Black Diamond Storm vs Spot
3 minute Black Diamond Storm comparison with Spot!
Let's compare Black Diamond Storm vs Spot
The Black Diamond Spot is a well-made headlamp. It’s a middle-class-priced lamp that promises its owner many adventures together before giving out.
You might think about buying one for hiking, camping or maybe cycling. But then you “spot” the Storm!
The Black Diamond Storm is the bigger sibling of the Black Diamond Spot. It’s about 10 bucks more expensive. And although you might just go for the more expensive one, whether this is the right pick is very dependent on the situation!.
When should you buy the Storm? And when should you definitely buy a more lightweight alternative?
How does the Black Diamond spot compare to its alternative, the Storm? Let’s start with our comparison by introducing both lamps’ features!
Key features Black Diamond Spot
Average price: $39.95 /€39.95
Weight: 3.2 oz / 86 gr
Max Lumens: 350 lm.
Max. Beam distance: 275 ft. / 85 m.
Battery time: Low mode 200 hours / High mode 4 hours
Weather Resistance: IPX8 Waterproof to operate at least 1.1 meters underwater for 30 minutes. It should be completely dried out after use in wet conditions.
Advantages
- Easy battery swapping
- Robust chassis
- Good battery life
- IPX8: Waterproof-Tested to operate at least 1 meter's underwater for 30 minutes.
Disadvantages
- No rechargeable batteries
- Somewhat more complex to operate
Extra's
- PowerTap: Tap the sensor to immidiatly change to High mode
- Battery life meter on the chassis
Key features Black Diamond Storm
Average price: $49.95 /€54.95
Weight: 4.2 oz/ 120 gr
Max Lumens: 400 lm.
Max. Beam distance: 328 ft. / 100 m.
Battery time: Low mode 150 hours / High mode 5 hours
Weather Resistance: IP67 /Sealed housing withstands immersion over 1 meter for 30 minutes. It should be completely dried out after use in wet conditions.
Advantages
- Very strong light
- Lots of settings
- Robust chassis
- Good battery life
- High weather resistant
Disadvantages
- Heavy
- Somewhat more complex to operate
Extra's
- PowerTap: Tap the sensor to immidiatly change to High mode
- Battery life meter on the chassis
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Black Diamond Storm vs Spot analyses
Starting off, both lamps supply ample light to the user. This is also visible in the test pictures below. The Storm delivers a tad more light than the Spot. But both headlamps offer ample illumination for almost any thinkable outdoor activity.
The battery life accompanying this light is also pretty good! The spot excels in longevity on a lower setting where the storm aims for a longer use time on a high setting. In practice, however, we feel the headlamps will most be used on Low settings.
The Storm is a bit heavier in comparison with the Spot. This is the trade-off for the additional battery needed. The Storm uses 4 AAA batteries, where the Spot suffices with 3. Regardless, both lamps aren’t the lightest in the market. Compared to lamps as the Petzl Actik Core 450 for example. Still, we didn’t notice the weight much when using the lamp. It sits tightly around the head.
We have to praise the Black Diamond Spot for its exceptional weather resisting qualities. The Black diamond storm does already offer above-average resistances. Still, it cannot be denied that those of the Spot seem to be unequaled. The resistances of the Storm are still plenty for the roughest endeavors, though.
High light Spot
High light Storm
Low light Spot
Low light Storm
Our experience
When we tested the headlamps we decided to supply the reader with pictures of the beam quality. We realize this is one thing you can’t check before buying a headlamp otherwise. So we have made a picture of both the lamps on both Low and High mode.
High mode: We feel the Storm has the Spot beat here. The Spot has good strong light, but the Storm almost feels like having a small sun on your forehead.
Low mode: Here both lamps seem pretty equal. The Spot might even produce a brighter spotlight than the Storm. Maybe this is where it got its name? Regardless, both lamps are a good pick, but seeing the longer battery life on the Spot we would advise the Spot if the Low setting is important to you.
It’s good to question what you’re going to use the lamp for. On most occasions, you will not be using the high mode as it can be blinding to other people and doesn’t really add a lot over using the Low setting. When we hike in the dark we only use High mode to spot specific things. When we hear movement in the bushes and want to spot a small animal, for example.
Our Verdict!
We have compared two lamps who are both amongst the top of their class. Both lamps are very good buys. Although the Black Diamond Storm offers a bigger punch than the Black Diamond Spot it is questionable whether this is in your best interest. If you are a generally staying at campsites this won’t add much except “moments of fun” when you are playing with the High setting. You won’t need a lamp like this when reading a book, or when going to the toilet.
If you are just doing some save, nightly hikes it can also be fun and sometimes handy to see a bit more. BUT it is not essential. Unless you are keen on having this luxury we would generally advise you to go for the Spot as it offers better burn times, higher weather resistances and a lower weight while still keeping a lower price!
Still, if you are not a fan of the dark the extra 10 bucks might be worth the extra light provided, as the Storm will the darkness go “bye-bye”.
Our verdict is largely based on our own tests with both headlamps and our outdoor and hiking experience.
Thank you for reading. Lets us know if you liked our Black Diamond Storm vs Spot comparison! Please leave a comment below!
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