A close look at two headlamps buyers cross-shop. Both are solid; the right one depends on the specs you care about most.
| Ledlenser MH5 | Black Diamond Storm 450 | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 75✓ | 72 |
| Max lumens | 400 lm | 450 lm✓ |
| Weight | 3.3 oz | 3.2 oz✓ |
| Beam distance | 180 m✓ | 120 m |
| Max runtime | 35 h | 175 h |
| Price | n/s | $60 |
| Battery | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Water rating | IP54 | IP67 |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: MH5 in blue, Storm 450 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 Ledlenser MH5 next to the Black Diamond Storm 450 and the trade-offs are clear. The MH5 wins on longer throw, and the Storm 450 pushes back on brightness and low weight.
The MH5 is a longer beam (180 vs 120 m). The Storm 450 is brighter (450 vs 400 lm) and a little lighter. On the default GearScore the MH5 leads 75 to 72.
Pick the MH5 if you care most about longer throw, which makes it the better call for your priorities. Pick the Storm 450 if brightness and low weight matter more to you, or you are focused on your priorities.
The Black Diamond Storm 450. It is brighter (450 vs 400 lm) than the MH5.
The Black Diamond Storm 450. It is a little lighter than the MH5.
The Ledlenser MH5, 75 to 72 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the MH5 for longer throw, or the Storm 450 for brightness. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.