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Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp
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Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp

Item # 771451

$39.95

Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)

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Punch a hole through the darkness with this ultra-bright headlamp supplying far-reaching illumination for skiers, climbers, hikers, paddlers and more.

  • Equipped with one 1-watt LED and three 5mm SuperBright LEDs for amazing brightness and total lighting versatility
  • HyperBright 1-watt LED is housed in an updated reflector that allows it to project a brighter, farther-reaching beam of light than the original Spot
  • Streamlined design sets the beam at an efficient illumination angle; ratcheting swivel head aims light where you need it
  • Switch on top lets you select from three lighting levels and a strobe mode for each bulb type for a total of six brightness levels and two strobes!
  • Water-resistant construction delivers reliability in inclement weather
  • Compact design fits securely around head with adjustable elastic band that won't pull hair
  • Runs on three AAA batteries (included); battery compartment is just behind LEDs for a compact design

After testing a slew of ultralight mini-headlamps, here is how Backpacker Magazine (March 2006 Gear Guide issue) rated the Black Diamond Spot headlamp: ''Our top choice for cool weather, because its buttons are usable when you're wearing gloves.''

Please note: Black Diamond products can only be shipped to the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Imported.

Item 771451

Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp Specs

Specification

Description

Bulb typeLED
Bulb detail1 1-watt LED / 3 5mm LEDs
Weight with batteries3 ounces
Dimensions2.27 x 1.69 x 1.4 inches
Light output60 lumens
Maximum beam distanceHigh: 70 / low: 10 meters
Brightness levels6
Beam typeFlood / spot
Strobes2
Regulated outputNo
Battery life at 70 degreesHigh: 100 / low: 200 hours
Batteries3 AAA
MaterialPlastic
RechargeableNo

Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp
 
4.2

(based on 36 reviews)

83%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Bright (35)
  • Good battery life (23)
  • Adjustable beam (18)
  • Durable (18)
  • Stable (17)

Cons

  • No beam adjustment (4)

Best Uses

  • Hiking (29)
  • Backpacking (28)
  • Car camping (22)
  • Day trip (15)
  • Reviewer Profile:
  • Avid adventurer (26), Casual adventurer (5), Casual/ recreational (4)

Reviewed by 36 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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(18 of 18 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Very bright, uncertain design.

By Todd in SF

from San Francisco, CA

About Me Avid Adventurer

Pros

  • Bright
  • Lightweight
  • Long battery life
  • Water resistant

Cons

  • Qustionable durability

Best Uses

  • Backpacking
  • Car Camping
  • Hiking

Comments about Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp:

Excellent light for the size of the unit. It's amazingly bright for a 3AAA light with a 1 watt LED. I purchased it to replace my 10 year old Petzl dinosaur with an incandescent bulb. The spot is very light, stows away easily in a pocket, has proven rain/snow proof, and all around is as good as advertised. My only hesitations are the longterm durability of the beam adjustment hinge mechanism, and the plastic's resistance to cracking while changing the batteries.

Changing the batteries seems to place a lot of strain on the plastics. The beam adjusts vertically on plastic notches, and it seems they'll wear down over time.

I purchased a Petzl Tikka XP for my girlfriend, and a Spot for myself -- both have 1 watt LED bulbs and run on 3 AAA batteries. The Spot is considerably brighter; on medium it's as bright as the Tikka on high. Only when you press the "boost" button on the Tikka is it as bright as the Spot, but you have to keep that button held down and it cuts out after 20 seconds. (advantage Spot) The Tikka relies on one 1 watt LED for all settings; the Spot has a 1 watt for "spot" lighting and 3 small LEDs for wide beam; seems smart to have backup bulbs in the backcountry. (advantage Spot) The Spot's 15 bucks cheaper. (advantage Spot) The Petzl appears of slightly higher build quality. (advantage Tikka)

  • Gift:
  • No

(12 of 13 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Update to my earlier review

By rob_nm

from New Mexico

About Me Avid Adventurer

Site Member

Pros

  • Adjustable Beam
  • Bright
  • Durable
  • Long battery life
  • Spare Bulb
  • Stable

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Backpacking
    • Car Camping
    • Hiking

    Comments about Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp:

    This is a follow-up to my earlier review. After reading the review from "Dream Big", I contacted Black Diamond about the cracked part. BD quickly mailed me a replacement. They have redesigned the part; the new version is significantly thicker and should be much sturdier. Kudos to Black Diamond for their prompt customer service and for improving the design. I would recommend this headlamp without reservations.

