Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

Comments about Black Diamond Storm Headlamp:

Here is my first impression of the Storm, after two days and two walks on moonless nights:

Pros:
•super bright high beam
•wide and bright low beam
•wide, relatively bright red beam
•it remembers the red setting until you switch back to white light
•infinite adjustable brightness for high and low beams
•waterproof (IPX7)
•batteries are easy to access
•regulated—won't gradually get dimmer
•switch is easy to feel, even with gloves
•four tilt positions are adequate, feel solid
•lockable
•battery indicator
•battery life is just as long as the Spot, even though it's almost 50% brighter

Cons:
•it's heavy: 3.9 ounces with alkaline batteries
•it's bigger and bulkier (than the Tikka)
•it's less comfortable on my forehead
•the switching system is a little bothersome
•it reflects in the top of my glasses frames

My old headlamp is a Petzl Tikka Plus. It weighs 2.7 ounces with 3 batteries. The Storm weighs 3.9 ounces. It uses four AAA batteries, rather ingeniously shoehorned into the same space as the Spot. Lithium batteries would shave half an ounce off the weight—a welcome improvement.

Black Diamond says the range is 70m, same as the Spot. I think they're being modest. I was able to illuminate hills that were 200m away, and I could reasonably see objects at least 100m away (I stepped it off). While I wouldn't use the high beam frequently around camp, it is really nice to be able to see things (bears, maybe?) in the distance very clearly (oh, it's my dog). It is, of course, too bright for use in camp unless you dim it, but for camp use the low beams are ideal.

The low beams (a pair of "SinglePower LEDs") illuminate a nice wide area—we're talking a good 20 feet on either side and ahead of you, making walking and general nighttime tasks a piece of cake!

The red LED is brighter than the Petzl Tikka XP2 (at least when compared in the REI bathroom). Once my night vision kicked in, I could easily see 20 feet, maybe more.

The infinite dimmer feature is a nice touch: you hold down the switch and it steadily dims until it reaches the lowest setting, when it blinks as a signal. Then you can hold the switch to make it brighter, and it blinks again to indicate full brightness. This surpasses the disappointing Petzl XP2 with only one low brightness.

Because the beams are so bright, they reflect in the top of my glasses (my little Petzl had a lip that prevented light bleed). I don't think it's a deal breaker, however. I tried a piece of electrical tape, but it seemed to make very little difference and the tape blocked the red LEDs, which aim more downward.

The system of switching between high and low may take a little getting used to. It is admittedly a bit of an annoyance that every time you turn it on, it is in a different setting: high, off, low, off, etc. To get the low setting, you must press the button three times. Be careful: if you press too quickly, you get the flashing mode instead! Not entirely sure why Black Diamond didn't offer the stepping options like the Petzl. But you learn to work with the system and it's okay.

Once you go into red mode (by holding the switch for 3 seconds), it stays in red mode every time you turn it on, until you return to white light (hold 3 seconds again).

Hold the switch for 6 seconds, and it locks in "off" mode. Very nice when desired.

A thumbscrew holds the battery compartment tight (waterproof). It's easy enough to unscrew, even though has a tight hold. The batteries are easy to change, but pay attention to which direction they go: it's marked, but this may be a challenge to figure out in the dark. The fourth battery is nestled behind the outer three: Black Diamond found a way to get an extra battery in a space no larger than the Spot!

The Storm is also regulated, unlike the Spot or Tikka XP2. That means it retains the same brightness throughout, until the batteries die. A battery indicator changes color to warn you (if you remember to check it). I've never used a regulated LED, but I already like the concept. The downside is, once the batteries drop below a certain threshold, you're out of light, unlike the unregulated models that just get dimmer and dimmer.

The Storm is bulkier than my old Petzl Tikka Plus. The latter was SO comfortable I could forget I had it on. Initial impression is that the Storm seems to bounce a little on the forehead, which is disappointing. I immediately noticed an irritation where it rubs my forehead: I'll give it more time before deciding if that's going to be a long term problem.

Bottom line: if you want the versatility of a super high beam, a broad low beam, an infinite brightness, and a bright red beam, all under 4 ounces, the Storm is the best bang for the buck.

Comments about Black Diamond Storm Headlamp:

I've only taken this headlamp on one weekend winter camping trip, but I've never had a better initial impression of a headlamp. I've owned four or five different LED headlamps, and this is by far the best. It's brighter, more versatile, and very durable. The Princeton Tec EOS arguably has a marginally more durable case, but this headlamp easily compensates through its variety of features and overall brightness.

The dimming ability is fantastic- infinite brightness settings! I basically used the big LED for hiking/backpacking on trails, used the 2 smaller LEDs while at camp (cooking, setting up the tent, etc.), and used the red LEDs for late night bathroom trips.

GREAT headlamp. Unequivocally the best I've ever used.

Comments about Black Diamond Storm Headlamp:

What a bunch of whiners complaining about it is too heavy. This thing is 100 lumens and blows the doors off of the Tikka. I have owned 3 Tikka's and still do. If it is too heavy then a heavy head lamp is the least of your problems whiners.Bottom line, I hiked all over the place at night with this thing and I could see the trails plain as day. This headlamp is a steal at [$].

Comments about Black Diamond Storm Headlamp:

Went back to REI today. Exchanged the orange model for the black one. No red light bleed through!! Now im doing my happy dance...
If you get anything other than the black case, make sure you check it out prior to purchase to see if the translucent case bothers you!

