeadlampPrinceton Tec Quad Headlamp
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Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

ColorOption
ItemN/A
Olive
Olive
 94.95
Bk
Bk
 89.95
Olive Drab
Olive Drab
 94.9594.95
Orange
Orange
 89.9589.952 More...
Black
Black
 89.9589.993 More...
N/A92.95 

Legend

  •     - USOutdoor.com
  •     - Campsaver.com
  •     - Altrec
  •     - Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
  •     - SummitOnline.com (2007)
  •     - Mountain Gear
  •     - REI
  •     - Backcountry.com

Notes:

SummitHut.com offers this product at $94.99, but does not provide any color/size information.

Princeton Tec Apex Pro Headlamp Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****9
****7
***2
**1
*3
To see how this product compares to others view Flashlight & Headlamp Reviews.

Positive Reviews:

Great Headlamp

Rating:*****

I upgraded to this lamp from a Petzl Tikka Plus (which is also a great lamp) and have been really happy with it. Bright enough for true night path-finding (unlike a Tikka like unit) and SAR night searches. I don't have a single complaint, and I've put this thing through the ringer. Batteries can be difficult to find at a reasonable price (look for 12 packs of SureFire brand for about $23), but can usually be found at most stores sold as camera batteries if you're in a pinch (although expect to pay dearly for them). This isn't a problem for me though, because I had already "standardized" on CR123s for all my hand-held and gun mounted lights, so the batteries are actually a bonus (plus they work great at really low temps, unlike alkalines). Regarding the control buttons (which I see cause some complaints): They aren't especially easy to use while wearing gloves (and about impossible with heavy mitts), but on the other hand, I've never had the light turn itself on in my pack either. I'd much rather have a lamp that is somewhat difficult to turn on sometimes than one that doesn't come on at all because it's been illuminating the inside of my pack all day, so it doesn't bother me.

James C Watts at Backcountry.com on 11/07/2008

monster update

Rating:****

two things:
-after using this product for an extended period of time, I thought I could learn how to push the buttons first try. I can't. Either I'm incompetent, or they are poorly designed, likely both, however they are only buttons, and I've been pushing them my whole life, so I will lean toward flaw of design. But when it's cold out and I can't feel much, I really struggle, thus the use of gloves is def. out.
Also,
-after the first or second day of use, the thread on the strap failed and the band came undone. I spoke with the guys at the Outdoor Retail show and they said they hadn't heard of it occuring before. So likely a fluke, considering the quality is bomb proof and sheds a whole lotta light. Although I have two gripes, I dig the headlamp and still recommend it. Even on low, my buddies are always mentioning how bright it is.
We managed to put a man on the moon, so i give 4 stars for their failure to provide quality buttons.

t bizzle at Backcountry.com on 03/24/2008

Yes, better than Petzl's Myo XP

Rating:*****
Wow, as an "Outdoor Professional" you think Offrope (other reviewer) would have checked to see if the headlamp worked before going out...
At any rate, I have used this headlamp for 2 years now and am very pleased. This headlamp is the best available for many reasons: it has a true spot light and a true flood light (opposed to having the flip over lens on the MYO XP), is water proof to 3M (petzl's are only water resistant), and is light weight. This headlamp will outperform any others out there from what is currently available. The two downsides would have to be that the hinge on the lamp is made of plastic and could break and that rechargeable batteries do not seem to work with it. If your buying from REI, no worries on the hing issue due to exchange.
Herper at REI on 05/26/2009

You light up my life!

Rating:*****

My go to headlamp. I have the newest version which boasts 130 lumens on the highest setting. The lowest setting works great for around camp, cooking, reading, etc. I rarely use the highest setting in order to conserve batteries. However, if you got stuck on the trail or river after dark the high setting could be a life saver (dont ask how I know). As one other reviewer mentioned, look for the 6 or 12 packs of surefire batteries as they are the best value. I have had no problems with breakage. I run lithium AA batteries in my gps and they are as much or more than the cr123 batteries. All of my other gear uses the cr123s. Once you use lithium batteries you wont go back.

Stephen Ferguson at Backcountry.com on 07/09/2009

monster 3

Rating:****

This is the 3rd review of mine for this product. I broke the pivot which enables articulation of the light from the head strap. I still like the mechanical fastner, (Bolt and nut) however it is attached to a flimsy piece of plastic which broke. Their customer service is great. I would not get the unit with the cr123's unless you have some great love or reasoning. They don't last as long as the AAA's and only weigh (i think 100 grams more). I would be stoked to see some design changes, however it is a solid unit for the most part and puts out some great day light.

t bizzle at Backcountry.com on 12/22/2008

Rechargeable Batteries

Rating:****

So far, nothing but good things to say about the headlamp. Outperformed all of my friends' lamps while hiking and working outside at night. Buttons are a bit difficult to use, so I agree with the other folks on here about that.

As a heads up though, its awful hard to find the rechargeable batteries that fit this model. I found some (and a link on the same site to the charging stand) at http://www.atbatt.com/product/19740.asp .... Yeah, they're expensive, but so are the regular batteries if you're using them a lot. Then you can get all those batteries in a landfill off your green conscious.

