Black Diamond Zenix Headlamp

Long Term Report

Report Date: August 17, 2004

Reviewer Information

• Name: Edward Ripley-Duggan
  
• Age: 51
  
• Gender: Male
  
• Height: 6' 1" (1.85 m)
  
• Weight: 215 pounds (98 kg)
  
• erd@wilsey.net
  
• Catskills, New York State
  
  

Reviewer Background: See end of report

Product information

• Manufacturer: Black Diamond
  
• Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
  
• 2084 East 3900 South
  
• Salt Lake City, Utah 84124
  
• Tel: 801-278-5533
  
• E-Mail: climb@bdel.com
  
• Year of Manufacture: 2004
  
• URL: http://www.bdel.com/
  
• MSRP: $44.50
  
  

Background

When completing the field report four months ago I had tested two examples of the Zenix headlamp (both supplied by Black Diamond). I found a large discrepancy between the light outputs (on the Hyperbright setting) between the pair. It had been my intention to use the lamp I had first received for further testing. This was considerably less bright than the second (see earlier report for details). However, safety concerns ultimately won out – I did not want to be stuck doing a difficult night hike with a less-than-adequate headlamp.

Additionally, I was able to test yet another example of the Zenix, courtesy of a local outdoor gear store, and found that the brightness of this third example was consistent with the better of my two lamps. I remain curious as to whether the variation in brightness was due to a tweak to the lamp's electronic design by the manufacturer, inherent variation in the manufacturing quality of the headlamp, or an improvement in the LEDs provided by Black Diamond's supplier.

Field Tests

Using the brighter of the two lamps, I did a two-day April traverse (in winter conditions) of the trailless peaks of the Dix range in the Adirondacks. The first night was spent camped on snow (low temperatures of 20 F, -7 C, at about 3950 feet, 1200 m). In this fairly cold environment, the lamp proved very adequate in both modes, providing sufficient light for confident navigation (it was needed to guide a benighted hiker to the herd path to the summit) and a very good output on the less-bright Superbright setting for camp tasks and tent illumination.

The second night of the trip the headlamp was used for about an hour and a half on a descent from the Hough-Dix col to the Lillian Brook lean-to. I was traversing steep and difficult terrain that included some vicious blowdown from Hurricane Floyd, with plenty of water crossings and occasional small gorges thrown in. The lamp proved more than bright enough for this demanding task, despite rain and cold temperatures.

Eventually, around 9 PM, I took an emergency bivouac rather than continue on through the brush (with the attendant risk of physical injury). Good light was needed for finding a camping spot amid the fallen trees and to set up the tent in the rain, and I was satisfied with the Zenix for this task also. The headlamp initially supplied (which had proven on its very first outing to be inadequate in bushwhacking conditions) would have been inadequate for this rather tough workout.

Subsequently, I have used the Zenix for a four-day kayak tour of the Oswegatchie River and surrounding area in the western Adirondacks, on a traverse of the Presidential peaks of the White Mountains (to 5050 feet, 1540 m), and for numerous outings in the Catskills, both multi-day (the Escarpment Trail) and night hikes. It has proven extremely dependable.

Specific issues

In my initial report, I posed a series of questions that I hoped to address over the testing period.

How comfortable is the lamp when worn for prolonged periods?

The lamp is perfectly comfortable when worn for long periods, although it does have a slight tendency to slip, even when the strap length is properly adjusted. This seems to be a function of the comparatively small battery compartment, which provides inadequate friction at the back of the head. I have had the lamp drop off when bending forward several times, although a tighter strap setting usually minimizes (but does not entirely solve) this problem.

How easily is the fit adjusted?

The fit is quite easily adjusted for a wide range of head sizes. One small inconvenience that I have noted, relating to this, is that (after replacing batteries) it is all too possible to remount the lid of the battery case (to which the transverse head-strap attaches) in such a fashion that the strap retains a twist. The first time I noted this kink to the strap it wasn't at all obvious to me how it had happened, or how it could be corrected! Once I realized the cause, I was quite annoyed at myself for not having immediately picked up on it.

Can the batteries be changed wearing heavy gloves? How heavy a glove?

I have managed to change the batteries while wearing heavy x-c ski gloves, but only with difficulty. In lighter fleece mitts there is no problem.

Can the headlamp switch be used wearing heavy gloves? How heavy a glove?

Here too, the heavier the glove, the harder the task. The switch is slightly recessed and has a mildly stiff action, so one has to be quite careful with positioning the thumb when wearing heavy winter gloves.

Can the headlamp switch be turned on accidentally despite "Positron" switch?

No, not in my experience. This is the upside of the slightly stiff switch action.

How well do the batteries last under field conditions at low temperatures?

Not especially well in cold conditions, but this will improve once AAA lithium batteries become available, as they should in the next few months (see Field Review).

How useful is the two-LED combination for camp tasks?

More than adequate for just about every purpose.

Can I read a book or a map at that level of illumination?

Yes, with ease, though the bluish cast of the light might cause slight problems distinguishing details on some maps, depending on the color scheme. Turning to the whiter Hyperbright setting for a while should alleviate this problem.

Is the Hyperbright LED adequate for navigating poorly blazed trails?

With the brighter unit, just fine. With that originally issued, only so-so.

Is the Hyperbright LED acceptable for off-trail travel at night?

Yes, with the same proviso.

What is the useful range under various atmospheric conditions?

Mist naturally presents a challenge, but otherwise, I have found the range adequate in heavy rain and light snow. It is difficult to make a statement about exact range, but I have distinguished trail blazes at up to two hundred feet (60 m).

Can the batteries be replaced entirely in the dark in a dire emergency?

Practice makes perfect. It can't be done in gloves. It helps to use the remaining light from the unit to open the battery case, note the battery orientations, get the new set, prearrange them in the same order as those in the compartment, then remove the existing set, plunging all into darkness. I have not attempted this feat on feel alone.

Will the lamp interior remain dry within during heavy rain?

Yes.

Is the lamp resistant to moderate impacts?

Within reason – I have not taken one to the brink of destruction, but I have dropped it accidentally on rock without ill effect.

How durable is the unit overall?

It appears well made; six months of fairly hard use has left no significant mark or defect.

Other issues?

Only two come to mind. I have had the lid of the battery compartment work loose (I usually screw it shut with my fingers). The results are not disastrous – each time this has happened the batteries have stayed in the unit. Still, it might be a good idea to tighten the screw (which is permanently attached to the lid) with a coin for extra security. I generally can't be bothered, I must admit. Also, as noted at the outset, I wish that it were possible to tilt the lamp above the horizontal in use. As an incidental note, I have not had any problems with the headlamp becoming loose on the mount and drooping.

Summary

The headlamp is sufficiently bright (on the Hyperbright setting) for all normal tasks, including off-trail navigation. The Superbright setting (which substantially extends battery life) is fine for all but the most demanding of activities around camp. Cold-weather performance (in terms of light output over time) is only adequate, but battery life will likely be much improved when Lithium AAA cells become available shortly. The unit is comfortable to wear and is generally well designed, both functionally and aesthetically. For the size and weight, this is a bright little unit! I thank Black Diamond and Backpack Gear Test for the opportunity to test it.

Reviewer Background

I enjoy walking in all its manifold forms, from a simple stroll in the woods to multi-day backpack excursions. Though by no means an extreme ultralight enthusiast, from spring to fall my preference is to carry a packweight of 12 lb (5.5 kg), more or less. In recent years, I've rapidly moved to a philosophy of "lighter is better," within the constraints of budget and common sense.