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Black Diamond Storm 500-R Rechargeable Headlamp
$79.95
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Superbright and powered by a convenient, long-lasting lithium-ion battery, the Black Diamond Storm 500-R rechargeable headlamp throws 500 lumens up to 120 m to light up the path ahead.
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- Light is powered by an integrated 2400 mAh lithium-ion battery that recharges via a micro-USB charge port
- Settings include full strength in proximity and distance modes; dimming; strobe; red, green and blue night vision; and lock mode
- White LED outputs up to 500 lumens on max setting, 250 lumens on medium and 6 lumens on low
- PowerTap™ Technology allows instant adjustment between max output and dimmed power
- Brightness Memory allows you to turn the light on and off at a chosen brightness setting without it reverting back to the default setting
- Multifaceted optical efficiency lens technology
- Recycled elastic headband features comfortable next-to-skin REPREVE® fiber construction
- With a waterproof rating of IP67, this light is fully submersible and dustproof, meaning it's completely sealed and won't be fazed if you're caught out in the rain
Imported.
View the Black Diamond Storm Product LineView all Black Diamond LED Headlamps| Best Use | Backpacking Camping |
|---|---|
| Bulb Type | LED |
| Bulb Detail | White / red / blue / green LED |
| Red Light Mode | Yes |
| Beam Type | Flood / Spot |
| Max Light Output (Lumens) | 500 lumens |
| Light Output | High: 500; medium: 250; low: 6 lumens |
| Max Beam Distance (m) | 120 meters |
| Beam Distance | High: 120; medium: 60; low: 12 meters |
| Brightness Levels | Variable |
| Strobes | 5 + SOS |
| Average Run Time | High: 7; medium: 19; low: 350 hours |
| Rechargeability | Rechargeable |
| Batteries | Integrated rechargeable 2400 mAh lithium-ion |
| Dimensions | 5 x 4 x 2 inches |
| Water-Resistance Rating | IP67 |
| Weight With Batteries | 3.5 ounces |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
A headlamp with many features
Bill K3 years ago
Received free productThis is an amazing headlamp, feature packed and with great battery life. But the PowerTap feature is too sensitive and easy to activate by mistake.
The light is very bright. In fact I rarely use it at full brightness as it is too bright for me. I can't say exactly how long the battery lasts, but I used it for several days in various settings and there was plenty of charge left.
I am impressed by how many features this headlamp supports. The manual uses illustrations and is sometimes confusing, so here are my simplified instructions and some features I discovered that are not in the manual.
The headlamp has 3 LEDs: spot, flood and color. The color LED supports red, green or blue. All the LEDs and all the colors support adjustable brightness, strobe (blinking) or SOS. The strobe and SOS modes also have adjustable brightness.
1. The big button controls the amount of light.
Single press to turn on or off. The lamp remembers and turns on to your last settings.
Long press to control the brightness. While pressed, the current LED with gradually go to min (it will blink to let you know it is at min), then gradually go to max (will blink again to let you know), then back to min etc. Release the button to stay at your desired brightness.
Double press for strobe (blinking) mode.
2. The small button controls the type of light.
Single press to cycle between spot, flood and color.
Long press in color mode to change the color. Long press in other modes or even from the off state to switch to color mode.
Long press the small and big buttons together to lock and unlock. If the blue LED is blinking when pressing a button, this means the device is locked.
3. Powertap (touch the surface on the right side)
In continuous lighting mode, it changes from current to max brightness and back.
In blinking mode, it changes from strobe to SOS and back.
Some things not mentioned or not clear from the manual:
- You can use strobe and SOS modes with every LED and every color. The manual only shows red SOS, but you can use the spot LED for SOS, which is more conspicuous.
- You can control the brightness of every mode, even the strobe and SOS modes. Long press the big button while in these modes.
- Long press the small button when off to switch on straight to color mode regardless of which mode you were using last. Useful if you don't want to mess with your night vision and you were using a white LED before, or you just don't remember what was your last setting.
The one thing that I found annoying is the extreme sensitivity of the PowerTap feature. Any touch anywhere close to the right side activates it. It would activate very often whenever I would try to adjust some setting, producing a super bright light, which is annoying when my eyes were used to a lower brightness. I had to train myself to use my left hand to press any buttons and avoid touching the right side.