Daniel maverick at Backcountry.com on 10/17/2008

Lighting system for 100 mile run

Rating:****
I use this product while running at night while training for the HURT 100 mile run. The terraian is very steep, slippery and technical. Under the cover of the jungle forest in Hawaii it gets very dark and this light provides great illumination. Its low profile keeps it placed comfortably on my forehead even while running down the trails (without the top strap). The only down side is that the batteries (Energizer not Duracel) only last 4 to 5.5 hours on low beam. This means I have to change them two to three times in a full night. Gets expensive at $13.00 per set.
Bob at Mountain Gear on 11/21/2007

comparison: pro vs reg

Rating:*****

the batteries in the pro does not last as long as the reg, and puts out slightly less light. I like them both for different reasons. Unless you have a solar charger for the cr 123 (pro) I'd take the regular apex on extended adventures, as it lasts much longer. Or snag the pro for a fast/light expedtion. The light output variance is not enough to steer me one way or another. Great customer service. As I have them both, I will say they're most radical. kauwabunga

t bizzle at Backcountry.com on 03/16/2009

I can see the light

Rating:*****

This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine! This will not fail anyone. It has been through the worst nights that one can imagine. It's my shinning star. I used this for backpacking and camping. It was great for hands free. The battery lasted a descent amount of time. It works even as good as a spot light. I managed to catch rocky and the gang where I was camping with my light. Get this lamp! DON'T BE DULL, BE BRIGHT!!!

Joey B at Backcountry.com on 10/17/2008

no more montsers

Rating:*****

I was frustrated with animals eyeing me at me at night, because I couldn't tell which monster wanted to eat me. So I upgraded to this little sunshine. I appreciate how both the battery pack and light housing are h20 tight, and mechanically fastened with screws and bolts, opposed to cheeezy plastic snaps. Durable construction. It utilizes two function buttons rather than one, which enables you to get to the light function your after, without cycling through all of them with one button.

t bizzle at Backcountry.com on 01/16/2008

Negative Reviews:

not for me

Rating:**

This is a very bright headlamp.
But my experience living with this thing wasn't the best.
Its regulated which means instead of quickly getting dimmer and dimmer as the batteries run out it maintains the light and near full strength for a while and then dies.
But this really means that it doesn't last very long at all and when it dies it happens fast. The description here says 150 hours. Please. On the lowest setting it works for a bit longer but on medium/high it can die in a couple of hours.
Plus the CR123 batteries are much more expensive than normal AAA/AA and so where with a normal headlamp I would say, well I've got a trip tomorrow and I don't remember when the last time I replaced the batteries was so I'll change them just to be safe. But with the price of these you go, uhh I'm sure there fine.
I tried buying a rechargeable battery kit for these.
DON'T.
The rechargeable don't last at all.
In the end I returned this thing as it didn't work for me.
But maybe if you're cousin works at Energizer you should get this headlamp.

ajcarrico878971 at Backcountry.com on 05/16/2009

Fragile hinge outweighs all benefits

Rating:*
I used this headlamp for climbing primarily, but hiking, sailing, and biking as well. I never mistreated it or handled it roughly and yet I've worn through two of them now (debating whether or not to get a third) because the hinge that attaches the main lamp body to the headband is strikingly fragile. It always cracks at the join on the underside of the headlamp body, in the same exact spot where the 2mm 'prongs' of plastic extend towards the cylindrical portion of the hinge.

If it weren't for this, it would be the most amazing headlamp ever, but unfortunately with a cracked hinge it just flops up and down and is rather unusable.
Andrew at REI on 08/25/2009

Strike-Out

Rating:*
I exchanged my regular APEX for the PRO, since my first one leaked water. During a backcountry trip in Utah, night fell before I could reach the main trail, so I pulled out my "reliable" newly exchanged Apex Pro. It wouldn't even turn on!!! I ended up sleeping on a ledge that night since I couldn't see my way back. The next day I hiked out and went to the store to buy fresh batteries. I figured there was no way 2 Princeton Tec headlamps could fail consecutively. Ended up waisting money on the batteries too. I brought it back to REI and I am forever done with the brand.
offrope at REI on 05/10/2009

Terrible HeadLamp STAY AWAY!!!!!!!

Rating:*
I bought one of these and it didn't last a year. It uses expensive batteries(CR123), and the battery life is short. The strain relief separated between the battery pack and the headlamp portion exposing the wiring. Now It just shorts out and won't come on unless i shake it, but never stays on. I tried repeatedly to contact Princeton Tec on their website about warranty info or repair, but they wrote me back.

My friends have either Black Diamond and Petzl Headlamps, both out perform and cost less.

STAY AWAY FROM THIS!!!!!!!!!!!
JayHawk at Mountain Gear on 08/23/2008

Neutral Reviews:

Good light -but fragile?

Rating:***

I have managed to break 2 of these in less than a year: the first got water inside the lens after a wet Rogaine (inspite of it's supposed waterproof seals) and was replaced under waranty. The second I managed to shatter the plastic of the main body - though I am not sure how. To its credit, it kept working for a long time in that condition before giving up. Now I'm not sure if I should replace it with the same model, or something else...

Brendan Hills at Backcountry.com on 06/16/2008

web sight has false specs

Rating:***

Dose not have 100 hrs of burn time!! says only 35 hrs on box. this web sight lies!

Dan at Backcountry.com on 10/11/2009