PT Quad other Options

[Mmiller]

I have a PT Quad now and I like the light, but sometimes I wish it was a little brrighter, a little less Blue tinted. (this is my 3rd one) The case kept cracking and I had to send it back in to get a replacement. The last one had very blue tint to it that actually bugs me, seems dimmer than my other two as well.

So I've started looking at options.

I use is to work on injection molding machines and doing electrical work as well. Its all close up work that I do so more spill the better.

AA or AAA would be best since work will supply these batteries to me.

I'm not worried about weight or battery packs so much, and if a little modding is requiered to get a great lite I'm open to that too.

Mike

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

You do know that the Quad has just been updated to Nichia GS l.e.d.s and is now 45 lumens, right? If you have an old one, you could just buy a new one. The EOS has been updated as well to 50 lumens and will be whiter. The EOS beam lights up three or four times the area of the original, though the Quad is still floodier. If you're afraid of another light cracking, try a 35 lumen Peztl Tikka Plus. It uses better plastic, but is less waterproof and not regulated. You could also try the Coleman 105 lumen Cree headlight from Walmart for $25.

 

[Mmiller]

What about a Zebralight ? How would it compare ?

I've read some good things about them (H50 model). I've read good things about all the models.

I will look at the one you mentioned.

I saw the E2 one but being inside electrical cabinets I would prefer plastic vs metal housings.

 

[saabgoblin]

How long are you leaving the batteries in the light for? I have heard that as batteries out gas, this can cause PT lights to crack and explode due to the O-ring seal containing the expanding gases. You might want to open the case more often so your headlamp can breathe.

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

Princeton Tec lights have a platinum catalyst in their lights to prevent this problem. It absorbs those gases so pressure doesn't build up in the light. Remember, they started as a dive light company. They know how to seal a flashlight without it exploding. I have never seen or heard of a Princeton Tec light exploding from a battery venting. The cracking isn't caused by built up pressure in the light. It's caused by overtightening the screw.

 

[saabgoblin]

I stand corrected. I just reread my Eos Tactical insert that tells of the Platinum Catalyst but I was going on personal experience from an old PT Solo that exploded from having old batteries left in the chamber. I don't believe that that lamp had/has a catalyst and I know for sure that I mixed batteries of differing ages and stored for a prolonged time in that fashion.

Could possibly still happen if the catalyst is damaged. Does the Quad have any screws, or is the screw/s you are referring to similar to the Eos battery compartment screw??? I am really interested in the new Quad Tactical.

I have always avoided the Apex for just that reason, plus the weight and size factor for backpacking. I have seen piles of Apexes at REI in the return section and I have been leery since I read the Flashlightreviews websitse talking of leaking/cracking on the Apex's housing.

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

I stand corrected. I just reread my Eos Tactical insert that tells of the Platinum Catalyst but I was going on personal experience from an old PT Solo that exploded from having old batteries left in the chamber. I don't believe that that lamp had/has a catalyst and I know for sure that I mixed batteries of differing ages and stored for a prolonged time in that fashion.

Could possibly still happen if the catalyst is damaged. Does the Quad have any screws, or is the screw/s you are referring to similar to the Eos battery compartment screw??? I am really interested in the new Quad Tactical.

I have always avoided the Apex for just that reason, plus the weight and size factor for backpacking. I have seen piles of Apexes at REI in the return section and I have been leery since I read the Flashlightreviews websitse talking of leaking/cracking on the Apex's housing.

Yes, the screw I was refering to was the on for the battery compartment. It is the same as the EOS. It sounds like your PT Solo headlight had alkaline batteries leak, not explode. When alkaline batteries are really low in power, they leak. Alkaline batteries are made in a way that when they have power, they have internal pressure on the battery seal which keeps them from leaking. When the batteries are drained well below 1 volt per cell, the internal pressure against the seal decreases. The seal then no longer holds in the contents and the cell leaks and expands into the battery compartment. This can cause corrosion of the battery contacts, a big mess to clean up, or destroy the light entirely. Technically, this is not an explosion, though it may seem like it to you if flashlight parts start flying off. This type of "explosion" can't be avoided in any light as it's from a design flaw of the battery.
Lithium and lithium ion batteries, on the other hand, have the potential to explode with a flame and release poisonous deadly gas if the light doesn't contain a platinum catatyst or other safety features (some of which are now in the batteries). NiMH batteries can release hydrogen and the platinum catalyst absorbs it. By the way, a PT Solo headlight does have a platinum catalyst. If it's anything like my old PT Matrix headlight, it will be on the black bottom half of the bulb and reflector assembly. It's black and round and reccessed into the base of that assembly near one of the contacts.

 

[saabgoblin]

Yes, it definitely leaked, cracked the cover, and put a beautiful patina on all of the contacts.Well imagine that, my second and only remaining solo is right next to my computer at work and you are spot on with the recess in the back. My other one is at home awaiting salvage for parts in an old Bright Guy box although I mostly keep it around for sentimental value.

Thanks for the information and it just goes to show that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.

 

[lumenal]

I have had my PT Quad for over a year, and really like the modes and floody beam pattern. I use it almost every night.

I have used NiMH cells exclusively, with great results.

IIRC, the old PT website supported alkaline, lithium, and NiMH cells for use in their headlamps.

I just checked the new PT site - and now PT is only listing alkaline and lithium cells for their headlamps.

With one exception - the Apex is listed with NiMH support.

Why aren't they listing NiMH cells to use in their headlamps anymore?

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

I'm sure that they just forgot to list that NiMH batteries are supported. There is no way that they aren't supported in a regulated headlight. NiMH batteries have a lower voltage than alkalines or lithiums. These lights aren't like Peztl's lights that will set your hair on fire if you use rechargeables. I checked the literature of my new EOS and Quad headlights and it clearly states that NiMH and NiCd batteries are supported (in the middle of the front page). However, the literature doesn't chart how bright and how long the rechargeable batteries will last like it does with alkalines and lithiums. This is probably because rechargeable batteries can have a variety of capacities unlike alkalines and lithiums.

 

[lumenal]

Thanks Hooked on Fenix, your explanation makes perfect sense.

I just checked the literature that came with my Quad, and like yours, it lists NiCad and NiMH, along with alkaline and lithium, as supported batteries.

 

[saabgoblin]

For as much as I like Princeton Tec products, I must say that their new site has quite a few technical inaccuracies and omissions of features.