Saint Minimus or PT Eos?

[edc3]

So I've got my REI 20% member discount and I want to put it towards a new headlamp. I just got an Irix II and I love the UI, but I'm not happy with the construction. I've narrowed my choices down to a Saint Minimus or a Princeton Tec EOS. As I see it, it breaks down like this:

EOS

Pros:

• Less than half the price
• Very well reviewed here
• Nice spot beam
• Able to be modded (neutral XP-G!)
• Can take rechargeable NiMH or Energizer lithium or alkaline
• Decent UI, nothing special
• Light
• Waterproof

Cons:

• 3xAAA format, I don't usually carry them
• Not as well built as the Minimus, plastic

Saint Minimus

Pros:

• Surefire warranty
• Bombproof construction
• CR123 format, same as the other lights I usually carry
• UI is fantastic
• Lower low?
• Wider beam pattern may suit my needs better
• It's a Surefire!

Cons:

• Does NOT take RCR123
• Price
• The possibility my wife finds out how much it cost

Help me out. Which would you buy and why?

Thanks!

 

[zemmo]

I have them both, but to be honest I like my Zebralight H51 better than either one, for general use. Minimus just doesn't have enough throw (great for reading, though). I really like the EOS, but the H51 isn't that much more; don't know if REI carries them though.

 

[red02]

The Minimus is also current controlled making it all the more efficient. Has more battery choices with the battery pack.

 

[jcalvert]

So I've got my REI 20% member discount and I want to put it towards a new headlamp. I just got an Irix II and I love the UI, but I'm not happy with the construction. I've narrowed my choices down to a Saint Minimus or a Princeton Tec EOS. As I see it, it breaks down like this:

EOS

Pros:

• Less than half the price
• Very well reviewed here
• Nice spot beam
• Able to be modded (neutral XP-G!)
• Can take rechargeable NiMH or Energizer lithium or alkaline
• Decent UI, nothing special
• Light
• Waterproof

Cons:

• 3xAAA format, I don't usually carry them
• Not as well built as the Minimus, plastic

Saint Minimus

Pros:

• Surefire warranty
• Bombproof construction
• CR123 format, same as the other lights I usually carry
• UI is fantastic
• Lower low?
• Wider beam pattern may suit my needs better
• It's a Surefire!

Cons:

• Does NOT take RCR123
• Price
• The possibility my wife finds out how much it cost

Help me out. Which would you buy and why?

Thanks!

edc3,

Although I don't have the St. Minimus, I strongly considered getting it before I found CPF and became educated on these matters. In the end, I chose to add to my Princeton Tec line-up, a Zebralight H31 and I'm sure glad I did. I got it on the MarketPlace for only $48. But like Zemmo figured, REI doesn't carry it.

So for now, you have the 20% coupon to use and I have the experience with three EOS's which are as nice as you detailed. However, I want you to seriously consider the PT Remix or Remix Pro. REI carries the Remix (70 lumens just like the EOS), but maybe not the Remix Pro yet. Anyway, look at PT's website for details, but in general it's way lighter than the EOS and much more versatile. You could give it a try and always return it if you don't like it. But I absolutely love mine and I use them everyday.

However, the PT I really want to point out to you is the Remix Pro. The biggest differences between it and the standard Remix is that the Pro is regulated, it's the only PT I'm aware of that starts out on low (which I prefer so as to not wake others in my tent or my wife at home) and most importantly, it uses CR123s. Even if you buy something at REI, if you decide you want to try the Remix Pro, I would refer you to BrightGuy.com where I found the lowest price of about $45.

Personally, now that I know about Zebralights for a really high output headlamp/pocket-clipped light, I put the Saint Minimus right out of my mind because the ZL's are every bit as well-built, they have higher output and at half the price.

Oh, and one last thing, if you really want an EOS, I have an extra, never used blue & gray one available, but w/o the packaging and it's also the 50 lumen model, which in PTs, you can hardly tell the difference between it and the 70 lumen version. If you were interested, I would sell it to you very cheap just to help you out and to get my wife to stop asking me when am I going to get rid of some of my stuff!

I hope this helps, but if you have any other questions, please don't hesiate to ask. After all, I love going to my local REI whenever I'm nearby Ann Abor, Michigan.

John

 

[vtunderground]

I have both, and IMHO the Eos' beam is more useful than the Saint's (especially if the Eos has been modded with an XP-G). The Saint doesn't have enough throw to see very far, but the beam is too tight to see the ground at your feet when you're walking.

I would only go for the Saint Minimus if I was absolutely dead set on buying a headlamp that took CR123s.

 

[red02]

The beam is wide enough (40-50deg) to see stuff at your feet while walking. Its also throws enough to see a good 40-60m ahead on high. I actually prefer it to the Zebralight which is too floody and can't throw 2-4m ahead.

Build quality is definitely going to be better. I know it doesn't seem like its important but the UI is outstanding. The ability to dial down or up the brightness level and not have to deal with preset levels is something that needs to be tried to be appreciated fully. Its also much more efficient and uses a more capacious battery.

