Black Diamond Icon Headlamp

mcl4927862's comment below on the beam is pretty accurate.

Positive:
-Comfortable; long battery life; numerous functions and modes; red light; heavy duty water resistance; great tilt range; dimmer option in all modes (except strobe)

Negative:
-Somewhat dispersed beam, even in spot mode; relatively heavy (not too bad while worn, but adds nearly 1/2 pound to your pack)

Overall this headlamp works well and I recommend it. My biggest gripe is the beam concentration in spot mode is not all that focused. My older Icon's spot mode is more concentrated and thus has a farther throw, but is not as bright overall. Yet the 2012 Icon does have some nice features and actually feels less awkward when wearing it. This light is rated at 200 lumens, and may very well meet that, but the broad beam doesn't reach as far as I had hoped. If you are expecting a spotlight look elsewhere, as this is somewhere in between flood and spot. The diffused mode, which is the same mode available in the red light, works well for around camp.

The video being shown by Mark comparing three different head lamps is absolutely worthless.

i dont know why anyone would spend up to 400 dollars for a head lamp the Black Diamond Icon Headlamp is the best lamp i have ever used it is light weight,hecka bright the red light is a extra bonus, has a great run time and is under 100 dollars i have friends that have more expinsive lights that are not near as bright (kinda like them ) and get mad when i tell them how much it cost if you are looking for the compleat package this is the one

The new BD Icon is in a class somewhat by itself.

The other main headlamps in this class; PTec Apex, Mammut X-zoom and X-shot, and Petzl Myo do not offer both both red and white light with a rear bat. pack and the level of adjustability.

The Icon fits well, the front portion is light weight and the switch is glove usable though not friendly.

The one question with the new BD Icon will be durability. It does feel slightly less robust than the Apex.

The other factor which will probably not matter to many folks is beam quality. The Icon puts out a beam that is not uniform is brightness or shape. Especially when compared to say a Zebra light (which is not surprising). However, even when compared to my Petzls and PTecs, the beam on the Icon is sub par.

Given the negative factors I have mentioned, why should someone buy this Head-Lamp?

It has awesome battery life while putting out your choice of 4-200 lumens, is tested to be water proof, has infinite output adjustment in both white and red light.

This is not going to replace my Zebra light, Petzl zipka or tikka, It is going to be used for extended night use when Weight and size are only secondary concerns.