I'm using a BD ReVolt 350. I like the head lamp with all the functionality it has. But the clip on the battery cover has broke. So I'm using a tigh to keep it closed. Overall i like the head lamp.
Great questions. While I am not an authorized expert on BD products, here is the best I can gather: 1: The internal Li-Ion battery should be able to charge from a power bank as the cable is a USB type plug to the power source. Most rechargeable devices I’ve used for hiking, backcountry, etc are Li-ion and have no problem charging. Do keep in mind that the rechargeable battery does need to sit in its own caching/docking station, which adds one more electronic complement to keep track of. 2: I can’t speak to NiMH rechargeable batteries. The product instructions suggest alkaline, lithium or the rechargeable bank, as mentioned in (1). It certainly cautions against mixing battery types. Overall, if you’re unlike I am and have hundreds of AAA batteries around, it would probably be work to the extra $15 to upgrade to the rechargeable version, so as not to worry about the batter situation. Thanks for asking and happy hiking
This is my absolute fav headlamp. I run it exclusively on rechargable 900mAh AAA:s from Ikea (the white ones are supposedly rebranded Eneloop) which has been great.
Well, it’s held together thus far. Gives good light in both white/red modes. But the one thing that has been tricky, is ‘locking’ the light so it won’t inadvertently turn on in my pack. Other than that, pretty solid
“Power tap” is a button on the side of your lamp that allows you to quickly switch between the spot and flood light function so you don’t have to cycle the top buttons. I’s a “quick tap” feature.
I know this is a different headlamp than what i have but is it normal to have a small amount of condensation in the corners of a headlamp when i go out and its like in the 40s. I have a BD distance 1500 headlamp and ive never taken it out in the rain. Like i said if i take it outside and its cold out and use it a small amount of condensation appears and promptly goes away after coming back inside the house. Is it defective or does this happen on most headlamps because it doesnt seem to happen on any flashlights that i use. When i say small amount of condensation im talking about like fog vs visible water droplets.
Hey! That’s an interesting question, and I’m not really sure. I’m in Arizona so we both don’t get a lot of rain and the relative humidity is very low, so I haven’t had any noticeable condensation in this headlamp. I could see how a little bit of moisture could get trapped inside if you are in a more humid area, likely from the area around the clear covering. Then when the temps drop it condenses inside. I’d say if its not affecting the lights performance, it’s probably ok. If it is affecting the performance, I might suggest reaching out to Black Diamond about the issue. Thanks for asking!
@@steamboatadrift4225 yep, I’m in California halfway between Sacramento and Tahoe. Thing is the distance 1500 is IPX7 so it’s waterproof so I’m guessing it’s humidity trapped inside during the manufacturing process. I don’t think I could get the humidity out even putting it in a bag with rice so like you said as long as it doesn’t affect the performance it should be fine.
Great question. While I’m not familiar with the 350, I think either would probably be great choices depending on your needs. When running at night, I almost never have the 400 on full brightness. But I do like a little more light output while night hiking under darker conditions. Being that I live in Arizona, there is very little overhead cover that would ‘black out’ conditions in the back country. However, my time in Washington State was much darker under the canopy and I may have preferred a little more light to stay comfortable. Like I said, either is probably a great investment. Happy hiking!
Hey Sofia, be careful - the Spot 350 is a completely different animal. The 400 shown here is compatible with Black Diamond's BD 1500 rechargeable battery pack, if that's something that tickles your fancy. The latest version of the Spot 350 (which has actually been discontinued by BD) is not. If you don't care about rechargeable batteries, the Spot 350 is a great lamp. If you do want rechargeable (and less expensive), I would recommend the ReVolt 350 (also discontinued, but easy enough to find). It includes a rechargeable battery in the box, and even has a charging port on the lamp itself instead of an external charger, while still accepting AAA batteries as a backup. Just be aware that it's less waterproof (IPX4 vs IPX8), and it uses the older BD 1800 battery pack vs the BD 1500. It can also be tricky to find the right version; before discontinuing the ReVolt, they had updated the design twice without changing the name - just make sure it comes with the BD 1800 for the newest/best one. Both are great choices - do you want a rechargeable battery (ReVolt 350), or better waterproofing (Spot 350)? The Spot 400 gives you both, though the battery is sold separately. Happy trails!