I know the lack of throw is a problem for some but I found that its not comfortable using the spot as a headlamp. Besides thats what my Deree XRE is for...

The Saint has spoiled me on other lights.

 

[ChrisG]

From everything I've read, Zebra quality seems iffy (don't believe me, just search). To their credit they do seem to stand by their products, but I'd rather use my lights instead of wait for repairs.

In fairness, I don't own a Zebralight, but after reading about all the problems people have had with them I decided against trusting them.

Could be that the problems are overblown or that Zebra only seems to have issues because so many people buy them. Don't know.

 

[davidt1]

Red02 was comparing the Mimimus to the all flood H501, which is not supposed to have throw. Zemmo and jcalvert talked about the new reflectored ZL lights, the H51 and the H31.

 

[jcalvert]

Red02 was comparing the Mimimus to the all flood H501, which is not supposed to have throw. Zemmo and jcalvert talked about the new reflectored ZL lights, the H51 and the H31.

edc3,

davidt1 is correct on that, my H31 is a perfect blend of flood and throw as I use it for night walks and it's available in cool & neutral tints. I prefer cool.

As for build quality and durability, unless you plan on seeing if it survives a bomb blast, that's not something I would worry about.

Also, I agree that the Saint M's IBS UI is very appealing and was the primary reason I was considering it, but now that I have the H31 w/ electronic switch and 6 very easy to operate modes, I find that working the switch is really pretty slick and again at less than half the cost. For the price of the Saint M, you can get the H31 and the PT EOS or Remix Pro (at full retail) for the amount. On sale or w/ a CPF discount, that combo would be less than the Saint M.

I also forgot to mention that the Remix Pro is not only lighter than the EOS, (in fact it's only 2 grams more than the tiny, new PT Byte) it's also at least 1/3 smaller than the EOS. The switch on the Remixes are also more tactile and easier to operate than the EOS. And finally, the Remixes have two sets of LEDs, one Maxbright for throw, and a set of 3 Ultrabright LEDs in a cluster for flood with high and low on both sets. Lastly, the Remixes come in either all white LEDs, or a white Maxbright LED for throw and the 3 LED flood cluster is also available with red or green for night reading or blood tracking game. Personally, if your going with a PT, I suggest one of Remixes over EOSs.

John

 

[edc3]

Hey John,

Thanks for the info. Is there any problem with the battery door on the Remix?

Thanks,

Don

 

[Woods Walker]

The EOS has an O-ring to keep out water and is regulated. Not so sure about the Remix though. Given the price of the Minimus the EOS is down right cheap.

 

[nick-nack]

A little OT - but from some older posts with beamshot pics of the Minimus, there was a few problems with green tints and light artifacts.

Are these problems still there, or have they been fixed?

 

[umc]

I vote for the minimus, I love mine.

CR123 is important to me as that is my primary battery of choice and I love the UI, it's the best IMHO for this time of setup.

anyway, that being said, I have a Zebralight H30 which I like because of the CR123, size and pure flood, it's good for around the house at night. So, I decided to pickup the H31 last week ordered direct from zebralight and it got here quick, within a couple of days plus free shipping. Anyway, this is a nice light, give it a look. As jcalvert said, it's a nice blend of throw and flood, I wanted it for the low low but because of the throw that is more than I need even at night around the house, still like the light though and it's super bright on the high end, 220 OTF lumens.

I'm thinking about testing my H31 in the clip holder on my bunker gear and seeing if it's something that will stay put and be useable, if so I will probably ordering another, great little light.

OT:

jcalvert, where are you in Michigan?

I'm just north of AA a little ways

 

[vtunderground]

A little OT - but from some older posts with beamshot pics of the Minimus, there was a few problems with green tints and light artifacts.

Are these problems still there, or have they been fixed?

My Saint is about a month old... it has the same square artifact in the middle of the beam (the projection of the die of the LED), and the prismatic halo at the corners of the beam. For me, neither is a big deal in actual use.

The tint is a little strange... because of the optic, the light on the edges of the beam is greenish, then it transitions to white, and then the light in the middle of the beam is blueish. Again, for me this isn't a big deal in actual use. This picture might help show what I'm talking about as far as beam tint:

 

[kelmo]

I have a couple of Minimuses and love them. One for general use and one is stored in my truck. Max output is very useful when scrounging around for firewood when camping.

I don't own a PT but it looks like a nice light. Any headlight is better than no headlight.

 

[mossyoak]

After buying two zebralights and them both failing catastrophically within the first 6 months I'm done with them, had a saint minimus that had terrible artifacts and kept getting hung up in the 10 lumen detent, however my lowly PT EOS 50 lumen rebel has been awesome never a problem. Perfect beam tint, shape, and output. The only thing I would consider replacing it with is a remix pro

 

[edc3]

I really appreciate all the suggestions. Now I'm more confused than ever. :shakehead

I was pretty set on getting the Minimus or the EOS. Now I'm seriously looking at the ZL H31w and the Remix Pro. Well, I'm off to REI to pick up some delicious freeze-dried food and to try the Minimus one more time...

