Patrik Orcutt 03.17.25
In the case of tactical headlamps, the Princeton Tec Vizz Tactical is a stable contender with a number of promise, but additionally a number of drawbacks which can be value contemplating. As somebody who regularly finds themselves in low-light environments, I wanted a dependable headlamp that would sustain with the demanding wants. After some in depth use, I’ve so much to say about its efficiency, options, and shortcomings.
Low-Gentle Protection on AllOutdoor
Princeton Tec is a well-regarded American firm specializing within the design and manufacture of high-performance lighting merchandise, notably for outside, industrial, and tactical functions. Based in 1975, the corporate started with a concentrate on revolutionary dive lights, catering to the wants of the underwater diving group. Through the years, Princeton Tec expanded its product vary to incorporate headlamps, flashlights, and lanterns, gaining a popularity for sturdiness, reliability, and cutting-edge know-how.
The Princeton Vizz Tactical Headlamp was offered by Princeton Tec for this evaluation and whereas I’m allowed to maintain this workforce on the conclusion of this evaluation, it is not going to change my opinion on any of their present or future choices. The Vizz Tactical was my go-to headlamp for all of my nighttime flying for the previous 2 months within the Blackhawk Helicopter. I used it for attending to the chook, preflight and whereas within the cockpit. I additionally used it on a few nighttime runs right here in humid Alabama.
Specs – Princeton Tec Vizz Tactical Headlamp
Specs
Gentle Output
- Most Brightness: 550 lumens
- Lighting Modes
- White Gentle: Excessive and low settings (Dimmable)
- Crimson Ultrabright LED
- Inexperienced Ultrabright LED
- Blue Ultrabright LED
- Infrared (IR) Ultrabright LED
Run Time
- White Spot Excessive (550 lumens): Roughly 4 hours
- White Spot Low (50 lumens): As much as 66 hours
- Crimson (3 lumens): Round 27 hours
- Inexperienced (6.5 lumens): Roughly 44 hours
- Blue (2 lumens): As much as 56 hours
- IR Excessive: Roughly 44 hours
Battery
- Three AAA alkaline batteries (included)
Weight
- 92 grams (3.2 ounces) together with batteries
Different
- Programmable order for specialty coloration LEDs (crimson, blue, inexperienced, IR)
- Made within the USA with overseas and home elements
- Comes with NVG Shroud Helmet Mount, MOLLE Mount and Headband
- MSRP – $75.00
Lighting Choices & Versatility
Positively a standout characteristic of the Vizz Tactical is its a number of lighting modes, which permit for adaptability in varied tactical eventualities. The sunshine boasts a 550-lumen white highlight, which is greater than sufficient for navigation in whole darkness. The beam has a good throw and flood, making it efficient for each short-range and medium-range illumination.
The inclusion of coloured LEDs—crimson, blue, and inexperienced—provides a layer of stealth and flexibility. The crimson mild is nice for sustaining evening imaginative and prescient, whereas the blue and inexperienced lights have their place in map studying and blood monitoring. These choices are important in tactical conditions the place preserving evening adaptation or decreasing seen signatures is important. Whereas I recognize the IR mild, I discovered it to be of little use to me personally however its nonetheless a pleasant factor to have on this package deal. The Gentle additionally comes with a number of mounting choices like a helmet shroud and a Plate service. I did discover the shroud to be very tough to take away from my helmet.
Efficiency Inside a Blackhawk Helicopter
Utilizing the Vizz Tactical inside a Blackhawk helicopter revealed each strengths and weaknesses. The crimson LED mode was notably helpful when studying checklists or dealing with gear with out blinding crew members or interfering with evening imaginative and prescient tools. The headlamp’s excessive white mode was glorious for pre-flight checks in low-light circumstances, permitting me to examine tools clearly earlier than taking off.
Nevertheless, one main problem I encountered was the hinge mechanism. The sunshine housing feels considerably flimsy, and over time, it tends to lose rigidity. That is problematic in a dynamic setting like a helicopter, the place fixed vibrations or actions may cause the sunshine to shift out of place.
The hinge is among the largest drawbacks of the Vizz Tactical. Whereas the general construct high quality is stable, the hinge simply doesn’t encourage confidence. It lacks the agency, constructive detents wanted to maintain the sunshine securely in place when operating or shifting shortly. Over time, the hinge begins to really feel looser, and for those who depend on a selected angle for illumination, this could grow to be a persistent annoyance.
Unintended Activation Subject
One other downside I encountered with the Vizz Tactical is how simply it may be turned on inside a backpack. The button, whereas not overly delicate, lacks a recessed design that might forestall unintentional activation. Greater than as soon as, I’ve reached into my pack solely to seek out that the headlamp had been on for hours, draining the battery considerably. This can be a actual concern when working within the area, the place each little bit of battery life counts. Tactical operators and area personnel want a lightweight that stays off till intentionally activated. A lockout characteristic or a extra recessed button design could be a welcome enchancment.
Battery Life & Energy Supply
The Vizz Tactical runs on three AAA batteries, which makes it straightforward to interchange energy sources within the area without having a proprietary charger. Battery life is respectable, particularly when utilizing the lower-intensity modes. Nevertheless, utilizing the high-output white mild drains the batteries shortly, which is one thing to remember for those who depend on this setting regularly.
Consolation & Wearability
The adjustable head strap is comfy and safe, even when worn for prolonged durations. The light-weight design ensures that you just barely discover it’s there, which is important for lengthy missions or operations the place headgear wants to remain as unobtrusive as doable. The headlamp additionally suits effectively to helmets and evening imaginative and prescient mounts. The a number of lighting choices, waterproof design, and first rate battery life make it a powerful selection for army members as that is who its marketed to in spite of everything.
Wrap Up- Princeton Tec Vizz Tactical Headlamp
It appears like I’ve been beating this headlamp up however I do truthfully get pleasure from utilizing it, the failings within the hinge mechanism and the unintentional activation problem inside a backpack are drawbacks. Should you plan to make use of this headlamp in high-movement environments like helicopters or energetic operations, be ready to cope with frequent readjustments. Moreover, if battery conservation is a prime precedence, you’ll must be additional cautious about the way you retailer the headlamp. Would I like to recommend it? With some reservations. Should you want a light-weight, multi-mode tactical headlamp with robust waterproofing the Vizz Tactical is a stable choice. However for those who require a rock-solid hinge and a foolproof energy button design, you would possibly wish to take a look at different choices or watch for an upgraded mannequin with these points addressed.