Except for this last thing, the headlamp is great and I would give it 5 stars. But the extreme PowerTap sensitivity is so annoying that brings the rating down from perfect to four stars.
Bill KReceived free product
57 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Bright & light(weight), but flawed interfaces
Kirk3 years ago
Pros:
- Love the idea of a built-in rechargeable battery taking advantage of the internal space to deliver massive capacity versus the dual fuel options. Bravo!
- The Storm 500-R is lightweight, comfortable on my head, and the light output is fantastic in all modes and colors.
Cons:
- The "PowerTap" is far too sensitive on this headlamp. It's unintentionally being triggered about 75% of the time when I place a thumb on the bottom and attempt to operate either of the top buttons.
- Micro-USB is a deal-breaker. It's 2022, and we need USB-C.
- Flashing the main light to indicate battery status after activation is annoying. There should be a button combo that disables this "feature" and an alternative method to check the remaining capacity on-demand.
- And finally, something that's bothered me for the last few models: three blue battery status leds shining down at my eyes or out the side of the unit automatically every time I power down frequently interferes with my night vision or irritates companions unintentionally caught in their beam. Please also give an option to disable this, or disable them automatically when using red or RGB leds.
Kirk
CA
85 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Danneaux
Received free product
Eugene, OR
A superb rechargeable headlight!
3 years ago
Black Diamond's Storm 500-R is a new product for them and the first in the Storm series to come equipped with an embedded rechargeable battery; I received mine in exchange for testing and an honest review. I've used a variety of a Black Diamond LED headlights for more than a decade and so am familiar with the evolving Storm series as well as the Revolt rechargeables for comparison. Since I already have a Black Diamond Storm 450 that takes user-replaceable batteries -- and I usually run rechargeable Eneloops -- I decided a good test would be to compare the new light to the one I already have for a head-to-head comparison. How better to do this than taking both lights for a week-long trip exploring the rock caves, ice caves and tension fractures of Central Oregon? (pics). The Storm R is nearly identical in size to the Storm 450 and differs mostly in the front face contour and the complete lack of a case-opening hatch and latch on the back...because the battery is not replaceable. I found this also makes for a very waterproof unit and confirmed the specs in testing during periods of hard rain and submersion -- when I accidentally dropped it into a seep pool at the side of a cave wall. Cold tolerance was good and I had no problems using the light in extended sub-freezing temperatures. In comparision to the Storm 450 running four well-used standard AAA Eneloops rated at 750mAh each, the brand-new 500-R with its claimed 2400mAh battery had longer life overall and extended range at both ends of the seamlessly adjustable lighting -- it could run dimmer and brighter than the 450's range, especially when "boosted" with the "Look! There's a bear!" side-tap setting that engages all lighting modes at maximum at once (a second tap returns the light output to your preset preference). Of course, the brigthest setting makes for the shortest battery life and can actually be sort of blinding for dark-adapted eyes but is ideal for casting a long cone of light far down the trail to quicky check for twists and turns and trail intersections or signage. In comparision to the very clean spot beam of the Storm 450, I was disappointed to find the 500-R had a slight but still very noticeable darker region in the center, creating a sort of halo lighting effect. On the other hand, my Storm 450 suffers from a slight mosquitolike whine in operation while the Storm 500-R was completely silent. The Storm 500-R has a headband woven to taper on each side of the light mount and I did not like this as much or find it to be a stable as the constant-width band on the Storm 450; it tended to want to roll a bit more or slip when worn on a hat and tightening added a little more pressure than I'd have liked. It wasn't a big deal but I think I'll swap in a spare elastic band when the original begins to show more wear. The 500-R and 450 have the same easily accessible beams -- white spot, white flood, red flood, blue flood, and green flood. The red was free of aritifacts and was ideal for extended reading in an otherwise dark tent. All are dimmable through their range and the light holds the desired brigthness after switching off and then back on. Each color LED can also blink in periodic or SOS modes. A very easily operated switch-lock prevents accidental operation in the pack. My 500-R was supplied in a dark charcoal color that looked very good on the head...but was terribly difficult to find in a dark pack or at night after I laid it down. I'd recommend purchasing a brighter red or orange light and band color that allows it to stand out more easily amongst other things or on the forest floor. I usually store my headlights 'round my neck for easy use but was concerned