Time for a new headlamp - BD Icon?

My Petzl headlamp died last week. Its my birthday on Friday so I'm going to splash out and get a new one.

Anyone got the Black Diamond Icon ...

bdel.com/gear/icon.php

Thanks.

John

John,
I haven't tried the BD. But I own one of the new Petzl's and several Princeton Tecs. The Princeton's are hands down better headlamps than the Petzl. Just my .02 cents

Edit: And I've had many headlamp 'epics' in my 24 year career...

I have the older version of the Icon (I think it used to be called the moonlight or something similar). For general camp use it was ok, but I'm not a big fan of the 3-piece head strap (to much adjusting) and having the battery pack in the back of my head. I've attached it to my helmet a few times and it seems to be fine.

However, two years ago I switched to the BD Spot and I really like it. There are 6 different light settings, easy to adjust head strap, easy to adjust the angle of the light and I dig the batteries in the front. It is light and compacts a lot better then headlamps that hold batteries in the back. The only downside is that I've dropped it multiple times and some how broke a piece of the plastic that helps adjust the light angle. However, I have only myself to blame for that.

I've used the spot for long dark approaches/descents, cooking meals, reading in my tent and I always keep it in my pack for long routes. As a bonus, you can use the strobe feature to turn any campsite into a party!

I have the Icon and I think it's fantastic. I've only had it for a couple months so I can't really talk about its durability, but have used it on Mt. Whitney and in Yosemite. The main LED is SUPER bright. Definitely a good choice, in my opinion.

-Tristan

can't speak to the icon, but i have really liked my BD spot. very bright, and very light.

the princton tech apex is a very nice bright light.

I have a Spot and the Icon and you can see almost double the distance with the Icon, if that's what you're looking for. You can also see a little more with the regular LED's also.

Thanks for the feedback, I'll get the ion tomorrow.

Cheers

John

Deaun Schovajsa wrote:John, The Princeton's are hands down better headlamps than the Petzl. Just my .02 cents Edit: And I've had many headlamp 'epics' in my 24 year career...

You see Deaun there are thing we agree on. :)

Robert 560 wrote: You see Deaun there are thing we agree on. :)

I am sure there are many more we agree on than disagree on Robert!

The Mammut Lucido TX1 is the headlamp I use now.

rei.com/product/775033

It has long battery life, and a spot beam that is simply amazing.