The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of outdoor gear

Princeton Tec Remix Plus Review

A premium priced light that is outperformed by competitors costing less
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Price:  $50 List | $29.99 at Amazon
Pros:  Well made construction
Cons:  Poor performance, short battery life
Manufacturer:   Princeton Tec
By RJ Spurrier ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  May 28, 2018
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40
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#27 of 27
  • Trail Finding - 35% 5
  • Close Proximity - 20% 3
  • Battery Life - 15% 3
  • Weight - 15% 3
  • Ease of Use - 15% 5

Our Verdict

The Princeton Tec Remix Plus is built with quality construction, but at $50 list it is comparatively far too expensive for the performance it delivers. For example. when put side-by-side with the $20 Petzl Tikkina, our Best Buy winner, it had much lower overall performance scores across the board. The Tikkina sells for a 60% lower price, and comes in at half the weight. It is hard to justify buying the Remix, given so many strong competitors that offer more for less.


Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
Awards  Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award  
Price $29.99 at Amazon$89.00 at Amazon$36.73 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers		$39.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers		$29.18 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Well made constructionBright wide beam, good battery life, durable design, rechargeableExcellent trail finding and close proximity beam, waterproof, above average battery lifeExcellent spot light capability, wide evenly lit flood beam, above average in most waysExcellent brightness and beam control, often available online at discount
Cons Poor performance, short battery lifeExpensive, 18650 Li-ion battery is not included, heavier than averageMore expensive, heavier than average, claimed battery life is very misleadingBelow average battery life, claimed battery life is wildly misleading, single button hard to use, lame waterproofingAverage battery life, heavier and bulkier than most
Bottom Line A premium priced light that is outperformed by competitors costing lessAn impressive, powerful light in a small package that won't disappoint if you can get past the priceA durable light that will last for years with a bright high-quality beam, slightly higher in cost and weightA quality, durable, and bright light that hits the sweet spot for most people's needs, despite dubious marketing claimsPreviously one of our favorites, but hasn't kept pace with competitor's innovations
Rating Categories Princeton Tec Remix Plus Zebralight H600w Mk IV Black Diamond Storm Black Diamond Spot Coast HL7
Trail Finding (35%)
10
0
5
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
8
Close Proximity (20%)
10
0
3
10
0
7
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
7
Battery Life (15%)
10
0
3
10
0
9
10
0
6
10
0
4
10
0
5
Weight (15%)
10
0
3
10
0
4
10
0
5
10
0
6
10
0
4
Ease Of Use (15%)
10
0
5
10
0
9
10
0
6
10
0
6
10
0
8
Specs Princeton Tec... Zebralight H600w... Black Diamond Storm Black Diamond Spot Coast HL7
Measured Beam Distance 58 m 121 m 91 m 94 m 112 m
Claimed Distance 78 m Not specified 85 m 80 m 119 m
Measured High Mode Run-time (ANSI) 1.6 hrs 3.1 hrs 5 hrs 2.9 hrs 3.1 hrs
Claimed High Mode Run-time 5 hrs 2.9 hrs 40 hrs 30 hrs 1.5 hrs
Measured Low Mode Run-time 43 hrs 232 hrs 42 hrs 9.7 hrs 25 hrs
Claimed Low Mode Run-time 100 hrs 203 hrs 120 hrs 175 hrs 70 hrs
Measured Weight 5.8 oz, 165 g 4.5 oz, 127 g 4 oz, 112 g 3.1 oz, 89 g 4.5 oz, 127 g
Battery Type 4 AAA 18650 rechargeable Li-ion 4 AAA 3 AAA 3 AAA
Water Resistance IPX4 splash proof IPX8 waterproof to 2 meters, 30 minutes IP67 waterproof to one meter and dustproof Splash proof (dubious IPX8 claim) water resistant
Manuf Claimed Lumens 165 lumens 1400 lumens 350 lumens 300 lumens 285 lumens
Beam Type flood/spot flood flood/spot flood/spot flood/spot
Red Light no no yes, red/green/blue night-vision modes yes no
On Switch Lock yes yes (tailcap lockout) yes yes no

Our Analysis and Test Results

Princeton Tec needs to step up their headlamp game at this $50 price point. The market is now crowded with excellent products. The competition offers much more performance, for the same, or even much lower prices.

Performance Comparison



Trail Finding


Scoring a 5 of 10, the Remix Plus has fairly poor trail finding abilities for its price.


Beam Distance Photos
Beam photo of Princeton Tec Remix Plus
Beam photo of Black Diamond Spot

Princeton Tec Remix Plus
Black Diamond Spot

Close Proximity


The Remix was disappointing for close proximity use, earning a poor 3 of 10 rating.


Battery Life


The Remix's battery life score is a mediocre 3 of 10, with only 1.6 hours in our measured high mode runtime tests using the ANSI standards, and 43 hours in low mode.



Weight


The Remix is large and bulky compared to competitors, coming in at 5.8 ounces or 165 grams, and a two part package with batteries in back and the light element in front.


Ease of Use


Ease of use is a relative high point for the Remix, but even there it scored only about average.




Conclusion


We can't say the Remix Plus offers great value. The Petzl Tikkina is 60% lower list price, and scored much better. Other $50 lights, like the BD Storm left the Remix in the dust. Not recommended.


— RJ Spurrier