Black Diamond  Storm 400 Headlamp

Having recently started using a Black Diamond Storm headlamp, but being a long-time owner and user of the Black Diamond Spot, I thought it might be good in this review to compare some of the features I found that distinguish the Storm from the Spot and which I hope will prove helpful for someone trying to decide between the two models, though they are both great headlamps and I could recommend either of them! As for some of the distinguishing features, although I have yet to use the Storm in a situation that required its fully water-proof capabilities, this is certainly an important feature to consider if you expect to spend significant time outdoors where rain is a possibility. The Storm provides a noticeably brighter high beam mode that casts a good, focused beam out to 40+ yards. I also like the two-button operation of the Storm, with the larger button for on/off, variable brightness, and blinking mode and the smaller button to change modes between the bright white, dim white, and colored. The additional blue and green light modes of the Storm may also be helpful to some. One feature on both the Storm and the Spot is the locking mode which prevents the headlamp from getting turned on if the button is inadvertently bumped inside your pack…as one who has forgotten to use this feature on one occasion and found a headlamp with depleted batteries upon arrival at camp, I can vouch for its necessity and usefulness!! I also found the bail latch open/close mechanism for the battery compartment on the Storm much easier to operate. A final comparison is the weight (see table below). Weight Comparison (Storm vs. Spot) Black Diamond Storm w/4 AAA Lithium Batteries w/4 AAA Alkaline Batteries 2.50 oz. (71 g) 3.50 oz. (99 g) 4.00 oz. (113 g) Black Diamond Spot w/3 AAA Lithium Batteries w/3 AAA Alkaline Batteries 1.88 oz. (53 g) 2.63 oz. (74 g) 3.00 oz. (85 g) Overall the Storm is a great headlamp and one I recommend for anyone spending a lot of time outdoors!

I am impressed with this light as it meets almost all of my expectations. The different light modes do require certain steps, but after practicing them, I think I will be able to problem solve in the field if I forget the exact routine. My only other concern would be problems with my hands make it difficult to find the bottoms to control the light without taking it off my head--with the exception of the side tap Intensity boost/dim function. Ability to lock in a-colored light mode is great for retention of night vision, also the lever to access the battery compartment was a marked step up from my prior BD light that was more expensive, more difficult to access all functions (single button control), and only had red light option; additionally battery replacement required strong hands or a screwdriver. I found the greenlight gives me better night time illumination them the red which should help-nighttime trails with retention of night vision. The price point was excellent with the Memorial Day sale.

Living and playing in the sometimes very rainy PNW, I use/carry my headlamp for all outdoor activities such as sailing, fishing, canoeing, backpacking and hiking, etc. In addition to reliability and the large range of features the BD Storm 400 offers, a key factor for selecting the BD Storm over competitor products is the headlamp is waterproof - not just "splash proof" (whatever that actually means). Although I only recently purchased the BD Storm 400 to replace a competitor product, I have owned another BD head lamp for many years, it has been very reliable. Based on my previous experience with their BD Headlamps, I would highly recommend the Storm 400.

I have used BD storms for years and have always loved them. However, I am writing this review in light of BD's recent lack of quality control. I had to replace my bomber old storm for a new one and while on lead climbing an ice route in RMNP the headlamp would just turn off on its own, dim on its own, and generally ate new lithium batteries ($$$) every hour or so. This is not an isolated occurrence either. I know five close friends/ climbing partners who have had these issues in the last year or so! So, if you have the time to buy it, test it, and return it if its a lemon then get the storm because it's great. BUT, if you need a headlamp ASAP for a climb tomorrow etc buy a Petzl (equally as good without issues)

Bought this primarily for night hiking, and it shines <heh> for that use. I mostly use the dim/wide angle LED, which gives me plenty of light to keep my footing. Occasionally I'll turn on the spotlight if I'm looking far ahead or want to look for wildlife. I've also found it makes a great light for working on my car - the spotlight setting really lights up what I'm working on. Only a couple of downsides so far: First, when in spotlight mode, the auto-dim seems to be far too aggressive -- I've had it kick even with two LEDs left on the power meter. Second is that the outer lens is very prone to scratching (more of an esthetic issue than functional, 'tho).

I have owned a ton of Black diamond headlamps and have owned the previous two storm models. this one is much more user-friendly and you're able to flow through the different modes easier. Especially compared to very the previous model in which I would be fumbling with the buttons trying to get to the setting that I wanted. also a nice bonus is the battery monitor on the side ... I was going to get the revolt but I'm not much of a fan of rechargeable batteries and I figured I'd get the storm one more time and this thing is a+ .. even blows out my black diamond icon in terms of efficiency... While the icon is 100 lumens brighter it is significantly heavier...

My only complaint is the way the batteries are stacked makes it hard to get one of the 4 batteries out. This was my starter headlamp for caving and I found that I had to always bring something to pry the last battery out when switching batteries.

It works, kind of. I find myself not really wanting to use this because there are so many modes and it’s really finicky to get the one you want. Even if you memorize the button sequences and how to use it, its way too annoying to switch in between modes and sometimes feels like it has a mind if its own (for example, the power tap feature works only sometimes). I think I should have gotten something a little more basic without all of the color options. Red and white would have been sufficient. I find myself reaching for my wife’s Petzel Actik headlamp because it’s far less complicated. I’ve used it out in a dark field and it was fine but I’m hesitant to use this around people because I will probably accidentally blind someone. So far it works well in the rain though so that’s one thing it has going for it.

Black Diamond makes great products overall, and this headlamp is no different. It has the red/blue/green capability, SOS, strobe and lock. The headband has remained comfortable after 4 years of personal and military use. The only complaint I have is the batteries can go rather quickly if you use the light on the max brightness setting for more than 4-5 hours. On the lower setting, you get a decent burn time on a set of batteries, roughly 30-40 hours (I was in cold mountain environments, my burn time was likely reduced a good amount here). This headlamp has kept my trails and tents illuminated for hundreds of miles and all over the world!

Rock solid headlamp with ample setting options. I've used the Strom 400 for the bulk of the summer season doing everything from: camping, backpacking, early morning ascents, and caving. The high beam worked great in thick woods on a night hike in RMNP. The low / wide angle option is my go to for being around camp and cooking. The red light is strong enough for repacking or unpacking your pack late night or early morning without completely messing up your night vision. Just be mindful the battery doesn't last as lomg as I'd like. I can get through 2-3 nights on a single set of fresh batteries, but would recommend taking extras for anything longer.