This headlamp is designed for the most demanding technical consumers who require the best, brightest, and most waterproof headlamp for fast-paced, extreme environment activities. Additionally, this headlamp is also designed to be versatile, with the ability to run on alkaline batteries if a power source is not readily available during longer expeditions. With its advanced technology, this headlamp delivers maximum performance, reliability, and durability in the most challenging environments. Its dual-fuel capability allows you to choose between using the rechargeable Lithium Ion BD 1500 battery or included alkaline cells for maximum flexibility. This headlamp also features a 450 Lumen maximum output and is waterproof with an IP67 rating, tested to operate at least 1.0 meter underwater for 30 minutes. The PowerTap Technology enables you to instantly transition between full and dimmed power, and the Brightness Memory feature allows you to turn the light on and off at your chosen brightness without reverting back to the default setting. The headlamp also includes a range of settings to suit different activities, including full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, and red, green, and blue night-vision modes. The lock mode ensures that the headlamp is not accidentally turned on when not in use. With its multifaceted optical efficiency lens technology, this headlamp delivers maximum efficiency and performance for the most demanding technical consumers. The headlamp is flexible, versatile, and adaptable, offering maximum performance and efficiency whether you are on a day hike or night climbing at the Buttermilks.
This headlamp is designed for the most demanding technical consumers who require the best, brightest, and most waterproof headlamp for fast-paced, extreme environment activities. Additionally, this headlamp is also designed to be versatile, with the ability to run on alkaline batteries if a power source is not readily available during longer expeditions. With its advanced technology, this headlamp delivers maximum performance, reliability, and durability in the most challenging environments. Its dual-fuel capability allows you to choose between using the rechargeable Lithium Ion BD 1500 battery or included alkaline cells for maximum flexibility. This headlamp also features a 450 Lumen maximum output and is waterproof with an IP67 rating, tested to operate at least 1.0 meter underwater for 30 minutes. The PowerTap Technology enables you to instantly transition between full and dimmed power, and the Brightness Memory feature allows you to turn the light on and off at your chosen brightness without reverting back to the default setting. The headlamp also includes a range of settings to suit different activities, including full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, and red, green, and blue night-vision modes. The lock mode ensures that the headlamp is not accidentally turned on when not in use. With its multifaceted optical efficiency lens technology, this headlamp delivers maximum efficiency and performance for the most demanding technical consumers. The headlamp is flexible, versatile, and adaptable, offering maximum performance and efficiency whether you are on a day hike or night climbing at the Buttermilks.
This headlamp is designed for the most demanding technical consumers who require the best, brightest, and most waterproof headlamp for fast-paced, extreme environment activities. Additionally, this headlamp is also designed to be versatile, with the ability to run on alkaline batteries if a power source is not readily available during longer expeditions. With its advanced technology, this headlamp delivers maximum performance, reliability, and durability in the most challenging environments. Its dual-fuel capability allows you to choose between using the rechargeable Lithium Ion BD 1500 battery or included alkaline cells for maximum flexibility. This headlamp also features a 450 Lumen maximum output and is waterproof with an IP67 rating, tested to operate at least 1.0 meter underwater for 30 minutes. The PowerTap Technology enables you to instantly transition between full and dimmed power, and the Brightness Memory feature allows you to turn the light on and off at your chosen brightness without reverting back to the default setting. The headlamp also includes a range of settings to suit different activities, including full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, and red, green, and blue night-vision modes. The lock mode ensures that the headlamp is not accidentally turned on when not in use. With its multifaceted optical efficiency lens technology, this headlamp delivers maximum efficiency and performance for the most demanding technical consumers. The headlamp is flexible, versatile, and adaptable, offering maximum performance and efficiency whether you are on a day hike or night climbing at the Buttermilks.
