PrincetonTec Switchback 3 Lights review
About me: I’m an avid cyclist, I ride road, mountain and I commute to work on a bike. I’m 5’7″ and about 170lbs.
Type of Rider:I consider myself a recreational Mountain Biker, I enjoy riding with my buddies for the sheer pleasure of riding. Although I usually ride the ‘mild’ Fullerton Loop, I’ve ridden Whiting Ranch, The Luge, Aliso Woods, Turnbull Canyon, Chino Hills and Powder Canyon.
Product:Princeton Tec Switchback 3 Lights.
Specs:
3X3W MaxBright LED
Current regulated for constant output
Rapid smart charger (US/UK/European Adapters)
Helmet and handlebar mounts
12V car charger
Battery life indicator
water resistant
4 light modes
Burn Time:
High: 6 Hours
Medium: 12 Hours
Low: 50 Hours
Flash: 6.5 Hours
Retail Price:$379.00 at Colorado Cyclist.
Thumbs Up: Compact design, big button, 4 light modes, bright beam, dual mounts, long Burn Time, Quality.
Thumbs Down: Price, Battery Weight.
My opinion:
Right out of the box, I was able to see that the lights and accessories were of top notch quality. Princeton Tec loaded the light system with different plugs, wires, straps and mounts. My first ride I rode with the lights on the handlebars, the beam was clear and bright although somewhat narrow, the battery pack was a little tricky to install since I didn’t have a water bottle holder attached to my bike. We rode close to 2 hours, the light beam never dimmed and was consistent throughout the ride. On my next ride, I attached the Switchback 3 to my helmet and placed the battery on my water pack. I ride with a Camelbak Mule, it had adequate space for the bulky battery and the weight was noticeable in my back. With the lights mounted on the helmet, the beam reach was noticeable, the lights illuminated the path for quite a distance. I also rode with the NiteRider MiNewt Dual on the bars and the Switchback 3 on the helmet, when I had all 5 lights on high beams, the path was ridiculously lit. In fact, my 2 buddies’ lights were drowned on my lights.
I think that the lights are a little expensive and overkill for the average recreational rider. However, if you ride endurance events or epic night rides, the Switchback 3 are a great value because of their burn time.
For more information on this product, visit www.switchback321.com