about snags in tight passages at early dusk so took it off then. One 500-R feature I really liked was the USB cover. A small item to be sure, but the maker used a swivel hinge on a pin rather than flexible plastic, ensuring a long life. It sealed well and was easy to open. Another new feature was the friction hinge to set light angle. Unlike the six "click" positions on the 450, the 500-R allows infinite adjustment. Even better, it uses two screws and it appears they can be tightened to compensate for eventual wear. Another improvement over the 450 is the raised power button on the 500-R; it is so much easier to actuate when wearing gloves. The charging interface is micro-USB rather than the more modern USB-C. This did not bother me as the majority of my outdoor electronics also use micro-USB at the device end. Four blue charge-status lights show briefly on the underside of the light when it is first turned on and again briefly after it is turned off. I did not find they glared in my eyes and allowed me to pull the lamp briefly away from my head on the elastic strap so I could check charge status without having to remove the light completely -- handy! Because I have been in the field using the light for most of the test period rather than home near my test equipment, I can't verify the claimed burn times except to say they seem reasonably close to claims in practice when the light is used intermittently and through a range of brightness. My mate and I used the two Storms about equally and I did find the embedded BD rechargeable battery in the 500-R lasted longer than the 4 standard Eneloops in the 450, but here arises a caution: The 450 has user-replaceable batteries and can use a variety from carbon-zinc to alkaline, rechargeables to lithium (my choice for longest battery life and best cold weather performance) while the 500-R depends entirely on its embedded battery...and the charge it contains. Black Diamond's ad copy says it is intended "...for [the] user [who] has access to a power source and values the ability to go out on their mission with a fully charged battery". This is surely true. It is not the only light I would take if seeing or navigating in the dark would exceed the stated battery life or if it were critical to avoid getting lost at night in unfamiliar country. For those occasions I would take a second light source and make sure the 500-R was fully charged before hitting the trail. With the Storm 450, I can get by simply taking a spare set of batteries to double runtime. During my test period I carried a USB powerbank and used this to recharge the 500-R...except for two occasions, one where I used a Samsung USB cellphone mains charger and on another where I used a Samsung USB 12-volt auto adapter. Unfortunately, I did note how long it took to charge from flat in each case, but it certainly required longer than 2 hours to reach a full charge. Of course, I charged the 500-R for 24 hours before my first use. The 500-R does offer a "reserve mode" of 15-20 hours at the end of the (approximately) medium and high settings where the light output drops to about .25lux at 4m. This is still a usable amount of light for closeup activities like checking a map and such, but for trail use it is effectively the same as bright full moonlight in my estimation. The lowest setting has no reserve because at the lowest, it is claimed to be only 6 lumen (lux and lumens are different measures!). Keep in mind that lowest setting is where the maximum 350hr burntime is claimed and it is unclear whether "Low" was measured using the spot LED or a white or colored flood. It is very hard to determine actual battery life in field use because headlights are often used intermittently (allowing for some battery recovery) and at different brightnesses. In the case of the Storm 500-R, it is a rechargeable light that is surely bright and versatile "enough" to be fully useful in any variety of circumstances...but one that has a finite battery life that cannot be renewed away from an external power source and will be out of commission while it is charging. For that reason I would consider it essential to have an emergency backup light source in case you accidentally exceed its limits and have no means to recharge it. For my use as a camp light for bicycle touring (my bikes have dynohubs and USB chargers and I also carry a solar panel), it would be ideal for summerlong use. As a sole light source for caving, no. The embedded battery is surely versatile and will save greatly on financial and environmental costs during its lifetime...but it appears the entire unit must be discarded (or perhaps recycled?) when it is exhausted. Black Diamond warrants the light against defects for 3 years from purchase to the original buyer, so I would assume a usable service life at least that long, depending on battery wear. Overall, after extended field testing and against Black Diamond's own Storm 450, I'd say the 500-R is a versatile, fully functional top-tier LED headlight that is hard to match, so long as its limitation (embedded rechargeable battery) is respected. I certainly feel confident in it and it has earned a place in every future outdoor adventure. Even if I don't anticipate darkness, I'll feel better knowing I have it with me "just in case" I get caught out.
