Black Diamond Equipment Review

About Black Diamond Equipment

When it comes to dressing for the great outdoors, you don’t have to worry about aesthetics. The picturesque landscapes and open skies will definitely make up for the lack of a properly coordinated outfit. But it’s best to focus on functionality instead of fashion when you’re on the move, which is where Black Diamond Equipment fits in.

This brand offers an impressive supply of outdoor gear and apparel. Meant for skiers, skateboarders, climbers, and everything in between, most of their products are designed for extreme environments.

They are also quite popular on social media, as their Instagram page boasts over 935k followers. The brand has also been featured by several media outlets, including Digital Journal and GearJunkie.

If you love the thought of towering boulders or crisp winter snow but hate the discomfort that comes with it, perhaps this brand can provide some piece of mind. Keep reading, as in my Black Diamond Equipment review, I’ll take an in-depth look at the company, its products, customer ratings, promotions, and more to help you decide if they’re worth checking out.

How did this brand get its start? Yvon Chouinard and Yom Frost are die-hard climbers, so much so that they issued the Clean Climbing Manifesto detailing the dos and don’ts of the sport.

Co-authoring a book on athletic etiquette wouldn’t be the duo’s only love letter to climbing. Founding Black Diamond Equipment, they created a brand that is committed to providing high-quality gear to enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Established in 1957, Black Diamond Equipment quickly became a household name in the industry. The brand is currently headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Before I kick start my Black Diamond Equipment review, let’s go over some highlights. 

Highlights

• High-quality outdoor equipment
• Designed for extreme sports like climbing, skiing, and more
• Offered in select retailers
• Offers warranties for some of its products 
• Discounts for first responders, veterans, and education workers 
• Free economy shipping for orders over $50 or more

Expedition prep may seem like a boring requirement, but it’s crucial to round up the best equipment to ensure you have a hassle-free experience. Obviously, you don’t want to snowboard wearing a pair of stiff jeans or climb in a fragile, plastic harness. If you’re on the hunt for high-quality gear, Black Diamond Equipment has you covered.

This online company offers a great assortment of products to choose from. In the next section of my Black Diamond Equipment review, I’ll spotlight some of their bestsellers.

Black Diamond Headlamp Review

There are situations where you can’t hold a flashlight even though you need a light. In those cases, headlamps are recommended. Fortunately, this outdoor gear brand provides a stylish collection of designs to choose from. I’ll highlight one of their top sellers next.

Black Diamond Equipment Storm 500-R Headlamp Review

Whether you’re exploring an unknown cave or skiing at night, having a flashlight on standby can help ensure your safety. Obviously, both scenarios call for a hands-free alternative.

The Storm 500-R Headlamp can act as the perfect alternative, as it features an adjustable elastic headband and a powerful 2400mAh Li-on battery. Designed as waterproof, it’s engineered to last through snow and rain.

Offered in Azul blue, black, and octane red, the Storm 500-R Headlamp retails for $75. 

Black Diamond Trekking Poles Review

Stability is key when it comes to hiking. This especially bodes true for difficult terrain, as steep hills, rocky pathways, and slippery mud piles are bound to entail some accidents. If you’re not keen on limping your way back, I’ll feature some of the brand’s bestselling trekking poles next in this section of my Black Diamond Equipment review. 

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking/Running Poles Review

The perfect walking stick is hard to come by. It needs to be the proper length and should offer a decent amount of support. But you also don’t want it to be overly bulky. Given that most tree branches are usually coarse and fragile, you’re better off opting for a more durable alternative. 

The Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking/Running Poles are designed for difficult terrain, as they’re built with carbon fiber. Adjustable and engineered with FlickLock Pro adjustability, this walking accessory can help ensure stability in every step. 

Set with ultralight EVA grips, a moisture-wicking strap, and non-scarring rubber Tech tips, the Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking/Running Poles sell for $210. 

Black Diamond Harness Review

Unless you’re a professional free solo-er, harnesses are recommended to ensure no accidents. Black Diamond Equipment, thankfully, offers more than just one design. I’ll discuss one of their hottest bestsellers down below.

Black Diamond Zone Harness Women’s Review

Made for climbing, the Zone Harness Women’s promises safety for every expedition. It features a seamless Infinity Belay Loop, fusion comfort technology, and adjustable buckles to ensure the perfect fit. 

This set also comes with four pressure-molded gear loops for added durability and security. Given the number of add-ons, it has, takes it as a sign to focus your worries on getting to the top. 

Available in extra small to large, the Zone Harness Women’s costs $100. I highly recommend consulting the size chart for a quick read-up on measurements before you buy.

Black Diamond Climbing Shoes Review

There’s a reason why professional climbers don’t wear Jordans out in the field. If you want to increase your chances of scaling the mountain top (and living), I’ll highlight one of the brand’s top-selling climbing shoes up next.

Black Diamond Method Climbing Shoe Review

The Method Climbing Shoe won’t win any likes on Instagram, but it will definitely give you a one-up on scaling boulders and mountains. 