This headlamp is designed for the most demanding technical consumers who require the best, brightest, and most waterproof headlamp for fast-paced, extreme environment activities. Additionally, this headlamp is also designed to be versatile, with the ability to run on alkaline batteries if a power source is not readily available during longer expeditions. With its advanced technology, this headlamp delivers maximum performance, reliability, and durability in the most challenging environments. Its dual-fuel capability allows you to choose between using the rechargeable Lithium Ion BD 1500 battery or included alkaline cells for maximum flexibility. This headlamp also features a 450 Lumen maximum output and is waterproof with an IP67 rating, tested to operate at least 1.0 meter underwater for 30 minutes. The PowerTap Technology enables you to instantly transition between full and dimmed power, and the Brightness Memory feature allows you to turn the light on and off at your chosen brightness without reverting back to the default setting. The headlamp also includes a range of settings to suit different activities, including full strength in proximity and distance modes, dimming, strobe, and red, green, and blue night-vision modes. The lock mode ensures that the headlamp is not accidentally turned on when not in use. With its multifaceted optical efficiency lens technology, this headlamp delivers maximum efficiency and performance for the most demanding technical consumers. The headlamp is flexible, versatile, and adaptable, offering maximum performance and efficiency whether you are on a day hike or night climbing at the Buttermilks.
Last updated at 06/07/2026 22:08:32
BD Black Diamond Storm 450 headlamp-Dark Olive
Delivery by 16 June $37.95
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp Green 400 Lumens
Delivery $19.99
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp - Dark Olive
Storm 450 Headlamp Dark Olive
Delivery between 11–19 June $9.95
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp Dark Olive
Delivery $10
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp Dark Olive
Delivery $7.99
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp - Dark Olive
Free delivery between Tue – Wed
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp (Colour: Dark Olive) - Clearance
Free delivery between 8–15 June
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp [Colour:Dark Olive]
Delivery $9.95
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp - Dark Olive
Delivery between 15–19 June $28.82
originally posted on REI
I bought this headlight to replace my aging Black Diamond headlight.Overall I am happy with the Storm 450, but there are a couple things keeping it from being perfect.The most annoying is the battery level indicator LEDs. They are BRIGHT blue and located on the bottom of the unit. They come on when you first turn the headlight on and again when you tuen it off. They are bright enough to ruin whatever night vision you have, which is especially maddening when youre using the red light. They easily drown out the red.The more minor annoyance is the “turbo” function that is accessible by pressing the side of the light. Sometimes it gets activated when I use my right hand to turn on or off the light, sometimes it doesnt. I cant consistently activate it on purpose ... MoreI bought this headlight to replace my aging Black Diamond headlight.Overall I am happy with the Storm 450, but there are a couple things keeping it from being perfect.The most annoying is the battery level indicator LEDs. They are BRIGHT blue and located on the bottom of the unit. They come on when you first turn the headlight on and again when you tuen it off. They are bright enough to ruin whatever night vision you have, which is especially maddening when youre using the red light. They easily drown out the red.The more minor annoyance is the “turbo” function that is accessible by pressing the side of the light. Sometimes it gets activated when I use my right hand to turn on or off the light, sometimes it doesnt. I cant consistently activate it on purpose either. This isnt a deal breaker, but I do wonder why this feature even exists.With all that said, I like the battery compartment lock, which is an upgrade over my last light’s clip. I like the blue or green light option, but havent found a use case for them. I do like the battery level indicator, I just wish it was located elsewhere.I would recommend this light and I would purchase it again.
