Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp vs Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp

9.1/10 Excellent

4.6★ (12,400 owners)

400 lumens, IPX8 waterproof, red night vision, PowerTap, 200m beam. Trail running and hiking standard.

Full Review

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch

8.9/10 Great

4.5★ (6,100 owners)

Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp	Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch
247Verdict Score	9.1/10	8.9/10
Owner Rating	4.6★ (12,400)	4.5★ (6,100)
Verdict	Excellent	Great
Battery	3x AAA	11 days / 19hr GPS

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp edges ahead with a 9.1/10 vs 8.9/10. 400 lumens, IPX8 waterproof, red night vision, PowerTap, 200m beam. Trail running and hiking standard. That said, the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch is worth considering if Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp

400 lumens on full power illuminates trail running and technical hiking paths clearly
IPX8 waterproof to 1 metre — survives rain, sweat and stream crossings
Red night vision mode preserves dark adaptation without blind-sighting partners
PowerTap brightness adjustment switches between full and dimmed power with temple press — no menu
12,400 Amazon reviews at 4.6★ — the most validated trail running headlamp available

AAA batteries rather than USB rechargeable — requires carrying spares on long trips
400 lumens maximum trails Petzl Actik Core's 450 lumens
White flood beam less focused than Petzl's narrow spot alternatives

Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch

AMOLED display brings Garmin's best screen to the entry price point
Training Readiness score guides workout intensity without overwhelming beginners
11-day battery in smartwatch mode — matches the more expensive Forerunner 265
GPS accuracy from Garmin's trusted GNSS satellite support
Under £200 brings proper training analytics to budget-conscious runners

Single-band GPS (not dual-band like the 265) — less accurate on technical terrain
No HRV status measurement — only in the Forerunner 265+
Smaller feature set vs Forerunner 265 for structured workouts

FAQ

Which is better, Black Diamond Spot 400 or Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS?

Is the Black Diamond Spot 400 worth the extra cost?

Yes — Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp scores higher at 9.1/10 vs 8.9/10.

Who is the Black Diamond Spot 400 best suited to?

400 lumens, IPX8 waterproof, red night vision, PowerTap, 200m beam. Trail running and hiking standard.

Who is the Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS best suited to?

Entry AMOLED Garmin with training readiness and 11-day battery. The beginner's serious GPS watch.

What are the main downsides of each?

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp: AAA batteries rather than USB rechargeable — requires carrying spares on long trips; 400 lumens maximum trails Petzl Actik Core's 450 lumens. Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch: Single-band GPS (not dual-band like the 265) — less accurate on technical terrain; No HRV status measurement — only in the Forerunner 265+.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp sits at 4.6★ from 12,400 verified Amazon owners, and Garmin Forerunner 165 GPS Running Watch at 4.5★ from 6,100.

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