For over four decades, Princeton Tec has been at the forefront of innovative lighting solutions, providing reliable, high-performance products for outdoor enthusiasts, military personnel, and industrial workers. Princeton Tec was established by Bill Stephens in Princeton, New Jersey in 1975. Since then they have built a reputation for quality, durability, and ingenuity, consistently delivering lighting products that meet the rigorous demands of their diverse customer base. According to Princeton Tec, light makes anything possible. It serves as a symbol of hope and innovation.
In 1975 Bill Stephens created the Bottom Timer and at that moment Princeton Tec was born. They innovated how divers calculate their bottom time to safely remain underwater before nitrogen builds up in their blood. In the mid-1970s, only one luxury brand made a waterproof wristwatch, which was unaffordable for most divers. The Bottom Timer was the first, fully automatic waterproof underwater stopwatch for SCUBA divers that allowed scuba divers to track their time underwater.
After digital watches gained popularity in the early ’80s, sales of the Bottom Timer declined, prompting Princeton Tec to shift its focus to lighting. The company introduced the Bottom Light, the first affordable waterproof light for divers. This innovation marked the beginning of Princeton Tec’s ongoing journey in lighting technology. Made from high-quality, injection-molded plastic, these lights continue to set the standard in the industry. The Bottom Light was an instant success. Princeton Tec began offering them in a rainbow of colors, capturing the vibrant spirit of the ’80s. Divers eagerly matched their flashlights to their wetsuits. They added a wrist cord, restyled the packaging to include batteries, and expanded their market to law enforcement and firefighters.
As the company grew, so did the demand for better lighting. The Bottom Light evolved into the TEC 40 and TEC 400, both of which are still produced today. Princeton Tec also introduced the iconic Sector 5 and Sector 7 pistol grip spotlights.
TEC 40
Sector 5
Sector 7
The Power of Princeton Tec Headlamps
Following this, Princeton Tec released the industry’s first headlamps, revolutionizing their business. This innovation attracted a new group of customers, including rock climbers, campers, sled mushers, utility workers, and global peacekeepers. The Solo was Princeton Tec’s first waterproof/water-resistant headlamp launched in 1996. After this the first LED headlamp was introduced in 2001 called the the Maxbright LED Matrix, offering even more burn time and efficiency with a brighter bulb. Many new headlamp designs followed, each refined and manufactured to withstand nearly any condition. These headlamps offer a range of brightness settings, long battery life, and are designed to be lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for extended use in the great outdoors.
Matrix
Apex
Sync
From the early days of crafting high-quality dive lights to expanding into headlamps, bike lights, and tactical lighting, the company has maintained its commitment to innovation and excellence. This legacy is evident in their wide range of products that cater to different needs, from underwater exploration to night-time trail running.
Lighting the Frontline with Princeton Tec's Tactical Lights
Princeton Tec’s tactical lights are engineered for use by military personnel and law enforcement. These products are built to meet stringent specifications, offering features such as infrared capabilities, durable construction, and compatibility with various mounting systems. They provide dependable performance in the most demanding environments.
Princeton Tec initially supplied the U.S. military with underwater strobe lights for Navy SEAL training swims. Today, they produce both standard and custom products for law enforcement, first responders, military personnel, and other everyday heroes. From MPLS task lights to compact headlamps, their products are designed to perform flawlessly in the most demanding environments.
In 2010, Princeton Tec introduced the Point MPLS, their first product specifically designed for tactical users. This compact helmet light features the exclusive flexi-neck design allowing users to direct light where they need it and for operation, it features a simple push button.
Point MPLS
CHARGE
SWITCH RAILINK
Lighting Up Adventures with Princeton Tec's Lantern Solutions
In the early 2000s, Princeton Tec set out to create a superior lantern for their customers. They envisioned a durable, user-friendly light packed with intuitive features. After extensive design and engineering efforts, they introduced their first lantern, the Helix, in 2014. This innovative lantern can hang, sit, dim, collapse, and even glow in the dark. Princeton Tec has since expanded this product line with additional models, increased lumens, and rechargeable options.
EXPANDING HORIZONS
Princeton Tecs catalog has expanded to feature lights for nearly any situation, condition, and environment. Today, they produce products for a wide range of customers, including active service members, first responders, everyday heroes, and adventure seekers. Their offerings also include dive lights and bike lights that ensure visibility and safety and are designed to withstand vibrations and high impacts while providing steady illumination. For industrial workers, Princeton Tec offers lighting solutions built to endure harsh working conditions. These lights are durable, reliable, and easy to use, ensuring workers have the illumination needed to perform their tasks safely and efficiently.
Princeton Tec has earned its place as a leader in the lighting industry through decades of dedication to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. Their extensive range of products, designed for various applications and environments, reflects their understanding of the diverse needs of their customers.
Do you want to know more about Princeton Tec’s products? Please contact us at intel@cobbsindustries.com or directly Request Intel.