originally posted on REI
I have owned a few Black Diamond headlamps, and given several away as gifts, but this one really takes the cake in terms of doing it all. In a compact headlight, there are multiple modes and settings for almost any need that are relatively to access. One of my favorite features is the PowerTap feature. No button needed to enable the brightest mode--just tap your finger on the side of the light and viola! This is great for projects around the home, or really dark areas where you need wider spread of bright light. The other button features take a little getting used to, but once you toggle between modes a couple of times, it is super easy.Another cool feature is that it is "Dual Fuel"--meaning you can either use regular AAA batteries, or the optional BD 1500 mAh ... MoreI have owned a few Black Diamond headlamps, and given several away as gifts, but this one really takes the cake in terms of doing it all. In a compact headlight, there are multiple modes and settings for almost any need that are relatively to access. One of my favorite features is the PowerTap feature. No button needed to enable the brightest mode--just tap your finger on the side of the light and viola! This is great for projects around the home, or really dark areas where you need wider spread of bright light. The other button features take a little getting used to, but once you toggle between modes a couple of times, it is super easy.Another cool feature is that it is "Dual Fuel"--meaning you can either use regular AAA batteries, or the optional BD 1500 mAh rechargeable battery. I really appreciated this flexibility, and found the rechargeable battery (via USB charger) to deliver on claims of longer run time than the standard battery. While I didn't take this on a long backpacking trip, I assume it could be recharged with a small solar kit--which would totally justify carrying the charger instead of extra batteries.I've seen some negative reviews about the latch, but have had no trouble using it. Even though it is lightweight, the construction of this light is solid and I feel Black Diamond does a good job in this department. I expect it to last a long time, and would definitely recommend!
originally posted on REI
This light was great for my purposes. I used it for car camping and RV camping.It was great for car camping. It has 4 different color options, white, red, blue, green. You can dim it to whatever setting you like. Any color besides white is great for nighttime use, you have color options for when you read, are inside the tent, or when you use the restroom and don’t want to bother other campers with a bright white light. I know for car camping one can have the option of brining bigger things or multiples of the same item but I like how this headlamp cuts the light needs by a lot. The AAA batteries than it came with lasted our whole trip which included 3 nights. I suggest you read the instructions to know the best way to make the battery life serve you. I do suggest ... MoreThis light was great for my purposes. I used it for car camping and RV camping.It was great for car camping. It has 4 different color options, white, red, blue, green. You can dim it to whatever setting you like. Any color besides white is great for nighttime use, you have color options for when you read, are inside the tent, or when you use the restroom and don’t want to bother other campers with a bright white light. I know for car camping one can have the option of brining bigger things or multiples of the same item but I like how this headlamp cuts the light needs by a lot. The AAA batteries than it came with lasted our whole trip which included 3 nights. I suggest you read the instructions to know the best way to make the battery life serve you. I do suggest to have a hard flat object with you ( I used a knife) to open the clasp, to insert the batteries you would like to use. I was not able to open it with only using my finger and I did not want to try using finger nails because that would definitely not work and possibly hurt. So maybe that can change?For our RV trip it was used the same. The only difference was that I also used it when things needed to get hooked up when we arrived to our destination at night.It was comfortable and did not feel any different from other similar products I have used in the past. The outside has battery life lights/circles that lets you know how much battery life is left. That feature is definitely a plus so that you don’t get caught with no battery.Overall, I am very happy with this headlamp.
| Batteries | 4 AAA batteries required. |
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
| Area Lighting Classification | IP67 |
| Assembled Height | 4.5 centimetres |
| Assembled Length | 9.5 centimetres |
BD Black Diamond Storm 450 headlamp-Dark Olive
Delivery by 16 June $37.95
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp Green 400 Lumens
Delivery $19.99
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp - Dark Olive
Storm 450 Headlamp Dark Olive
Delivery between 11–19 June $9.95
Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp Dark Olive
Delivery $10
I bought this headlight to replace my aging Black Diamond headlight.Overall I am happy with the Storm 450, but there are a couple things keeping it from being perfect.The most annoying is the battery level indicator LEDs. They are BRIGHT blue and located on the bottom of the unit. They come on when you first turn the headlight on and again when you tuen it off. They are bright enough to ruin whatever night vision you have, which is especially maddening when youre using the red light. They easily drown out the red.The more minor annoyance is the “turbo” function that is accessible by pressing the side of the light. Sometimes it gets activated when I use my right hand to turn on or off the light, sometimes it doesnt. I cant consistently activate it on purpose ... MoreI bought this headlight to replace my aging Black Diamond headlight.Overall I am happy with the Storm 450, but there are a couple things keeping it from being perfect.The most annoying is the battery level indicator LEDs. They are BRIGHT blue and located on the bottom of the unit. They come on when you first turn the headlight on and again when you tuen it off. They are bright enough to ruin whatever night vision you have, which is especially maddening when youre using the red light. They easily drown out the red.The more minor annoyance is the “turbo” function that is accessible by pressing the side of the light. Sometimes it gets activated when I use my right hand to turn on or off the light, sometimes it doesnt. I cant consistently activate it on purpose either. This isnt a deal breaker, but I do wonder why this feature even exists.With all that said, I like the battery compartment lock, which is an upgrade over my last light’s clip. I like the blue or green light option, but havent found a use case for them. I do like the battery level indicator, I just wish it was located elsewhere.I would recommend this light and I would purchase it again.
