Black Diamond Spot Vs Storm: The Best Headlamp Is?

Black Diamond knows how to make some top-end outdoor gear. And their headlamps are some of the best around.

There are two models everyone always ends up debating: the Spot and the Storm.

They are both worth buying, without a doubt, BUT there are a few differences that might tip the scales one way or the other for you. Depending on what you need a headlamp for.

One is lighter. The other brighter and has more features.

First, there’s a head-to-head comparison in a quick table above so you can see…

The Difference Between The Spot & Storm

These headlamps are very close cousins, but there are still some differences worth noting.

The biggest ones are:

• Weight: the Storm is 25% heavier than the Spot (although we are talking under an ounce)
• Burn time: because the Storm has an extra battery, it lasts 10 hours more (on average) than the Spot (that is where most of the weight comes in)
• Max beam not much of a difference here, but we are talking 5m (or about 16ft). It might make a difference for you.
• Colored LEDs: the spot only has the red LED, the Storm also has a blue and green
• Waterproofing: Technically not a huge difference here, but the Spot is rated to more than 3.3ft depth BUT not tested for dust (the Storm is, and only rated to 3.3ft depth).

Shared Features

In case you are not familiar with these two amazing headlamps, it is also worth taking a look at the other great features Black Diamond has added to them both.

It used to be that you just had one big lamp or a few modes you had to cycle through (what a pain in the butt that was, as you tried not to wake everyone when going to the bathroom in the middle of the night!). But these days, the controls on headlamps like there are awesome!

Lights & Controls

Both lamps feature the following very handy features:

• Brightness Memory: switch the lamp back on and it remembers the last setting
• Power Tap: Quickly change brightness with a simple tap interface (works also with gloves)
• Lock Mode: Easy to use a lock to stop the lamp from turning on in your pack
• Night/Colored LEDs: the spot only has a red LED, the Storm has a red, blue, and green
• Close & Far Beams: Depending on your use, you can have the far beam or a close (10ft / 3m beam)

Which Should You Buy?

For most people, the Spot is more than enough because Black Diamond packs both these lamps with almost exactly the same features.

The only major difference is the weight, burn time, and night LEDs. So, if you need light longer (mountaineering, climbing, hunting) without having to worry about changing batteries and have no need to save weight, the Storm is a great upgrade. Some people also love the benefit of having the 3-night vision colors too (red is sometimes just not what you need).

Whichever you choose, I am sure these top-end headlamps are going to give you hours of adventure!

Spot 325, Storm 400
(Model Upgrades 2020)

Never a company to just let a model rest, Black Diamond has been working on some upgraded versions of the Spot and Storm.

First off, the brightness of the two models has been upped 25 lumens to –

Spot – 325 lumens from 300
Storm – 400 lumens

CHECK SPOT 325 PRICES (2020 Model)

CHECK STORM 400 PRICES (2020 Model)