Skip to main content
Customer Review
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2023
Thank you, Black Diamond, for not messing with the formula.
They refining it every year or so, but keep the basics the same. A smart strategy.
I've been using the Spot since version 1. I've used them for alpine starts on hikes and climbs; nighttime descents from just about everything, every time of year; as my sole light on multiday climbing trips (I never felt the need to bring a backup); and lately, for fixing things around a house where everything needs fixing. This light is as comfortable under a nasty kitchen sink as it is in a snow cave (even if I'm not).
Killer features: Long battery life (if you dim the beam to what you actually need). Flood light, which is perfect for low-fatigue lighting while reading a map or hanging around in a tent. Great compatibility with Eneloop batteries (maybe slightly less bright than with alkalines, but plenty good). Compatibility with non-rechargeable lithium metal AAA batteries, for if you ever need insane battery life, or reliability down to -40°. I haven't used BD's new rechargeable custom lithium ion battery, but it looks like a cool option for some uses ... like maybe if you bring a solar charger on a long trip. very good water resistance.
My one complaint—on earlier versions, the metal battery contacts were flimsy. We'll see how the new model does.
They refining it every year or so, but keep the basics the same. A smart strategy.
I've been using the Spot since version 1. I've used them for alpine starts on hikes and climbs; nighttime descents from just about everything, every time of year; as my sole light on multiday climbing trips (I never felt the need to bring a backup); and lately, for fixing things around a house where everything needs fixing. This light is as comfortable under a nasty kitchen sink as it is in a snow cave (even if I'm not).
Killer features: Long battery life (if you dim the beam to what you actually need). Flood light, which is perfect for low-fatigue lighting while reading a map or hanging around in a tent. Great compatibility with Eneloop batteries (maybe slightly less bright than with alkalines, but plenty good). Compatibility with non-rechargeable lithium metal AAA batteries, for if you ever need insane battery life, or reliability down to -40°. I haven't used BD's new rechargeable custom lithium ion battery, but it looks like a cool option for some uses ... like maybe if you bring a solar charger on a long trip. very good water resistance.
My one complaint—on earlier versions, the metal battery contacts were flimsy. We'll see how the new model does.
