Here is how these two headlamps compare on the numbers. The Storm 500-R leans on low weight while the HeadLamp 800 Pro answers with brightness, so the pick comes down to which you value.
| Black Diamond Storm 500-R | BioLite HeadLamp 800 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 67✓ | 63 |
| Max lumens | 500 lm | 800 lm✓ |
| Weight | 4.2 oz✓ | 5.3 oz |
| Beam distance | 120 m | 135 m✓ |
| Max runtime | 350 h | 150 h |
| Price | $75✓ | $120 |
| Battery | Rechargeable | Rechargeable |
| Water rating | IPX7 | n/s |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Storm 500-R in blue, HeadLamp 800 Pro 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 Storm 500-R against the BioLite HeadLamp 800 Pro is a study in priorities. The Storm 500-R wins on low weight and price, and the HeadLamp 800 Pro pushes back on brightness and longer throw.
The Storm 500-R is 31 g lighter and $45 cheaper. The HeadLamp 800 Pro is brighter (800 vs 500 lm) and a longer beam (135 vs 120 m). On the default GearScore the Storm 500-R leads 67 to 63.
Pick the Storm 500-R if you care most about low weight and price, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the HeadLamp 800 Pro if brightness and longer throw matter more to you, or you are focused on your priorities.
The Black Diamond Storm 500-R. It is 31 g lighter than the HeadLamp 800 Pro.
The BioLite HeadLamp 800 Pro. It is brighter (800 vs 500 lm) than the Storm 500-R.
The Black Diamond Storm 500-R, 67 to 63 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the Storm 500-R for low weight, or the HeadLamp 800 Pro for brightness. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.