I have owned a few Black Diamond headlamps, and given several away as gifts, but this one really takes the cake in terms of doing it all. In a compact headlight, there are multiple modes and settings for almost any need that are relatively to access. One of my favorite features is the PowerTap feature. No button needed to enable the brightest mode--just tap your finger on the side of the light and viola! This is great for projects around the home, or really dark areas where you need wider spread of bright light. The other button features take a little getting used to, but once you toggle between modes a couple of times, it is super easy.Another cool feature is that it is "Dual Fuel"--meaning you can either use regular AAA batteries, or the optional BD 1500 mAh ... MoreI have owned a few Black Diamond headlamps, and given several away as gifts, but this one really takes the cake in terms of doing it all. In a compact headlight, there are multiple modes and settings for almost any need that are relatively to access. One of my favorite features is the PowerTap feature. No button needed to enable the brightest mode--just tap your finger on the side of the light and viola! This is great for projects around the home, or really dark areas where you need wider spread of bright light. The other button features take a little getting used to, but once you toggle between modes a couple of times, it is super easy.Another cool feature is that it is "Dual Fuel"--meaning you can either use regular AAA batteries, or the optional BD 1500 mAh rechargeable battery. I really appreciated this flexibility, and found the rechargeable battery (via USB charger) to deliver on claims of longer run time than the standard battery. While I didn't take this on a long backpacking trip, I assume it could be recharged with a small solar kit--which would totally justify carrying the charger instead of extra batteries.I've seen some negative reviews about the latch, but have had no trouble using it. Even though it is lightweight, the construction of this light is solid and I feel Black Diamond does a good job in this department. I expect it to last a long time, and would definitely recommend!
This light was great for my purposes. I used it for car camping and RV camping.It was great for car camping. It has 4 different color options, white, red, blue, green. You can dim it to whatever setting you like. Any color besides white is great for nighttime use, you have color options for when you read, are inside the tent, or when you use the restroom and don’t want to bother other campers with a bright white light. I know for car camping one can have the option of brining bigger things or multiples of the same item but I like how this headlamp cuts the light needs by a lot. The AAA batteries than it came with lasted our whole trip which included 3 nights. I suggest you read the instructions to know the best way to make the battery life serve you. I do suggest ... MoreThis light was great for my purposes. I used it for car camping and RV camping.It was great for car camping. It has 4 different color options, white, red, blue, green. You can dim it to whatever setting you like. Any color besides white is great for nighttime use, you have color options for when you read, are inside the tent, or when you use the restroom and don’t want to bother other campers with a bright white light. I know for car camping one can have the option of brining bigger things or multiples of the same item but I like how this headlamp cuts the light needs by a lot. The AAA batteries than it came with lasted our whole trip which included 3 nights. I suggest you read the instructions to know the best way to make the battery life serve you. I do suggest to have a hard flat object with you ( I used a knife) to open the clasp, to insert the batteries you would like to use. I was not able to open it with only using my finger and I did not want to try using finger nails because that would definitely not work and possibly hurt. So maybe that can change?For our RV trip it was used the same. The only difference was that I also used it when things needed to get hooked up when we arrived to our destination at night.It was comfortable and did not feel any different from other similar products I have used in the past. The outside has battery life lights/circles that lets you know how much battery life is left. That feature is definitely a plus so that you don’t get caught with no battery.Overall, I am very happy with this headlamp.
