How to Choose Headlamps
Black Diamond Spot Headlamp - 2016
This product is not available.
Powerful, fully featured and waterproof, the redesigned 200-lumen Spot offers PowerTap technology for on-the-fly brightness adjustments in any weather.
Shop similar products- PowerTap technology allows fast and simple transitioning between full and dimmed power in order to instantly increase illumination in distance or proximity modes
- Red night vision mode has proximity and strobe settings, and activates without cycling through white modes; Red LEDs preserve night vision and reduce eye strain
- 3-level power meter shows remaining battery life for three seconds after switching on headlamp
- Settings include: full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, red night vision and lock mode
- IPX8 waterproofing withstands submersions in over 1m of water for up to 30 minutes
Imported.
View the Black Diamond Spot Product LineView all Black Diamond LED Headlamps| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Bulb Type | LED |
| Bulb Detail | 1 TriplePower LED/1 SinglePower white LED/1 SinglePower red LED |
| Red Light Mode | Yes |
| Beam Type | Flood / Spot |
| Max Light Output (Lumens) | 200 lumens |
| Light Output | High: 200; low: 4 lumens |
| Max Beam Distance (m) | 80 meters |
| Beam Distance | High: 80; low: 16 meters |
| Brightness Levels | Variable |
| Strobes | 3 |
| Average Run Time | High: 50; low: 200 hours |
| Rechargeability | Non-rechargeable |
| Batteries | 3 AAA |
| Dimensions | 2.25 x 1.5 x 1.25 inches |
| Water-Resistance Rating | IPX8 |
| Weight With Batteries | 3.2 ounces |
Buying Advice
More expert advice
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Black Diamond Spot Headlamp 2016 vs Previous Model
DTakumiH9 years ago
I've water damaged my two previous headlamps including the older version of the Spot headlamp which I was very happy with once I got in the habit of locking the on switch. I purchased the new version based on my previous experience with the Spot, my experience with Black Diamond in general and my desire for a "waterproof" headlamp.
Getting to the batteries is 'way easier with the new model. Otherwise, I like the previous model more than this new one waterproofing notwithstanding. The main thing is that the lamps are not well recessed so glare to my fellow hikers is more bothersome.
Still love the controls in spite of the other comments I see.
DTakumiH
Honolulu, Hawaii
81 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Works great . . . 7 hours, not 50
fj40cruzer9 years ago
This light is much lighter and easier to deal with. Bought it and used it on an ultra. The package says 50 hours at high power, however, it is more like 7. Started it about 5pm, just after sunset, and needed new batteries to keep the light levels up at midnight.
I would give it 5 stars except the published time is so far off. I will still recommend this light to anyone. Just know that at high power, you will need some extra batteries.
fj40cruzer
SoCal
47 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Mule
Northern Wisconsin
Love it, but...
8 years ago
This is a great headlamp overall. Very light, the headband is comfortable and the controls are intuitive. I really like the "lock" feature; it keeps the lamp from inadvertently turning on in your bag. Suggested improvements: It would be REALLY nice if the white light started at the lowest setting and then adjusted up to full bright from there... thus saving my night vision and the night vision of those around me. The red light does this. It would also be quite handy if it remembered the last white source used (flood or spot), instead of defaulting back to full-bright white spot every time... again, the red light behaves in this manner.
Yes , I recommend this product
DTakumiH
Honolulu, Hawaii
Black Diamond Spot Headlamp 2016 vs Previous Model
9 years ago
I've water damaged my two previous headlamps including the older version of the Spot headlamp which I was very happy with once I got in the habit of locking the on switch. I purchased the new version based on my previous experience with the Spot, my experience with Black Diamond in general and my desire for a "waterproof" headlamp. Getting to the batteries is 'way easier with the new model. Otherwise, I like the previous model more than this new one waterproofing notwithstanding. The main thing is that the lamps are not well recessed so glare to my fellow hikers is more bothersome. Still love the controls in spite of the other comments I see.
Idrive4fun
Cincinnati, oh
Works fine, till you get it wet.
