Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp Review
- Up to 400 lumens, with a beam that reaches 100 meters
- IPX8 waterproof: works 1.1 m underwater for 30 minutes
- 3 AAA batteries included; also takes the BD 1500 rechargeable
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A 400-lumen, IPX8 waterproof headlamp that runs on three AAA batteries or an optional rechargeable pack. Here's how its modes, runtimes and controls stack up.
Quick verdict
The Black Diamond Spot 400 packs 400 lumens and a 100-meter beam into an 86-gram headlamp that is IPX8 waterproof. Brightness Memory, PowerTap, a red night-vision mode, a digital lockout and a battery meter cover the features that matter on a trail or at camp. It ships with three AAA batteries and accepts Black Diamond's BD 1500 rechargeable pack, sold separately. Runtime on high is short at 2.5 hours, so plan on dimming down or carrying spares.
Pros and cons
What we like
- 400 lumens on max, with a beam up to 100 meters
- IPX8 waterproof, made to work 1.1 m underwater for 30 minutes
- PowerTap and Brightness Memory make brightness changes quick
- Red night-vision mode preserves dark-adapted eyes
- Runs on included AAAs or the optional BD 1500 rechargeable
- Digital lockout prevents accidental switch-on in a pack
What could be better
- Only 2.5 hours of runtime on high with AAA batteries
- Rechargeable battery and charger are sold separately
- After a dunk, the battery compartment needs a full dry-out
Key features, explained
400 lumens and a 100-meter beam
At full power the Spot 400 puts out up to 400 lumens and throws a beam up to 100 meters, enough to pick out trail markers, scan a campsite or find a turnoff on a dark road. On its lowest setting the beam reaches about 12 meters, plenty for camp chores and reading. Black Diamond describes multiple brightness settings and proximity modes, so you can move from a full-power spotlight for distance to softer ambient light for close work.
Runtime and dual-fuel power
The headlamp ships with three AAA batteries, and it is also compatible with Black Diamond's BD 1500 rechargeable Li-ion battery and charger, sold separately. That dual-fuel setup is genuinely useful: run the rechargeable at home and on short trips, and carry easy-to-find AAAs for long ones. With AAAs, Black Diamond lists 2.5 hours on high, 5 hours on medium and up to 200 hours on low, with longer runtimes on the Li-ion pack. A battery meter helps you track what is left.
IPX8 waterproof
The Spot 400 is IPX8 waterproof, tested to operate at least 1.1 meters underwater for 30 minutes. In practical terms, heavy rain, wet snow and an accidental drop in a stream won't shut it down. Black Diamond notes that water may get into the battery compartment if the lamp is submerged and it will keep working, but you should dry it out completely afterward. That level of protection makes it a strong pick for wet-climate hiking, paddling and winter evenings.
Controls: PowerTap, memory and lockout
Black Diamond keeps the interface to a simple button layout. PowerTap gives you a quick way to change brightness without cycling through every mode, handy when you need more light in a hurry. Brightness Memory brings the lamp back on at the level you last used, and a digital lockout stops it from switching on in a pack and draining the batteries. The red LED night-vision mode keeps your eyes adjusted to the dark and avoids dazzling tentmates.
Fit and build
The housing is polycarbonate, and the headlamp weighs 86 grams, about 3 ounces. An adjustable headband and a low-profile build keep it stable while hiking, running or working, and the compact shape slips easily into a car kit or an emergency bag. Black Diamond lists hiking, running and work or safety as its recommended uses, and AAA power makes it a sensible household emergency light too, since spare batteries are easy to keep on hand.
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp specs
| Brand | Black Diamond |
|---|---|
| Model | Spot 400 |
| Max output | 400 lumens |
| Beam distance | Up to 100 m on max, 12 m on min |
| Runtime (AAA) | 2.5 h high, 5 h medium, up to 200 h low |
| Power | 3 AAA (included) or BD 1500 Li-ion (sold separately) |
| Waterproofing | IPX8 (1.1 m for 30 minutes) |
| Light modes | Multiple brightness and proximity modes, red night vision |
| Controls | PowerTap, Brightness Memory, digital lockout |
| Battery meter | Yes |
| Weight | 86 g (3.04 oz) |
| Housing | Polycarbonate |
| Light source | LED |
| Prices change often. See the live price: Check Price | |
Who should buy it?
Great for
- Hikers and runners who start before dawn or finish after dark
- Wet-weather trips where waterproofing matters
- Campers who want AAA backup with a rechargeable option
Skip it if
- You need hours of continuous max-brightness light
- You want a rechargeable battery included in the box
- You need a long-throw light for search or technical night work
Frequently asked questions
How bright is the Black Diamond Spot 400?
It delivers up to 400 lumens with a beam reaching up to 100 meters. On the lowest setting, the beam reaches about 12 meters.
What batteries does the Black Diamond Spot 400 use?
It runs on three AAA batteries, which are included. It is also compatible with Black Diamond's BD 1500 rechargeable Li-ion battery and charger, sold separately.
How long does the Spot 400 battery last?
With AAA batteries, Black Diamond lists about 2.5 hours on high, 5 hours on medium and up to 200 hours on low. The BD 1500 pack extends those times.
Is the Black Diamond Spot 400 waterproof?
Yes. It is IPX8 waterproof and tested to operate at least 1.1 meters underwater for 30 minutes. Dry the battery compartment fully after it has been submerged.
Does the Spot 400 have a red light?
Yes. A red LED night-vision mode lets you see around camp without ruining your night vision or dazzling others nearby.
Final verdict
The Black Diamond Spot 400 is a well-rounded headlamp for hiking, camping and everyday emergencies. Its 400 lumens and 100-meter beam, IPX8 waterproofing, red night vision, PowerTap, Brightness Memory and digital lockout cover nearly everything most outdoor trips call for, and AAA or rechargeable power adds flexibility. The 2.5-hour runtime on high means you will spend most of your time on medium or low, but that is how most headlamps get used anyway.
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