Headlamps
Product 2018
Woman, Man
With 300 lumens and 88 grams, the Black Diamond Spot headlamp better than the Bindi Petzl (https://www.test4outside.com/product/petzl-bindi/) 35g, 200-lumens; the Ledlenser SE05 105g (https://www.test4outside.com/en/produit/ledlenser-seo-5/) 180 lumens.
The Spot is more like the Petzl Actik Core (https://www.test4outside.com/en/produit/petzl-actik-core/) 80g, 350 lumens.
The main positives of this Black Diamond headlamp are its waterproofness and toughness. Some users had problems with humidity: but not us. Its construction is very thorough, with quality materials. The seal is reassuring, we weren’t afraid to drop the Spot in the water or go out in the rain. Ditto for sand: all the contacts are protected as well as the batteries. The Spot by Black Diamond has received the famous IPX 8 standard which corresponds to immersing for 30-minutes at a depth of one meter.
We really liked the battery access door opening. It may seem like a mere detail but it is often the weak point of a headlamp. Yes, it is not easy to open, you need strong fingers, but at least you know it closes well. The hinge is tough, it’s not fragile like some products.
We would have liked clearer indications concerning the polarity of the batteries: color, maybe more visible pictograms. When you change batteries, you are most probably in the dark or semi darkness, it is important to know which way to put the batteries. The battery housings are not arranged on the same plane. The profile of the box is beveled, the designers were forced to shift the batteries. The result? Two batteries are easy to grasp with the end of your finger. You have to use a fingernail to take out the third.
As usual, the Black Diamond is powered by 3 small batteries (AAA). Batteries that are found all over the world. To our knowledge, the headlamp cannot be equipped with a rechargeable batteries. That’s a shame, as it is a general trend now to charge a battery using a USB socket or use AAA batteries.
In the depths of the night, outside, what is the Black Diamond Spot worth? It’s wise to read the instruction booklet before using it outdoors. You need to learn good reflexes and become familiar with the many lighting modes. The key is to identify the upper button, sensitive to short presses (on and off ) or prolonged (change the intensity of the beam, “lock” the headlamp). If you press it three times, you switch to “Strobe” mode, the lamp flashes.
The secret bonus of the Black Diamond Spot is on the right side of the lamp. A sensor records and transmits the impulses of the finger to change from one light beam to another: precise, powerful, peripheral lighting … Just tap and the headlamp obeys. Well it’s the principle because depending on the finger pressure, where it hits the box, the transmission of information passes more or less well.
Out and about, the seven modes and different ways to access them require concentration and it’s not always intuitive. The advantage: there’s no massive and fragile switch on this Spot.
The quality, the definition of the beams are good, we mainly used the maximum lighting which is given for 300 lumens, 80 meters and 30 hours. These figures are consistent, they will however be modulated according to the temperature, and the quality of the batteries. The reduced weight of these batteries is quite practical. It is wise to have another set in your pocket. The optimized peripheral lighting (BD formula) is pleasant for reading maps or reading in a bivouac.
The Black Diamond Spot is compact. Its weight of 88 grams (52g + 36g of batteries) is perfect for activities like mountaineering, climbing, ski touring … But when used in trail running, you feel the pack in small up and down movements. It moves a little so you need to tighten it a little more around the head: be careful, find the right dosage to avoid getting a headache!
The wide strap is adjustable in the blink of an eye. It’s easy ti incline the headlamp and the notches hold well.
Beware of the central lighting whose lens is in the front row: it is sensitive to scratches and big knocks.
The Black Diamond is a tough, waterproof headlamp, designed for adventure. Its complex operation requires learning the instructions for use to have instant reflexes and use the headlamp efficiently. A product for mountaineers, climbers, and hikers.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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