Review: Princeton Tec's "Switch"

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Princeton Tec "Switch"


I liked the Princeton Tec "Switch" right out of the package, as I noticed it resolved several issues that I've had with other lights that purport to have the same functionality.  The Switch is also more versatile than similar products, as it can be mounted on a helmet, on your kit, or, with a special attachment, on your rifle as a last ditch gun light.  Some of the issues I've had with other lights of this type are that they are too easy to Accidentally Discharge (potentially compromising your patrol), that they are not bright enough, and that they are limited in how they can be used.


Take for example the Surefire helmet light.  One of the biggest problems was that it was too easy to AD the IR function on the light.  Of course, you can't see that it is on with the naked eye, so when you go out on patrol and go to use the light...whoops, batteries are drained.  With the use of IR tape and dedicated IR strobes, this always struck me as a pointless addition anyway.  The Princeton Tec light is much harder to AD as there is a single button that needs to be firmly pressed, rather than a small switch that needs to be flipped.

While not strong enough to be used as a primary light or a gun light, the Switch is great for reading maps, searching through buildings, and perhaps even packaging a casualty, although I'd prefer to have security up and several strong white lights on my casualty if at all possible.  Pressing the button once gets you a dim red light, twice a brighter red light, and holding it down gets you the white light.

Mounting is a easy process and the light is at the end of a bendable tube for better positioning as you work.  For my money, the Princton Tec would be my go to light for non-combat oriented tasks such as searches, reading documents, or questioning detainees.

Princeton Tec, dim red light

Princeton Tec, bright red light

Princeton Tec, white light


The Princeton Tec "Switch" retails for $59.99.


Kit Up! contributor Jack Murphy is a former Ranger, Special Forces Soldier and is the author of the military thriller Reflexive Fire.

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