Why We Like The Storm 450 Headlamp
Whether we are making a camp meal after dark or we need light to get back to the trailhead from the backcountry, we know we can trust the Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp. This compact headlamp can use either 3 AAA batteries or the BD 1500 Li-ION battery to power a bright LED bulb that can shine a bright light all over the trail or a small red light that doesn’t blind our camping partners. This versatile and reliable functionality means there is always a spot in our pack for the Storm 450.
Details
- Capable headlamp ready for adventures of any kind
- LED bulb offers impressive brightness at 450 lumens
- Elastic strap locks in a secure fit over hats, helmets
- Waterproofing allows for full accidental water submersion
- Long distance light beam lets you move through the dark
- Multiple modes allow you to easily switch up the light beam
- Item #BLDZ9J7
- Bulbs
- LED
- Power Source
- DUAL FUEL (BD 1500 LI-ION or 3 AAA)
- Batteries Included
- 3 AAA
- Modes
- full strength proximity, full strength distance, dimming, strobe, red, green, blue, lock
- Lumens
- [high] 450, [medium] 180, [low] 8
- Distance
- [high] 100m, [medium] 60m, [low] 9m
- Burn Time
- [alkaline AAA] (high) 2hr, (medium) 4.5hr, (low) 175hr
- Strap
- elastic
- Waterproof
- IPX67
- Claimed Weight
- [headlamp] 2oz, [3 AAA] 2.2oz, [BD 1500 Li-ION] 1oz
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 3 years
- Activity
- camping, hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, backpacking
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
3.5 based on 139 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.Customer Images
Here's what customers have to say
The headlamp is generally well-received, with users praising its brightness, lightweight design, and adjustability. However, there are common complaints about durability, particularly with the battery latch and compartment, which some found prone to breaking even with mild use. A few reviewers also noted issues with the control system, finding it complicated. Despite these drawbacks, many still recommend the headlamp as a capable and versatile option for outdoor activities.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews.
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJuly 15, 2025
Versatile and Solid
This headlamp provides a wide range of versatility with a spot beam and flood beam that have adjustable intensity (battery saver!) for any situation. It also has red, green, and blue lights and a locking feature so it doesn't turn on accidentally in your bag. It's small and light weight and you can use alkaline or a rechargeable battery cell. It's also waterproof! I've used this model for years and it's all I need. I just bought the newest version for me and my wife for backpacking trips and we love them.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
July 7, 2025
Functions well. Bright light. Easy
Functions well. Bright light. Easy to use. Only issue is the BD 1500 battery doesn’t sit inside perfectly and the door doesn’t completely close when the BD 1500 battery is used. The light works fine but I’m guessing there will be issues with waterproofing now.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
July 4, 2025
All around great!
I own 3 of these headlamps! I keep one in my hunting pack, truck and boat bag. That way I never forget one! Its just an all around great headlamp!
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
July 3, 2025
BEST ON THE MARKET
BEST HEADLAMP ON THE MARKET. Fantastic product. I've been the die hard who has been holding out on switching to Rechargeable battery systems. This one is top notch and I should have transitioned a long time ago. Eliminates the problems with regular battery corrosion and the battery life of these little packs is really amazing. Fantastic product. And for the price, you can easily justify carrying an extra one for those long multiple night hauls ! Headlamp functions are really simple to use and shockingly bright. Easy to pack and will take a ravishing amount of punishment.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
June 29, 2025
Save your receipt.
Save your receipt because you are going to need it when you submit the warranty claim to have the broken latch replaced. The light works great, but the latch is garbage. The latch broke the first time within a day of purchase. Scheels kindly replaced it. The replacement lasted a little over a year until the latch broke in the same spot. Unfortunately, I no longer have the receipt so I am out of luck.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
June 1, 2025
Great Light, poor construction
I really enjoyed having this light for about two years. I even purchased the rechargeable battery to go along with it. I love all the features with color options on the red light, and memory for brightness. Two big flaws in construction though, one is the battery indicator light is on the bottom and is on for a few seconds after you turn the light off, essentially blinding you when you turn the light off. The second is that the plastic latch to keep it water resistant and the battery seated, snapped in half after just under 2 years of use making the light inoperable. Warranty is still covered but replacement is a slight headache if you can't find the receipt through an authorized seller. Happy to have had the use I got out of it but I will be looking a different direction for lights.

Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
April 19, 2025
Love this Headlamp ❤️🔥
I’ve always been a bit of a flashlight guy. As a kid I cost my dad a small fortune in D cells running down his baseball bat sized Maglite. I’ve been through more headlamps than I can count over the years. I picked up this particular one a few months ago and I have to say it has been by far the best headlamp I’ve ever had. The door fuel capability comes in handy, and the functions on this light are super useful and navigable. It’s great to having the brightness memory as well as the powertap feature to be able to instantly switch to max and back. One feature that stands out is the way each mode dims/brightens. I haven’t seen that on a light before. It also seems a lot brighter than 450 lumens at max. If you’re looking for a good reliable headlamp I truly don’t think in any way you could go wrong with these. Hope this helps
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
April 17, 2025
Storm 400 Replacement
The new Storm 450 is a really nice headlamp! I had to purchase this one to replace my Storm 400 that has a broken latch (no replacement part available). I hope the latch on this one lasts!
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
April 14, 2025
Bd storm
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
Didn't realize shipping was going to take 2 weeks. Should've just order it off Amazon
February 10, 2025
Great Headlamp
The Storm 450 is another great, lightweight, intuitive, inexpensive headlamp from BD. I've relied on them for years and find all of their headlamps to be the best!
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
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