Storm+ Headlamp

Storm+ is powerful, feature-rich headlamp with a little learning curve

"The Black Diamond Storm+ is a powerful and highly customizable headlamp that offers an impressive range of lighting options. With multiple white-light configurations, adjustable brightness levels, spot and flood beam options, and red, green, and blue night-vision modes, it's a robust headlamp for outdoor adventures when quality lighting is essential. I tested the Storm+ during two different types of outings. The first was an evening hike at a 350-acre local woodlands on established dirt trails through wooded terrain and prairie. Conditions were dry with clear visibility and no precipitation. The second test was a multi-day backpacking trip in Yellow River State Forest, where I used the headlamp over several nights including night hikes, cooking, tent and camp set up and water filtering. Ease of Use The Storm+ offers a tremendous amount of functionality, though there is a learning curve. The two-button interface is somewhat confusing, and I have not quite mastered which button and sequences control specific features, especially when I am actively using vs. testing. I am slowly picking it up, though. This may be a user issue, rather than a reflection of the product. Spend a little time learning the controls, and you will be just fine. Black Diamond claims the two-buttons are oversized to accommodate use with gloves, but I disagree. I think most people would need to take off a bulky winter glove to manage the lights. This is a case where a single button would be easier. Rechargeability Charging is straightforward, and I appreciated the battery-level indicator providing some confidence the light would not fade in the middle of use. That said, throughout multiple evenings of use, I never had to recharge. Lighting Performance Lighting performance is where the Storm+ truly shines - pun intended. There are three lights bulbs: a floodlight, spotlight, and the RGB. At one point, I heard something off in the woods and used the flood beam to scan and then narrowed the beam to identify a deer standing in the woods some distance off the trail. The colors helped me avoid blinding others as well as protecting my night vision. The headlamp does a great job of light for general duty and focused light for more technical needs. Brightness The Storm+ delivered more than enough brightness for every situation I encountered, both as a flood light and focused, and good distance. Brightness Adjustment and Lighting Features I appreciated the variety of levels. One button turns the light on and off as well as dims or brightens by holding the button down. The second button toggles between low, medium, and high brightness or switches to RBG by holding down the button and toggling. The extensive customization options may seem overwhelming, but they provide a level of flexibility that simpler headlamps lack. The headband has reflective accents to help with visibility and safety. Although I found myself getting flustered by the button combinations and inadvertently blinding other campers with the powerful 750 lumen beam. Weight and Comfort The added features add bulk and weight, but it is not a dealbreaker. There's still a good balance of weight vs. features. The stretch headband is similar to most other headlamps I've owned. It is comfortable and adjustable to a variety of head sizes. I did not notice the headlamp slipping out of place. Weather Performance My testing did not include rain, snow, or extreme cold. Conditions during both outings were dry and relatively mild. Because of that, I cannot directly comment on weather resistance or performance during severe conditions. I have had good luck with Black Diamond headlamps in the past and have confidence in the IP67 waterproof rating. Overall Excellent, high-powered headlamp with a variety of settings and features, not the lightest and a little bit of a learning curve but not dealbreakers. I'd recommend for camping, hiking, climbing, backpacking. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review."

— Brian M. (5/5)

