How to Choose Headlamps

Light the way when it matters most. This Black Diamond headlamp has a robust waterproof/dustproof housing. It emits up to 750 lumens of bright, long-distance light and has red, green and blue modes.



Imported.
View the Black Diamond Storm Product LineView all Black Diamond LED Headlamps| Best Use | Backpacking Climbing Mountaineering |
|---|---|
| Bulb Type | LED |
| Bulb Detail | 2 white LEDs; 1 red-green-blue (RGB) LED |
| Red Light Mode | Yes |
| Beam Type | Flood / Spot |
| Max Light Output (Lumens) | 750 lumens |
| Light Output | High: 750 lumens; medium: 200 lumens; low: 35 lumens |
| Max Beam Distance (m) | 149 meters |
| Beam Distance | High: 149 meters; medium: 68 meters; low: 21 meters |
| Brightness Levels | 3 + brightness adjustment (smooth adjustment while holding power button) |
| Strobes | 1 |
| Average Run Time | High: 4.5 hours; medium: 20 hours; low: 80 hours |
| Regulated Output | Yes |
| Rechargeability | Rechargeable |
| Batteries | Built-in, serviceable, rechargeable 3.7V 2200 mAh (8.14 Wh) Li-ion battery |
| Dimensions | 2.7 x 1.8 x 1.6 inches |
| Water-Resistance Rating | IP67 |
| Weight With Batteries | 4.02 ounces |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Storm+ headlamp from Black Diamond is my first headlamp that’s rechargeable by usb. What a game changer! I used this headlamp while hiking through predawn and early morning alpine and forested environments here in southwest Colorado, doing emergency road work at night during a major flooding event, and waking with my dog before dawn and after dark along our gravel road where there is frequent mountain lion activity. There are three different brightness levels (35, 200, and 750 lumens), with the highest setting reaching 149 meters for a burntime of 4.5 hours. While I didn’t confirm the 149-meter distance, I can affirm that it reaches a long way and maintains its brightness level effectively. Beyond the white light setting, there are blue, green, and red light options too. This is the first headlamp I’ve had that oscillates without clicking through a set number of positions. I appreciate this freedom of movement that helps with focusing the beam exactly where I want it to go. The output from this thing is boss! It’s capable of lighting up the night at great distances, and equally good at focusing light on up-close details. The weight of the product is good, considering the lumens and burntime. I’m used to bike-specific lighting, which is often much heavier and bulkier. The one variable I didn’t get to test was wintertime temperatures, to see if I can continue to use this product effectively in temps below freezing or not. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review, and I will continue to use it for years to come.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Headlamp? More like spotlight for your face! This little monster turns night into day. Lighting options, from varying colors to brightness all in a compact design. I actually used this on 2 night time emergency situations and it worked out perfectly. Fits in your pocket, hangs on your neck or clips to a chest strap when you don’t need it. With the press of a button you can see with full clarity. In my profession a white light isn’t always the best choice. Having the options between red, green, and blue as well as varying brightness across all spectrums makes this my new favorite. Top it off with additional light functions like flash patters what more could you expect this thing to do? The battery life seems to carry on extremely well. I’ve run the light up on max brightness for extended periods with no drawbacks. Now with every ounce of good there has to be some bad. Luckily these bad is an easy fix. The initial button operation seemed to confuse me. Long press or double press, why is the light dim, now it’s green. However once familiar that issue dissolved. Ensure you take a few moments to function check it instead of packing it up and figuring it out on the fly. The only other issue I had, this is a trend across headlamps. With power comes weight. This headlamp is manageable, however I did find it slide down my forehead at times. If I tightened the strap to prevent the slip it caused some fatigue/discomfort. The easy fix, the chest strap connection is a go to. Which is great for walking, yet it does limit some of the mobility when working from a knee. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Black Diamond Storm+ is a powerful and highly customizable headlamp that offers an impressive range of lighting options. With multiple white-light configurations, adjustable brightness levels, spot and flood beam options, and red, green, and blue night-vision modes, it's a robust headlamp for outdoor adventures when quality lighting is essential. I tested the Storm+ during two different types of outings. The first was an evening hike at a 350-acre local woodlands on established dirt trails through wooded terrain and prairie. Conditions were dry with clear visibility and no precipitation. The second test was a multi-day backpacking trip in Yellow River State Forest, where I used the headlamp over several nights including night hikes, cooking, tent and camp set up and water filtering. Ease of Use The Storm+ offers a tremendous amount of functionality, though there is a learning curve. The two-button interface is somewhat confusing, and I have not quite mastered which button and sequences control specific features, especially when I am actively using vs. testing. I am slowly picking it up, though. This may be a user issue, rather than a reflection of the product. Spend a little time learning the controls, and you will be just fine. Black Diamond claims the two-buttons are oversized to accommodate use with gloves, but I disagree. I think most people would need to take off a bulky winter glove to manage the lights. This is a case where a single button would be easier. Rechargeability Charging is straightforward, and I appreciated the battery-level indicator providing some confidence the light would not fade in the middle of use. That said, throughout multiple evenings of use, I never had to recharge. Lighting Performance Lighting performance is where the Storm+ truly shines - pun intended. There are three lights bulbs: a floodlight, spotlight, and the RGB. At one point, I heard something off in the woods and used the flood beam to scan and then narrowed the beam to identify a deer standing in the woods some distance off the trail. The colors helped me avoid blinding others as well as protecting my night vision. The headlamp does a great job of light for general duty and focused light for more technical needs. Brightness The Storm+ delivered more than enough brightness for every situation I encountered, both as a flood light and focused, and good distance. Brightness Adjustment and Lighting Features I appreciated the variety of levels. One button turns the light on and off as well as dims or brightens by holding the button down. The second button toggles between low, medium, and high brightness or switches to RBG by holding down the button and toggling. The extensive customization options may seem overwhelming, but they provide a level of flexibility that simpler headlamps lack. The headband has reflective accents to help with visibility and safety. Although I found myself getting flustered by the button combinations and inadvertently blinding other campers with the powerful 750 lumen beam. Weight and Comfort The added features add bulk and weight, but it is not a dealbreaker. There's still a good balance of weight vs. features. The stretch headband is similar to most other headlamps I've owned. It is comfortable and adjustable to a variety of head sizes. I did not notice the headlamp slipping out of place. Weather Performance My testing did not include rain, snow, or extreme cold. Conditions during both outings were dry and relatively mild. Because of that, I cannot directly comment on weather resistance or performance during severe conditions. I have had good luck with Black Diamond headlamps in the past and have confidence in the IP67 waterproof rating. Overall Excellent, high-powered headlamp with a variety of settings and features, not the lightest and a little bit of a learning curve but not dealbreakers. I'd recommend for camping, hiking, climbing, backpacking. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.
