User Review: Princeton Tec Apex Pro

Princeton Tec Apex Pro
Above: The current Apex Pro, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed October 7, 2007 by Propter Hoc

Rating:
Price Paid: $89.99

Do your research! I bought this headlamp at REI and loved it, absolutely loved it, all throughout the first 4-day trip it took with me. Unfortunately, when I got home and started reading online about my new purchase I found many many reports of chronic cracking of the headlamp housing above the two screwholes which hold the housing shut (making it water resistant). Some even reported pieces of plastic falling off as a result. I looked at my housing and sure enough, after about 10 hours of use over the course of a 4-day trip, it was cracked.

I returned it to REI without any issue and picked up a Black Diamond Icon Rechargeable which was rated brighter than this Apex PRO. Unfortunately, it does not use CR123 batteries which are common to my Surefire lights and my SteriPen Adventurer, which was convenient for me. Also, subjectively, the Black Diamond does not seem as bright - though I may more reasonably be able to attribute that to the fact that I haven't had to trust my trip to this new contender yet in a new moon after my eyes have adjusted properly (the Apex Pro saved me on my 4-day during an unexpected long night trek during Septembers new moon).

UPDATE 06OCT07: I was looking at the Princeton Tec website today and cannot locate the Apex PRO anymore, only the AA Apex. I contacted Princeton Tec about this to ask if they are revising or recalling the model. I'll write more when I find out for sure. I sure hope they improve the housing materials and re-release it. I loved that light.

UPDATE 10OCT07: I received this reply from the military rep from Princeton Tec. In light of this assurance that any cracking is covered under warranty, the issue will be resolved, and there is potential that I can resolve the problem in the pre-fix model by loosening the torque on the housing screws a very small amount, I've decided to return the BD Icon I picked up and go back to the Apex PRO. The performance and battery compatibility benefits are just too great for me to ignore. See below... Also, as a result of the exceptional customer service response I've received from Princeton Tec, I've updated my rating to 5/5 stars. This was an exceptionally great product, with a flaw. The flaw is being resolved and the service is as top-notch as the products produced by this company.

James,

No the Apex Pro was not discontinued. It was never on our website. We need to update our website, but currently do not have any one to do it.
The Apex Pro is still available and you can purchase it at a few retailers. I can help you locate a retailer if you want. Also, they have been working on the cracking issue. We do cover this under the lifetime warranty. Apparently we are now using a shorter screw so the housing should not crack. The torque specs were set just a little too much on the machine and that was enough to cause the housing to eventually crack. I hope this answers your question. If you have any other questions or need help with a retailer please feel free to contact me directly or you can contact our customer service rep. XXXX@princetontec

Thanks,

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Princeton Tec
Industrial Sales/Customer Service Rep
XXX-XXX-XXXX

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