Gearnalysis

Black Diamond Deploy 325 vs. Petzl e+LITE

A close look at two headlamps buyers cross-shop. On the data the Deploy 325 is the stronger all-round pick, and the question is whether the e+LITE still fits your budget or priorities.

Black Diamond
Deploy 325
79GearScore
325 lm · Rechargeable
wins 3 specs
Petzl
e+LITE
53GearScore
100 lm · Coin
wins 2 specs
Black Diamond Deploy 325Petzl e+LITE
GearScore79✓53
Max lumens325 lm✓100 lm
Weight1.3 oz1.0 oz✓
Beam distance52 m✓31 m
Max runtime30 hn/s
Price$70$30✓
BatteryRechargeableCoin
Water ratingIPX4IPX7

Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Deploy 325 in blue, e+LITE 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.

Put the Black Diamond Deploy 325 next to the Petzl e+LITE and the trade-offs are clear. The Deploy 325 is the stronger pick on most of the specs that matter, while the e+LITE makes its case on low weight and price.

The Deploy 325 is brighter (325 vs 100 lm) and a longer beam (52 vs 31 m). The e+LITE is 11 g lighter and $40 cheaper. On the default GearScore the Deploy 325 leads 79 to 53.

Pick the Deploy 325 if you care most about brightness and longer throw, which makes it the better call for your priorities. Pick the e+LITE if low weight and price matter more to you, or you are focused on counting grams on long miles.

Common questions

Which is brighter?

The Black Diamond Deploy 325. It is brighter (325 vs 100 lm) than the e+LITE.

Which is lighter?

The Petzl e+LITE. It is 11 g lighter than the Deploy 325.

Which has the higher GearScore?

The Black Diamond Deploy 325, 79 to 53 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.

Deploy 325 or e+LITE, which should you buy?

The Deploy 325 is the stronger all-round pick here. Choose the e+LITE if low weight is your priority.