This Black Diamond Storm+ Headlamp is practical, lightweight and powerful. I actually tested it during the basement renovation we have going on, as well as the outdoors to check out the range of visibility and how well it illuminates our evening walks. The lamp is small and lightweight, sits comfortably on your forehead freeing your hands to get busy where it matters. The dual lamps function independently and can be adjusted to the intensity and field coverage needed and the right side can be dimmed to the amount of light needed. The buttons are easy to operate even with gloves on during a project. Using a simple one, two or three second holds to control different modes including the RGB feature. It is also a storm lamp. Since coastal storms near the beach are no joke, it's nice to have this lamp handy. The battery life is excellent after using it in the basement for about 4 hours then walking for about 1 daily I think I charged it until the fifth day. The range is great and the compact design makes it easy to carry. Honestly this is one of the best, most comfortable, and powerful headlamps I've had the pleasure to use, and I most definitely recommend it. I received this product from influenster for review purposes.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] First thing I noticed out of the box was the size. The Storm+ is definitely bigger than the other Astro and Cosmo headlamps. To be honest, I was worried I was going to have to cinch it super tight in order to keep it in place. But it actually stays put on most technical terrain (obviously if it's a bit loose or you're just jumping up and down, it'll fall down). Instead of the headstrap going through the back of the lamp (i.e. headlamp can slide around on the continuous loop), the strap terminates at the edge of the lamp, leaving the back of the headlamp open, where there's a grippy foam/rubber panel that massively improves stability. I really appreciated the dimmability. This sounds counterintuitive, but when climbing on a wall, having a super bright light is actually a hinderance. Having a dimmed light actually allows you to better see the rock right in front of you. (instead of being blinded by a powerful beam reflecting off the rock inches from your face and back into your eyes). And then adjusting it to full brightness, I'm able to easily navigate through dark forest, even when the canopy blocks starlight and moonlight. I would appreciate a concentrated beam feature for distant landmark identification, but in those situations, a handheld flashlight is feasible. This headlamp performed super well in the rain. Was exposed to light/medium rain on and off for a couple of hours and it was unphased. And despite the rain, it stayed pretty stable on my helmet without slipping. I cannot confirm how well it stays during wet conditions when just on your head. Battery life is commendable, but not anything extraordinary. Definitely not a weak battery though. Although this isn't as important as function and durability, I will say that it's a fantastic looking headlamp. Black with the gold face just looks so sick.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I started by scanning the QR code and studying the Quickstart guide before heading out. Trust me, this headlamp has so many features and settings that learning the controls beforehand is a good idea. The last thing you want is to be halfway up a rock face in complete darkness, trying to remember which button does what! I tested the Black Diamond Storm+ in Red River Gorge, Kentucky, during nighttime approaches and actual night climbing, with temperatures around 40°F. These were remote areas with absolutely no streetlights or houses to provide backup illumination. My old headlamp once forced me to bail on a climb about 70 feet up because I couldn't tell which rock features were actual holds and which were shadows. Not exactly ideal when your life depends on finding the next foothold! Then I turned on the Storm+ at full power. This thing was practically as bright as my truck's headlights! Suddenly, I could see even the tiniest holds on the rock, identify features farther up the route, and navigate dark, rocky trails with much more confidence. The light was so powerful that my friends barely needed their own headlamps because I was lighting the way for everyone. Apparently, I was the group's new portable sun! 😂 Adjusting the brightness was easy, too. When full power was more than I needed, I could quickly turn it down by holding the button, which was especially useful when hiking with friends. Nobody wants to accidentally blind their climbing partner! I also appreciated having different color modes available for different situations. With so many features, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the controls before your first nighttime adventure so you can confidently access what you need in the dark. Battery life was impressive during my testing. I used the headlamp throughout an entire weekend of adventures, including two night hikes and climbing sessions, and the battery lasted the whole time. Even with temperatures around 40°F, I had enough power for my entire weekend of nighttime adventures. I didn't have to worry about losing my light halfway through an approach or climb. Being able to check the power indicator is also useful when planning an outing and deciding whether your light is ready for another adventure. The headlamp is compact enough to pack without taking up much room in my climbing kit, and the performance makes it well worth carrying. It was comfortable during my nighttime activities, too. My testing focused on nighttime hiking and climbing in cool, dry conditions, so