Age:55–64
Yes , I recommend this product
Eric
Tucson, Arizona
Awesome light for hikes among the rattlesnakes
1 year ago
Small, light weight, reliable and can get wet (dropped in water!) and it was ok. The brightness is continuously variable with wide and focused beam. Just great for night hikes in Arizona!
Age:55–64
Yes , I recommend this product
BJG
FORT LEE NJ
Best Headlamp on the market
11 months ago
I have purchased this headlight for years and attach it to my dogs collar for when we walk at night Everyone stops me to say what a great idea and how they also saw us a block away. I can't begin to tell you how many times in enabled us to see skunks in advance preventing an unfortunate encounter. It can be a tad difficult to attach depending on the width or thickness of the collar. I simply bought second collar. I highly highly recommend this Headlamp as it is the best on the market
Age:55–64
Yes , I recommend this product
Duke G.
Great skinning headlight
1 year ago
Use this light for early morning uphill charges at my resort before the lifts start spinning. Great lamp and battery life is awesome.!! Love the bright tap feature, although the blowing snow can turn it on and off, which can be a bit frustrating when pushing hard. Great addition to my backcountry collection.!!
Originally posted on blackdiamondequipment.com
JulieNewlandFitness
Received free product
Honeyville, Utah
Great for multi-sport, all-weather use
3 years ago
Black Diamond STORM-R (500-R) I was very happy to get the STORM-R (500-R) headlamp. I am an all-season all-weather hiker and am happy to have a new headlamp that will work in so many varied conditions. Black Diamond is a highly reputable company that has come through again with great equipment. The Storm-R is a multi-colored, dimmable, lithium ion battery powered, waterproof, great little headlamp with emergency features! I like that I can show up to a “star party” with my red light, walk through dark villages and forests on thru-hikes with my green light, see through the fog with the blue light, in addition to the crisp white light in flood to spotlight settings. Pros: Long lasting and rechargeable lithium ion battery. Up to 350h on Low and 7h on Max. Easily identifiable battery status when turning on and off (3 little blue dots on bottom) Multi-colors: White, Red, Green, Blue for every condition SOS and Strobe flash with a 500 lumen bulb (VERY bright) Dimmable to only use as much battery as needed. Turns on to last used setting Power Tap for quick adjusting. Submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Shouldn’t have any concerns for hiking in the rain. Lock feature seems pretty dependable, so no unpacking to a dead battery. Quick adjust head strap that is soft and comfortable and easy to remove for washing. Can be hooked to the front or back of your pack easily, or on back of bike. Warranty for 3 years for manufacturer defect! So, they stand by their product! Plenty of time to test out and trust for the field. Cons Rated for temperatures between 17C (0F) to 43C (110F), so for those in colder or hotter weather, may need to take extra precautions in how you pack it and use it. I’m not sure how these temperature ratings compare to other headlamps, but know I may be hiking outside of these ranges occasionally and will consider the temperature range when checking on battery life. But really, same precautions I’d take with my phone also. It took me about 30 minutes of playing with it to really feel comfortable in how to change to different colors and settings. Then was easily adjusted on the go as I used it the first few times. The PowerTap feature is on the right hand side. Consider the activities you’ll be doing and whether this will be a concern. I hike with it on my head or on my pack, so don’t foresee bumping it, but it does have a sensitive adjustment. So become familiar with it before you venture out. If hiking with it in your hand, it worked well for me. I hold it on top and bottom and was just a quick index finger tap to adjust, so easy that way too. Notes: Since it is a rechargeable battery, you have a 10cm (4inch) charging cord to carry and will need a battery bank or electrical outlet with USB to recharge for longer uses. Just something to be aware of when on longer trips. I carry all my cords secured together and adding this is not a big deal to me.
Age:55–64
Yes , I recommend this product
925Chas
Received free product
Loveland, Colorado
My new go-to for all my lighting needs!
