Black Diamond STORM | Comprehensive Review

November Update: As I was finishing this video I discovered Black Diamond is ALSO having a sale on the 450 and 500R!
The Black Diamond Storm isn't perfect, but it's still a great headlight that I've used on many 100 mile ultramarathons. I hope this detailed breakdown of the Storm helps you decide if the Storm is right for you!
Timestamps:
00:18 - Overview
01:26 - Specifications Intro
01:36 - Brightness/Burntime
01:51 - IPX Rating
02:04 - Weight/Size
02:23 - User Interface
02:35 - Features
02:43 - Mode 1 - "Distance"
03:00 - Mode 2 - "Proximity"
03:39 - Mode 3 - "Colored"
04:01 - Strobe Effect
04:13 - Variable Brightness
04:40 - Brightness Memory
05:11 - "Powertap" Technology
05:27 - Button Lock
05:56 - Battery Indicator
06:19 - Usage at Cruel Jewel 100
07:07 - Petzl Tikka Overview
08:33 - Negatives Intro
08:41 - Power button temporarily stopped working
09:35 - Beam Shape
10:10 - Large Form Factor
11:15 - Addressing Negative Reviews
11:34 - Battery Door Build Quality?
12:37 - Drains Battery Quickly?
13:08 - Complicated to use?
14:10 - Summary
15:18 - Other Storm Models
18:00 - Across Florida 200 Info
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#running #ultramarathon #ultrarunning #run #blackdiamond

[@davekraczo2871]

Best Black Diamond Storm review at KZbin for sure! Thanks

[@FeetFirstAthletics]

Thank you! I'm trying to make detailed reviews on gear that I can't find detailed info on, so I'm happy this helped. The other reviews on the Storm had good info, but found they lacked some of the finer details.

[@hexbeam66]

I have this lamp, I have not used it a lot but bought it for astrophotography. Recently went to use it and it has not left my desk but the tab you mentioned which holds the batter broke off. I went online and found their info so I called them. I can say that this is by far the very best customer service I have ever experienced. No question asked soon as he heard the issue, "I will send you a new replacement back". No cost, no worries. I just received it (US to Canada in 4 days) and questions and was a quick and simple fix. Now just like new again. Kudos Black Diamond for top customer service.

[@FeetFirstAthletics]

I'm happy they could help you out, I love hearing good customer service stories, and yours seem to match what I've read from others about Black diamond. Mine is actually still in one piece and hasn't broken off yet, but I'm relieved I can give them a call for a new one if it ever does fail.

[@iputukeza9942]

I have a similar story, and the Black Diamond customer service sent my a new one. It took about 2 month to get to me because i live in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. I never thought that they would send me a new one, since i’m only writting my review about the problem i have. I can’t thank them enough, and since then i only wanna use BD’s product as my way to appreciate them.

[@Science_Man]

Excellent review. The power button issue is not your imagination. I have the Storm 350 and the power button drives my NUTS. It will randomly simply stop responding. It happens under any conditions, but it seems to happen to more often during cold weather, which is especially frustrating when I'm running in -15˚C, and I have to take my gloves off for an extended period to fiddle with the damn power button. It's so bad I have begun avoiding my Storm and using a cheaper lamp for training runs, and am seriously considering chucking the Storm in the garbage. A very frustrating issue on what is otherwise a decent headlamp.

[@FactFinderGeneral]

Another thing to note with max flashlight settings is they are designed to step down over time to prolong the life of the components. Stepping down reduces heat stress.

[@FeetFirstAthletics]

Ah that makes a lot of sense, I actually didn't even think about the heat (probably due to the plastic body). However I have a metal Fenix flashlight that gets INCREDIBLY hot in high mode, and I was wondering about the risk to the components, so I'm sure the internals of the Storm start cooking after a while.

[@lingxingwang4227]

I brought it just the day before yesterday, same model same color as you 😊

[@FeetFirstAthletics]

Heck yea! I just used mine on the 200 mile ultra I mentioned in the video and it did a great job.

[@Nick-gv3si]

Ive had some weird light happen with mine. After setting the beem brightness then a few seconds later it randomly dims or brightens. But other than that, i also thought the strap was too narrow. Without a hat the band kind of hurts. I also have the teka and seem to prefer the wider band, and less features for ease of use, but that is completely user preference.

[@samuelmathews6120]

5:00

[@mobsyndicate1389]

So this review is for the 450 not the 400? Thanks

[@johnkenny694]

Think i will stick with Petzel Actik core 450 for now.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Nice review, friend. Similar to You, I found it simple enough to use, but it was really lacking in terms of durability in my experience.

[@FeetFirstAthletics]

I take care of my gear, but treat it rough when I'm using it, so I agree there. That backdoor really was a concern but luckily it ended up lasting fine on my 200 mile ultra that I just completed.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

@@FeetFirstAthletics the latch on mine broke after about 10 months of (reasonably gentle) use.

[@damongligaw5449]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors same case with my BD storm 450 😢

[@frontallroud1808]

Comment in support of the channel. Thanks for the detailed information. I wrote you a letter on mike..... the question of purchasing a flashlight. Answer, pliz. Vladimir, Russia, Krasnodar

[@AndrewAnderson-vb4pp]

I have one of these its the worst headlamp i have ever owned , i put new batterys in it and when i come to use it the batterys are always flat without even using it

[@mollies13]

WOW should of got th swiss 500 lumens iti hasn't drain since last 2 months 1 use qulaity

[@berylfithall1417]

Your daughter may have locked the buttons by holding down both buttons.

[@FeetFirstAthletics]

I thought so too, but when you lock it there's some blinking blue LEDs and it's pretty easy to unlock by holding the two buttons down again. This was definitely something different and I'm trying to figure out if it's an electrical or software logic issue.

[@wondersnature]

The least intuitive, most erratically performing headlamp I ever used. Very short battery life. Heavy.

[@BrennerProductions]

Power Tap is annoying. I wish Black Diamond would discontinue this feature. I never need it and only turn it on accidentally.

[@FeetFirstAthletics]

I've grown to have a love/hate relationship with it. I find it very useful when I need it, but always seem to accidently hit it when I'm adjusting it, or blasting myself in the face with a beam of light when I least expect it lol.