(No Ratings Yet)
Loading... 
fearture_Charge X Opertion
(PC - Princeton Tec)
The Charge X® from Princeton Tec is a new helmet light that offers exceptional versatility and adaptability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Its utility extends beyond the tactical, although that’s what it was primarily designed for.
One of its standout features is its dual-fuel capability, which the original Charge lacks. This feature allows the Charge X to be powered by either a single CR123 lithium battery, AA lithium batteries, or AA alkaline batteries.
Even the matte black version does not stand out (PC – Princeton Tec).
The Charge X offers a regulated 100-lumen Maxbright dimmable white LED (nearly double the max output of the original Charge) and colored Ultrabright LEDs. The red LED preserves night vision and is good for reading maps, the green LED enhances clarity and contrast with the second best color for preserving night vision, and the blue LED can highlight blood traces under specific circumstances. The infrared (IR) LED features constant on and strobe modes that enable covert operations and IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) with Night Observation Devices (NODs).
Intuitive Controls
Another unique feature of the Charge X is its programmable LEDs. Users can customize the order in which the colored LEDs appear upon activation, allowing for highly personalized performance based on specific needs. The Charge X also features an easy-to-find button for quick activation and dimming. The switch is protected to help prevent accidental activation.
The Charge X is a new dual-fuel, multi-color helmet light featuring 100 lumens of dimmable white light, as well as red, green, blue, and IR LEDs. Its design features and flexibility make it an outstanding lighting solution for tactical needs (PC—Princeton Tec).
The Charge X is designed with a user-friendly interface that allows for easy operation and customization of the light settings. It ships with the red light selected first by default. A single press of the switch activates the red light, two presses switch to green, and three presses change the light to blue. Four presses turn the light off.
A long press activates the white light at 80% brightness from any color mode. If you’re already in white light mode, a long press initiates the dimming feature. After dimming, the next press turns the light off.
Chart showing performance of the Charge X (PC – Princeton Tec).
Infared
When the light is off, a 2-second press activates the infrared (IR) LED, and a 1-second long press then triggers the IR strobe. A 5-second long press will unlock and lock the light.
When the light is locked, three flashes from the red LED indicate that. Any other press results in a single red blink.
Weighing just 2 ounces, ChargeX is a comfortable and versatile lighting solution that is easy to use while minimizing strain on the user and other equipment (PC – Princeton Tec).
Other Colors
Users have the flexibility to program the sequence in which the three color LEDs—red, green, and blue—activate. To enter the programming mode, one needs to press and hold the button for 8 seconds from the off state. Once in the programming mode, the current color LED will start blinking rapidly. A single press will cycle through the colors—red, green, and blue. When the desired color is reached, pressing and holding the button for 8 seconds will lock in the selection and exit the programming mode.
This intuitive control scheme allows users to quickly and easily adjust the Charge X to their specific lighting needs. The switch is conveniently located on the side of the rugged polymer body of the light. It’s large and easy to operate, even with heavy gloves.
There are various mounting options, including a helmet side mount, MOLLE / PALS mount, above-rail mount, Picatinny / M1913 mount, head strap, and hook-and-loop.
The Charge X’s design is both flexible and low-profile. Its upgraded flex-neck design allows for easy and accurate spot illumination, adapting to different tasks and ensuring precise lighting where it’s needed most. As one of the lowest-profile helmet lights available, the Charge X minimizes impact on rail space, leaving room for other essential attachments.
Mounting Options
The Charge X comes with a variety of mounting options that make it adaptable to a wide range of user requirements. It includes a standard nylon head strap, helmet side mount, ARC and EXFIL® rail mounts, MLOK®, and Picatinny mounts. It also features a MOLLE/PALS mount for tactical gear, an above-the-rail mount for unobstructed illumination, and adhesive hook & loop tape for flexible placement. The use of Night Observation Devices (NODs) isn’t hindered by the Charge X, unlike the case with a traditional headlamp.
The Charge X comes with a CR123 lithium battery. Lithium batteries provide optimal cold-weather performance and have a 10-year shelf-life. The light has up to a 50-hour run time, and battery replacement takes only seconds.
Other Specifications
Weight matters. It all adds up. Helmets are uncomfortable enough by themselves. At just 2 ounces (approximately 55 grams), the Charge X is very lightweight. It’s comfortable for extended use and minimizes equipment strain when mounted. It’s a versatile and user-friendly lighting solution.
The Charge X is 1PX8 rated (some boxes were misprinted with IPX7). It can withstand continuous submersion in water up to 2 meters deep. This level of water resistance makes the Charge X exceptionally durable and reliable, making it a robust lighting solution for demanding situations where exposure to water is a factor. For comparison, the original Charge was IPX7 rated for submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
Closing Thoughts
These are low profile enough that they do not interfere with other helmet-mounted accessories.
The Princeton Tec Charge X stands out as a versatile and adaptable lighting solution. Its lightweight design, coupled with an IPX8 water resistance rating, makes it suitable for a wide range of environments and conditions. The light’s user-friendly interface allows for easy customization of light settings, ensuring it meets the specific needs of its users. Whether you’re in law enforcement or the military or need a reliable source of hands-free light, the Charge X is a robust and dependable choice. Its combination of durability, flexibility, and user-friendly design truly sets it apart.
The Charge X’s MSRP is $149.99. Unlike the Model T, it is available in black, tan, or olive drab. Made in the USA, it has a one-year warranty against defects in material or workmanship.