Comments about Black Diamond Storm Headlamp:

This is a very bright light for the money. I was glad to see Black Diamond improved the Storm by adding the water resistant o-ring. I am disappointed though. This is my second Black Diamond Storm in a year. The head straps on this model consistently loosens and had to be adjusted and tightened all the time. Also, where the screw inserts for replacing the batteries...the plastic case cracked. And, I was always careful not to tighten the screw too much as to prevent this very thing from happening. Yes, this is somewhat of a budget light for the lumens you get...but c'mon, I've used it for 2 months now, casually at that, and it's already broke. If you want a durable light that will last spend the extra $30-$40 on one with a harder case, better design.

Comments about Black Diamond Storm Headlamp:

This is a good headlamp as I noted in an earlier review. It should be pointed out however that the flood mode (proximity mode) in this headlamp uses LEDs that draw 4 times the current of the spot mode.

I think it would be better to just not offer flood lighting if it's going to cost the user 4 times the battery power to do so.

The current draw when the flood mode is on high (25 lumens) is more than when the spot mode is on high at 100 lumens.

I'm mentioning this just because I see many people referring to and using the flood mode as a way to gain battery longevity. It makes sense. Save battery power by using the dimmer mode but in this case it doesn't work. It's using way more power.

To save battery power just use and dim the spot beam.

I would prefer that Black Diamond simply remove this (flood) option and add a sliding diffuser over the spot beam when diffused light is preferred.

Otherwise, this is a very good headlamp as described in my earlier review.

Comments about Black Diamond Storm Headlamp:

I've used may LED headlamps and the Storm is, by far, the most practical and my favorite one to date. The single button operation, with amazing common sense logic, doesn't leave me fumbling trying to find this or that button to turn on the headlight then switch modes, or change brightness level. If turned off in red LED mode, it turns back on in red LED mode unless the button is head for 3 seconds, which switches it between red and white LED modes. Once the light in white LED mode, press and hold the button to dim or brighten the light smoothly between brightest and and a dim glow. The logic system even does a brief blink to let me know when it had reached its dimmest or brightest level.

I like a headlight to be able to strobe however its a feature that I have only ever used rarely and I fully appreciate that the Storm does not go into strobe mode unless I very intentionally press the button three time quickly. Other headlamps that have a strobe button that can be mistakenly pressed, or include strobe a one of the modes cycled through amongst the other more commonly used mode can be quite startling to myself an others.

Battery life seems excellent, probably due to the use of 4 AAA's versus the usual 3 in other headlights, and to the regulated system that keeps the maximum brightness of the light at a constant rate until the batteries are at least drained 25% of their capacity. Using 4 batteries also leaves it better adapted to use rechargable NiMH batteries than 3-cell headlights. Even with 4 batteries the Storm feels lightweight and comfortable and I have been able to wear it for hours without noticing that I've got something strapped to my head. The tilt function in well designed and stays where I put it.

I find the 2 diffuse LED mode to give an amazingly even field of light that I find hard to believe comes from only 2 LED's that are less than 2" apart from each other and mounted on my forehead.

All in all, I am very satisfied with the Storm and have found it to be much more than I ever expected considering the initial selling point that got me to purchase it was its waterproofness (and therefore dustproofness which I will be putting to test later this month at Burning Man). Living in the PNW, I've been surprised how few headlamps I wouldn't have to protect somehow on the oft rainy hikes and camping trips in the area.

Comments about Black Diamond Storm Headlamp:

Amazing headlamp. Infinitely dimmable, super bright, waterproof, great build quality. I love that the battery compartment screws shut(with a thumbscrew) instead of just a flimsy latch. Spend the extra $10 and get this over the BD Spot. It's much brighter then the new Tikka Plus as well. For [$] it's the best deal out there and on top of that it's the best headlamp I've ever owned.

Comments about Black Diamond Storm Headlamp:

Here's a followup to my earlier review: I replaced the alkaline batteries with Energizer Advanced Lithium AAA's. Here's the weight comparisons:

BD Storm w/4 alkalines.... 3.8oz, 108g
BG Storm w/4 lithiums.... 3.2oz, 90g
Petzl Tikka Plus w/3 alkalines.... 2.6oz, 76g

The 0.6 oz weight savings makes a BIG DIFFERENCE. It doesn't bounce nearly as much when jogging, and just feels better on the forehead. That said, it still is nowhere as comfortable as the Tikka Plus. I put on the Tikka by accident the other night and thought, "This feels great!" Sigh.

But for me, the powerful beams make up for the weight.

I also put a piece of duct tape below the beam in the shape of a mini-visor, ala Petzl. It helps a little on the glasses glare. Overall it doesn't bother me that much. I got the orange model because it's easier to locate on the ground or in a dark tent, right? But "napcop" has a good point: get the black housing if light bleed bothers you.

Comments about Black Diamond Storm Headlamp:

I have owned several headlamps for various uses (b'packing, running, cycling, work), and this one is pretty darn good. It is heavier and bigger than most others, but that is a fair trade for the regulated power and brightness. The only real complaint that I have is that the housing is translucent (even though it is colored plastic). Even when tilted "up" to project *out* instead of *down* the red light is very annoying above my eyes. I layered several strips of elec tape on the bottom, and that fixed it but I find it hard to believe BD overlooked this apparent flaw. It wasn't apparent in the light of the store, but at night this is very annoying. . I have the orange model...maybe the BLK one doesn't have this issue. My $.02