BLACK DIAMOND Storm 500-R Rechargeable Headlamp | 500 Lumens Brightness | Micro-USB Charging | Waterproof & Compact | Camping, Hiking, Running | Black

Had an earlier model. Can tell they've done some redesign - the headband, for example, clearly modified, thinner than before. Body looks slightly different. And it's still a fantastic headlamp - versatile, performant, comfortable, tons of features. But the reason I had an earlier one and don't now is that there's a design flaw in the battery compartment enclosure. The clasp snaps off. Mine snapped off (post warranty period but well before the unit was otherwise exhausted). Many have had it happen (check here and REI reviews). Obviously flawed design and/or material choice. Hopefully the aforementioned refreshes included addressing this flaw. It's not obvious they have, FWIW - clasp looks the same. And nowhere in the marketing do they say "revised" or similar. (Really appreciate when companies acknowledge issues and revisions.) The move to an infinitely variable tilt vs detants seems like another likely failure point. That'll wear out and it'll just flop forward. I went back to this unit because I DIDN'T want yet another device with a proprietary Li-ion rechargeable battery pack. I think we've gone totally overboard in that regard. I have quality rechargebable AAA batteries (shoutout Panasonic Eneloop) and wanted to keep using those. So I'm rolling the dice that BD addressed the well-documented battery enclosure issues. We shall see. It does have a 3 year manufacturer warranty. I'll just use the snot out of it and if it breaks, get that warranty replacement.

I’ve been using the Black Diamond Storm headlamp for a while now and it’s been rock solid. It’s very bright, easy to use, and the different lighting modes are actually useful. I’ve worn it in rain and snow with no issues. The headband is comfortable, battery life has been good, and I like being able to check the battery level so there are no surprises. I’ve been happy enough with it that I’m buying a second one just to keep in my truck. Great headlamp overall and definitely worth it.

Good battery life, not too bright for night-use, comfortable, not too heavy, and solidly-built. Buttons are easy to use while mounted to your head and the lamp will use the last mode it was on previously when it turns on

Long battery life. brightness of lamp is adequate. The head band is a good fit. This headlight is a great value for price.

Been using Black Diamond Storm headlamps for years when I'm working on cars as a mechanic. Dropped a star because the headbands always wear out before the headlamp burns out. I like the upgraded models that come with a re-chargeable battery. Battery lasts a long time on a single charge. Also gives you the option to use 3-aaa batteries, but I found they don't last nearly as long as the big re-chargeable battery it comes with. Easy to adjust the band, and has a sensor button on the side for max brightness. I've spilled chemicals on it by accident, got paint stuck to the lens. No issues. Definitely built to last. Excellent headlamp

This is my fourth Black Diamond headlamp - first rechargeable one. I generally like the ones where I can carry extra batteries and change them if need but decided to give the rechargeable one a try. It lasts very long and has the same amazing build quality as all my other Black Diamonds. I also now carry a small external charger in my backpack so I can always recharge if needed. Don't hesitate to buy this. It'll last you a LONG TIME.

I use headlamps when doing home repairs, not outdoor active pursuits. For my needs, the Storm works great. I bought the 400 to replace a 5-year old Storm. (I think it was the original version with 250 lumen output and white and red lamps--no green or blue. That headlamp was working perfectly until it died of corrosion from leaking Amazon-branded batteries that were nowhere near their expiration date.) My older version had an incessant high-pitched coil-whine when the light was on. This one is silent. It's much brighter at it's max setting, as expected. I always had to use my older Storm at the highest setting while I don't with the new one. The biggest improvement is the second physical button to toggle between the lamp colors. It's much more intuitive than using multiple taps of the same button to toggle color, brightness, and flashing. I never need anything other than solid white, but I would sometimes inadvertently toggle the red or start the flashing and have a hard time getting it back to white with my older version. This user experience is much better. The one thing that is a step back from the previous version is there is no longer a pad on the inside of the headband where it contacts the forehead. It's slightly more uncomfortable to wear for a long time and leaves an indentation in the skin from the plastic. Overall, I'm pleased. The build quality of my original Storm was great and would have gone forever if the batteries didn't kill it. Hopefully this new version will prove just as good over time. UPDATE 11/30/2024: My 3-year old Storm 400, which is used 100% indoors for home repairs and doesn't even go outside, is no longer usable due to a tiny plastic piece in the casing that broke off. This piece is critical for positioning the headlamp and without it, the lamp flops downward and doesn't illuminate what is directly in front of you. This is now the third Black Diamond headlamp that I've had that has broken and I think it might be time to move on from this company's products.

Very bright. Long battery life before recharging. Dimming is good option. Colors work one touch.