3 years ago
Firstly anyone reading this review should know that I'm a senior with some cognitive impairment and a movement disorder. Learning new gadgets is not as automatic as it used to be. With that said, this new light is definitely a keeper. I have owned at least a dozen different lights over the years. Some wore out or were broken in accidents, some were lost or given away...but of all those that came before this is the best yet and destined to be my new go-to! I have used lighting and will continue to use lighting for a variety of activities including: hiking (Whitney and Zion), overnight backpacking, camping (cooking, reading, navigation, or taking a whiz in Bear country in the middle of the night), festivals (like the Rogue Burn in (2021), off road adventures in my 4WD, group camp settings, emergency roadside repairs and early morning or late evening photo shoots. I even use them around the house or garage for repairs when extra light is needed! I carry one or two in the truck at all times So why the high praise? The output of light is huge! There are many options on how to use it. Battery life (so far) is really long. It's comfortable to wear and it's two button design is easy to learn! There are two main white LED's that control white light output and a smaller LED to control colored light output (red, green or blue). Only two buttons; one controls the main white light which is really great at providing light on the periphery of my vision, and the other controls the small white high beam (for distance) and the red, blue and green led. Three of the LED's can be used as strobes: the small and large white lights and small red LED. All lights are infinitely dimmable. There is also a touch sensor on the right side of the light (when being worn) that can be used tap out a Morse code for emergency signaling in one of the colored light modes. The initial battery life is pretty amazing I have had in on and off for over 4 1/2 hours at various different levels. I have noticed though that to save battery life it will begin to automatically auto dim as the battery gets weaker. Still you have at least some light go work with. Again major kudo's for ease of operation, simplicity of design, excellent peripheral lighting and super bright high beam as well as comfort!
Age:65–74
Yes , I recommend this product
JJBA
KCMO
I have 6 if these, all defective with same issue.
2 years ago
The clasp that secures the headlamp closed is the absolute worst. It will break within a few battery swaps. It's a flawed design that I can't understand why BD has adopted in place of the old battery packs that not only didn't break, but was flawless design that lasted (my first BD headlamp with the battery pack is still in use after 21 years). This one about 21 days (I've had 4 warranty claims on this, all for the clasp issue.) I went and got a Petzl as a replacement and have had zero issues. Huge disappointment in BD on this worthless clamp. (I've had the spot, revolt,ion, storm, 2 kids ones, and my OG black diamond headlamp from 2001). Avoid these models with clasps, see pic. Get a model with battery pack on back strap.
Age:45–54
No, I do not recommend this product
AsAboveSoBelow
Port Angeles, WA
Poor product, although bright and long lasting.
3 months ago
The blue charging indicator LEDs on the bottom of the headlamp shine right into your eyes. I have not once enjoyed this. I had an issue where the red light, which can be dimmed, would jump back up to full brightness from a dimmed setting when the light was jostled. I'm returning the headlamp to REI and will seek an alternative.
Age:35–44
No, I do not recommend this product
Pancho
Dangerously unreliable
1 year ago
I have owned 5 or 6 of the non-rechargeable black diamond headlamps. Every time they come out with one with more lumens, I buy it. Highest recommendation. Except for the annoying "insta-max" button that comes on from the slightest unintentional touch and ruins my night vision. Now on to the rechargeable version: unreliable in the worst possible way. I've owned two of them, and both have a tendency to short-out (light goes completely off) for no reason. I wrestle pythons at night in the Everglades, and to suddenly be in the dark with one of these monsters puts me in a dangerous position. I imagine it would be the same if you were mountain biking at night: scary. I'm going back to the non-rechargeable model until I am convinced they have worked the bugs out. Liked everything else about it, though!
BoulderFarr
Received free product
Boulder, CO
Versatile Rechargeable Headlamp
2 years ago
After a summer of running, hiking, and camping with this headlamp, I'm absolutely in love with it. The maximum output is more than you'll need for every night camping tasks, while the more efficient modes allow the headlamp to last 20+ hours of use on weekend trips. The many settings take a little getting used to, but they are handy once you get the hang of the controls. It has held up well against dirt, rain, and getting knocked around a backpack all summer. The only real complaint that I have is related to the strap. It's not thick or secure enough to use for nighttime running without a hat on. Overall a great headlamp without the waste of disposable batteries.
Age:35–44
Yes , I recommend this product
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