Princeton Tec Sync Review

Updated - February 2017

Princeton Tec has informed us of some technical updates to the Sync headlamp in its latest version. Keep reading for details and to check out the side-by-side comparison below with the new version on the left and the version we tested on the right!

Here's a summary of the key updates:

• Beam Distance — Princeton Tec has changed their claimed beam distance from 58m in the version we tested to 38m in the newest version.

• Run Time — The claimed run time for the version we tested was 75hrs, the newest version of the Sync has a claimed dual beam run time of 97hrs, and a claimed high spot run time of 144hrs.

• Water Resistance — The new Sync has a water resistance rating of IPX4. To learn more about water resistance ratings, check out our Buying Advice article!

Hands-On Review

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 30m, the lenses on the Sync make the most of it and send an even, usable beam that entire distance. The Sync isn't expensive, but when it comes to trail finding it must be compared to the only-a-few-dollars-more Coast HL7. The Coast throws its beam four times as far without costing much more. Check out the beam comparison below for a clear and obvious difference in trail finding chops.

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 9.4 hours in our ANSI High Mode Run time test, the Sync is exactly tied with our Editors' Choice winner, the Black Diamond ReVolt. However, the truly secure lock mode on the ReVolt tilts things in its favor. It doesn't matter how efficient the batteries are if the light comes on inadvertently. That being said, we didn't have any actual problems with the Sync coming on unintentionally. Additionally, we must point to a limitation of our testing. We tested each light's run time in its respective highest mode. The brightest lights with lower modes, can be run for much longer than our raw numbers indicate if used in those lower modes. Our final battery life scores indicate this. So the brighter ReVolt will ultimately outlast the much dimmer Sync.

Brightness

The Sync is not strong in the brightness category. Scoring 3 of 10 puts it essentially tied for third worst in this category. As compared to the similarly priced Petzl Tikka Plus, for instance, the Petzl throws light 11m and 30 percent further.

Weight

At 86g, the Sync is right in the mix with most of the high scoring compact headlamps. The Editors' Choice winning ReVolt weighs slightly more at 104g, but our Best Buy Petzl Tikkina weighs exactly the same.

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.

Best Applications

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.

Value

With so may excellent products crowding this price point, and even below, Princeton Tec is hard up against some strong competition. With multiple, clearly delineated modes and long high-mode battery life, this product is sure to win some hearts, especially if it is found on sale to bring the price even closer to that of the Tikkina.

Conclusion

This headlamp offers many modes and a long battery life for the price, we just wish it was brighter.

Other Versions and Accessories

Princeton Tec Byte

• Cost - $20

• 70 Lumens

• Super compact headlamp

• Works well for trail finding

Princeton Tec Remix

• Cost - $40

• 100 Lumens

• Bright close-proximity beam