 

[jcalvert]

Hey John,

Thanks for the info. Is there any problem with the battery door on the Remix?

Thanks,

Don

Hey Don,

I haven't had a problem with any of my four (4) Remixes and one (1) Remix Pro's doors, but I did have an older PT Fuel that I accidentally broke the door, when I torqued on it to open it, instead of wedging it open as I should have. However, PT promptly replaced it. But the material used on the newer PT products seems to be of better quality.

FYI, none of the Remixes have an O-ring seal at the door closure. Some have complained about this, and although I've used both versions in the rain and snow, I probably wouldn't go scuba diving with it, otherwise a lack of an O-ring has never been an issue at all.

I vote for the minimus, I love mine.

CR123 is important to me as that is my primary battery of choice and I love the UI, it's the best IMHO for this time of setup.

anyway, that being said, I have a Zebralight H30 which I like because of the CR123, size and pure flood, it's good for around the house at night. So, I decided to pickup the H31 last week ordered direct from zebralight and it got here quick, within a couple of days plus free shipping. Anyway, this is a nice light, give it a look. As jcalvert said, it's a nice blend of throw and flood, I wanted it for the low low but because of the throw that is more than I need even at night around the house, still like the light though and it's super bright on the high end, 220 OTF lumens.

I'm thinking about testing my H31 in the clip holder on my bunker gear and seeing if it's something that will stay put and be useable, if so I will probably ordering another, great little light.

OT:

jcalvert, where are you in Michigan?

I'm just north of AA a little ways

Hi umc,

I'll PM you after I finish these replies about my location.

As for the ZL H31's lower low, I guess I'm showing how quickly my eyes are aging, I'm only 49, but with my eysight, I couldn't see anything if it was any lower, LOL!

I have a couple of Minimuses and love them. One for general use and one is stored in my truck. Max output is very useful when scrounging around for firewood when camping.

kelmo,

I don't own a PT but it looks like a nice light. Any headlight is better than no headlight.

I would love to try a Saint M, but alas, two kids w/ college right around the corner. One wants the University of Michigan, GO BLUE! The other wants to attend Michigan State, GO GREEN! Today's the big rivalry game at 3:30p.m. ET and we have a house divided, GO BLUEEN, LOL!

And I couldn't agree more that any headlight is better than no headlight. I literally use mine every single day!

After buying two zebralights and them both failing catastrophically within the first 6 months I'm done with them, had a saint minimus that had terrible artifacts and kept getting hung up in the 10 lumen detent, however my lowly PT EOS 50 lumen rebel has been awesome never a problem. Perfect beam tint, shape, and output. The only thing I would consider replacing it with is a remix pro

mossy,

That sucks that you had such problems with two of the supposedly more high tech lamps, but at least the EOS was available when you needed it. I would encourage trying out the Remix Pro. Hopefully you saw my BrightGuy.com reference earlier, $45.00 and well worth it. But never get rid of that EOS, I have three of the 50 lumen Rebels and there are very well-built. But I love that Remix Pro! Incidentally, I thought my EOS's were not regulated as I confirmed that the 70 lumen model is, do you know if the 50 lumen model is also regulated? I never use them any more because of the Remixes and now the H31.

I really appreciate all the suggestions. Now I'm more confused than ever. :shakehead

I was pretty set on getting the Minimus or the EOS. Now I'm seriously looking at the ZL H31w and the Remix Pro. Well, I'm off to REI to pick up some delicious freeze-dried food and to try the Minimus one more time...

edc3,

Well, I guess it depends on your budget to start with and then go to the features you prefer and then determine the cost-to-benefit ratio (or value).

If you can afford to, perhaps buy them all and keep the one or ones you like most. If your budget is limited, you can't go wrong with EOS (3xAAA) or IMO, the Remix Pro (1xCR123). Then IMO, go to the ZL H31 (1xCR123) and finally the Saint M (1xCR123). Based on personal and practical experience, I place the Remix Pro on the same playing field with ZL H31 based on price and features, but quite different looking lamps.

FYI, some have complained that Saint M's housing blocks the light when it's pointed toward the ground near your feet, but I don't know that by personal experience, so proceed acordingly. Perhaps you could Google "Surefire Saint Minimus problems" and see if anything about that issue shows up.

Hopefully all this info helps, but again, feel free to keep asking us, we're all here to help!

 

[vtunderground]

Incidentally, I thought my EOS's were not regulated as I confirmed that the 70 lumen model is, do you know if the 50 lumen model is also regulated?

All of the Eos versions have been regulated.

 

[crizyal]

I LOVE my Saint Minimus! I use it all the time. The beam pattern is perfect for me. I fills my field of view when I aim it up a bit. Very sturdy construction. I have a Zebra light H50 that I also like, though not nearly as much. It is the AA version and it is all flood. It has given me no trouble at all. When I go for my headlamp, it is always the Minimus. I reserve the Zebra light for a loaner. I have never owned a PT, though I have heard many good things about them. If cost was a major issue, I think I would probably go that route. Especially after hearing about so many issues with the Zebra lights.