Here is how these two headlamps compare on the numbers. They score within a hair of each other, so it comes down to the details below.
| Petzl Iko Core | Black Diamond Spot 400-R | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 74✓ | 73 |
| Max lumens | 500 lm✓ | 400 lm |
| Weight | 2.8 oz✓ | 3.0 oz |
| Beam distance | 100 m | 100 m |
| Max runtime | 100 h | 225 h |
| Price | $100 | $80✓ |
| Battery | Hybrid | Rechargeable |
| Water rating | IPX4 | IP67 |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Iko Core in blue, Spot 400-R 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 Petzl Iko Core against the Black Diamond Spot 400-R is a study in priorities. They are close enough that this really is about which handful of specs you weight most.
The Iko Core is brighter (500 vs 400 lm) and 6 g lighter. The Spot 400-R is $20 cheaper. Their GearScores land within a couple of points (74 vs 73), so neither runs away with it.
Pick the Iko Core if you care most about brightness and low weight, which makes it the better call for your priorities. Pick the Spot 400-R if price matter more to you, or you are focused on getting the most for your money.
The Petzl Iko Core. It is brighter (500 vs 400 lm) than the Spot 400-R.
The Petzl Iko Core. It is 6 g lighter than the Spot 400-R.
They are nearly tied at 74 and 73 on the default algorithm, so re-weight the score to your own priorities to break the tie.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the Iko Core for brightness, or the Spot 400-R for price. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.