Good Find. US EDITION
Lighting / A CLOSER LOOKBlack Diamond Spot 400-R headlamp in Graphite with elastic headbandExact Graphite Spot 400-R · Listing photo

After-dark gearLighting

A little light with room to adjust.

Black Diamond Spot 400-R

Graphite · Integrated 1500 mAh rechargeable battery

4.4 out of 5546 ratingsBuyer feedback ↓

Dim the white beam, switch to red, then lock the controls before packing. This is the rechargeable Spot 400-R.

  • 400 lmMaximum outputDim it for close tasks
  • Micro-USBChargingBuilt-in 1500 mAh battery
  • IP67Water resistanceManufacturer immersion rating
$54.88$79.95−31%

Amazon US · Graphite · Integrated 1500 mAh rechargeable battery · Retailer link

THE QUICK TAKE

Is it right for you?

The Spot 400-R is a good fit if you want one rechargeable light for trail and campsite. A brighter distance beam, softer proximity lighting and red mode give it more range than a basic single-button lamp. Brightness memory saves you from resetting your preferred level each time.

Skip it if spare AAA batteries or USB-C charging are essential. This model uses a built-in battery and a Micro-USB port. Its controls also take practice: the quick brightness pad is handy, but reviewers found it easy to bump. Learn the lock before packing it.

01 / BUYING NOTES

Before you buy.

01

Bring the right charging cable.

The side cover hides a Micro-USB port, with a battery indicator beside it. This is the rechargeable R model; a pack of spare AAAs will not keep it running when the integrated battery is empty.

Source ↗

Open charging cover and battery indicator on a blue Spot 400-R
Micro-USB port + battery indicatorPhoto: Ben Dawson / CleverHiker · Azul color shown
02

Learn the buttons before dark.

The top controls handle power and modes, while the side PowerTap area jumps between dimmed and maximum output. Use digital lockout in your bag to reduce accidental activation.

Source ↗

Close-up of the Spot 400-R two top buttons and lock symbol
Power, modes and digital lockPhoto: Ben Dawson / CleverHiker · Azul color shown
03

Adjust the strap, then aim the light.

The elastic band adjusts to your head, and the lamp tilts for the task. Low output is useful around camp; maximum brightness is not needed for every map, zipper or tent pocket.

Source ↗

Rear view of the Spot 400-R elastic headband and two adjustment sliders
Adjustable elastic headbandPhoto: Ben Dawson / CleverHiker · Azul color shown

Black Diamond exact 400-R specifications ↗ · CleverHiker photographed controls and charging port ↗ · Petzl TIKKINA details ↗ · Fenix HL16 details ↗

02 / AMAZON REVIEWS

The buyers’ view.

AMAZON CUSTOMER RATING

4.4out of 5

546 global ratings

  • 5 star74%
  • 4 star11%
  • 3 star4%
  • 2 star5%
  • 1 star6%
Read customer reviews ↗

A Graphite owner finds the controls easy to use with gloves, while another likes the comfortable fit and easy headband adjustment. That owner also reports the lamp drooping during regular runs, a drawback worth weighing if keeping the beam aimed while moving is a priority.

Customer reviews on Amazon ↗ ·

What buyers like

  • quality72
  • brightness50
  • ease of use19
  • versatility15
  • weight15

Mixed feedback

  • battery life52
  • Durability31
  • Value for money22

The small numbers are review mentions. Topics and sentiment are from Amazon’s customer-review overview.

Amazon US · Checked . Ratings may include other colors and sizes.

View source ↗

03 / REVIEWS & VIDEO

See it in use.

See how it works, then read the findings behind the buying advice.

Black Diamond EquipmentManufacturer introduction · R-Series family, including Spot 400-R

Black Diamond R-Series Headlamps

Black Diamond introduces its rechargeable headlamp family and the lighting controls. Other R-Series models also appear; this is not an independent comparison test.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Video and written sources are labeled by creator and tested scope. Manufacturer demonstrations explain use; they are not independent tests. No in-house hands-on testing is claimed.

Read 2 written sources Product scope is labeled · key findings in bold

The reviewer found the lamp comfortable through varied outdoor use and liked its range of lighting modes. Full power could feel harsh, the strap stretched with use, and the touch area was easier to activate accidentally than they wanted.

CleverHiker

Hands-on Spot 400-R review · Six weeks across seven states · summarized

Their tester liked the compact shape and found no pressure points from the headband. The distance beam reached well, but learning the combinations of taps and holds took a closer read of the instructions.

BBC Countryfile

Hands-on rechargeable Spot R 400 group test · summarized

04 / COMPARE

Different priorities.

Choose the tradeoff that fits how you will use it.

Swipe to see every alternative →

Black Diamond Spot 400-R Graphite · Integrated rechargeable battery versus Petzl TIKKINA Black · 300-lumen model versus Fenix HL16 Black · orange strap · guide covers the lamp and storage-case bundle
Black Diamond Spot 400-R Graphite · Integrated rechargeable batteryTHIS GUIDE

Black Diamond Spot 400-R

Graphite · Integrated rechargeable battery
Petzl TIKKINA Black · 300-lumen modelALTERNATIVE

Petzl TIKKINA

Black · 300-lumen model
Fenix HL16 Black · orange strap · guide covers the lamp and storage-case bundleALTERNATIVE

Fenix HL16

Black · orange strap · guide covers the lamp and storage-case bundle
Amazon price
$19.95
$30.45
Best forSimple lighting for camp and close workReplaceable batteries with white and red modes
Power3 AAA included · Optional CORE battery3 AAA batteries included
Lighting300 lm maximum · Three white levels450 lm maximum · White and red
Water resistanceIPX4IP66
TradeoffNo red light or long-distance spot modeKeep spare batteries; no onboard charging
ExploreRead buying guide →Source ↗Read buying guide →Source ↗
About these everyday comparisons

Approximate comparisons to familiar objects: a bank card’s 3.37-inch long edge, a Letter sheet’s 11-inch long edge, or a US nickel’s 21.21 mm diameter / 5 g weight. Water comparisons exclude the container’s weight. Capacity comparisons describe volume, not exterior size or how food fits. Reference pictures identify the object; use the labeled ratio for the comparison.

US Mint ↗ · NIST conversions ↗

05 / PRICE HISTORY

The price over time.

Black Diamond Spot 400-R · Graphite · Integrated 1500 mAh rechargeable battery · Amazon US

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This chart tracks Amazon’s selling price. Marketplace sellers, coupons and size/color selections can have different prices. Blank periods are missing observations, not a zero price.