Backside line
The Black Diamond Spot 400-R is a unbelievable headlamp for most individuals and actions at an important value. Basic night time hikers and campers will love this headlamp and must look no additional. Whereas we wouldn’t take into account the Spot 400-R a specialty headlamp—for night time climbing, marathon operating, or mountaineering—it’s a well-rounded, adequately vivid choice that’s simple to make use of and comfy, making it a perfect alternative for many customers. It’s additionally rechargeable, which is a large plus.
We did discover some stretching of the strap over time, and the general gentle high quality generally is a bit harsh, particularly when set to its brightest setting. Nonetheless, these minor points might be simply compensated for or ignored.
We examined the Black Diamond Spot 400-R over six weeks, throughout seven totally different states, and thru a variety of actions, together with mountain climbing, operating, biking, common camp use, and even an impromptu moonlight paddleboarding session, to make sure we totally understood its intricacies. When you received’t remorse having this headlamp in your toolkit, discover our different contenders in our information to the very best headlamps.
Fast Specs
Black Diamond Spot 400-R
Greatest Headlamp Total
Value:
$65
Measured Weight:
2.6 oz.
Max Lumens/Beam Distance:
400 lm./328 ft. (100 m.)
Burn Time Low/Excessive:
225 hrs./4 hrs.
Professionals
- Vibrant sufficient for many non-technical adventures
- Light-weight
- Rechargeable
- Simple to make use of
- Comfy for long-term put on
- Versatile gentle modes
- Lengthy battery life
Cons
- The strap stretches with use
- Not vivid sufficient for technical pursuits
- Mild high quality might be harsh at full energy
Illumination & Mild High quality
At 400 lumens, the Spot 400-R is on the decrease finish of the headlamps we examined, making it much less appropriate for specialty actions like mountaineering, night time snowboarding, or mountaineering. Nonetheless, it’s vivid sufficient for much less high-stakes actions like night time mountain climbing. We observed repeatedly that while you cycle the Spot 400-R to its brightest setting, the sunshine high quality tends to be a bit harsh, typically to the purpose of wounding our eyes in sure conditions. Moreover, the beam of the Spot 400-R is extra of a highlight, true to its identify. Whereas the beam isn’t notably extensive, the general throw of the sunshine is kind of spectacular.
Burn Time
With a burn time of two.5/4 hours on excessive, 5/8 hours on medium, and 200/225 hours on low, we discovered the general burn time and battery life to be greater than enough. The battery life ranks among the many better of all of the headlamps we examined, particularly contemplating that this model of the Spot 400 is rechargeable. All through our testing, we not often discovered the necessity to use the headlamp at full energy. For informal night time mountain climbing, tenting, or simply going for a stroll, the depth supplied by the total 400-lumen energy is seldom mandatory.
Weight
Weighing in at simply 2.6 ounces, the Black Diamond Spot 400-R is gentle sufficient for on a regular basis use. Whereas measured weight alone doesn’t all the time inform the entire story, the Spot 400-R feels extremely gentle when sporting it. This headlamp’s design ensures it received’t weigh you down, even throughout prolonged actions. Whether or not mountain climbing all night time or just utilizing it for a fast night stroll, the Spot 400-R is so light-weight that you just may neglect it’s there. Its minimal weight and total slim profile make it an ideal alternative for anybody in search of a headlamp that received’t add pointless bulk to their gear.
Consolation
We discovered the Spot 400-R fairly snug, due to its tender strap that strikes a pleasant steadiness—not too thick and never too skinny. Not like the ultralight cord-style straps widespread on many specialty headlamps, the Spot 400-R’s strap feels extra substantial and supportive. It’s additionally extra slim than we see on most conventional headlamps. It’s well-suited for long-term, all-night use. Though two small plastic items inevitably contact your brow, most pores and skin contact is with the tender strap, which minimizes any discomfort. The light-weight design additionally performs a big position in consolation, because the Spot 400-R is gentle sufficient to forestall fatigue throughout prolonged use. Total, we discovered this headlamp exceptionally snug, making it a strong alternative for many who need dependable efficiency with out sacrificing consolation.
Ease of Use
Total, the Spot 400-R is extra difficult than a few of the different headlamps we examined this 12 months. It options two buttons and Black Diamond’s “PowerTouch” space on the aspect, immediately switching the headlamp to its brightest setting, whatever the mode you’re in. This characteristic got here in helpful once we unexpectedly encountered a black bear rummaging by a campground trash can in the midst of the night time. One draw back of the PowerTouch characteristic is that it’s a little delicate. We unintentionally activated it extra usually than we’d like, shedding extra gentle on the scenario than we meant.
Options
The Spot 400-R has all of the options we wish in a headlamp, together with a one-touch dimmable gentle. It additionally incorporates a mode selector button that switches the sunshine from its regular spot to pink gentle and a peripheral gentle perform, which we love for hanging round camp. Moreover, the Spot 400-R has an emergency strobe perform that’s arguably too simple to activate by urgent the primary energy button as soon as whereas the sunshine is in spot mode.
Probably the most distinctive characteristic of this headlamp is Black Diamond’s “PowerTap” performance, which is an space on the aspect of the headlamp that immediately switches it to its brightest setting, good for while you want additional gentle rapidly. Lastly, we respect that this headlamp is rechargeable. At the moment, we imagine all headlamps ought to transition to a chargeable energy supply.
Ought to You Purchase the Black Diamond Spot 400-R?
The Black Diamond Spot 400-R is fairly priced and provides spectacular worth in comparison with its rivals. It gives all the pieces most on a regular basis hikers and campers want at an important value level. This headlamp delivers ample brightness in a handy rechargeable bundle.
It’s light-weight, totally waterproof, simple to make use of, and comfy to put on, making it a flexible alternative for numerous out of doors actions. Whether or not mountain climbing at night time, establishing camp after darkish, or needing dependable illumination on the path, the Spot 400-R has you lined. You’ll be hard-pressed to search out such a well-rounded product that balances efficiency, sturdiness, and affordability so properly. Should you’re in search of a reliable headlamp that doesn’t break the financial institution, the Black Diamond Spot 400-R is a wonderful alternative.
What Different Headlamps Ought to You Contemplate?
Should you just like the Spot 400-R however need different choices as properly, try these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the listing of our favourite headlamps:
Black Diamond Spot 400 Assessment: If price range is a priority, you may go for the Spot 400 – R’s non-rechargeable cousin, the Black Diamond Spot 400. For about 25% much less, you may have a headlamp that provides the identical high quality and performance however with out the flexibility to recharge. You may all the time buy the rechargeable battery individually to improve later.
Petzl Actik CORE Assessment: Gear specialists usually suggest the Actik CORE, together with the Black Diamond Spot collection. Should you don’t thoughts the upper value level, the Actik CORE provides the next lumen ranking in a chargeable bundle.
