The Black Diamond Vectra IQ is a 4 LED/Xenon headlamp with 7 modes of operation. The bezel and switching mechanism are on the front of the user's head and the battery compartment is in the rear. Both sections are attached by a cable which wraps around the user's right side and the unit uses a 3 point elastic fully adjustable suspension system to attach to the user's head. Four LEDs rest in a protected reflector with a single Xenon bulb in the center. The LEDs are housed on a smooth silver platform which matches a notch in the top of the xenon bulb's faceted reflector. The bezel is vertically adjustable 90 degrees and when pivoted all the way down the switch is protected from accidental activation.

The battery box is easy to access without having to remove the straps. This is a big improvement compared to the design of the BD headlamps I have reviewed to date. However, waterproofing is completely absent on the battery box. The bezel at least has some rubber seals.

The straps are elastic and are very easily adjustable. The strap attachment rings have gaps cut in them so that the straps can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement. The cable that runs between the bezel and the battery box is held on to the straps by two clips which are unnoticeable from a comfort standpoint.

The bezel contains the 4 LEDs, xenon bulb, and switching mechanism. There are 2 primary modes of operation and 5 sub-modes within them. A firm click turns on the headlamp in either LED or incandescent mode. A second click turns it off. Third click turns it on in the opposite mode from before (LED or incandescent) and fourth is off again. While in either mode, a half-click will adjust the brightness. For the incandescent bulb the modes are high-med-low which then repeats. For the LEDs the modes are high-med-low-blink which then repeats. Turning off the lamp for more than 5 seconds causes the light to turn on again later in the same mode (LED or incandescent) at maximum brightness.

On top of the bezel is a clear window which displays a blinking "find me" LED when the lamp is off. The LED blinks about once every 2-3 seconds. When the lamp is on, the LED on the top shows different colors based on battery life remaining. Green means more than 50% remaining, yellow means between 50% and 20% remains, red means less than 20% remains. Black Diamond recommends changing the batteries when it gets to red. Since you cannot see the indicator when you are wearing the lamp, the main lamp blinks once when switching from green to yellow, and twice when switching from yellow to red.

Output is in the form of a wide spill of light from the LEDs and a very irregular and a bit blotchy spot from the xenon bulb. On both modes you do get some artifacts in the beam due to the cutout needed by the LEDs in the reflector, and this may be the cause of the very irregular incandescent beam.

Output of LEDs and Incandescent bulb at 1 meter

A runtime plot was completed for the Incandescent High mode only. 3 hours runtime was advertised. I was sorely disappointed... In less than 1 hour 30 minutes not only had the primary regulation failed, but the secondary regulation also failed and it dropped to less than 25% output.

Runtime completed with Energizer batteries. More information on runtime plots is available HERE.

The switch is a simple click switch covered with a rubber cap. It rests under the bezel so most folks will press it with their thumb when they grab the light with their hand.

Black Diamond says in the instructions that this headlamp is tested to IPX-4 water resistance and continues to work when sprayed water. They do state that water will get in the headlamp and it will need to be dried, but it will work. There are no visible seals in the battery box. The bezel has an O-ring at the primary separation and a rubber seal at the penetration point of the cable.

Ergonomics: Generally seems to fit well with no serious pressure points. I think the battery box may get a wee bit irritating pushing on the back of the head, but that's pretty typical for most headlamps. The bezel angle adjustment ratchets into place and I found mine moved too easily. There is a nut-and-bolt arrangement at the pivot hinge which you can tighten to match your preferences.

For batteries this little critter runs on 4 AA cells. Either alkaline,lithium, or rechargeable are permitted by the manufacturer. There is a thumbscrew in the back of the battery box. Spin it off with your thumb (it has a retainer so it doesn't get lost) and hinge open the compartment. The lid is attached to the central strap while the rest of the box is attached to the side straps. The box lid can come completely off. Insert your batteries and close the box. I found it was best to pinch the box shut so it clicks into alignment and then tighten the thumbscrew.

Batteries are included. A spare Black Diamond "bright" or orange-based bulb is included. The primary bulb is a red-based "superbright" bulb.

What I Liked: Water resistant (splashable), Long battery life option with LEDs, Good output, Easy battery change, Battery level indicator, "Find me" blinking LED

What I Didn't Like: Incandescent beam is more of a blob than a spot. Runtimes advertised are questionable.

Conclusions: A good headlamp. Good output, Various low and high output options for battery conservation or brightness when needed. Lots of little features make this a very versatile headlamp I would just avoid very wet climates or environments since the battery box isn't designed to handle too much moisture.

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