Princeton Tec EOS Headlamp Review

The Princeton Tec EOS headlamp was originally purchased for The Seattle GORUCK 053 Challenge in August ir 2011. Back then there were no reviews for GORUCK events and this headlamp was on Steep & Cheap for something like $20. Figuring the deal couldn’t be beat it was purchased and that was that. Years later this is still the go-to headlamp for GORUCK events.

Review Updates

4/1/2017

Cleaned up content, added additional pictures, headlamp still crushing it!

7/1/2016

After the first headlamp eventually rusted after multiple salt-water GORUCK events I picked up a another in black to replace it… hence the two colors.

Review

For this review this headlamp was used during six (or more) GORUCK Toughs (previously called the Challenge) and numerous GORUCK Light events.

Quality

The Princeton Tec EOS has lasted through tons of GORUCK events and still works! A GORUCK Tough is a wonderful way to test out gear. Your gear will be subjected to harsher conditions at a GORUCK event then anywhere else you will probably end up using it. Our opinion is if a headlamp makes it through more than one GORUCK Challenge and still works then it’s a winner. This thing has survived numerous GORUCK events and still tags along on hiking and camping trips.

Design

One of the first things you’ll notice is the plastic on the headlamp rests directly against your forehead. This isn’t the most comfortable headlamp in the world but it’s also not painful. Wearing it feels like you have a headlamp strapped to your face… which is what’s happening. There are other brands out there (Petzl TacTikka Plus) where you can hardly tell it’s there… but this is not one of them.

The EOS is designed to take 3 Triple A batteries which makes it great for a GORUCK event. Triple A batteries are incredibly easy to come across so if your headlamp is struggling you can pick some up at a gas station on the way to the event. In addition, bringing extras is no issue and there’s even a chance that if your headlamp dies someone on your team will have extras.

To date none of the Princeton Tec EOS headlamps have experienced any water damage. They have all been submerged numerous times and just keep working as good as the day they were purchased. Unlike “weather resistant” or “weather proof” headlamps these actually won’t fail on you from submersion.

Usability

The headlamp has 3 different brightness settings and a blink setting. At low levels the headlamp has a burn time of 50 hours however at the highest brightness it apparently has a burn time of 1 hour. Now the brightest setting is pretty damn bright but we have a hard time believing it will suck 3 AAA batteries dry in an hour. When we use the EOS it’s always on the lowest brightness and has lasted three events before needing batteries replaced.

As mentioned before usability during water portions of an event is top-notch… no complaints here. Running portions, on the other hand, are a little different. When running with the EOS attached there’s a chance the light to bounce back and forth because the latch that secures the height of the light is weak. This problem can be solved with a little bit of duct tape but it’s definitely something to still consider. You can see the threads on the headlamp in the above photo which hold it in place… not much there.

Lastly, adjusting the headlamp is simple as it should be. Slide the clip to tighten or loosen it and you’re set. Easy.

Value

The Princeton Tec EOS is a tough headlamp to beat. Priced on average in the low $30’s it is both affordable and great for GORUCK events. In addition it is made in the USA which, in our books, is a huge plus. If you want a headlamp that will not suck then you can not go wrong here.

Conclusion

Overall the Princeton Tec EOS headlamp is the best bang for the buck when considering budget headlamps and using them for Challenges. The comfort factor isn’t exactly an issue because you’re never really comfortable in a GORUCK event. The waterproof aspect of it is absolutely the best as the headlamp won’t die permanently because you had to do flutter kicks in the water. I’d say if you’re signing up for a GORUCK event and need a headlamp then the Princeton Tec EOS is the one to get.

Buy the Princeton Tec EOS Headlamp

Want to grab a Princeton Tec EOS headlamp for yourself? Consider buying it at Amazon as they have competitive pricing, fast shipping, and a great return policy.