Princeton Tex Apex or Apex Pro

[roberttheiii]

Should I get the regular Apex or the Apex Pro? I plan on running lithium AAs primarily in the regular Apex if thats what I go for, and if I understand mAh properly I'll have higher capacity running 4 lithium AAs then 2 CR123As. Am I correct in this? Any major advantages to the CR123s I'm missing? I think they may be slightly cheaper compared to Lithium AAs and I already have tons of 123 for my other lights, but I sort of like the idea of having a light or two around that can take some normal cells in a pinch. Thoughts, opinions, ideas?

Thanks!

R

 

[Gaffle]

I just have to lay down some of my 2cents. I am a AA kind of guy. If the *you know what* hits the fan you can always find some alks pronto.

 

[HEY HEY ITS HENDO]

Go the regular with rechargeable s
.......... forget the lithium AA primaries

 

[roberttheiii]

I agree with the fan hit theory. I've been looking around my collection of decent lights lately and realized the only thing that is solid and takes regular batteries is my Arc AAA. Thus I think the AAs may be a good call. I of course have some mags and old PT dive lights that take common batteries but they EAT them. On rechargeable, I agree, great idea, my problem is I tend to throw a light in say a hunting or sailing bag, forget about it for 3-8 months and expect it to just work, to the best of my knowledge rechargeables don't afford such a luxury.

Thanks as always for the fast responses!

EDIT: My apologies for enjoying snow

 

[greenLED]

Robert, I went with the Pro version, despite the reduced runtime. The Apex is big enough as it is, and 4AA stuck to the back of your head can bug some folks.

I thought about the SHTF scenario (or for travel) as well, but I have other lights I can use with AA and AAA's, and I have plenty of backup 123's that the issue is moot for my particular situation.

 

[LedSled]

It's not a big deal, either way.

I use NiMH AA's on my Apex, but on other lights I use Li-Ion RCR123's. I say, just go with your gut.

 

[cave dave]

The Pro is so light you don't even need the top strap. Its better balanced than even an EOS. The most comfortable headlamp I've ever worn.

While rare the Pro does have the same explosion potential as any multi cell lithium CR123 light. Except this time its on your head. Maybe more since it easily turns itself on in a pack and there is no way to lock it out.

The 4AA is quite heavy on the back of your head. The runtimes are much longer though even when using NiMh. Its a bit cheaper than the pro.

If you only use lithiums in each the Pro is cheaper to operate if you mail order your Li.

My preference is the 4AA with Eneloops, but I have a Pro as well. Actually I'll have a pro for sale very soon. It should be coming back from PT warranty any day now.

PS a modded EOS compares very well to the Pro on runtime (better) and brightness ( about the same).

 

[roberttheiii]

As always, thanks a ton for the input and new points to think about...The KaBoom is something I'd never considered...

 

[Fireman78]

Regardless of which batts- "The best flashlight in the world is the one you have with you."

 

[TorchBoy]

Regardless of which batts- "The best flashlight in the world is the one you have with you."

But if you don't have working batteries it's just so much useless plastic, metal and glass. :shrug:

 

[GrnXnham]

I LIKE the large battery holder of the 4AA PT Apex. I rest my head on it when I am laying my head back on the concrete floor when working under my car. It keeps the back of my head from contacting the concrete floor directly.

People talk about the increased weight of the 4AA PT Apex compared to the Pro. I find that I don't need the 3rd strap on the headlamp with the 4AA battery pack on. The weight doesn't bother me at all.

 

[Fireman78]

But if you don't have working batteries it's just so much useless plastic, metal and glass. :shrug:

Yes, but, you can run out of AA's too....

 

[mountainpenguin]

If you dont use it much then cr123's have another advantage. They dont go flat. I know you can get lithium aa's but they are very expensive (at least here in the uk).

 

[half-watt]

i have both and appreciate both for what they are.

i've modified one of my 4xAA Apex's for use with one of several remote battery packs (homemade 4xC; Pelican's 4xD battery box, etc.).

Brightguy.com has a new ApexExtreme (i have one already) which, like all PTec "Extreme" versions (viz. CoronaExtreme and YukonExtreme) uses 8xAA for power. i don't have much use with it yet.

if weight isn't an issue, then go for the EXTREME version of the Apex for very long burn times. Plus, MAX 3W output is listed as up from 60lumens to 70lumens.

 

[cave dave]

Brightguy.com has a new ApexExtreme (i have one already) which, like all PTec "Extreme" versions (viz. CoronaExtreme and YukonExtreme) uses 8xAA for power. i don't have much use with it yet.

Ooooh! That would make a nice bike light, with a SSC P4 in it! :thumbsup:

 

[Changchung]

I am waiting for the Apex Pro what I buy in Amazon, great deal, I am thinking in use this one with rechargables 3volts CR123...

 

[Spypro]

I'm temptated by the Apex (4aa) but I do care about runtime. On the PT website they advertise 150 hours, 100 hours, 50, 72... so what about real runtime ? What its look like after its out of regulation ? About 4 hours on high with 4 aa is pretty... but I'm wondering how it is looking after 20 hours out of regulation.

 

[cave dave]

I'm temptated by the Apex (4aa) but I do care about runtime. On the PT website they advertise 150 hours, 100 hours, 50, 72... so what about real runtime ? What its look like after its out of regulation ? About 4 hours on high with 4 aa is pretty... but I'm wondering how it is looking after 20 hours out of regulation.

Use NiMh it works much better in regulation, but not as long out of regulation.

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/pt_apex.htm

 

[Sarratt]

Regarding runtimes see here... http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=158648

GCBStokes has done a lot of work.

.