Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

by Black Diamond

• pleather
• Improved with 90 lumens of light output, the full featured Spot is the light to own if you can only have one
• 1 triple power LED spotlight, 2 single power white LEDs, and 2 single power red LEDs emit 90 lumens (max setting)
• Settings include full strength in distance and proximity modes, dimming, strobe, red light vision, and lock mode
• Protects against splashing or sprayed water from any angle (IPX4)

Product Description

Now with 90 lumens of light output, the full-featured Spot is the light to own if you can only have one- it boasts an array of lighting modes customizable to any fast-paced activity.

Product Details

• Item Weight: 3.5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B006DCXIAS
• Item model number: BDSH-1
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (85 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,234 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #6 in Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Camping & Hiking > Lights & Lanterns > Headlamps

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for trail running January 26, 2012

By Mike

I was looking for a headlamp to use for trail running at night. There are several night trail races coming up, in addition to a lot of running on roads at night. I wanted a good quality, bright headlamp that would get the job done on trails, but not cost TOO much. I was mainly considering Petzl and Black Diamond lights. I purchased a Petzl Tikka Plus 2 and the Black Diamond Spot. I'd say the Petzl definitely has a higher quality of construction, but that doesn't mean I'm saying that the construction of the Black Diamond is bad. It still seems to be very solidly built and durable. I do have concerns about the durability of the plastic piece that holds the light at a tilted angle. I've heard that was an issue on the slightly older version of the Spot. After inspecting it in person though, it seems like it will hold up just fine. The overall quality and feel of the BD Spot seems great. The light pattern of the Spot is very good, with no weird shadows or spots, just a nice white round circle. And it is BRIGHT! I didn't think this would appear that much brighter than the Petzl Tikka Plus 2 (which is 50 lumens), but the Black Diamond Spot (which is 90 lumens) is much brighter than the Petzl. It's not even a comparison. As far as the strap and how the light feels while running, they are about the same, with a secure feeling and no bobbing at all. Both lights are great, but I just needed the extra light output for running trails at night, so I'm keeping the Spot, and returning the Petzl. The lower power white flood light, red light, and infinitely dimmable output is an added bonus. And I think the controls of the Spot are very easy to use. Hope this helps!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great running light January 25, 2012

By Rockman

Color Name:Matte Black|Amazon Verified Purchase

I use this for running in the mountains at night. I have tried many headlamps and for me this is the best. Light weight and does not bob on the forehead when running. Very bight light with a wide bright center spot that is free of aberrations or any rings. I have also tried out the Black Diamond Storm. The storms light pattern is the same as the Spot and any brightness difference not noticeable. I found that the Storm was heavier and more prone to bobbing. The Storm also did not rotate a full 90 degrees and the storms clear light cover protrudes from the case just a bit and light is visible out of the sides which is very distracting while running.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Got dogs? Need light? This is your headlamp! May 17, 2012

By Michael

Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this headlamp for the sole purpose of taking late night walks with my dogs. I have two (2) large breed dogs, both of whom are rather young. The math works like this:

Poop bags + two (2) leashes + handheld flashlight + darkness + need to poop = TROUBLE

I decided to get a headlamp to free up my hands for doing my civic "doody" and cleaning up after my dogs. I considered several Petzl models and the Black Diamond Spot. After 2-3 weeks with the product, here's my thoughts.

PROS:

The primary light (90 lumens) is great, even on foggy nights. It beats any incandescent flashlight that I have -- two (2) different models of MagLite. The ability to dim the primary light is great. Just press and hold the button until you get the right light level.

The secondary light (2 LEDs) is great if you don't want to look 100' up the street. I find that I use this light the most when I'm with my dogs because I don't want to blind them with the primary light.

The headband is comfortable enough, and it has plenty of room for adjustment depending on how big/small your head is.

The controls, contrary to many reviews here, are simple enough. 3 seconds alternates between the red LEDs and the primary / secondary white LEDs. 6 seconds locks and unlocks the headlamp function. Triple click and you get flashing secondary white LEDs or the red LEDs. Press and hold, as noted above, on the white LEDs to dim and un-dim them. Take 10 minutes to learn them, and you'll be fine.

The battery indicator is cool -- I forget it's there, though. After 2-3 weeks of evening use, I've not had any dimming of the headlamp, so I think the AAA batteries (included) are still going strong.

For $5 - $10 less, I got a headlamp with more functionality than the Petzl's that I considered.

CONS:

The red LEDs are kind of useless unless you're in a confined space or looking at something up close. I don't find that I'll be using them much unless I'm reading a map or mail or something in the dark (???).

The secondary white LEDs are useless when dimmed all the way down. Maybe if I was reading on a camping trip or something -- they might be useful.

I checked all over the Black Diamond website, and I cannot find any replacement parts. I have to hope that the headband doesn't fray / break. Petzl offers replacement headbands and parts for their lights, so -- keep that in mind if you're planning on being rough with the headlamp.

As others have noted here and on YouTube reviews of this product, the tilt function is a little flimsy. I don't like using it, as I don't want the little notched portion to wear out over time. I also found that when I tilted it down 1-2 notches, it reflected light off the top of my glasses.

SUMMARY:

For $36 (shipped with Amazon PRIME membership), this is a great headlamp. I've already ordered one for a very late Christmas gift for my father-in-law to use on his boat and to walk his own dog at night.