Black Diamond Spot review

The new Spot replaces the Spot 400-R, which Black Diamond now sells as a past-season item. Black Diamond lists 450 lumens, a flood and spot lens, red, green and blue light modes, Mode Memory and PowerTap, which jumps to full output with a tap on the housing. The housing is rated IPX7, a higher water rating than any Petzl lamp on this list. The Spot is Dual-Fuel: it runs on three AAA batteries out of the box or on the rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion battery, which is sold separately. That makes it a good fit for road trips and car camping where AAA batteries are easy to buy, and a weaker fit for buyers who want USB charging without extra cost. Black Diamond moved the battery indicator so it is less visible when the lamp is off. As with the Storm, the product page does not list weight or runtime, so we scored it conservatively.

Who it is for

road trippers and campers who prefer AAA batteries

Price

$59.95 at the Black Diamond US store.

Regular price $59.95 USD
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• 450 lumens with a flood and spot lens
• Dual-Fuel: three AAA batteries or the BD 1500 Li-ion battery (sold separately)
• IPX7 waterproof housing
• Red, green and blue light modes with Mode Memory
• PowerTap technology for an instant boost to full output

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: IPX7 rating, higher than the Petzl lamps
• Strength: Runs on AAA batteries sold almost anywhere
• Strength: Headband made from recycled materials
• Weakness: The rechargeable battery costs extra
• Weakness: Black Diamond's product page does not list weight or runtime
• Weakness: Replaces the Spot 400-R, which is now sold as past season

Key facts

• Price: $59.95
• Max output: 450 lumens
• Weight: Not listed on the product page
• Battery: 3 AAA or BD 1500 Li-ion (sold separately)
• Water rating: IPX7

Where it ranks

Black Diamond Spot is No. 8 in our Best Headlamps verdict.