Princeton Tec Vizz Review

Product Update Since We Tested It

The recent incarnation of the Vizz has updated specs, but no aesthetic changes:

• Beam Distance — The new Vizz has a claimed beam distance of 78m, compared to the claimed distance of 90m in the version we tested.

• Run Time — Princeton Tec claims that the new version of the Vizz has a high-beam run time of 1hr and a low-beam run time of 104hrs for the flood setting and 150hrs for the red setting. The version we tested had a claimed high-beam run time of 3hrs and a claimed low-beam run time of 120hrs.

• Increased Lumens — The new Vizz has 205 lumens vs. 165 lumens in the version we tested.

Hands-On Review Of The Older Vizz

Princeton Tec has a long history of making headlamps. Petzl, Black Diamond, and Princeton Tec represent the companies most recognized in the outdoor world for their headlamps. As compared to these other manufacturers, Princeton Tec has fallen behind lately. Generally, they have a great foundation, but the products seem to be overpriced for the performance.

Performance Comparison

Trail Finding

The trail finding score of 6 of 10 is good, but not great, especially for a $50 light. For example, see the beam comparison photo with the Coast HL7 (8 of 10 score) below, which is brighter and less expensive.

Close Proximity

The Black Diamond Spot pulls ahead of the Vizz with a 7 of 10 score to the Vizz's 6 of 10. The Spot casts a very even beam immediately around you, whereas the Vizz has a hot spot in the middle which makes it harder to see everything in your nearby wide field of vision.

Battery Life

In an earlier OutdoorGearLab review we wrote about the Vizz that:


Now, in 2015, Princeton Tec has softened their claims of high-mode run-time while our testing showed the exact same performance. What a refreshing industry move. Thank you, Princeton Tec, for moving marketing materials back in line with industry standards. Our 2015 Vizz model is claimed to run on high mode for 3 hours, and our light coffin test indicated a high mode run time of 3.2 hours. In absolute terms, this is not a spectacular score. But we must commend the company for an attempt at transparent marketing materials.

Brightness

The brightness score of the Vizz is right in the middle of the pack, but behind its closest competition. It cast a beam 58m compared to the Black Diamond ReVolt's 56m and the Coast's 131m.

Weight

At 94 grams, this is a very standard weight compact headlamp, and is nearly exactly the weight of the ReVolt. It will fit easily in your pocket, but can't be considered an ultralight headlamp like the Petzl e+LITE, which is less than a third of the weight at 30 grams. The heaviest headlamp in our review, and a Top Pick award winner, the Fenix HP25R is a burly brick next to the Vizz. The Fenix throws light almost three times as far as the otherwise bright Vizz.

Best Applications

This is a general purpose headlamp for use in the home, car, or around camp.

Value

At $50, this is a premium priced light. Its main competitors cost about the same while delivering more performance.

Conclusion

At $50, the Vizz faces some tough competition. We recommend the contender for the Editors' Choice award, the Black Diamond Spot, which scored higher is most metrics, costs $10 less and delivers a respectable battery life. The Black Diamond ReVolt is rechargeable, costs just a bit more, has way better battery life and similar brightness. Or, if battery life is not crucial, spend about the same and get the Coast HL7 which delivers a far more powerful beam in high mode for the same (short) battery life as the Vizz.