Best buys · The garage

The best headlamp worth buying

Our pick is the Black Diamond Spot 400. Below: why, what actually matters when buying one, what to get for less, the step up, and whether today's price is a good one.

The headlamp

Black Diamond Spot 400

Hands-free light is more use than a brighter flashlight: under a sink, under a car, on a trail. Waterproof, runs on AAAs you can buy anywhere, and the red mode keeps your night vision.

Buy it for
The garage, the campsite and the power cut.
Skip it if
You want a rechargeable only. Look at the R-version.

What actually matters when buying a headlamp

  1. Beam, not just lumens. A good headlamp gives a wide flood for close work and a focused spot for distance.
  2. A red mode, so you can see without blinding anyone or losing your night vision.
  3. Battery type. AAA cells can be bought anywhere; built-in batteries are convenient until they are flat miles from a socket.
  4. A proper waterproof rating if it goes outdoors.

Either side of the pick