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.
Beam Distance Photos
Princeton Tec Sync
Petzl Tikkina
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.
