I have over 30 years backpacking experience, starting with Scouting as a youth. I am currently the High Adventure Leader for a Scout Troop. I try to get out once or twice a month, plus at least one week-long trek each year. My trips are of two types. First, I am hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in sections, and generally use a lightweight approach on these typically solo trips. Other trips involving family involve more traditional backpacking equipment. Terrain varies from sea level to 14,000 feet (4,300 m), desert to mountain, and trail to cross country, occasionally including snow travel.

This is the second of three reports of the Black Diamond LED Headlamp based on use in the field. The First report described the headlamp in detail. That information has been incorporated below. This report is based on field use over a two month period. The final report, which will be posted around August 24, 2004, will update this report on how I feel about the Zenix after six months.

Product Description: (To skip this section and go right into the Field Test click here.)

Black Diamond Zenix Hyperbright LED Headlamp
Received new February 6, 2004
www.PerformanceLightware.com or www.bdel.com
Listed weight 3.3 ounces (94 grams), 4.5 ounces (128 grams) with batteries
Weight as tested 3½ ounces (99 grams), 4¾ ounces (135 grams) with batteries (tested on an analog scale)
Manufacturer says "Five times brighter than a traditional LED"
Two modes (selected by a single push button power switch):

LED Type Distance w/Fresh Batteries Functional Burn Time
2 Superbright LEDs 15 m (50 ft) 100 hours
1 Hyperbright LED 35 m (115 ft) 15 hours

IPX 4 Waterproof Rating - "It will continue to function when subjected to water spray at any angle."
Light pivots to adjust beam vertically
Three year limited warranty

Field Test:

My first use of the headlamp came just one day after receiving it. It was every hiker's dream activity. Yes, I had to repair a leaky valve and replace a faucet in the bathroom. I found the headlamp very comfortable while wearing it for hours at a time. (Hey, I'm a hiker, not a plumber.) The lower setting (two Superbright LEDs) gave enough light to see the parts to be replaced, and the higher setting (Hyperbright) gave plenty of light looking into a small hole in the wall for the pipe I needed to access.

Fortunately, the leak was fixed and I was able to go hiking. I have used the Zenix on numerous trips, mostly weekend trips in the foothills and mountains of Southern California. Elevations ranged from 750 to 6,600 feet (225 to 2,000 m) and temperatures down to 28 F (-2 C).

Brightness: The claimed range of 15 meters (about 15 yards) at Superbright and 35 meters (about 115 yards) at Hyperbright is accurate. The Superbright beam is rather diffused and narrow. The Hyperbright beam is also brightest in the center and had no dark spots common in regular light bulb lamps. On two separate 30-mile (48 km) hikes, the last several miles were after dark. The lower setting provided sufficient light on the trail, although the narrow beam caused me to aim the light a bit lower than I would have preferred to light up rocks waiting to trip my tired feet. The higher setting provided greater range when desired on more rocky terrain or when looking for a trail sign.

Battery Life: In the field, I used a fresh set of batteries over a period of about eight hours, mostly on low power with perhaps twenty percent high power. I then left the Zenix on high power for fifteen hours, which is the claimed battery life. The lamp was dim but still shining and the higher power LED provided enough light to light a smooth path about half the original range. Changing the batteries is easy, and requires no tools, although, since the three batteries are installed side by side, some light is needed to determine polarity.

Fit: The headlamp fits easily on my big (size 7-3/4) head. The straps are easy to adjust, although they stretch enough that no adjustment is needed when putting a balaclava on or off. The padded straps are comfortable, and the weight is well distributed, with the lamp in front and the batteries in the back. The straps hold the light securely on the trail, and no bouncing was noted. The battery compartment at the back of the headband has a bit of rubber padding, but when lying on my back reading in my sleeping bag I often pushed the battery case up a bit to avoid lying directly on it.

Ease of Use: With only one button, the headlamp is easy to use. One push of the button turns the lamp on in either Superbright or Hyperbright mode. Pushing it again turns it off, and a third time turns it on in the second brightness mode. The switch was easy to operate while wearing fleece gloves, but I had difficulty when wearing ski gloves.

