Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp Outdoor Head Torch

Product Information

The average headlamp features a range of lighting modes, including spot, flood, colored, and strobe lights. The default setting for most lamps is their powerful LED spot beam, which focuses the light at a distance rather than casting it wide around you (the max distance these can reach is listed in the "max beam" section of our comparison table). While not necessary in all circumstances, a long-distance beam can be helpful for looking far down a trail, trying to spot an anchor while rappelling, or even for extreme uses like caving. A proximity beam illuminates the area right in front of you Still, our one issue with the Nitecore NU 25 is battery life. When using the max light output of 360 lumens, it only lasts 0.5 hour–which is the lowest time of the headlamps we tested. However, in low light mode, it runs for 160 hours, which is better than some other rechargeable headlamps, like the BioLite 330. Still, it’s lower but in the general ballpark of AAA battery headlamps like the Spot 400.

Not all headlamps have a flood light option, but it’s a great function to have for proximity lighting. Best for around camp or in a tent, flood lights cast a wide beam and maximize the view right in front of you. Some headlamps will have two LEDs, one for spot lighting and one for flood lighting, while others (like the Coast FL75R) allow you to shape one single LED into a distance beam or an up-close flood. The Petzl Nao RL strays from the norm with a series of small LEDs that are smartly programmed to deliver proximity, distance, and movement lighting. In their specs, many manufacturers will call out a lamp’s beam distance—for example, the BioLite HeadLamp 325 has an 10-meter flood and a 70-meter spot. The Petzl Actik Core features both a flood and spot beam Like the BioLite 330, the 800 has a four-point tilt. We found this tilt useful for angling the headlamp, but some media reviewers found it a fault. The first digit stands for protection against dust and dirt. If there is an X in this position, this is not rated. The brightest flashlight we've found is well over 100,000 lumens. That is brighter than all of the headlamps on the market. So why would someone choose a headlamp over a flashlight? Text on the Spot 350 claims and IPX8 standard of waterproofing. With this rating users should be able to submerge a given device to a depth of over 1 meter for at least 30 minutes. Most would interpret this standard to mean the headlamp is somehow sealed to prevent water from entering the housing, and it might even float under the right conditions.The most powerful of Petzl’s compact headlamps, the Petzl Swift RL shouldn’t be overlooked by those looking for a high-end light. This lamp features the same Reactive Lighting tech as the Nao RL above, which is not only convenient for adapting to the environment hands-free (think of it as the photochromic lens of headlamps) but also optimizes battery life throughout the charge. In standard Reactive mode, you get a minimum of 7 hours of burn time and up to 275 lumens of light, which is sufficient brightness for navigating trails and even more complex terrain. Compare that to the top-ranked Actik Core, which lasts for 7 hours at 100 lumens, and the contrast is obvious: The Swift RL is a much more powerful lamp for just a small 0.4-ounce weight penalty.

One of the most significant benefits of a headlamp is that it provides hands-free illumination. This is a huge benefit over a flashlight. This allows you to perform various tasks, such as cooking in camp, reading maps, setting up camp, or even hiking or climbing, without the need to hold a flashlight. Enhanced safety As always, if you’re carrying electronics or other moisture-sensitive items anywhere they’re likely to get wet, we recommend a dry bag. Value As an ultralight headlamp, we didn't expect the battery life to be on the same level as headlamps with batteries that are three times the weight. Outdoors, more brightness is often handy. When running in the city, this can sometimes be disadvantageous,

Spot 400-R Headlamp vs ReVolt 350

Most of the headlamps we recommend offer focused and directional lighting, which is handy for illuminating specific areas or objects like your cook pot or where you think that mouse hiding under your tent may be. You can adjust the angle and intensity of the light to suit your needs, whether you're examining gear, reading, or navigating uneven terrain. Improved night vision Avoid touching the lens with your fingers, as oils and residues from your skin can affect light output and clarity. BD’s PowerTap technology—found in other BD headlamps—allows you to simply tap the right side of the casing to cycle between max brightness and whatever dimmed level you previously set. The brightness memory technology means the Spot350 turns on in the mode and brightness level you last turned it off. What we like: Compact yet bright; reactive lighting offers hands-free illumination and optimizes battery life. Always refer to the user manual that comes with your headlamp for specific care and maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. Properly store and dispose of batteries

The Spot is one of our favorite lights, but it is not without some shortcomings, which we'll cover below. Lower cost competing lights have also improved significantly over the past few years, and the Spot now faces strong competition from lower cost lights like the Petzl Tikkina, which offers strong performance at a 33% lower cost, and is one of the other lights we recommend considering before buying the Spot (the other being the BD Storm). Below we'll take you through the Spot's performance, with ample comparison and contrast to other top contenders worth consideration. Trail Finding Don't become overly reliant on your headlamp. Keep an awareness of your surroundings, as it's easy to become disoriented or miss important landmarks when relying solely on a narrow beam of light. Secure the headlamp properly

Best Applications

With long-lasting batteries or the option to use rechargeable ones, a headlamp means that you don't have to just be out for a few hours or a day—you'll have a reliable source of light for extended outdoor adventures, including multi-day hikes, or camping trips. Emergency preparedness The red light is used for night vision among other things to see better. Also to not be seen by wildlife or when fishing and not to scare off is the red light advantageous. Let's take a closer look at the two Spot 350* and Storm 400* brand headlamps and see the differences. A headlamp with a red light or dimming feature helps preserve your night vision. This is particularly useful for stargazing, wildlife observation, or maintaining your awareness of your surroundings without blinding yourself or others with a bright white light. Plus, many folks find it is easier to fall asleep at night if they've been using a red light instead of a bright white one. Extended adventures