Here is how these two headlamps compare on the numbers. On the data the Cosmo 350 is the stronger all-round pick, and the question is whether the Byte still fits your budget or priorities.
| Black Diamond Cosmo 350 | Princeton Tec Byte | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 73✓ | 60 |
| Max lumens | 350 lm✓ | 200 lm |
| Weight | 2.7 oz | 2.3 oz✓ |
| Beam distance | 70 m✓ | 39 m |
| Max runtime | 200 h | 140 h |
| Price | $30✓ | $31 |
| Battery | AAA | AAA |
| Water rating | IPX8 | IPX4 |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Cosmo 350 in blue, Byte in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. Runtime is shown for context and is not scored, since makers publish it at different brightness levels. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full headlamp comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
The Black Diamond Cosmo 350 against the Princeton Tec Byte is a study in priorities. The Cosmo 350 is the stronger pick on most of the specs that matter, while the Byte makes its case on low weight.
The Cosmo 350 is brighter (350 vs 200 lm), a longer beam (70 vs 39 m), and a little cheaper. The Byte is 12 g lighter. On the default GearScore the Cosmo 350 leads 73 to 60.
Pick the Cosmo 350 if you care most about brightness and longer throw, which makes it the better call for your priorities. Pick the Byte if low weight matter more to you, or you are focused on counting grams on long miles.
The Black Diamond Cosmo 350. It is brighter (350 vs 200 lm) than the Byte.
The Princeton Tec Byte. It is 12 g lighter than the Cosmo 350.
The Black Diamond Cosmo 350, 73 to 60 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
The Cosmo 350 is the stronger all-round pick here. Choose the Byte if low weight is your priority.