Customer Reviews

Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp (Titanium)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

UPDATE--
Although the headlamp is fantastic, per my original review below, the battery cover wasn't very durable. The battery cover broke after 1 to 2 years of reading use at home; what was surprising was that I only changed the batteries 3 to 4 times prior to it breaking....the good news is that one can tape shut the battery compartment, and it still works (as I have been doing for years).

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This is a fantastic headlamp. Besides this headlamp, I also own the Black Diamond Zenix IQ. However, I find myself using the Gizmo 99% of the time however. The reasons I prefer the Gizmo are as follows:
- the Gizmo weighs significantly less than the Zenix IQ
- unlike the Zenix IQ, the Gizmo does *not* have a battery pack in the back of the strap....making the Gizmo perfect for use as a reading lamp while laying in bed.
- the Gizmo is more compact (and lighter), making it easier to carry in a pocket and/or to carry with you in a backpack for "just in case I need a headlamp" situations.

Although I would still recommend the Zenix IQ as a great headlamp for long hikes (provides more output light when you really need to see distances for unknown terrain), I find that I use my Gizmo 99% of the time because in its low-output mode it is the perfect reading lamp and in its high-output mode it provides plenty of light for walking around a campsite, etc.

This headlamp gets a 5-star review in the first 45 minutes of use! I got this because I wanted a lightweight headlamp for running after dark and to take backpacking/canoeing and other places where weight counts. I have some Black Diamond climbing equipment and their headlamps all got great reviews too, so I went with this one. As soon as I opened it I decided the design is great. Very compact, just big enough to squeeze in a couple AA batteries right behind the 3 LEDs. The elastic headband is small and won't absorb much sweat, but it's quite strong with a lot of stretch and I have to loosen it up quite a bit or I'd probably get indentations in my head!

On my first run, I like the way the three LEDs lighted up a swath ahead of me, not just one bright focused beam. There was a bright moon so I turned the headlamp off after the first 10-15 min. As I got back to my car at the end of the run I whipped off my hat and totally forgot the headlamp was on it - just for that split second until I heard the sound of lightweight plastic pieces tinkling on the blacktop. Uggh - actually had the light on for only 10-15 min and already I broke it! Take it to the car interior light for damage assessment... The lid on the batteries had popped open, but was still attached because there's a flexible retainer band that keeps the two pieces from ever getting separated by more than half an inch. The headlamp assembly had also separated from the bracket on the headstrap. I closed the lid on the battery and it turned on. Aha! Still works! I popped the headlamp back into the bracket, but put it in upside down and actually had to work a bit with a key as a lever to get it back out again to put it in the right way. So it's made of very strong plastic with a lot of flex to it. I can see a pair of tiny scratches on one corner and that's it. Bottom line: No Wal-Mart cheapie here! This well-designed headlamp constructed of very lightweight, very flexible, very strong plastic. All around great product, especially for the price!

So this is just an average run of the mill headlamp that does everything you need it to do while keeping it light weight and simple. I have loaned it out to young children who immediately know how to use it in under a minute and seem to enjoy the 'blinking' mode. This headlamp is nothing special, but doesn't try to be, it just gets the job done while keeping the cost low to the consumer. I couldn't be happier with mine and plan to keep using it for years to come.

This arrived a little early, one day before I left for Belize and Guatemala! I looked at sharks in the atoll lagoon at night, walked to the outhouse, cooked in a water cabin on open flame hot plate, washed dishes on the shore and avoided stepping on thousands of hermit crabs with this handy, affordable and durable little headlamp! Great lighting for a small and inexpensive LED lamp.

A good little light. I mounted it on my small electric scooter as a secondary light for its flashing mode. The Chili color even matches my scooter. I used a Dorcy 41-2090 3AAA G Shock LED Headlight as my primary headlight. Between the two people definitely see me coming. Both lights are quality build and I spent a total of $35 for both.

This headlamp appears to be well built and functions well. I use it for running and the main purpose for me is to be seen by others, rather than as a way to light up where I am going. If you want something that lights up dark paths, etc, then this is not the headlamp for you. This headlamp is better for close up activities, such as reading, around a fire, etc. That being said, for my purpose it works great and increases my visibility nicely. It is very comfortable and even on 2+ hour runs it doesn't bother me at all. It packs up small as well, so when it gets lighter out you can stow it in a small pocket. The battery life appears to be good so far, but I can't say exactly how long it has lasted for. It appears to be solid and performs well even in Seattle rain! Overall I gave this 4 stars only because the light is not the brightest. For the price and if you aren't looking for something to light your way in the dark, this is a great product.

I bought this for close up work. And It's perfect for that. It's light and comfortable and plenty bright. And It's good at night walking around the camp-sight or familiar ground. But if I'm hiking in the dark woods I want something a lot brighter.

My brother bought me a this headlamp for Christmas last year when I lost my own. I thought this was going to be great: tiltable housing, and long run time, simple.

Unfortunately, the second time I used it, one side of the tiltable bracket that secures the lamp to the head band broke.
I epoxied this break, and was able to use it a third time until i went to tilt it again, and then the other (original) side broke. Hmmm... :(
I'm planning on calling Black Diamond's customer service (801 278 5533) to see if I can get a free one or get my money back. Right now, I'm just using it as an extra flashlight to have in case of power outages, etc....

I had better luck with my original Petzl (forgot what I had, other than the brand) and a Petzl Zipka Plus that my boyfriend subsequently bought me after this one "died". (The light does still work great, hence the 2 stars.)

I use this lamp every day to read in bed. The batteries last a very long time.

The only downside that I have seen is that the batteries are not drained very fully. However when the light is going to stop working it gives you some warning and enough light to find some fresh batteries if you are prepared.

I have also used this light to go winter camping and on a 3 month bike tour of Europe.

I am just now planning to use NiMH batteries. If they have a long enough life I will be very happy.

Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp

I have the bigger ones of these and if you where glasses you get glare. These GIZMO headlamps are small enough where they do not give off glare if you wear glasses. They are lighter than the older ones and are much brighter without blinding the person in front of you. These headlamps are great. I want 4 more for the rest of my family! Delivery was prompt and package was in perfect condition and item was wrapped and protect well in package. I will use these everywhere I need a light...attic...basement...etc.