My Own Personal Sun! ☀️

"I started by scanning the QR code and studying the Quickstart guide before heading out. Trust me, this headlamp has so many features and settings that learning the controls beforehand is a good idea. The last thing you want is to be halfway up a rock face in complete darkness, trying to remember which button does what! I tested the Black Diamond Storm+ in Red River Gorge, Kentucky, during nighttime approaches and actual night climbing, with temperatures around 40°F. These were remote areas with absolutely no streetlights or houses to provide backup illumination. My old headlamp once forced me to bail on a climb about 70 feet up because I couldn't tell which rock features were actual holds and which were shadows. Not exactly ideal when your life depends on finding the next foothold! Then I turned on the Storm+ at full power. This thing was practically as bright as my truck's headlights! Suddenly, I could see even the tiniest holds on the rock, identify features farther up the route, and navigate dark, rocky trails with much more confidence. The light was so powerful that my friends barely needed their own headlamps because I was lighting the way for everyone. Apparently, I was the group's new portable sun! 😂 Adjusting the brightness was easy, too. When full power was more than I needed, I could quickly turn it down by holding the button, which was especially useful when hiking with friends. Nobody wants to accidentally blind their climbing partner! I also appreciated having different color modes available for different situations. With so many features, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the controls before your first nighttime adventure so you can confidently access what you need in the dark. Battery life was impressive during my testing. I used the headlamp throughout an entire weekend of adventures, including two night hikes and climbing sessions, and the battery lasted the whole time. Even with temperatures around 40°F, I had enough power for my entire weekend of nighttime adventures. I didn't have to worry about losing my light halfway through an approach or climb. Being able to check the power indicator is also useful when planning an outing and deciding whether your light is ready for another adventure. The headlamp is compact enough to pack without taking up much room in my climbing kit, and the performance makes it well worth carrying. It was comfortable during my nighttime activities, too. My testing focused on nighttime hiking and climbing in cool, dry conditions, so I didn't get a chance to evaluate its performance in heavy rain or snow. I also haven't independently tested every feature, so I can't give a firsthand verdict on things like Digital Lock or long-term charging performance. My verdict? The Black Diamond Storm+ is like bringing your own sun to the crag! ☀️ Its powerful illumination made a real difference when I needed to distinguish tiny holds from shadows, navigate technical terrain, and help my friends see the trail. For hikers and climbers who enjoy adventures after dark, this headlamp is an excellent addition to your gear. Just learn the controls before heading out, because this little powerhouse has more tricks than a climbing partner who claims they can flash every route! Five stars from this climber. May your holds be visible, your batteries stay alive, and your night approaches be well-lit! 🤘 I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review."

— ewa l. (5/5)

A great upgrade

"A Great Upgrade for a Longtime Black Diamond Headlamp User I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. I've been using Black Diamond headlamps for years (Storm 350 and Storm 500-R), so I was excited to try the Storm+. I brought it along for climbing, hiking, and backpacking, and I absolutely love this upgrade. One of my favorite improvements is the USB-C charging. This might seem like a small detail, but being able to use the same charging cable for multiple devices makes a real difference. I actually brought my Storm 500-R along on a trip but forgot the Micro-USB cable, so I couldn't recharge it. It's also a big improvement over my old Storm 350, which required carrying spare batteries. The Storm+ is also very easy to use, especially if you're already familiar with Black Diamond headlamps. The controls and settings are the same as the Storm 500-R, so there isn't much of a learning curve. I also appreciate the digital lockout feature, which helps prevent the headlamp from accidentally turning on and draining the battery while packed away in a backpack or pocket. The Storm+ is by far the most comfortable of the three for me. Comfort matters, especially when you're wearing a headlamp for extended periods. The brightness is another major upgrade. The Storm+ is noticeably brighter than my previous headlamps. I have poor night vision, so I really appreciate having that extra brightness when navigating in the dark. It's easy to use especially if you're already familiar with Black Diamond headlamps. I really like that Black Diamond has improved an already dependable product with practical features that make a difference outdoors. The USB-C compatibility, increased brightness, improved comfort, and familiar controls make the Storm+ my favorite of the three."

— Joyce K. (5/5)

Black Diamond Spot+ Review *I

"Black Diamond Spot+ Review *I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. * I’ve had the Black Diamond Spot+ on a few hikes now, using it for early morning starts and on rainy nights. I’ve also used it while working on my car, so it’s gotten some use both on and off the trail. The first thing I noticed was how easy the buttons are to use. When it’s dark outside, the last thing I want to do is fight with my headlamp just to get the light setting I need. The Spot+ is straightforward to operate, and the brightness has been great for what I’ve needed it for so far. I’ve used it with the regular headband while hiking and with the sternum strap attachment. I like having the option to switch things up depending on what I’m doing. The sternum strap setup is a nice alternative when I don’t want the light on my head. So far, it’s handled the rainy conditions I’ve used it in, and I like having something I can grab for a hike or when I’m working on a vehicle in the garage. It’s always nice when a piece of outdoor gear turns out to be useful for more than just one activity. Overall, I’ve been happy with the Spot+. It’s easy to use, plenty bright for my needs, and versatile enough to earn a spot in my hiking gear. I’ll keep putting it to use as I get more time with it."

