Ski touring crampons & headlamps · Test magazine 2024
Tech talk with Loïc Tonnot, BLACK DIAMOND
Ski & Mountain Product Manager Europe · Print page 155
Who is Loïc Tonnot? Ski & Mountain Product Manager Europe at Black Diamond
Loïc Tonnot is Ski & Mountain Product Manager Europe at Black Diamond. He oversees product development and market launches, analyses market trends and develops product strategies. In this role, he works closely with research, marketing and sales. In the BACKLINE 2024 test magazine, he explains technical priorities for headlamps and ski touring crampons.
For headlamps, Tonnot highlights the patented “Digital Lock” function, which prevents accidental activation in a backpack, alongside optics tailored to each activity. He argues that usable illumination matters, not just beam distance. Fully waterproof, performance-oriented models are another priority. He cites the Distance 1500 and Distance LT 1100 with interchangeable battery systems as development examples. His personal choice is the lightweight, rechargeable Sprinter 500 with a red rear light.
For crampons, Tonnot emphasises optimised designs, heat treatment and stainless steel for durable front and heel sections. According to Tonnot, Black Diamond seeks to reduce environmental impact through long product life, rechargeable headlamps and recycled elastic in headbands. The Neve Pro can be easily dismantled at the end of its life, allowing its main parts to enter aluminium recycling.
What innovations distinguish Black Diamond headlamps from the competition?
One of the most valuable innovations is our patented “Digital Lock” feature – Black Diamond was the first manufacturer to equip headlamps with a digital lock to prevent them from accidentally turning on when stored in a pack. We believe our focus on optics quality and the usable light field is a key differentiator for Black Diamond headlamps. While beam distance is important, this is usually achieved with a very focused, spot-like light pattern. While we do utilize this in some of our lights, most of our headlamps focus on adequate light output spread across the field of view appropriate for the activity (e.g. a wide, diffused light for camping, or a light that projects down the trail when running, but is balanced enough to limit the visual sensation of the light bouncing up and down). Our second key focus has always been to produce fully waterproof headlamps in our performance-oriented models – we believe headlamps need to be ready for any situation, and in the mountains, that often means rain, wind, and snow.
Is Black Diamond working on new product developments and technologies in the headlamp sector?
We are continuously developing new products and technologies to meet the rapid changes in the industry. We place particular emphasis on electronics that offer durability, longevity, and first-class performance – perfectly tailored to the needs of our users and their sporting activities. In the past year, we launched two high-performance headlamps: the Distance 1500 and the Distance LT 1100. Both models offer impressive capabilities, particularly through their powerful optics and flexible, interchangeable battery systems, which we are especially excited about.
Which headlamp is always in your backpack?
In the office, most employees have almost exclusively switched to rechargeable lamps – those looking for the smallest, easiest-to-stow lamp opt for the Deploy headlamp. Everyone else looking for the best overall performance mainly chooses the Spot-R. I personally never leave the house without my Sprinter 500. This headlamp is my favorite because it is versatile, lightweight, and rechargeable. The red light on the back is also a big plus.
What are the latest technologies and materials used in Black Diamond crampons to maximize lightness, durability, and performance?
We have optimized our design, material selection, and heat treatment over years to ensure high strength and fatigue resistance of the front and heel parts. These are made of stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant and can be sold without additional coating, eliminating a production step. This prevents coatings from wearing off, and the parts remain durable. Unlike conventional chrome steel, they do not rust, which significantly extends their lifespan. With this robust construction and corrosion-resistant material, we offer the most durable crampon on the market.
What role do recyclable materials play in Black Diamond headlamps and crampons? Are there any programs that should be highlighted?
We are always looking for suitable ways to minimize the long-term impact of operating an electronics company – a constant challenge. In the past, our focus was on maximizing the lifespan of our headlamps. Recently, we have also applied this to our rechargeable headlamps to reduce waste from alkaline cells and to integrate recycled elastic bands into the headbands. We continue our research and testing with recycled materials to maintain the functionality of our headlamps. Durability is also a priority for our crampons. The robust stainless steel construction ensures additional longevity. The Neve Pro crampon can be easily disassembled at the end of its life and the main parts recycled with aluminum.
