Black Diamond Distance 1500 Headlamp

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The Distance 1500 Headlamp is a burly head torch with a 1500 lumens output. it’s suitable for mountain runners, nighttime hikers and search and rescue teams. It has a magnetic battery that can be quickly switched with one hand, and It is simple to operate, with only two buttons to cycle through its settings.

Black Diamond says: 

 Designed for fast-paced, overnight endurance pushes and moving through technical terrain at night, the Distance 1500 represents the pinnacle of headlamp technology. The Distance’s integrated PowerTap™ Technology boosts the light to the max setting of 1500 lumens for long-range terrain assessments or spotting trail markers. Constant-output programming provides continuous lighting, and the light’s engineered, multi-faceted lens provides smooth, reliable light that maintains depth perception without creating shadows or artifacts. The interchangeable, magnetic battery pack has enough capacity to last the entire night at a moderate setting and easily swaps one-handed without stopping when more power is needed. The Distance’s Comfort Cradle™ sits low and contours the head to eliminate bounce and features integrated cushioning for all-night comfort.  

Our Verdict

This is a beefy and burly head torch for dedicated mountain runners and nighttime hikers, it has a very impressive 1500 lumens output, though this is only on boost mode, the beam dims automatically after 10 seconds to save battery life.  If you are looking for a head torch to use around camp or something to take on a multi-day hike, this is a complete overkill, however, if you are involved in overnight mountain races or are part of a search and rescue team, I have never used a better head torch. 

One full battery lasts around 8 hours at a respectable  300 lumens output, the battery itself is very imprecise, it’s magnetic and can be quickly switched with one hand. The rear of the battery has a light on it which makes you visible both the front and back

It’s very comfortable, the torch at the front and the battery at the rear are well-balanced and the removable Comfort Cradle provides a contoured, bounce-free fit.

 The Distance 1500 Headlamp only has two buttons to cycle through its power setting, fleshing emergency and red light mode, so it’s very simple to operate.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• PowerTap™ Technology boosts beam to max setting 1500 lumens (dims automatically after 10 seconds to save battery unless customized by user)
• Constant output programming provides continuous light before dropping to reserve power model
• One full battery lasts 8 hours at 300 lumens; two full batteries last 8 hours at 600 lumens
• Comfort Cradle™ provides contoured, bounce-free fit and dispersed padding and can be used with removeable top strap for additional security in technical terrain
• Multifaceted optical lens design provides a combination of depth lighting to better spot obstacles and smooth, diffuse light for consistent visibility
• Rechargeable, interchangeable magnetic battery pack can be quickly switched with one hand and features an integrated red rear flasher
• Helmet compatible
• User-accessed PowerTap Technology in temperature control mode allows for max 1500 lumen output if environmental conditions allow for safe/functional operation

Specifications

• Weight: 206g

Material & Construction

• Water resistant (IPX4)

Help & advice:

• Choosing a Headtorch