— Joel G. (5/5)

A headlamp that changed how I approach the dark

"I’ve had the Storm+ for a couple weeks now, mostly on night hikes with my family outside Capitol Reef National Park and on trail runs in the dark around Park City. The terrain was rocky desert trail and slickrock down south, and dirt and rocky singletrack at home. Most outings were cold, with mornings and nights below freezing. Ease of use is the reason I love this light. After a quick look at the Quickstart guide, I never had to think about it again. There are two buttons and you know what you’re going to get. There’s no cycling through a long list of modes, and no guessing what will come on the next time you turn it on. The red and green modes are easy to get to, which matters when you’re moving in the dark, have gloves on, or don’t want to blind your kids. I’ve owned a lot of headlamps and this is the first one I could run without fumbling. For lighting, the max spot was great for picking out the trail and cairns way ahead on the Capitol Reef hikes, and for reading the ground on fast trail runs. The peripheral light was enough for close-up stuff like digging through a pack or helping my kids with their shoes. Brightness memory is a big deal for me. I set it where I want it and it comes back on at that level, so I’m not starting at full blast and burning battery for no reason. Dialing it down when I didn’t need max output was easy. On battery, I never ran it low. Charging over USB-C was simple, I just plugged it in with my phone between outings. The power indicator gave me peace of mind before heading out on cold mornings, when batteries usually let me down. I used Digital Lock every time I tossed it in my pack, and it never turned on by accident. It feels heavy duty but not too heavy. It was comfortable on my head for a full night hike and on runs without bouncing. The size is worth it for the light you get. I haven’t had it in rain or snow yet, but the cold didn’t slow it down at all. Ski season is next. I do a lot of early morning skiing and I’m planning to clip the Storm+ to my backpack sternum strap so I can wear a helmet and still have strong light out front. That’s going to change how I handle safety on those dark mornings. I liked it enough that I’m buying a second one for my wife to replace the other brand I got her last year. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review."

— Ryan B. (5/5)

bulky and heavy

"Very powerful headlamp with good battery life and lots of light options. I used it for a section of a 100k race and it did it's job well to illuminate the dark grassy/wooded trail at night. However, the lamp itself is quite heavy, so was constantly slipping off my forehead, and I had to readjust it often, which was really annoying and distracting. Perhaps would be better for just hiking or camping, but for something with a higher impact, it does not stay put. I ended up switching to my much lighter weight biolite headlamp for the last hours of the race."

— Sam M. (3/5)

Big disappointment - can't shine on hands!

"This light is nice . . . . but I think maybe trying too hard to be 'all things to all people. ' It's rechargeable AND lasts a long time — and who doesn't want that, right? Thing is, it accomplishes it by having a big, heavy battery. So you have this heavy thing on your forehead and don't get nearly as much brightness as you'd hope for. Personally I'd rather just use old-school batteries, which would give me much longer battery life for less size/weight. Maybe that's just me. But where this guy just fails is that it can't point at your hands! If you want to shine the light on your hands you have to put your chin on your chest and look out the top of your eye sockets. It's terrible! All they have to do is increase the angle on the pivot socket. Ugghhhh. This is why you never buy the first model year of something. Please - Black Diamond - take this thing away from me and send me next year's model!"

— Brad H. (2/5)

Hot Little Headlamp

"This headlamp is great, very powerful. The tap tech is a bit odd, and difficult to work always."

— Kyle Z. (5/5)

Best

"I have been ultrarunning for 45 years. This headlamp is the best I've ever owned."

— Rob A. (5/5)

"Modèle de lampe plus puissante que modèle précédent. Commande reçue rapidement."

— André (5/5)