I did find the power button a bit stiff and cycling through the modes confusing at first, but I quickly learned the sequence and had no further issues. In fact, using the headlamp extensively in Death Valley for a week of mine exploration and camping, I noticed no discernibly reduction in light output. The battery life is pretty good, especially if using the dimmer and/or the smaller LEDs. While it’s not the lightest headlamp I own - it weighs 4.2 ounces / 118 grams with four AAA batteries installed - it doesn’t feel heavy on my head. While I didn’t test this, I did do a bathroom sink test for about 15 minutes with no ill effects.Īll-in-all, I found the Black Diamond Storm headlamp to be one of the best headlamps I’ve used. The Storm is also completely waterproof to IPX7 standards to a depth of one meter for 30 minutes. When the Storm is turned on the small light will glow green, orange, or red for three seconds, depending on battery life. Located in the same spot as the lock lamp is the battery meter lamp. A blue lamp, located on the left side will flash. With the lamp turned off, hold the power button down for six seconds. Still, I found this feature quite handy when I needed a bit more light for a few moments.Īnother nice feature of the Storm is the ability to lock it in the off position, which will keep it from accidently turning on while it stuffed in your backpack. It did not, however, work through heavy winter gloves or gloves that had a lot of extra room in the fingers. I was surprised to notice that this feature even works through thin gloves, such as liners. It works great, though I did find myself fiddling around looking for the exact spot. It’s called “PowerTap.” Simply touch a factory determined spot on the right side of the headlamp with your finger and the lamp will switch back and forth from bright to dim.
The Black Diamond Storm has the ability to switch from full power to any preselected dimmed position with the touch of a finger. And it’s here that one of those new features really comes into play. The two red LEDs are great for night time photography when you don’t want to ruin your night vision, or, perhaps, when you are crammed into an Appalachian Trail community trail hut and don’t want to disturb fellow hikers.Īll three sets of lamps are dimmable, simply by holding down the single button located on top of the lamp. The two small, white LEDs are perfect around camp or in your tent where you don’t need full power. On high power, the Storm really lights up the night. The central spot is used when you need those 160 lumens, such as hiking at night, trying to find that belay point, or like I did, exploring abandoned gold mines in Death Valley National Park.
The Storm has three sets of lamps, a main central spot, two small white LEDs, and two small red LEDs.
On low power, its output drops to 4 lumens, casting a beam out to three meters (10 feet) and a burn time of 200 hours. The Storm is rated at a whopping 160 lumens on full power, with the capability to throw a beam 70 meters (230 feet) with a burn time of 70 minutes. At first glance, the Black Diamond Storm headlamp looks pretty much like any other lamp available on the market, but upon further inspection, you’ll notice it has a couple of interesting features not yet available on many other lamps.