9 years ago
Purchased this light because it said it was waterproof up to 1 meter. Got it wet once, and then didn't work. Opened the batteries, and there was water in there. When I returned it, we looked at a brand new one, and you can see into the battery compartment where the clasp is. No way this is waterproof! No rubber seal around batteries, and there is an opening to the compartment that lets water in. Bought the next model up, and it looks much better made. Haven't had it in water yet, but probably this week. In short, the light works fine, as long as you don't want something waterproof. (Although the single button control can be a little confusing)
No, I do not recommend this product
metapete
Waterproof, Bright as bejeezes, and batteries last
9 years ago
I got one of these for my trip to Greece to help rescue refugees. In and out of the water, I was able to see and light the way for other rescuers and the refugees. For hiking it's also been great. Things I like: long-hold lock protects the batteries from draining in my pack or pocket. Size and weight are great. Waterproof makes me not worry about falling in the water, or being out in the rain with it. I also love the red-light mode for in-tent in the middle of the night to find something without killing my night vision, or waking up my wife. Don't like: The tap-for-more-brightness feature didn't really work for me.
Bryan Ogg
South Carolina
Huge improvement for running over previous version
9 years ago
I got this as a replacement for the previous version Spot headlamp which served me very well for about 3 years. I was all around happy with it and was very surprised how improved the new version was. The battery compartment is much easier to open which is important if you are in an ultra and have to change batteries mid race. It's brighter. The design looks nicer and it has the soft rubber on the outside. The red LED is WAY brighter. The strap is reflective and adjusts easier. The previous version was always one of the brightest headlamps in night races and this version is even brighter. I have definitely noticed that I get more space from cars with this lamp than with the previous version. I really do not have anything bad to say about this headlamp.
EYW
San Carlos, CA
Continuous Improvement
9 years ago
I just got the new black diamond spot (200 lumen) at REI and compared it to the 2014 (130 lumen) and the 2012 (90 lumen) versions. The form factor is significantly changed. It is more rectangular (streamlined) and you open it from the left side to install the batteries rather than from the bottom. The biggest performance improvement was in the red LED lighting. It is brighter that prior versions and casts red light over a wider area. BD has also made it more waterproof. It seem they merged the Storm model with the Spot and increased lighting output to 200 lumens.
brentmass
Boston, MA, United States
Compact, Sleek, Powerful
9 years ago
Took this out for the first time last night. The directions are a little confusing, but once I figured out the button (there is only one) presses, it worked really well. On full power, the beam is nice and bright. It was easily enough to see the trail ahead for a hundred feet or so. On diffuse mode, we could still see the trail for 10 or 15 feet, but the beam was wide enough to give us 180 degree visibility. The red-light mode works, but is only really useful if you're in your tent looking for something.
Yes , I recommend this product
fj40cruzer
SoCal
Works great . . . 7 hours, not 50
9 years ago
This light is much lighter and easier to deal with. Bought it and used it on an ultra. The package says 50 hours at high power, however, it is more like 7. Started it about 5pm, just after sunset, and needed new batteries to keep the light levels up at midnight. I would give it 5 stars except the published time is so far off. I will still recommend this light to anyone. Just know that at high power, you will need some extra batteries.
Hike All Day
Beaverton, OR
Too technical for serious outgear door
9 years ago
I have through two of these. The first one was replaced by BD because of a redesign due to it draining batteries. The second one has proven no better and it eventually leaked newer batteries. But it's not just that issue. It's also the control. Relying on a single switch to do multi-functions I feel is problematic. How exactly to switch modes or dim or light up or switch lights when you just need the light to go on is a hassle. I see that this (2016) model also has a sensor on the side, which, though might be a slick convenience, could also be another technical complication IMO. YMMV. No thanks BD, I'm looking elsewhere so I can see what's going on.
No, I do not recommend this product
tb2020
Dallas, TX, United States
Great Headlamp, but...
7 years ago
Great headlamp. Works very well for my camping trips, but the different modes are pretty confusing (see attached photo). In order to switch from regular light, to full power light, to red light, to dim light, etc., there are different button patterns you have to push (for example, for some settings you have to double tap the power button, some settings you have to hold it, some settings you have to single tap). My recommendation to black diamond would be to simply have one button that cycled through modes with each tap, instead of having to memorize which button patterns turn on each mode.
No, I do not recommend this product
1 - 10 of 125 Reviews