Water Resistance: The manufacturer states this lamp meets the "IPX-4 waterproof standard" and "will continue to function when subjected to water spray at any angle." Having had no significant rain on my outings, I used the Zenix to set up my tent in the backyard to take advantage of a rainstorm for testing, elevation 750 feet (225 m), low temperature 53 F (12 C), 1.3 inches (3.3 cm) of rain overnight. My rain parka kept the headlamp mostly dry, and I found no water in the battery case. I also subjected the Zenix to the full force of a bath shower for two minutes. Only one tiny water drop was found in the battery case, and that may have entered while opening the case. No moisture was noted inside the Hyperbright LED lens.

One small item for consideration: The instructions do not mention the waterproof rating, except for a perhaps confusing instruction to "Remove batteries after use and allow battery box to thoroughly dry." The packaging only says "Waterproof Standard - IPX" with a picture of a water drop. The website, however, provides much more information for the prospective purchaser, and additional instructions if used wet:

This lamp has been tested to the IPX-4 waterproof standard. It will continue to function when subjected to water spray at any angle. This does not include salt spray or high-alkalinity fluids. It is normal for water to enter the lamp and battery housings. Battery life will be diminished, however, the lamp will function. If properly dried, this wetness will not affect the lamp. DO NOT STORE YOUR LAMP WET: remove battery cover, batteries, focus ring and reflector; and allow the housings to air dry thoroughly.

Removing and drying the battery case is straight forward. Instructions for removing the focus ring and reflector are not provided, however. I was tempted to simply not worry about drying the lamp housing, but, in the interest of testing, proceeded as follows:

I removed the pivot hinge using a straight screwdriver. I then used a precision screwdriver to removed the two tiny screws on the bottom of the LED housing. It took a bit of effort to loosen these screws, and I was concerned about damaging the screw heads, as I had to use a larger screwdriver than I should have to loosen them. The lens and a black cylinder which supports the lens popped out. Finding no moisture inside, it took me some time to figure out how the lens and cylinder fit back in the case. The lens, which is a surprisingly substantial solid and not merely a flat disc, has a small tab on its circumference which fits into a matching slot on the cylinder. The cylinder, in turn, has a couple small holes which fit over the small circuit board which holds the Hyperbright LED. The open end of the cylinder should face forward. The entire assembly is then fit into the case. I suspect that many users would follow my initial inclination and simply not bother with this awkward procedure, and would prefer that the lamp housing include a gasket to increase its water resistance, or, at a minimum, illustrated instructions on opening and drying the lens area.

I also noted that the head straps held moisture and were slow to dry.

Durability: The battery compartment cover is very easy to open and close using just a thumb. I have had no damage to the battery or lamp housing, and no fraying or excessive wear on the straps. Overall, the Zenix appears very well made and durable.

Packability: The Zenix carries well in a pack pocket. It is just big enough to fill a pant's pocket, preventing me from carrying much else in that pocket. Generally, it was easy to carry in later afternoon in anticipation of sunset. While I did not take any special precautions to protect the lamp, I did avoid putting it in the same pocket as hard, sharp objects which might scratch the lens, such as car keys.

Friendliness: Trail etiquette is something lacking when it comes to some headlamps. The Zenix has good manners. The lower, Superbright mode reducing blinding glare when speaking with others in camp or on the trail. In addition, the ability to pivot the LEDs down keeps the lamp from shining in others' eyes. I also found many impressed with the style and brightness of this lamp, with some surprised it was "just" an LED headlamp.

Summary: Wow! At just the weight of a small, 2 AA-cell flashlight, the Zenix has the convenience of a headlamp with a long battery life and lots of style.

Next: The Zenix will continue to accompany me on my summer hikes. My final report will focus on how my impressions may change over the next four months.

Read more reviews of Black Diamond gear
Read more gear reviews by Bill Jeffrey

Field Report

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