The Better Mountaineering Headlamp - Petzl Actik Core, Black Diamond Spot 325/Storm 500-R, Wuben H5

Along the way in my whole mountaineering adventure, I ended up buying while searching for the better headlamp multiple headlights that were or not what I wanted them to be.
When I search for a headlight, I expect lasting performance (by this I mean long running hours at high light intensity of 350lm or above) and durability when facing the elements (by this I imply waterproofness and good performances below zero Celsius).

I started my headlights journey with a Black Diamond Storm 350. Overall, a very good product but to date, I never really been that happy with it.
Because everyone is speaking about Petzl Actik Core I bought one for myself and to me this is the worst headlamp one can buy.
Then, I bought the Black Diamond Spot 325 that I consider the best performer possible with an optimal cost to performance ratio.
Eventually, I received as a giveaway a Woben H5. I have mixed feelings about this headlight. It is OK, performs but yet is not what I need or want.
One day I started to cruise the internet and ended up buying what I think is the best headlight possible for my personal needs: the Black Diamond Storm 500-r.
To me, the Black Diamond Storm 500-r is the best headlight out there (at least for when it comes to what I think I need and does best for me).

[willienillie]

I'm thinking about the BD hybrid version. Battery or their 1500Mah rechargeable battery, which is sold separately

[ajdy]

alright, this review is superb. I really love when reviewer give their real-life examples when covering the pros and cons.

[raaada]

Wow! Your video is so informative anyone can tell you really went into all the details. It seems that due to experience you had to buy a lot of them and research them and ACTUALLY use them.

I just subbed. This is golden content. You’ve saved me many hours of research and probably many dollars that I would have spent on a product that is not the best. As you say influencers review these but they do not use them under harsh conditions like heavy snowfall or rain in the mountain

Thanks

[jimjensen]

Outstanding presentation, very helpful for my decision making process.

[adolfogarcia]

Hi! Does the Black Diamond fits on the Petzl Noctiligth?

[Lasvegas]

Disagree, Petzl Actik Core, worked always with me under heavy rain and did not stop. the only problem is the short worktime battery. But water never entered.

[filipkratos]

Have you (or anyone else) ever seen any Petzl failure because of rain? You are overestimated waterproofness. The only difference is when you directly drop it into the water.

[emilycs]

I have one of the Black Diamond Astro 350R's and it has been awesome, and I am looking at one of the Storm 500-R's. The optics on the new black diamond lights are fantastic and honestly with headlamps beam quality matters a lot more than lumen's.

[davidhalley]

Great video. I'm going to get the black diamond 500-R simply because 325 lumens that I have isn't cutting it with batteries. It's pitch black where I live and I don't want to run into coyotes. Lol. I use it at 100% for a 30-40 min dog walk every night and I'm replacing batteries about every five days. I'm not going to be in the woods as you are so I'll be fine with the 500-R.

[tomor]

Hi, I would like to ask about what do you think about petzl nao rl headlamp. I tried the previous version of this headlamp nao+ a few times from a friend and I loved it mainly because of the comfort. Now i am thinking about getting the newest version, the nao rl and i am interested in your opinion, thanks.

[mikekerkis]

Great info! I’m in the same spot. I bought a couple Black Diamonds and was thinking by about the Petzl (my original headlamp). I was also looking at the FENIX HM65R-T, as it’s made out of magnesium. What are your thoughts on that one? It’s pricier, though.

I liked and subscribed.

[krunobakota]

So comapred to the Actic 450, the Storm 500R is the route to go considering its simplicity, because I am debating between these two models. I am a trail runner who runs max 4 hours during the nights.

[cutitcold]

True. Youtube is a advertising site really.

[ProfoundGameplay]

Hello, have you seen the newest version of PETZL ACTIK CORE with 600LM? Any thoughts about it?

[littlegreen]

Thanks for the real experience content. I’m considering the black diamond storm 450. It’s strange that their website lists it under hiking and not under head lamps. Alinsdau suggests those energizer lithium ultra batteries for extreme cold and I like that this headlamp is dual fuel.

[andrewmansker]

Thanks, very helpful. I would recommend placing text over the video indicating which headlamp you have in hand. At the very least, identify it verbally, but that could get monotonous.

[xrv]

One is none, two is one. Thats a good headlamp rule.
Other people work hard too, you saying we cant imagine how hard you work doesnt sound so nice 😉
Thanks for the review

[janguitarw]

Thanks for the Video, does the BD also fit in the Petzl Noctilight case?

[littlegreen]

After a year of use, do you have any idea how long it takes to fully charge with the micro usb?

[paulglucina]

Have you come across the Fenix HL32R T 800 lumens? Rechargeable as well.