REVIEW: Princeton Tec vs. Night Evolution Charge MPLS

Light on the helmet is almost a must nowadays, as it allows the man to have his hands free, enabling reading maps or moving in the dark with illumination by head movements. What used to be a mounted flashlight has now become small multifunctional light centers that make life easier for soldiers in many colors plus infrared. Here at SPARTANAT, we have brought together the original - the Princeton Tec Charge MPLS - and the corresponding replica from Night Evolution. (Click on images to enlarge.)

Here are the two Charges side by side, with the original on top. You can see a slight color difference in the details and the replica is a bit larger. The logos are also naturally different. Otherwise, at first glance, there is a great similarity. The small screw in the middle is used to secure the Charge to a helmet rail. The light is intended for this purpose without a specific mount, so that it can be attached, for example, to an Ops-Core Rail. It can be slid on in such a way that the body lies above or below the rail.

The backsides (left) also look quite similar. The differences are in the details. The small round button, which is meant to prevent sliding out of the rail when the MPLS is pushed on but not screwed on, is much firmer in the genuine light than in the replica. The bendable neck is also slightly better in the original than in the replica. On the right, you can see the lamp from the front (left) and back (right), with the original being on the right in each case. They look like fraternal twins...

But the essential thing is the illumination. Here we go through the colors and separate the wheat from the chaff. Both in red light...

...and in the green range (and IR, which we examined but did not photograph)...

...and in white light, it is immediately noticeable that the Princeton Tec lamp shines brighter than the Charge MPLS from Night Evolution. At short distances, this is very clear, and when using it to illuminate a dark room, the difference is not quite as strong. Princeton Tec uses a Maxibright LED with 55 lumens and can shine continuously for 46 hours. NE can produce 40 lumens for 7 hours.

The biggest difference between the original (pictured) and the replica is that the original comes in a version powered by CR123A and AA, while the replica comes only with the more Europe-friendly AA batteries that can be purchased at any supermarket at a normal price. And of course, there is the option to use rechargeable batteries, which saves money on batteries.

CONCLUSION: Both lamps are quite good. The original from Princeton Tec is slightly superior to its replica, as it is simply Mil-Spec. Those heading into action would be better off with it, while those seeking a replica as players will get very good quality from Night Evolution. In both cases, an excellent Helmet Light that is easy to use and reliably illuminates.

The original from Princeton Tec is available as a Pro version with CR123A - here at SKDTAC for $104.99 (excluding shipping) - and as an AA version, which costs $94.99 at SKDTAC (excluding shipping). Night Enforce offers a Charge Style MPLS in the AA version in Tan and Black for $39.90 (free shipping at J.K. Army). The mounting parts are the same for both: MICH, Ops-Core Rail, and MOLLE. Princeton Tec even includes a headband for use without a helmet.

Warriors of the Light: MARSOC in Kurdistan