Who makes a headlamp that initially turns on in the red mode? When trying to preserve your night vision, a blast of white light is the last thing I want. If they would make that one change, I would buy one. It just doesn't make sense. 🔴🔘⚪️ please. ..and maybe a scorpion mode. 🟣
Several of the Spot models does and definately my Spot 400 if you want them to. Long pressing mode button will turn it on in red mode. You turn it off normally and since it remembers the mode you can turn it on normally after this and it stays in red mode. If you switch to white mode you'll have to redo the long press of course.
Agreed. After answering questions about battery types, use and other options, I agree the rechargeable version is the way to go. Still very happy with this headlamp for now until its time to add another one.
@@steamboatadrift4225 no I mean the current rechargeable model is micro usb and needs to be usb c. I’d get the one that takes batteries until they switch.
@@vphamm1i know right.. I actually emailed BD about it. they said their next models will be usb c and have new models that already are. neither appealed to me so will have to wait for spot/storm update.
I'm using a BD ReVolt 350. I like the head lamp with all the functionality it has. But the clip on the battery cover has broke. So I'm using a tigh to keep it closed. Overall i like the head lamp.
I ordered mine can’t wait for it to come in
Two questions:
Can the internal li-ion battery be charged from a power bank?
And
Do you know if it works ok with NiMH rechargeable AAA batteries?
Great questions. While I am not an authorized expert on BD products, here is the best I can gather:
1: The internal Li-Ion battery should be able to charge from a power bank as the cable is a USB type plug to the power source. Most rechargeable devices I’ve used for hiking, backcountry, etc are Li-ion and have no problem charging. Do keep in mind that the rechargeable battery does need to sit in its own caching/docking station, which adds one more electronic complement to keep track of.
2: I can’t speak to NiMH rechargeable batteries. The product instructions suggest alkaline, lithium or the rechargeable bank, as mentioned in (1). It certainly cautions against mixing battery types.
Overall, if you’re unlike I am and have hundreds of AAA batteries around, it would probably be work to the extra $15 to upgrade to the rechargeable version, so as not to worry about the batter situation. Thanks for asking and happy hiking
@@steamboatadrift4225 thanks for the reply 👍
I have this lamp, I can only answer your first question. It can be charged from a power bank!
@@ism1759 I ended up buying one and tested it charges 👍
This is my absolute fav headlamp. I run it exclusively on rechargable 900mAh AAA:s from Ikea (the white ones are supposedly rebranded Eneloop) which has been great.
How has it been holding up? I just bought one and I know little about headlamps.
Well, it’s held together thus far. Gives good light in both white/red modes. But the one thing that has been tricky, is ‘locking’ the light so it won’t inadvertently turn on in my pack. Other than that, pretty solid
@@steamboatadrift4225 someone suggested switching one batteries polarity while stored in packs. Makes sense. Happy new year
“Power tap” is a button on the side of your lamp that allows you to quickly switch between the spot and flood light function so you don’t have to cycle the top buttons. I’s a “quick tap” feature.
What’s a geodesic prism?
It’s probably something I just made up, honestly. It’s like a multifaced dome that reflects light. Thanks for watching
I know this is a different headlamp than what i have but is it normal to have a small amount of condensation in the corners of a headlamp when i go out and its like in the 40s. I have a BD distance 1500 headlamp and ive never taken it out in the rain. Like i said if i take it outside and its cold out and use it a small amount of condensation appears and promptly goes away after coming back inside the house. Is it defective or does this happen on most headlamps because it doesnt seem to happen on any flashlights that i use. When i say small amount of condensation im talking about like fog vs visible water droplets.