I didn't get a chance to evaluate its performance in heavy rain or snow. I also haven't independently tested every feature, so I can't give a firsthand verdict on things like Digital Lock or long-term charging performance. My verdict? The Black Diamond Storm+ is like bringing your own sun to the crag! ☀️ Its powerful illumination made a real difference when I needed to distinguish tiny holds from shadows, navigate technical terrain, and help my friends see the trail. For hikers and climbers who enjoy adventures after dark, this headlamp is an excellent addition to your gear. Just learn the controls before heading out, because this little powerhouse has more tricks than a climbing partner who claims they can flash every route! Five stars from this climber. May your holds be visible, your batteries stay alive, and your night approaches be well-lit! 🤘 I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] It was good around the house.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Storm+ headlamp from Black Diamond is my first headlamp that’s rechargeable by usb. What a game changer! I used this headlamp while hiking through predawn and early morning alpine and forested environments here in southwest Colorado, doing emergency road work at night during a major flooding event, and waking with my dog before dawn and after dark along our gravel road where there is frequent mountain lion activity. There are three different brightness levels (35, 200, and 750 lumens), with the highest setting reaching 149 meters for a burntime of 4.5 hours. While I didn’t confirm the 149-meter distance, I can affirm that it reaches a long way and maintains its brightness level effectively. Beyond the white light setting, there are blue, green, and red light options too. This is the first headlamp I’ve had that oscillates without clicking through a set number of positions. I appreciate this freedom of movement that helps with focusing the beam exactly where I want it to go. The output from this thing is boss! It’s capable of lighting up the night at great distances, and equally good at focusing light on up-close details. The weight of the product is good, considering the lumens and burntime. I’m used to bike-specific lighting, which is often much heavier and bulkier. The one variable I didn’t get to test was wintertime temperatures, to see if I can continue to use this product effectively in temps below freezing or not. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review, and I will continue to use it for years to come.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The Black Diamond Storm+ Headlamp is a rad one and fills a surprisingly big gap in my headlamp game. At first when I was given it to test out for free for my opinion I wasn't a big fan of it. It felt too bulky, and it didn't have the strap over the top of the head to keep it from falling down when I made quicker movements. So I wrote it off as a piece of equipment that wasn't really worth my time. However, as time went on, I found myself using it more and more. The three different white light settings (with 750 lumens being the brightest), a durable frame, and a comfortable fit made it the perfect headlamp for quite a few jobs. The durability and brightness make it an ideal work headlamp, especially around the house when you just need to grab something quickly. The features previously mentioned and the options of red, green, and blue lights make it a strong option for car camping and outdoor activities that don't require you to watch the weight of your gear. The Storm+ Headlamp became the perfect utility headlamp. Now, I would not recommend bringing this on any lightweight backpacking trips or relying heavily on it during runs or quick hikes due to the fact that it was slightly too bulky and didn't stay on my head well. In order for it not to fall down over my eyes during runs or fast hikes, I had to tighten the band uncomfortably tight, which, on the few occasions I did that, caused a headache. The headlamp also felt slightly too heavy for the band in general, causing it to slump. The Headlamp filled the gap of having a work-ready headlamp that was either too dim to actually work with or too light to put it through its paces. Overall, though, this headlamp fills the gap of having a work-ready headlamp that you can put through the wringer.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Black Diamond Spot+ Review *I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.* I’ve had the Black Diamond Spot+ on a few hikes now, using it for early morning starts and on rainy nights. I’ve also used it while working on my car, so it’s gotten some use both on and off the trail. The first thing I noticed was how easy the buttons are to use. When it’s dark outside, the last thing I want to do is fight with my headlamp just to get the light setting I need. The Spot+ is straightforward to operate, and the brightness has been great for what I’ve needed it for so far. I’ve used it with the regular headband while hiking and with the sternum strap attachment. I like having the option to switch things up depending on what I’m doing. The sternum strap setup is a nice alternative when I don’t want the light on my head. So far, it’s handled the rainy conditions I’ve used it in, and I like having something I can grab for a hike or when I’m working on a vehicle in the garage. It’s always nice when a piece of outdoor gear turns out to be useful for more than just one activity. Overall, I’ve been happy with the Spot+. It’s easy to use, plenty bright for my needs, and versatile enough to earn a spot in my hiking gear. I’ll keep putting it to use as I get more time with it.