Black Diamond Storm Head Torch

The Black Diamond Storm Head Torch is a durable IP67 rated waterproof head torch with a maximum output of 350 lumens.  The unit incorporates five separate LED's to achieve its specific lighting profiles, which include a spotlight, proximity light and three different coloured night vision lights.

The main LED delivers 250 lumens of light as a directed beam capable of reaching up to 80m on a clear night.  There is also a separately selectable  proximity beam which delivers an output of 100 lumens as a wide beam that reaches up to 10m.   Both beams are capable of being dimmed down to an output of 4 lumens and the proximity beam has a strobe function.  Both beams are only active simultaneously when the maximum power setting is selected (350 lumens).

The head torch also has a night vision mode which allows you to toggle between red, blue and green light outputs.  The night vision mode also includes dimming and strobe settings for each colour.

Brightness Memory:  The unit will remember the last used mode and brightness settings and reverts  to these settings when restarted.

Power Tap:  By tapping the Power Tap symbol on the right side of the headlamp the unit switches instantly to the maximum power setting.  By tapping the symbol a second time you return to your previous power setting.

Lock Function:  When activated, this function will prevent the unit from being turned on.  A flashing blue light appears beside the lock symbol for a few seconds when the mode is first activated and also if the power button is pressed while the mode is active.

Battery Level Indicater:  When the main beam is first turned on a coloured light will be displayed next to the battery symbol for a few seconds.  The colour of this light indicates the level of charge in the battery.  [ Green >>  Above 50 % ]    [ Yellow >> 25 - 50 % ]    [ Red >> below 25 % ]
 
The head torch  attaches to the elasticated strap via a cushioned and contoured head plate which allows the front of the unit to be tilted downward slightly if required.  The strap contains two  adjustable tensioners which slide easily along the strap and lock securely into position, providing a secure fit around your forehead.  As a precautionary measure to avoid loosing the unit during a capsize, I have attached a lanyard with a quick release buckle for securing the unit to my lifejacket.

The head torch weighs  110 grams when loaded with four AAA size batteries and access to the battery compartment is incredibly convenient due to the well designed lever and clamp locking mechanism.  The batteries are orientated around a heat sink which dissipates heat energy produced from the LED's into the battery compartment,  for improved battery efficiency.
 
The large heavy duty gasket surrounding the battery compartment and overall solid construction give me every confidence it will hold up to its IP67 ( 1 metre for 30 minutes) waterproofing rating.

Easy to use lever and clamp locking mechanism for battery compartment (open position)

Ease of Use:
Although it may not exactly be intuitive straight out of the box, a quick read of the graphical instructions shown below  and a few minutes of practice will have you familiar with the controls that will soon  become second nature.

 

Minor Flaws:

• The headlamp makes a faint but consistent humming noise when the main beam is in use.  This is most noticeable when remaining still in a quiet enclosed area, However I do not notice it when paddling, or if there is general background noise like waves or rustling leaves.

• There are two small painted mild steel screws which attach the torch to the head plate.  These screws will rust if being used in  a salt water environment.  I have replaced them with stainless steel ones.

Conclusion 

The Black Diamond Storm head torch is a very capable waterproof torch, well suited for kayaking purposes.  The head strap is easily adjusted for a comfortable feel allowing it to be worn for extended periods. Not only does the unit look stylish, but it has a good balance between size, output power and battery run time.

The night vision mode works well, allowing enough light to illuminate your immediate surrounds while still maintaining your night vision.  I find the power tap button to be a very useful feature which can be easily activated while paddling, with only a brief pause in cadence.

The unit is very well designed and its durability is self evident.  As a testament to this, an online  friend of mine posted on a kayaking forum about accidentally leaving his Storm head torch on a rocky foreshore near his campsite at Lake Vänern, Sweden, throughout the winter.  When he was able to return to the site several months later, when the ice and snow had receded, he found his head torch still in working condition.