Aside from an overly complex user interface (tattooing instructions on the back of my hand solved the problem), I like the Black Diamond Icon. Review coming, for now let’s do an iconic helmet mount. Not much to it, though unlike our previous system (Chapter 1) the lamp ends up semi-permanent on the helmet rather than enjoying optional bracketry.
Icon rigged. Key is best grade double sided exterior tape you can get. The good stuff is acquired at the auto parts store, used for tasks such as attaching exterior automobile trim. Tape pictured is the hardware store “consumer” version, it’s ok but didn’t do as well in my testing. When you apply the tape to the headlamp parts, build up any hollows with extra layers so you get full contact on the helmet. Scrub helmet and headlamp surfaces with rubbing alcohol (important). Icon headband strap also shown, easy to remove, a bit harder to replace as it’s tough to remember the exact configuration.
Per previous projects of this sort, Gorilla tape was also employed. I figured it as a backup to the double sided tape.
This is what it looks like if you use the Salomon OEM headlamp clips and no tape. I was not impressed. The lamp slides up and out of position too easily, and the strap exits the clips with little provocation. In previous experience, I’ve ended up with my headlamp dangling from my helmet (or falling off) all too many times. Trying to avoid that.
If the tape fails, rear battery pack is also held with the goggle retainer, as when tape is entirely eschewed.
Another view, quite elegant. The cable connector could be changed to a smaller one that fit through the vents, and the cable routed inside the shell. I might do that mod. Because this is WildSnow.com.
Icon weighs total of 226 grams (8 ounces). That’s fairly reasonable mass to lug around on top of your head (combined with helmet at 584 grams, Salomon MTN). The retail box includes an extension cord that enables stowage of the battery in your jacket pocket, a nice option in case of cold temps or abused neck muscles. You can make the helmet battery mount optional and easily reversed by attaching with duct tape and the goggle loop instead of double sided tape as we did here. You could make the entire mount optional by using the headband strap as pictured above, only improve it with tape so you’re not depending on sometimes too minimal headlamp mounting clips. In my case, Icon is lightweight enough to not bother me when on my helmet.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
