Black Diamond Ion

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Reviewed by 7 Trailspace users

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Description

The Ion is a headlamp made by Black Diamond. It has an average rating of 3.5 stars (out of 5), based on 7 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From Campmor:
"The latest innovation from Black Diamond on the headlamp scene was designed to be the smallest lamp in existence, while providing adequate light for climbing and backcountry use. With two super-bright LEDs and a featherweight adjustable headband, this lamp can be adjusted to fit over a helmet, beanie or hat. When placed in a shirt or chalkbag pocket, its presence is barely detectable; however, once the Ion is put to use, its full functionality becomes immediately noticeable. Runs on one six-volt battery that's included with the lamp. Assorted colors. Extremely tiny and ultra lightweight. An essential (and virtually weightless) lamp for any adventure. Two LEDS provide bright, usable light. Weight: 25 g (0.9 oz). Power Source: 6-volt battery. Burn time: 15 hours."

From Oregon Mountain Community:
"A great ultralight backup light, the new Black Diamond Ion is small enough to stash just about anywhere, plus the reflector-housed, 1/2 watt LED casts a far-reaching beam for finding your way up that final pitch of 5.11 or down that last mile back to the trailhead. BD's lightest headlamp at 30 grams (1 oz), the Ion has a pivoting head that angles the light anywhere you need it, and a replaceable 6-volt battery provides power for 15 hours at the low setting and 3 hours on high. Yes, the Ion is unnoticeable in size and weight, but don’t let its diminutive size fool you—this two-setting headlamp is Black-Diamond-tough, able to withstand apocalyptic levels of rain and sleet. Black Diamond Ion Features: 1 SInglePower LED emits 12 lumens 2 LED settings powered by a single 6-volt battery Momentary switch powers lamp on and off and prevents accidental battery drain Protected against splashing or sprayed water from any angle (IPX 4) Battery Life 0.5 Watt(1) Hi 8 h Lo 15 h Distance (Max) 0.5 Watt(1) t 0 h 22 m t 0:30 h 17 m t 10 h N/A"

From Moosejaw:
"Black Diamond Ion Light (Fall 2009) A great ultralight backup light, the new Ion Light by Black Diamond is small enough to stash just about anywhere, plus the reflector-housed, 1/2 watt LED casts a far-reaching beam for finding your way up that final pitch of 5.11 or down that last mile back to the trailhead. Our lightest headlamp at 30 grams (1 oz), the Ion has a pivoting head that angles the light anywhere you need it, and a replaceable 6-volt battery provides power for 15 hours at the low setting and 3 hours on high. Yes, the Ion is unnoticeable in size and weight, but don't let its diminutive size fool you-this two-setting headlamp is Black-Diamond-tough, able to withstand apocalyptic levels rain and sleet."

From REI:
"Keep it in your pocket or stashed in your pack, the Black Diamond Ion is so light and compact there's no reason to ever be left in the dark again. Great as an emergency backup or as your primary light for featherweight expeditions, the Ion is the size of a book of matches. One bright 0.5-watt LED bulb lights the way; high and low settings let you determine how much light you need. Pivotable head allows you to aim the beam where you need it most; tough construction withstands use in rain, snow and sleet. On/off switch requires you depress the button for one second to turn on, reducing inadvertent, battery-draining operation while stowed in your pack. Slim half-inch elastic headband adjusts with a slider to fit over a climbing helmet or a hat. Battery included."

User Reviews

Ion
Reviewed by ralphwrobertson, Sep 26, 2009

"I've used this light for 3+ years mainly for an emergency light in my pack.

It's light, tough as can be expected for such a lightweight compact light,and gives plenty of light for getting out of the woods.

It would get 5 stars except for the expensive and hard to find battery."

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Ion
Reviewed by Tom3118, Sep 12, 2007

"The battery is terrible. It lasts less than 3 hrs and costs like $6-9 to replace _if_ you can find it. At ~30g (incl battery) it is a good emergency backup, but you don't want to actually have to use it. A better choice IMHO is the Wiz, a 2AAA model weighing 56g (incl battery) with better light and 35hrs life."

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Ion
Reviewed by Beweglich, Jun 29, 2006

"The greatest headlamp I have ever owned not only due to the great price I got it for but also because of its miniscule size and weight. Can go anywhere, I've even taken it kayaking.

The bummer is its expensive battery...

Black Diamonds Silver Oxide batteries are expensive, but it is okay because REI carries them."

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Ion
Reviewed by kmsquared, May 03, 2006

"I've used an Ion for a couple of seasons. It's sturdy and certainly very lightweight.

However, this is my big gripe about it: it uses a unique battery that can be hard to find, that is pretty expensive -- about a buck a volt -- and that doesn't last very long."

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Ion
Reviewed by MountaingirlBC, Apr 18, 2006

"In my ubiquitous quest to lighten my pack weight, the Black Diamond Ion Headlamp was an exciting find. I was skeptical about relying on a such a tiny headlamp but much subsequent use has put my mind (and my back!) at ease.

Black Diamond describes the Ion as “The ultimate emergency backup light."

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Ion
Reviewed by IcySmooth52, Apr 04, 2006

"This isn't a bad product, but I have to say there're far better ones out there. A big problem with prolonged uses of the Ion is the lack of a third vertical strap that's on most headlamps can make its light bouncy with moving around. Also it's not nearly as bright as others which makes it a bad choice to use when pushing for a few more miles at the end of the day."

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Ion
Reviewed by Doug, Apr 21, 2005

"This headlamp is in its element around camp. However I've used it for night hiking on established trails. I would use something a little brighter on rougher ground. It's super lightweight and simple, it's either on or off. If you get one and happen to drop it the battery can bend one of the contacts and it won't turn on, but it's an easy fix."

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