The Black Diamond Storm 450 is an Extremely Bright Full Function Headlamp.It has a setting for 'Close Proximity' Lighting use which is especially useful for things you are doing with your hands like cooking etc. and has a setting for 'FurtherDistance' Lighting where you may be looking ahead when scouting out a campsite in the dark or when looking ahead down the trail etc.Both settings have a Dimmer option to Decrease or Increase the Brightness.The Storm 450 will remember the last setting you were using and doesn't make you cycle thru all the settings to get you back to where you were.The Storm 450 also has 3 Night Vision Options with Red, Green and Blue Colours.The 3 Night Vision settings also have a Dimmer Option to Decrease or Increase the Night Vision ... MoreThe Black Diamond Storm 450 is an Extremely Bright Full Function Headlamp.It has a setting for 'Close Proximity' Lighting use which is especially useful for things you are doing with your hands like cooking etc. and has a setting for 'FurtherDistance' Lighting where you may be looking ahead when scouting out a campsite in the dark or when looking ahead down the trail etc.Both settings have a Dimmer option to Decrease or Increase the Brightness.The Storm 450 will remember the last setting you were using and doesn't make you cycle thru all the settings to get you back to where you were.The Storm 450 also has 3 Night Vision Options with Red, Green and Blue Colours.The 3 Night Vision settings also have a Dimmer Option to Decrease or Increase the Night Vision Brightness.The Headlamp has a Strobe (Flashing) Mode that operates in all of the 5 Modes ('Close Proximity' Mode, 'Further Distance' Mode and the 3x Colour Night Vision Modes)The Storm 450 also has an S.O.S. Strobe Flashing Mode that operates in all of the 5 Modes.The Storm 450 also has a 'Locking' Mode to prevent accidentally turning on the Headlamp in your Pocket or in your Pack to avoid needless Battery use causing you to have a Dead Headlamp just when you need it the most.The Storm 450 is more compact and lighter than previous Storm Versions and is a joy to where with the Comfortable easily adjustable strap.The Headlamp can easily be removed from the Strap and then be attached to the Sternum Strap of your Pack Facing Forward down the Trail instead of having mounted on your head or it can be mounted on your Pack Compression or Adjustable Load Straps Facing Backward letting others follow your progress and to Let others know where you are for Safety. The Night Vision coloured Lighting in the Strobe Mode works great to make you visible in the Dark.The Storm 450 is a Fantastic New Headlamp that really improves on the previous versions and offers a much more streamlined, lighter and less bulky Headlamp that is Easy to use and comfortable to wear.The Storm 450 uses 3x 'AAA' Batteries.It works with Alkaline (included), Rechargeable NiMH and Rechargeable Lithium Ion Batteries.It also works with the Black Diamond Rechargeable Model 1500 Battery Pack that is not included but can be purchased separately as another powerful Battery Option.I am very impressed with the New Black Diamond Storm 450.
