Dumb Runner Review: My Years-Old Black Diamond Headlamp

MARK REMY

I did not set out to review my years-old Black Diamond headlamp—certainly not as my very first review on Dumb Runner. But sometimes a product leaps up, grabs you by the lapels, and shakes you, demanding to be reviewed. 

Hey! Relax, product! I'll review you! Jeez.

In this case, I realized I had to review this headlamp the moment my wife emerged from our basement, holding it. 

"Guess what went through the wash?" she said.

I had worn the headlamp the previous evening, for a nighttime pub run, and it had wound up in the wad of damp clothes I'd shed afterward. When you wad, accidents like this are a cost of doing business.

Here's the thing, though: The thing still worked.

To underscore this, my wife clicked it on inches from my face. I was blinded—by this headlamp's awesomeness.

As noted above, this light is years old. I can't even remember when I bought it. I think it was for Hood to Coast, and I haven't run Hood to Coast for... well, years. I can't even tell what model it is; there's nothing on it except "Black Diamond," and a cryptic model number that yields nothing helpful in a Google search. Let's call it the Black Diamond Front Loader.

MARK REMY

Its features include:

• Adjustable, stretchy strap

• Ratcheting bracket on light, so you can point it straight ahead or angle it downward

• Big, rubbery button on top

• Machine washable (line dry!)

Of course, I'm sure that Black Diamond doesn't recommend you put its headlamps through the wash. But the fact that you can inspires great confidence.

Therefore I give Black Diamond headlamps two thumbs up.