    (10 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

     
    3.0

    Bright, versatile, but not durable

    By rob_nm

    from New Mexico

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Adjustable Beam
    • Bright
    • Stable

    Cons

    • Mount not durable

    Best Uses

    • Backpacking
    • Car Camping
    • Hiking

    Comments about Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp:

    It's nice to be able to switch between the wide-area LED's and the spot beam. The spot beam is really bright. However, both of the adjustment tabs (which control the tilt) broke off, and both of the plastic rings mounting rings (where the light pivots) have cracked. Now the light just flops forward. The damage occurred during routine use.

    (9 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

     
    3.0

    Bright but not durable

    By Ebet

    from Cebu, Philippines

    About Me Avid Adventurer

    Pros

    • Bright
    • Stable
    • Very comfortable
    • Very light

    Cons

    • Not durable

    Best Uses

    • Backpacking
    • Camping
    • Hiking

    Comments about Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp:

    I used the Spot on multi-day treks through mountain trails and overnight camps and really liked its brightness and lightweight. But after a couple of trips, I think, I started to notice cracks on the casing, right on the side opposite the switch. The plastic eventually chipped away and I'm wondering if I can just seal it with tape. I may have squished it inside my pack or handled it roughly but still, I expected something better from a field gear. I found opening the battery compartment cumbersome at first but got used to it eventually. I would have given the Spot 5 starts if not for its durability.

    • Gift:
    • No

    (8 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Bright Light With No Problems

    By Nashville Dave

    from Nashville, TN

    About Me Avid Adventurer

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Bright
    • Long battery life

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Backpacking
      • Car Camping
      • Day trip
      • Hiking

      Comments about Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp:

      Lots of folks beefin' over this headlight & durability. I have used it nightly for the last month w/ no problems of any kind. When it's not in use, I keep it in a small camera case for crush protection. No cracks or chips. However, I suppose this light could be damaged by a hard fall or a hiking boot with 280 pounds of outdoorsman above it. It is, after all, made of plastic. I'm no engineer, but a more durable material would add cost and/or weight, causing complaints about cost and/or weight. I'm thinking that with a little care, this light will hold up well. That said, it is VERY bright & performs well in rain & cold. It's not heavy on my noggin & has a decent battery life with no accidental switching on in the backpack. The power/dimmer button IS difficult to press with gloves at first, after a few uses I was able to find the button easily & get the sweet spot w/ no problem-o. A great product that does well exactly what I want it to do - illuminate my path.

      • Gift:
      • No

      (8 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

       
      3.0

      Bright but not durable

      By Tony_in_SF

      from San Francisco, CA

      About Me Casual Adventurer

      Site Member

      Pros

      • Bright
      • Long battery life

      Cons

      • Battery Replacement
      • Durability
      • No Beam Adjustment

      Best Uses

        Comments about Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp:

        This is a pretty good light unless you plan to use it regularly, or in a critical situation (like on a dark trail at night). I've used mine almost every day beyond outdoor activities and it's great for outside, for working on the car, working on a PC, reading at night, etc.I've had to replace this light twice at REI, and ALL THREE lights exhibit the same two problems: 1) Eventually the light will occasionally dim out, even with new batteries. Lightly tapping the case while it's on might bring it back to full life temporarily. The first unit I replaced eventually died completely.2) The two little tabs that lock the light's pivot angle WILL eventually break off, making the light flop around. This is really irritating, and if you're on a hike at night you could end up using this light as a hand-held flashlight.Overall I like this light. I don't expect "things" like this to last forever, but three bad units in less than two years isn't acceptable. The obvious design flaw of the pivot-lock will keep me from spending another [$] on one, for myself or anyone else.

