![]() ![]() (See Do more lumens really mean a better light? for more details on what lumens really represent when it comes to light quality.) Based on my experience and research, I’ve found you don’t need more than 300 lumens for everyday tasks. Lumen count also doesn’t tell you much about the actual light quality: The beam length and the shape both impact the light output more than the lumen number. But you don’t want to just go for the highest lumen count possible, since a super-high lumen count will drain your battery more quickly. ![]() A headlamp with a high lumen count provides a brighter light. Lumen count: Lumens are a measure of the quantity of light emitted from a light source.In an upgrade from the Sprinter 275, the 500 features a lockout setting, which prevents the light from accidentally turning on in your bag or pocket. Also, its rear blinker provides an important safety component. Its comfortable, easily adjustable strap keeps the lamp secured to your head while you run, and it weighs a little over 4 ounces (more than the Spot 400, but not enough to feel heavy). The Sprinter notched a few wins over the other running models we tested. You’ll need to charge the headlamp every few days (according to the manual), but we used it for 13-plus hours without any problem (you can use AAA batteries if you prefer). The Sprinter has a 500-lumen front light, and it provided decent trail illumination during our long nighttime runs. But the Black Diamond Sprinter 500 continues to sit in our best-in-class spot. Compared with the Spot 400, which can withstand being submerged underwater, this model can only handle splashes.Īfter years of testing, we still haven’t found a running headlamp (with a head strap or harness, plus a taillight, that won’t bounce off when you run) that’s lightweight, secure, and bright. Some things we liked less: There’s no floodlight feature (which is good for camping), and the Actik Core has a lower-than-expected weatherproof rating. The Actik Core is also versatile-if you don’t have a USB source handy, you can run the headlamp on three AAA batteries. If you travel with a battery pack, rechargeable devices can be more convenient (you accumulate somewhat less battery waste over time, and the charge lasts for more than 16 hours). This model recharges quickly and easily, which is great if you want to juice up the light on your way to the trail. The Actik Core’s 450-lumen light was also the brightest of the bunch, and it had the best optical quality. It’s durable, easy to use, and weighs under 3 ounces (just slightly less than the Black Diamond Spot 400). We tested two rechargeable headlamps in 2019 (and we’ve evaluated nine others for previous iterations of this guide), and we think this light is the best for outdoor adventures. The Petzl Actik Core is the best choice for backpackers, outdoor adventurers, and anyone who needs a headlamp with charging options (both USB and batteries). If you want to save a little money, we think the discontinued Spot 350 is still a great, bright headlamp, if you can find it. Although there are headlamps out there with brighter, higher-quality beams, none offered the same combination of decent brightness, simplicity, and reliability at such a low price. And its PowerTap technology lets you transition the headlamp from full power to dimmed with one touch. The 3-ounce Spot 400 locks and is weather-resistant. ![]() This model also has a red-light option (good for when you’re switching the lamp on and off at night), a “proximity” flood-light option (which gives you a wider beam and more peripheral lighting, so it’s great for camping), and strobe options (perfect for throwing an emergency signal in the dark). The Spot has a Brightness Memory mode, so it can revert to a previous setting whenever you turn on the headlamp. You’ll still have to experiment and click through the various modes, but we think the learning curve is fairly quick. The Spot’s top buttons are more intuitive to use than the single button on versions that are older than the 350. And it has 50 more lumens than the previous Spot (so 400 in all), for a noticeable bump in brightness (although we still think the previous version was plenty bright enough). The 400 model includes the same features we’ve always liked. The Spot has been at the top of our list since 2012 because it’s reliable and bright enough to light the way in most situations, whether indoors or outdoors. When you’re car camping or even just digging through a closet, the Black Diamond Spot 400, provides exactly what you need: a bright beam, easy-to-navigate buttons, and long-lasting battery life. ![]()
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