Submitted by
Mr. Jewannaman
a Weekend Warrior
from Billings, Montana
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2010
Strengths: Great light and durable.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line has to do more with the company than the product. I think Princeton Tec makes some great stuff, but I don't trust a company that makes you jump through hoops in order just to find out some basic contact information such as telephone number and physical address in case I have a problem with my product - which I do. So, they get an F for being very consumer unfriendly. I don't get it? Anybody care to help? Better yet, anyone from Princeton Tec care to share this information - or will you get strung up by a headlamp, have a spotlight shown on you in a compromising position and forced to do unseemly things? In the meantime, I have a product that needs servicing from your lifetime warranty. Lame.
Strengths: Great package, well made, all possible ++ features included, simple to mount, looks good, bright on high and battery lasts 4 plus hours.
I was impressed with the packaging and mounting system - strong and simple.
Weaknesses: Could always be brighter, but then thats why they have the Switchback 2 and 3, but I prefer the lighter weight of the 1.
Bottom Line:
Dump the flashing lights and move up to the real thing.
Submitted by
tonyride1
a Cross Country Rider
from Piscataway, NJ
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2009
Strengths: Size, long burn time, quick charger, price, car charger.
Weaknesses: Didn't find any yet.
Bottom Line:
I just got it yesterday so I decided to test it out before using it on a night ride. I fully charged it as per instructions and then turn the light on to the highest setting. I read Daniel's experience with the battery and charger so I wanted to make sure I didn't get what he got. So after it was fully charged 4 hours later (initial charge takes 3-4 hours. After that it only takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery) I turned the light on and timed it. It is suppose to burn for 4.5 hours in the brightest setting. After 5 hours of still burning I shut it off as I didn't want to do any damage the battery by over draining it. So far it has exceeded my expectations but that was just in the house. I will follow up with another review after I take it out for a nice long ride or two and see how long a charge lasts on the trails. I'm giving it 4 flamin chilis for now. If the light holds up after the ride then I will rate it accordingly. Oh, it comes with both helmet and handle bar mount. I already have a handle bar mounted light so I will be using this as my helmet light.
Bike Setup: 2008 Giant Trance X1. Pretty much stock with Thomson seatpost with set back.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Boice
a Cross Country Rider
from Dyersville, Iowa, US
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2008
Strengths: Small, ability to charge from car
Weaknesses: Battery would not hold a charge, so that by the time I needed it, it was dead. Exchanged, and the second battery's outlet was defective, so could not charge at all. I finally gave up and ordered another product.
Bottom Line:
It's probably a very fine light, but I got two defective batteries in a row. After the first one, the Princeton Tec support e-mailed (no telephone number for help) that it happens. No response to e-mail about the second one, so I'd rate the support pretty lame. I wasted a lot of time just trying to get a light that worked.
Strengths: Bright, long burn time, small battery pack, Lithium Ion w/smart charger. All accessories are included, even adapters for euro/12V auto are included. Works great for night commuting and non-technical night trail riding. Mount is very sturdy and has survived some abuse without cracking.
Weaknesses: Not quite as good as the sun.
Bottom Line:
I will definitely be buying the Switchback 3 when I find a deal on it. In terms of trail riding, this light rocks as a helmet light when paired with a brighter handlebar light. It is sufficient for non-technical trails/bike paths. For commuting, I have no problem confidently riding 35 mph (downhill, of course) in otherwise darkness. The handlebar mount has a quick release which makes removal a breeze. The setup is quite light compared to NiMH systems. Burn times are true to advertised claims, and with a Switchback 3, adventure racing without changing batteries seems do-able. This is one of the most well thought out devices I've ever bought.
Similar Products Used: Cateye blinkies and some other non Li-ion lights.
Bike Setup: Trek hardtail with Deore/LX throughout and RockShox Tora 318 Solo Air
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bob R.
a Cross Country Rider
from Jersey Shore
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2007
Strengths: 4 Modes of burn, high mode lasts 4.5hrs, med lasts 6hrs, handlebar and helmet mount, long cords, car charger
Weaknesses: Product manual comes on DVD instead of hard copy (I'm being real picky here)
Bottom Line:
Myself and my racing partner have used this since Summer 07 24hr mtb race. The lighting system is awesome, I highly recommend. If I could do over, I would buy two of these instead of the much more expensive L&M Arc, which is a litter better but 2x the price. Car charger is nice, and simple setup. Bottom line: you could ride challenging singletrack at night no problem with this system. I have not tried the Switchback 2 or 3, which are more expensive models. You could easily use this as your night riding light all year.
My LBS has this light in stock, and I'm thinking of picking it up as my main night riding light.Does anyone have any experience with this light? Later on I would add the Switchback Read More »
