Black Diamond Flare
Published · Researched 2026-09-21
Identifier: Black Diamond Flare headlamp. | Lineup note: Black Diamond's absolute-minimum emergency headlamp — 27 g, 2× CR2032 coin cells, IP67. A backup/zipper-pull light, not a primary headlamp.
All prices and spec claims dated 2026-09-20.
Lineup & lineage (2023–2026)
The Flare has been Black Diamond's coin-cell emergency light for years, essentially unchanged through 2023–2026: 40 lm, 27 g, CR2032 power, IP67. It occupies the same niche as the Petzl e+LITE — a light you forget about until you need it.
Overview
A 27-gram emergency headlamp with a single white LED (40 lm), powered by two CR2032 coin cells. IP67 sealing and a tiny form factor make it a popular zipper-pull, first-aid-kit, and backup light.
Complete specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Max output | 40 lm |
| Weight | 27 g / 0.95 oz |
| Battery | 2× CR2032 (included) |
| Runtime | Conflicting claims: 0.5–10.5 h across sources (UNVERIFIED — see gap-fill) |
| Water/dust | IP67 |
Prices (2026-09-20)
- U.S. retail typically $14.95–$19.95; exact current MSRP UNVERIFIED — confirm at purchase.
Box contents / warranty / support & parts
- Headlamp, CR2032 cells installed, instructions.
- Black Diamond limited warranty.
Community verdict
Quietly beloved as the "insurance policy" light: ultralight hikers and climbers stash one in a repair kit or hip-belt pocket. Nobody buys it as a primary light. The main criticism is the coin-cell format (expensive, annoying to replace) and the genuinely dim 40 lm output.
Durability & warranty-claim reality
Essentially nothing to break; the IP67 sealing is reliable. Battery drain in storage is the main complaint — remove or isolate the cells if storing for a season. Warranty claims are rare given the price point.
Year-by-year history
- 2023–2026: Unchanged in the lineup; a perennial backup-light recommendation.
Closest existing catalog rivals
- specs/black-diamond-astro-300-r.md — the smallest "real" rechargeable BD headlamp; far more capable as a primary.
- specs/nitecore-nu25-ul.md — ultralight primary; the Flare is the backup-tier below it.
- specs/petzl-tikkina-350.md — simple primary; heavier but far more output.
Care
Store with batteries isolated; replace CR2032s annually even unused.
Buying traps
- 40 lm is emergency-only output — do not plan night travel around it.
- Coin cells cost more per lumen-hour than any rechargeable; it's a backup, not a system.
- Runtime claims conflict across sources (UNVERIFIED); expect short bright life.
Additional community voices
- Frequently recommended in ultralight forums as the backup light that justifies its 27 g.
- Climbers like it for pre-dawn starts when the primary light is buried in the pack.
Spec gap-fill
Runtime: sources conflict between ~0.5 h and ~10.5 h depending on mode/claim vintage — UNVERIFIED; treat as short. Exact current MSRP — UNVERIFIED.
Images
- images/black-diamond-flare-1.jpg — PRIMARY studio: Graphite, FLARE label, cord strap
- images/black-diamond-flare-2.jpg — studio 3/4: Octane red colorway
- images/black-diamond-flare-3.jpg — front close-up: red rim, dual LEDs
- images/black-diamond-flare-4.jpg — front close-up Graphite, BD band logos
- images/black-diamond-flare-5.jpg — full studio Graphite, cord strap
- images/black-diamond-flare-6.jpg — side detail: rotary mode dial
All six verified 2026-09-20 (exact Flare BD620664). Manifest: images/IMAGES-lighting-r3.md.
Research footer
Researched 2026-09-20. Note: primary-source specs for the Flare are thin in current listings; coin-cell runtime and MSRP are flagged UNVERIFIED rather than invented.