Hey! That’s an interesting question, and I’m not really sure. I’m in Arizona so we both don’t get a lot of rain and the relative humidity is very low, so I haven’t had any noticeable condensation in this headlamp. I could see how a little bit of moisture could get trapped inside if you are in a more humid area, likely from the area around the clear covering. Then when the temps drop it condenses inside. I’d say if its not affecting the lights performance, it’s probably ok. If it is affecting the performance, I might suggest reaching out to Black Diamond about the issue. Thanks for asking!
@@steamboatadrift4225 yep, I’m in California halfway between Sacramento and Tahoe. Thing is the distance 1500 is IPX7 so it’s waterproof so I’m guessing it’s humidity trapped inside during the manufacturing process. I don’t think I could get the humidity out even putting it in a bag with rice so like you said as long as it doesn’t affect the performance it should be fine.
Hey! Do you recommend this 400 over the 350?
Great question. While I’m not familiar with the 350, I think either would probably be great choices depending on your needs. When running at night, I almost never have the 400 on full brightness. But I do like a little more light output while night hiking under darker conditions. Being that I live in Arizona, there is very little overhead cover that would ‘black out’ conditions in the back country. However, my time in Washington State was much darker under the canopy and I may have preferred a little more light to stay comfortable. Like I said, either is probably a great investment. Happy hiking!
Hey Sofia, be careful - the Spot 350 is a completely different animal. The 400 shown here is compatible with Black Diamond's BD 1500 rechargeable battery pack, if that's something that tickles your fancy. The latest version of the Spot 350 (which has actually been discontinued by BD) is not.
If you don't care about rechargeable batteries, the Spot 350 is a great lamp. If you do want rechargeable (and less expensive), I would recommend the ReVolt 350 (also discontinued, but easy enough to find). It includes a rechargeable battery in the box, and even has a charging port on the lamp itself instead of an external charger, while still accepting AAA batteries as a backup. Just be aware that it's less waterproof (IPX4 vs IPX8), and it uses the older BD 1800 battery pack vs the BD 1500. It can also be tricky to find the right version; before discontinuing the ReVolt, they had updated the design twice without changing the name - just make sure it comes with the BD 1800 for the newest/best one.
Both are great choices - do you want a rechargeable battery (ReVolt 350), or better waterproofing (Spot 350)? The Spot 400 gives you both, though the battery is sold separately. Happy trails!
Geowhataprizim ? Joking great vid I have the NU25, I like it
Hey, thanks for watching!
Maybe if it wasn’t impossible to open the battery compartment. What a terrible design.
Agreed. Especially when it gets cold, I’m totally worried I’m going to snap that backing right off. Good call out
broken on the strap plastic and no spare parts ... thats a terrible for company like this
Who makes a headlamp that initially turns on in the red mode? When trying to preserve your night vision, a blast of white light is the last thing I want. If they would make that one change, I would buy one. It just doesn't make sense. 🔴🔘⚪️ please. ..and maybe a scorpion mode. 🟣
Several of the Spot models does and definately my Spot 400 if you want them to. Long pressing mode button will turn it on in red mode. You turn it off normally and since it remembers the mode you can turn it on normally after this and it stays in red mode. If you switch to white mode you'll have to redo the long press of course.
should’ve waited until it was usb c so imo it’s an L
Agreed. After answering questions about battery types, use and other options, I agree the rechargeable version is the way to go. Still very happy with this headlamp for now until its time to add another one.
@@steamboatadrift4225 no I mean the current rechargeable model is micro usb and needs to be usb c. I’d get the one that takes batteries until they switch.
@@Buckeyes216Thanks for the info. It's 2023. USB-C should be a standard now.
@@vphamm1i know right.. I actually emailed BD about it. they said their next models will be usb c and have new models that already are. neither appealed to me so will have to wait for spot/storm update.