These kicks come with 4.0mm black label fused rubber, a padded microsuede lined tongue, a 3D molded heel, and velcro straps to ensure the perfect fit. It offers a great deal of flexibility compared to traditional sneakers, which is key for grip when climbing.

Comfortable and professionally made, be sure to bring the $155 Method Climbing Shoe on your next adventure. 

Who Is Black Diamond Equipment For? 

Considering the expense, Black Diamond Equipment products aren’t for newbies. I don’t recommend purchasing their products if you’re prepping for a day trip, as the brand’s gear is meant to be used as a long-term investment. From climbing harnesses to trekking poles, their high-quality hardware is designed to last for several expeditions.

Black Diamond Equipment Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

Given the fact that sporting equipment ensures the safety of its user, it’s imperative to conduct some in-depth research before you invest in any new gear. Thankfully, I found a relatively positive response to this athletic brand.

Professionally made and durable, I’ll feature some of the Black Diamond Equipment review scores for their best-selling products:

• Storm 500-R Black Diamond Headlamp: 90 reviews with 4.3/5 stars
• Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking/Running Poles: 23 reviews with 4.3/5 stars
• Zone Harness Women’s: 8 reviews with 4.8/5 stars
• Method Climbing Shoe: 24 reviews with 4.6/5 stars 

According to several customers, Black Diamond Equipment proved to be convenient while on the field. Climbers, snowboarders, hikers, and skiers were quick to commend specific features integrated into the brand’s products. This includes add-ons like rechargeable batteries, waterproof resistance, and additional grip on poles and shoes.

“I use this lamp to light my way downhill after hiking to the PC angle station after dark. It highlights the undulations on the snow surface to keep me on track. The recharagability feature eliminates the need for batteries,” one customer shared about the Storm 500-R Headlamp. 

“Love these poles. Had a much heavier older pair the weight makes a difference. These collapse easily to store or pack,” one reviewer detailed for the Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking/Running Poles.

Yelp showcased a positive rating of 4/5 stars based on 17 comments for Black Diamond Equipment. In terms of independent blogs, websites such as the BrokeBackpacker left a glowing critique for the brand’s best-selling products. The reviewer there wrote:

“Whether you’re gearing up for a high alpine adventure, low country boil, or casual backwoods cruise, Black Diamond has the right equipment for the job.”

The internet has spoken, and it seems that Black Diamond Equipment is deserving of its awe-inducing title. That said, I did encounter a few negative remarks online. I’ll be sure to discuss this in full in the next segment of my Black Diamond Equipment review.

Is Black Diamond Equipment Legit?

Despite generally positive reviews online, the brand’s Trustpilot page had a lower score of 2.6/5 stars based on just 9 reviews. A few users reported issues with customer service, returns, and faulty gear.

Aside from this, you can relax knowing that the number of positive comments outweighs the number of negative ones online.

Is Black Diamond Equipment Worth It?

Whether it’s apparel, furniture, or athletic gear, loyal customers usually stick to one brand. Reliable, durable, and well worth the investment, it’s relatively difficult to find that one-of-a-kind company.

Black Diamond Equipment is no exception, as hundreds of customers rely on their products while climbing, skiing, skateboarding, or hiking. While expensive, there’s an element of assurance to be found in a brand that only carries the best of the best. With that in mind, I can confidently recommend this online retailer in my Black Diamond Equipment review.

Black Diamond Equipment Promotions & Discounts 

No Black Diamond Equipment review would be complete without some ways to save. I found out that the brand has a sale outlet where customers can find select items for a discounted price.

You can also sign up for their newsletter to receive 15% off your next purchase. Additionally, buyers can use the discount code OUTLET20 to get 20% off on outlet products.

Where to Buy Black Diamond Equipment

In need of some Black Diamond headlamps for your next expedition? If so, you can head over to blackdiamondequipment.com to see what they have in store. You can also find their products sold on Amazon, Atmosphere, and Mec.

FAQ

Who owns Black Diamond Equipment?

Black Diamond Equipment is owned by founders Yvon Chouinard and Yom Frost.

Does Black Diamond Equipment ship internationally?

At this time, Black Diamond Equipment only ships to the United States and Canada.

What is Black Diamond Equipment’s Shipping Policy?

This wouldn’t be a complete Black Diamond Equipment review without going over the brand’s shipping policy. I can happily report that orders over $50 are eligible for free economy delivery. They also offer other options, such as FedEx 2-Day Air and FedEx Next Day, at a set fee.

In terms of wait times, it typically takes 3-10 business days for orders to arrive. To help keep tabs on your purchase, the company will issue a tracking number alongside a confirmation email.

What is Black Diamond Equipment’s Return Policy?

Black Diamond Equipment offers a 60-day window for customers to send back their unused products. At this time, the brand does not provide free return shipping. To start this process, buyers must access the portal located on their website

How to Contact Black Diamond Equipment

For any questions unrelated to my Black Diamond Equipment review, you can contact the brand through:

• Phone: 1-800-775-5552 or 1-801-278-5533
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing address: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd., Attn: Mail Order, 2084 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84124

---

Next, check out some similar articles you might like:

Kryptek Review

Kuiu Review

Sitka Review

Field and Stream Review