Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp Evaluation

The image shot a blue Black Diamond Spot 400 - R headlamp sitting on a rock surrounded by water.
The Spot 400 – R is reliable and waterproof, making it an incredible companion for alpine begins or lake life. – photograph credit score: ben dawson (cleverhiker.com)

Backside line

The Black Diamond Spot 400-R is a implausible headlamp for most individuals and actions at an incredible worth. Basic night time hikers and campers will love this headlamp and have to 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 brilliant possibility that’s simple to make use of and comfy, making it a super 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 is usually a bit harsh, particularly when set to its brightest setting. Nevertheless, these minor points could be simply compensated for or ignored. 

We examined the Black Diamond Spot 400-R over six weeks, throughout seven completely different states, and thru a variety of actions, together with climbing, operating, biking, common camp use, and even an impromptu moonlight paddleboarding session, to make sure we totally understood its intricacies. When you gained’t remorse having this headlamp in your toolkit, discover our different contenders in our information to one of the best headlamps.

Fast Specs

Black Diamond Spot 400-R

Finest 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 brilliant sufficient for technical pursuits
  • Gentle high quality could be harsh at full energy

Illumination & Gentle 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. Nevertheless, it’s brilliant sufficient for much less high-stakes actions like night time climbing. We observed repeatedly that once 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 huge, the general throw of the sunshine is sort of spectacular.

The image shows the Black Diamond Spot 400 - R and its tilt function. The light is on and the headlamp is sitting on a log.
The Spot 400-R contains a good tilt perform that holds its place throughout vigorous exercise. – photograph credit score: ben Dawson (cleverhiker.com)

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 hardly ever discovered the necessity to use the headlamp at full energy. For informal night time climbing, tenting, or simply going for a stroll, the depth supplied by the complete 400-lumen energy is seldom essential.

The image shows a Black Diamond Sport 400 - R headlamp sitting on a log.
The Black Diamond Spot 400-R is constantly considered one of our favourite headlamps. – photograph credit score: ben Dawson (cleverhiker.com)

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 at all times inform the entire story, the Spot 400-R feels extremely gentle when carrying it. This headlamp’s design ensures it gained’t weigh you down, even throughout prolonged actions. Whether or not climbing all night time or just utilizing it for a fast night stroll, the Spot 400-R is so light-weight that you simply may overlook it’s there. Its minimal weight and total slim profile make it an ideal alternative for anybody in search of a headlamp that gained’t add pointless bulk to their gear.

The image shows a Black Diamond Spot 400 - R from the side. The light is on and the headlamp is sitting on a log.
The slim design of the headlamp helps reduce down on weight and bulk whereas being fairly comfy. – photograph credit score: ben Dawson (cleverhiker.com)

Consolation

We discovered the Spot 400-R fairly comfy, due to its tender strap that strikes a pleasant steadiness—not too thick and never too skinny. In contrast to the ultralight cord-style straps frequent 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 function in consolation, because the Spot 400-R is gentle sufficient to stop fatigue throughout prolonged use. Total, we discovered this headlamp exceptionally comfy, making it a strong alternative for many who need dependable efficiency with out sacrificing consolation.

The image shows the back headlamp and strap from the back.
The Spot 400-R’s strap is definitely adjustable and really tender. – photograph credit score: ben dawson (cleverhiker.com)

Ease of Use

Total, the Spot 400-R is extra sophisticated than a number of the different headlamps we examined this 12 months. It options two buttons and Black Diamond’s “PowerTouch” space on the facet, immediately switching the headlamp to its brightest setting, whatever the mode you’re in. This function got here in useful once we unexpectedly encountered a black bear rummaging by way of a campground trash can in the midst of the night time. One draw back of the PowerTouch function is that it’s a little delicate. We by chance activated it extra typically than we’d like, shedding extra gentle on the scenario than we meant.

The image shows a Black Diamond Spot 400 - R from above showing the two button control feature.
The twin-button design is barely extra sophisticated than most, however that’s a minor hang-up once you first study the system. – photograph credit score: ben dawson (cleverhiker.com)

Options

The Spot 400-R has all of the options we would like in a headlamp, together with a one-touch dimmable gentle. It additionally contains 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 principle energy button as soon as whereas the sunshine is in spot mode.

Probably the most distinctive function of this headlamp is Black Diamond’s “PowerTap” performance, which is an space on the facet of the headlamp that immediately switches it to its brightest setting, good for once you want additional gentle rapidly. Lastly, we admire that this headlamp is rechargeable. At the moment, we consider all headlamps ought to transition to a chargeable energy supply.

The image shows the Black Diamond Spot 400 - R from the side. The battery life indicator and charging port are featured in the photo.
The Spot 400-R contains a micro USB charging port and a battery life indicator. – photograph credit score: Ben Dawson (cleverhiker.com)

Ought to You Purchase the Black Diamond Spot 400-R?

The Black Diamond Spot 400-R within reason priced and gives spectacular worth in comparison with its opponents. It supplies every thing most on a regular basis hikers and campers want at an incredible worth level. This headlamp delivers ample brightness in a handy rechargeable package deal.

It’s light-weight, totally waterproof, simple to make use of, and comfy to put on, making it a flexible alternative for numerous outside actions. Whether or not climbing at night time, establishing camp after darkish, or needing dependable illumination on the path, the Spot 400-R has you coated. You’ll be hard-pressed to seek 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 superb alternative.

The image shows The Black Diamond 400 - R from above showing the two button design of the headlamp.
The Black Diamond Spot 400-R is a well-made device for many star-lit endeavors. – photograph credit score: ben dawson (cleverhiker.com)

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Contemplate?

Should you just like the Spot 400-R however need different choices as properly, take a look at these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the listing of our favourite headlamps:

Black Diamond Spot 400 Evaluation: If price range is a priority, you’ll be able to go for the Spot 400 – R’s non-rechargeable cousin, the Black Diamond Spot 400. For about 25% much less, you’ll be able to have a headlamp that gives the identical high quality and performance however with out the flexibility to recharge. You may at all times buy the rechargeable battery individually to improve later. 

Petzl Actik CORE Evaluation: Gear specialists typically advocate the Actik CORE, together with the Black Diamond Spot collection. Should you don’t thoughts the upper worth level, the Actik CORE gives the next lumen score in a chargeable package deal.

The image shows a Black Diamond Spot 400 - R sitting on a rock next to water.
Use the Totally Waterproof Spot 400-R with out fear. – photograph credit score: ben Dawson (cleverhiker.com)