Princeton Tec Fuel opinions?

[MindBrain]

Hey I just got a Princeton Tec Fuel headlamp. This is my first headlamp so obviously I'm no expert, but I was expecting a lot more. I have complaints, first the light has very noticeable shadows on the edges, particularly the sides, I can see these curved inward shadows on the left and right, and a long shadow on the bottom, I guess this is from the enclosure around the leds, but I was expecting something like a nice even circular flood. 2nd I don't like the excessive blue spot in the center of the light, light around it seems normal but then the very center has a distracting blue tint, I'd rather have all the light color consistent. Also I can see like halos in the center of the light, more so when using it up close, but again I was expecting the light to be more smooth. Anyway I paid $27 and I'm gonna take it back and put the money towards a Zebralight 501w is this a good idea, is Zebralight going to have any model upgrades soon that will render the 501w obsolete? I like the more compact design, single AA and better flood light. Is this correct will I be happier with the light output of the 501w compared to the Fuel? Anyone have other recommendations based loosely on this criteria? Thanks

Edit: Well I don't know yet I might keep this light, under normal use (as in not just pointing it at a blank wall) it works pretty good. The shadows on the edges still suck a bit but are less noticeable at the low power setting which is where I'll mostly use it, which it's good at, lasting 140 hours or so. Also I like the construction, it feels solid and is fairly comfortable to wear and use. I'll probably wait on buying a Zebralight and use this one as a backup when I do.

 

[vtunderground]

I think your assessment of the Fuel is pretty accurate. In my opinion, the Fuel & Remix are a step backwards from the (excellent) Eos & Quad designs.

 

[Beacon of Light]

I love my EOS 4-Mode. I was dabbling whether to get the Remix just for the 200 hour runtime on low, but if the construction is inferior I'll probably pass on it. Also read that the battery compartment needs a special tool which is part of the case and that the plastic may crack rendering the headlamp unuseable.

 

[woodentsick]

I think your assessment of the Fuel is pretty accurate. In my opinion, the Fuel & Remix are a step backwards from the (excellent) Eos & Quad designs.

I think the Remix is a good idea as it combines a super-bright spot beam with a bright enough flood beam, which is available coloured. However, I just don't see the point of the Fuel, it looks too lightweight and flimsy to compare with the Quad, which has a similar configuration (I think).

The EOS however gets my vote, I love it!:thumbsup:

Woodentsick

 

[woodentsick]

2nd I don't like the excessive blue spot in the center of the light, light around it seems normal but then the very center has a distracting blue tint, I'd rather have all the light color consistent.

My Petzl Tikka 2 with four 5mm LEDs also has a very annoying colour tint (purple). I think the headlamps with high-output LEDs (eg PT EOS) shouldn't have this problem.

 

[MindBrain]

Well I returned the Fuel and got the Quad. What sucks is after I open it I notice scratch marks on the button, look like a fingernail. And I notice on 1 of the leds a sizeable "scuff" mark of sorts, and a smaller (size of ballpoint head?) "scuff" mark on the one next to it. Also a light scuff mark on the back. Is this a bad sign? Should I take this one back and see what they say (haha how many times can I take it back) Could somone help please about the leds.

Also I don't get the documentation about the runtime for the Quad, it says "LOW 97H MED 99H HIGH 105H" so it runs longer at brighter setting? Or is this a typo?

That being said I like the beam of the Quad better then the Fuel as it fills my peripheral vision better. I like the Fuel for being more light and compact, and for the central arm pivot design which makes it a lot more easy to take on and off.

I want to keep the Quad but I want to know what the deal is with these leds, does anyone else have leds with "scuff" marks on them, yea I use quotes not sure what they are but that's what it looks like. Thanks for reading