I am an avid hiker, cyclist, skier, climber, well.. .outdoor person :) On my adventures, I always have a headlamp with me, but it is also very useful at home taking out the trash. I have gone through enough headlamps at this point, none really get me too excited. One of the features I like the most about the Storm 450 is the two button operation. The battery compartment closure is another.. I am hopeful this holds up better than snap together closures I've used the most. Finally, the headband, it feels great on my head and I like the narrower width.The feature set is enough for me but I am not picky as long as I get a dimmable bright white light and a red light.This is the first multi-button headlamp I have had. It takes much less guesswork to cycle between red ... MoreI am an avid hiker, cyclist, skier, climber, well.. .outdoor person :) On my adventures, I always have a headlamp with me, but it is also very useful at home taking out the trash. I have gone through enough headlamps at this point, none really get me too excited. One of the features I like the most about the Storm 450 is the two button operation. The battery compartment closure is another.. I am hopeful this holds up better than snap together closures I've used the most. Finally, the headband, it feels great on my head and I like the narrower width.The feature set is enough for me but I am not picky as long as I get a dimmable bright white light and a red light.This is the first multi-button headlamp I have had. It takes much less guesswork to cycle between red (and green/blue) and white light. I hate ruining my night vision because I can't figure out how to get to the red light. The two button functionality makes that easy.The power tap feature is useful at times, when I remember it is there but also has been frustrating as moving/positioning the light while it is in use but not on my head. It doesn't appear to work with gloves, possibly the time I am most likely to change the brightness easily due to dexterity issues.The strap is narrower and a bit thicker than I've used. It feels comfortable on my head and interferes less than others with headwear... hats and helmets. The strap is removable but after removing it once, it was more work lining back up than I want to deal with again, unless the strap looses it's elasticity and I can replace it.I am liking the battery compartment latch and hopeful it will not fail as so many other lights with snap type covers have done to me. Less likely to fail to plastic stress cracking, time will tell! larger fingers, less dexterity folks may have some issues with it but I did find that the headband adjustment buckles may be helpful to pry it loose.Overall, it does everything I want in a headlamp. The quality appears to be good and I am hoping it lasts longer than other products I have had.
This light has a ton of options, and it's easy to cycle through them all. I definitely recommend getting familiar with the buttons and options before taking it out into the field - even if you only plan on using a couple of the options. It's easy to get into the wrong mode if you just keep pressing buttons. I really appreciated being able to easily dim and brighten all of the lights including the colored lights.The light can be worn on your head or on a sternum strap. I wish they'd make an option to put it on the bill of a hat. I didn't think it was comfortable to wear on a bare forehead for very long. The elastic strap is pretty thin, so I tightened the strap to keep it from bouncing/slipping around on my longer/slippery hair, and that meant it dug into my ... MoreThis light has a ton of options, and it's easy to cycle through them all. I definitely recommend getting familiar with the buttons and options before taking it out into the field - even if you only plan on using a couple of the options. It's easy to get into the wrong mode if you just keep pressing buttons. I really appreciated being able to easily dim and brighten all of the lights including the colored lights.The light can be worn on your head or on a sternum strap. I wish they'd make an option to put it on the bill of a hat. I didn't think it was comfortable to wear on a bare forehead for very long. The elastic strap is pretty thin, so I tightened the strap to keep it from bouncing/slipping around on my longer/slippery hair, and that meant it dug into my forehead. I'd recommend wearing it over a buff or hat for longer periods of time.The light casts a really wide amount of light, especially for its size and weight. It was slightly hazy when I was testing it, and it still cast a good amount of light even through trees and haze. I plan to use it for backpacking, and the weight is good for such a strong light.A few notes on the construction - the plastic, maybe for weight, feels flimsier than some past headlamps I've owned, so I'm curious to see how it holds up. I also should have looked more carefully at how to open the battery compartment. I didn't realize the clasp flipped from the back and didn't find the instructions really useful, so I muscled it open the first time and hope I didn't weaken the light. If you're changing brands of lights like I did, there may be a slight learning curve with the features and buttons.Overall, I'm happy with the light and think it will work well for backcountry. I'm looking forward to seeing how it holds up in cold weather.