        • Gift:
        • No

        (6 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        Multiple intensity settings for any need

        By Camping Squirrel

        from Anahiem, CA

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Adjustable Beam
        • Bright
        • Good head band
        • Stable
        • Tilting Assembly

        Cons

        • Pricey

        Best Uses

        • Backpacking
        • Car Camping
        • Hiking
        • Home uses

        Comments about Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp:

        Head lights like this, have begun to create limited uses for flashlights while hiking/camping. I will still bring a 6v lithium incandescent flashlight for emergency uses. But this item, with the LED's and spot function, having the different power settings, and tilting assembly, is the cat's meow for 95% of my lighting needs.

        I do have to state, that LED's are cheap items, and with a plastic housing, I believe that these items...all of these types of lights, are overpriced for the material and workmanship involved.

        That said,they are an item of great convenience to the hiker/backpacker.

        (6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        My favorite headlamp

        By Waterwarrior

        from Britt, MN

        About Me Avid Adventurer

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Adjustable Beam
        • Bright
        • Durable
        • Lightweight
        • Long battery life
        • Stable

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Car Camping
          • Day trip
          • Handyman
          • Skating
          • X-c skiing

          Comments about Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp:

          I've had this nearly 3 years. I own several other headlamps and this is my preferred one. It stays in the car where I can always find it. When I switch vehicles I grab this and my Oakleys. I was looking for a bright, but lightweight headlamp for x-c skiing and a salesman suggested this one. No more headlamp headaches. Unlike other reviews, I've had no durability issues.

          (4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Update to previous review

          By Vegas Outdoorsman

          from Las Vegas, NV

          About Me Avid Adventurer

          Site Member

          Pros

          • Bright
          • Durable
          • Long battery life
          • Stable

          Cons

          • No Beam Adjustment

          Best Uses

          • Backpacking
          • Car Camping
          • Day trip
          • Hiking
          • Mt biking

          Comments about Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp:

          I finally used this thing as a helmet-light and it worked great - albeit combined w/ a cheap bar-mounted light. The only thing I have to gripe about is that the 'spot' (pun intended, I guess) was a pretty tight beam, and it'd be so nice to be able to have it AND the floods on at the same time. It would also be nice to be able to adjust the spread of the beam, but it would also be nice to make $100K/yr w/o working. Anyway, this thing is awesome, and for the price it is definitely the best value out there which is why I'm still giving it 5 stars. It ratcheted into place and never moved, even though I was on a hard-tail going through some really rough stuff. I had to tape it down to the helmet with the way I had it rigged, but next time I'll try zip-ties (which may negate even needing to put the band through the helmet at all).

          (4 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          IMO they are better than the EOS

          By Vegas Outdoorsman

          from Las Vegas, NV

          About Me Avid Adventurer

          Site Member

          Pros

          • Bright
          • Durable
          • Long battery life

          Cons

          • No Beam Adjustment

          Best Uses

          • Backpacking
          • Car Camping
          • Cycling
          • Day trip
          • Hiking

          Comments about Black Diamond Spot LED Headlamp:

          I was b/w the EOS and the Spot, and all the specs pointed toward the Spot: Brighter, lighter, and the ability to use the flood leds which the EOS doesn't have. The only other led headlamps I've owned were Energizer brands which still work great. However, I wanted a brighter one that could also be mounted on a bike helmet for night-rides. This one fits that bill since you can remove the strap from the light, although I haven't gotten around to using it as such but have confidence that it will work great combined w/ a bar-light. Oh, I do want to mention that the intensity adjusting is difficult as you have to half-press the button. This would probably be impossible w/ gloves on, but if you're gentle it's not a problem.

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