Princeton Tec is rolling out a new version of the Sync that offers significantly better performance with 200 lumen power which could make it much more competitive.
Princeton Tec Sync Review
Our Verdict
Princeton Tec is rolling out a new version of the Sync that offers significantly better performance with 200 lumen power which could make it much more competitive.
Compare to Similar Products
![]() This Product
Princeton Tec Sync | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Awards | ![]() | ![]() | |||
Price | $30 List $27.89 at Amazon | $19.99 at Evo Compare at 3 sellers | $29 List $19.95 at Amazon | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $20.00 List $19.95 at REI |
Overall Score ![]() |
|||||
Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Inexpensive, easy to use, excellent close proximity optics | Excellent spot light capability, wide evenly lit flood beam, above average in most ways | Good performance for the price, 94 meter beam throw, easy to use | Super easy to use, inexpensive, solid performance, compact, and reliable | Lightweight, small size, excellent flood beam, great price |
Cons | Short beam throw, cannot be operated one-handed | Below average battery life, claimed battery life is wildly misleading, single button hard to use, lame waterproofing | Average in most ways | Good but not great spot beam for trail finding, slightly below average flood beam optics | Too weak a beam for trail finding or distance viewing |
Bottom Line | A well made light at an attractive price, but lacks the that similarly priced performance competitors offer | A quality, durable, and bright light that hits the sweet spot for most people's needs, despite dubious marketing claims | The Yalumi is a good light, at a good price, that provides basic functionality | For $20, the Tikkina offers impressive performance at a great price, that will meet most people's needs | Offers great close proximity lighting at a budget price |
Rating Categories | Princeton Tec Sync | Black Diamond Spot | Yalumi LED 140-Lumen | Petzl Tikkina | Black Diamond Astro |
Trail Finding (35%) | |||||
Close Proximity (20%) | |||||
Battery Life (15%) | |||||
Weight (15%) | |||||
Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
Specs | Princeton Tec Sync | Black Diamond Spot | Yalumi LED 140-Lumen | Petzl Tikkina | Black Diamond Astro |
Measured Beam Distance | 31 m | 94 m | 94 m | 62 m | 38 m |
Claimed Distance | 38 m | 80 m | 90 m | 55 m | 35 m |
Measured High Mode Run-time (ANSI) | 20.5 hrs | 2.9 hrs | 4.3 hrs | 3.5 hrs | 4.8 hrs |
Claimed High Mode Run-time | 97 hrs | 30 hrs | Not specified | 60 hrs | 20 hrs |
Measured Low Mode Run-time | 74 hrs | 9.7 hrs | 47 hrs | 223 hrs | 95 hrs |
Claimed Low Mode Run-time | 113 hrs | 175 hrs | 100 hrs | 220 hrs | 80 hrs |
Measured Weight | 3 oz, 86 g | 3.1 oz, 89 g | 2.7 oz, 77 g | 2.9 oz, 83 g | 3 oz, 86 g |
Battery Type | 3 AAA | 3 AAA | 3 AAA | 3 AAA | 3 AAA |
Water Resistance | no data found | Splash proof (dubious IPX8 claim) | IPX4 splash proof | IPX4 splash proof | IPX4 splash proof |
Manuf Claimed Lumens | 150 lumens | 300 lumens | 140 lumens | 150 lumens | 150 lumens |
Beam Type | flood/spot | flood/spot | flood/spot | flood | flood, dimmable |
Red Light | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
On Switch Lock | yes | yes | no | no | yes |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Princeton Tec makes a plethora of lighting products. Distinguishing between them can be difficult. The Sync seems to hit a sweet spot in their line-up, with long battery life and multiple modes available at a very reasonable price and with perfectly acceptable weight and bulk.
Performance Comparison
Trail Finding
While the bulb is far from the brightest in our test, throwing a beam just 31m, the lenses on the Sync make the most of it and send an even, usable beam that entire distance.
Close Proximity
Every tester appreciated the smooth, even light of the close-up functions on the Sync. The only negative comment we have is that the high-profile housing sticks out into the upper periphery of the users' view.
Battery Life
Lasting 20.5 hours in our ANSI High Mode Run time test, and 74 hours in our low mode test, the Sync offers better than average battery life performance.
Weight
At 86g, the Sync is a lightweight product, a bit better than average.
Ease of Use
Of the models with multiple modes, the Sync is the most obvious to use. With 5 light types and levels, the rotating switch leaves the user with clear instruction on how to choose the next level. This system is indeed much clearer than the one-button, multiple-press method that other products use. However, this rotating switch is basically impossible to use with one hand. Changing modes requires one hand to stabilize and another to turn the switch.
Conclusion
This is a good headlamp for occasional camping use. If don't you need to see long distances, and want a light that won't require frequent battery changes, this could be a good choice. Overall, while it doesn't offer nearly as many modes, we feel the Petzl Tikkina is a far better value in this size range.
Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by Testing.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
Learn More