I’ve owned plenty of headlamps in my life and the illumination on this one blows all the others out of the water. At the brightest setting I could see way into the distance and along the periphery. The headlamp has a lot of neat features— red, blue and green lights all of which were great for campsite tasks where I didn’t want to blind anyone in the face. There’s also a feature where you can tap on the side from any setting to turn on the brightest light and then tap a second time to go to a dimmer setting. I included a photo of the instructions in my review because they are a bit hard to follow and figuring out how to access all the features took time. There is a power button that when held down can dim (and then brighten). There is another button next to it to ... MoreI’ve owned plenty of headlamps in my life and the illumination on this one blows all the others out of the water. At the brightest setting I could see way into the distance and along the periphery. The headlamp has a lot of neat features— red, blue and green lights all of which were great for campsite tasks where I didn’t want to blind anyone in the face. There’s also a feature where you can tap on the side from any setting to turn on the brightest light and then tap a second time to go to a dimmer setting. I included a photo of the instructions in my review because they are a bit hard to follow and figuring out how to access all the features took time. There is a power button that when held down can dim (and then brighten). There is another button next to it to switch between modes and then there’s the tap feature on the side to jump between the brightest light and previous setting. I’m still getting the hang of it. Luckily if you turn the light off it remembers your previous setting and goes right back to it. I haven’t run the battery all the way down at all, specs are pretty good although you’ll burn through in a few hours if it’s on the brightest the whole time. At dinner settings it will last a long time. I tried the rechargeable battery that comes separately and it is really great to have both options, rechargeable battery and regular battery. I highly recommend this product!
I've been using different lights made by Black Diamond for a long time and so far Storm 450 Headlamp is my favorite. I like its lite compact design with just two buttons on top and power tap on its right side which give so many different options. The instruction to use this product is given in pictures, but some are little confusing. However, I figured it out eventually by experimenting before my camping trip. There are spot, diffused (close proximity) and RGB lights which all can be dimmed by holding down the main button on top and changed by pressing the small round button on top when the power is on or brought to strobe mode by double pressing main button while the headlamp is off. I really like the power tap option (just lite touch on the right side) which ... MoreI've been using different lights made by Black Diamond for a long time and so far Storm 450 Headlamp is my favorite. I like its lite compact design with just two buttons on top and power tap on its right side which give so many different options. The instruction to use this product is given in pictures, but some are little confusing. However, I figured it out eventually by experimenting before my camping trip. There are spot, diffused (close proximity) and RGB lights which all can be dimmed by holding down the main button on top and changed by pressing the small round button on top when the power is on or brought to strobe mode by double pressing main button while the headlamp is off. I really like the power tap option (just lite touch on the right side) which brings the light to maximum power in regular mode or activates S.O.S. in the strobe mode. Also, Storm 450 can be powered by Black Diamond BD 1500 Li-ion rechargeable battery (sold separately) or by three AAA batteries (included) as another option. Moreover, it's so easy to change the batteries with a really nice tight closure on the right side. There are also little three blue led indicators at the bottom of the headlamp which show the remaining battery life after switching the headlamp off. I used the spot light with powerful beam while walking at night, proximity light around the campsite and RGB lights during my night photography. Also, I used the flashing lights while biking in the dark (the headlamp can be attached to the backpack as well). In addition, its water and dust proof. However, I haven't had a chance to use it in the heavy rain yet.
