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We've already had the chance to use the Princeton Tec Matrix 2 several times this winter on our early morning approaches to the ice at Hyalite. It is by far the brightest LED headlamp on the US market (about 50% brighter than the Black Diamond Zenix). 2xAA lithium batteries have been putting out constant brightness in our cold winter conditions for about 12-16 hours. This is the only LED headlamp we've tried that is actually suitable for mountaineering and long-range navigation.
The Princeton Tec Matrix 2 also accepts 2xAA "Photo Lithium" batteries, available from Energizer and commonly found at Wal-Mart. With these batteries, you get better cold weather performance (better sustained brightness) and they drop the total headlamp weight to 4.7 oz.
The Princeton Tec Matrix 2 is the recipient of a BackpackingLight.com 2004 Trail's Best Award:
"The Princeton Tec Matrix 2 offers bright, sustained light that exceeds the performance of many halogen lights. With its 1-watt LED offering up to 12 hours of sustained bright light, it was the only LED headlamp reviewed suitable for serious mountaineering or off-trail navigation requiring long range lighting. The Princeton Tec Matrix 2 has one of the best performance to weight ratios of any light we've tested. It is waterproof, can be turned on and off with heavily mittened hands, offers simple battery changes, allows for the use of AA lithium batteries for cold weather performance and weight savings, and has a rugged design."
Read the entire review at BackpackingLight.com.
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