I've been more impressed with this headlamp the more I use it. At first I was a little concerned because this was a little heavier and bulkier than I expected. Granted, I've been used to an ultra-light headlamp that sacrifices some on battery life, so this shouldn't have been too much of a surprise. But after using this on a regular basis, I'm liking this more and more, and I plan on this being my primary headlamp. Now for more specifics...I love to hike and run, and all of my testing on this so far has been running. I typically run in the dark, and the ground is often uneven, so good light is important. For comparison, I've used both a hip-level light and an ultra-light headlamp that is my typical backpacking light.The build quality on this headlamp is super. ... MoreI've been more impressed with this headlamp the more I use it. At first I was a little concerned because this was a little heavier and bulkier than I expected. Granted, I've been used to an ultra-light headlamp that sacrifices some on battery life, so this shouldn't have been too much of a surprise. But after using this on a regular basis, I'm liking this more and more, and I plan on this being my primary headlamp. Now for more specifics...I love to hike and run, and all of my testing on this so far has been running. I typically run in the dark, and the ground is often uneven, so good light is important. For comparison, I've used both a hip-level light and an ultra-light headlamp that is my typical backpacking light.The build quality on this headlamp is super. The elastic strap is well-made, and I don't feel like it's going to stretch out or disintegrate. The casing for the headlamp (waterproof!) is solid. The hinge for adjusting the angle stays put, but isn't too stiff. The buttons are responsive and not clunky. This is an A+ on build quality. Side note here... The waterproof feature is nice for running in the rain, and it also makes me wish I had this the last time I was in a cave.The one down side to the build quality is the weight. My biggest concern was running with this and the light bouncing or jittering. It took some fine adjustments to get the headband tight enough to stop the bouncing without squeezing my head too much, but I think I've dialed it in, and my last few runs have been great.The light output is also stellar on this. I can comfortably run with this at reduced brightness, but I find myself really enjoying running with it at 100% since the battery life is so good and I can see so well.Now for battery life. This might be my favorite part. I'm definitely sacrificing some on weight, but the battery life is stellar on this. I also like that the Black Diamond battery pack can be removed and AAA batteries used in it's place. This immediately makes this my go-to backpacking headlamp.Aside from being a solid headlamp, there are more features that I appreciate. The main light and secondary "wide" light that is dimmer is nice (these both illuminate in max mode). It's great to have a color light, and red is my go-to for night reading when camping/backpacking. The switching between modes is easy, and all of the modes are dimmable. The only thing I can't figure out is what you would use a green or blue light for. Someone other there is probably shaking their head at this, but maybe I'll find a use one day...I'm including a video. Part is cycling through the modes and part is me running with this (sorry for the shaking).Overall, I'm super impressed with this headlamp!
Versatile headlamp with more features than one could really need; however, I think that's what makes it appeal to more audiences. I would only really use the white lights (variable brightnesses) and the red light. The blue and green and flashy lights could be good for others or for rare occasions. The only negative I have (which isn't unique to the Storm 450) is the pinch point for fingers (see picture); to alleviate this, you just need to adapt yourself around this poor human-factors design. What's good is that the big button is simple enough to use so that if you throw it to a friend in the dark, they will figure out the basic white light functions immediately. However, the instant bright touch-sensitive button is not intuitive and you can't feel this button so ... MoreVersatile headlamp with more features than one could really need; however, I think that's what makes it appeal to more audiences. I would only really use the white lights (variable brightnesses) and the red light. The blue and green and flashy lights could be good for others or for rare occasions. The only negative I have (which isn't unique to the Storm 450) is the pinch point for fingers (see picture); to alleviate this, you just need to adapt yourself around this poor human-factors design. What's good is that the big button is simple enough to use so that if you throw it to a friend in the dark, they will figure out the basic white light functions immediately. However, the instant bright touch-sensitive button is not intuitive and you can't feel this button so you would have be oriented to the headlamp to use it, and even afterwards, it was awkward to use and I would hit I accidentally on occasion. The third, smaller push-button that you can feel if you knew to look for it is the switch to the other colors of light, and it is intuitively next to the big, main button.The headband is no frills and comfortable. I am able to keep it loose and hang it around my dog's neck for him to use in the dark in the back yard. He didn't know what was happening at first, but got used to it. Since I have a few headlamps of various brands, I sometimes give him one to use.The AAA batteries lasted 12+ hours on low light setting which is what I use for caving. I tested this by leaving it on for 12 hours, but I stopped it at 12 hours since I had to go to work. I dunked it a bunch of times in shallow water and it continued to performI like the ability to use AAA batteries and not have to wait for it to charge; I can simply switch out batteries as needed. Overall, I think this is a very good headlamp. I would buy it again and recommend it to friends. I don't see anything remarkable about it that really differentiates it from other headlamps though. Like I said, there are lots of features, but I don't see people using all of it. I would buy a similar headlamp without pinch points over this one if I could find one.
| Batteries | 4 AAA batteries required. |
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
| Area Lighting Classification | IP67 |
| Assembled Height | 4.5 centimetres |
| Assembled Length | 9.5 centimetres |
