Nitecore NU27 Evaluation | CleverHiker

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Nitecore might not but be a family identify in the USA, however they’re shortly making waves within the headlamp area with their light-weight, extremely practical, and reasonably priced choices on this market. The NU27 is one in all Nitecore’s latest choices, and it initially caught our consideration because of its distinctive set of options. Most notably, the power to regulate the colour temperature of the sunshine. Customers can toggle between heat white, impartial white, and funky white mild, with 5 brightness ranges obtainable for every colour temperature. This makes the NU27 an extremely versatile headlamp possibility.

Weighing 1.98 ounces, the NU27 simply barely qualifies as ultralight, nevertheless it nonetheless matches into our ultralight class. Its 600-lumen output creates a shiny beam with a throw that outperforms many dearer headlamps. The NU27 has the most effective weight-to-brightness ratio of any headlamp in our lineup, making it a wonderful alternative for ultralight hikers, runners, and thru-hikers.

The NU27 provides distinctive worth, delivering spectacular brightness and light-weight efficiency. Nevertheless, it’s not with out quirks. We discovered the dearth of a reminiscence perform a bit irritating because it resets to the bottom impartial mild setting every time it’s turned off. The beam additionally isn’t preferrred for flood lighting and has some flare-like artifacts across the edges. That mentioned, for what it provides, it’s a high possibility for its weight and performance. Total, the NU27 is an thrilling new headlamp from Nitecore. Questioning if the NU27 is best for you? Take a look at our complete assessment beneath and discover our Finest Headlamps Gear Information to see the way it compares to the competitors.

Illumination & Mild High quality

In relation to general illumination, the NU27 impressed us probably the most. The headlamp has a lumen ranking of 600, however as we regularly level out, lumen scores don’t at all times inform the total story. For instance, the Petzl Actik CORE additionally has a 600-lumen ranking, however when examined aspect by aspect, the NU27 seems considerably brighter. Curiously, the “excessive” setting on the NU27 is rated at solely 400 lumens.

The extra 200 lumens are activated in turbo mode. This implies the NU27 is brighter than its ranking suggests. We had been additionally impressed with the throw of the NU27’s beam, which outperforms even a few of our favourite headlamps with comparable lumen scores.

That mentioned, there’s room for enchancment. The beam is considerably spotty, and we’d wish to see a flood perform added in future fashions or a minimum of improved floodlighting general. The headlamp additionally produces some odd lens-flare-like artifacts close to the perimeters of the beam, which may be disorienting at instances. Moreover, the colour rendering isn’t the most effective, which means the NU27 doesn’t do a wonderful job of precisely reproducing colour throughout all three colour temperature settings.

Total, the NU27’s illumination exceeded our expectations, whereas the sunshine high quality is generally mid-tier however passable.

Burn Time

The burn time of the NU27 is a combined bag, although largely optimistic general. In comparison with a few of our high performers, it’s on the decrease finish, however when in comparison with different ultralight headlamps, it’s on par and even barely higher than its rivals. Because of the ultralow perform, you’ll be able to stand up to 57 hours of sunshine per cost below preferrred circumstances. Nevertheless, the ultralow perform solely gives 6 lumens, making it appropriate for round camp however inadequate for on-trail use.

From there, burn time decreases considerably: about 13 hours on low, 6.5 hours on medium, and simply 3 hours on excessive. Nitecore doesn’t present a burn time for the turbo setting, however in our expertise, the battery drains shortly, and you’ll anticipate not more than an hour on turbo. That mentioned, the excessive setting is shiny sufficient for many actions. Actual-world burn instances will fluctuate based mostly on the settings used and the way lengthy they’re engaged. Total, whereas the upper settings carry out nicely, we’d wish to see higher burn time from the low and ultralow settings.

Weight

Weighing simply 1.98 ounces, the Nitecore NU27 nice for ounce counters. Whereas not absolutely the lightest in our testing pool, it ranks among the many high three ultralight choices. It’s good for ultralight backpackers, path runners, or anybody seeking to reduce pack weight. Any headlamp below two ounces is a stable alternative for these aiming to cut back gear weight. 

The light-weight design is particularly noticeable throughout long-term use, because it minimizes fatigue. We discovered it simple to overlook the headlamp was even on our heads, whether or not throughout an evening hike on the Colorado Path or operating within the entrance vary. The decreased weight means much less pressure, making it simpler to benefit from the job at hand.

Whereas lighter headlamps can be found, the NU27 strikes an awesome stability between its low weight and general brightness.

Consolation

Ultralight headlamps may be tough to guage for consolation. Whereas they’re not inherently uncomfortable, weight financial savings are usually prioritized over consolation, particularly when in comparison with heavier headlamps. Ultralight fashions usually use fewer supplies, leading to much less padding and strap materials, typically impacting consolation.

That mentioned, we discovered the NU27 to carry out very nicely when it comes to consolation. Naturally, weight performs a major function—much less weight in your brow results in a extra comfy expertise throughout extended use. Regardless of missing heavier, softer supplies, the light-weight, balanced design helps reduce fatigue, making this a headlamp you’ll be able to put on all evening.

Nitecore does a great job of minimizing plastic-to-skin contact, though some uncovered plastic stays on the again of the headlamp physique. We additionally discovered the strap extra comfy than the shock-cord fashion straps usually discovered on ultralight headlamps. The strap options air holes to reinforce breathability.

Ease of Use

Just like different Nitecore headlamps, the NU27 is designed with dual-button performance. On the highest of the headlamp physique, there are two buttons. The bigger button is the facility button, which turns the headlamp on and off and adjusts the general brightness when it’s on. The smaller button is the mode button, which cycles by means of the headlamp’s three colour temperatures and accesses the pink mild perform.

Headlamps with a number of options usually have a little bit of a studying curve, however we had been in a position to determine most capabilities throughout our first use without having the directions. Nevertheless, we did seek the advice of the directions to learn to entry the particular modes (SOS, Beacon, Gradual Flashing). In contrast to some directions with poorly thought-out illustrations, Nitecore gives clear,easy-to-understand instructions.

The charging port is straightforward to entry, and attaching the cable is simple. The strap is straightforward to take away, and the included pocket clip attaches simply as nicely, although eradicating the clip can really feel a bit tough with out the priority of breaking it.

Our essential criticism is that the buttons’ small dimension and low profile make them tough to press with medium to heavy gloves on which was a problem for us throughout chilly evening hikes within the mountains.

Options

The options of the Nitecore NU27 are one other standout side. As we’ve talked about, the NU27 lets you change between three totally different colour temperatures. Whereas colour temperature is a matter of private choice, these choices additionally enhance visibility in numerous environmental circumstances.

The nice and cozy mild (3000K) is simpler on the eyes and works nicely in foggy or wet circumstances. Impartial white (4500K), the most typical colour temperature discovered on headlamps, provides a extra pure mild for on a regular basis actions. Lastly, cool white (6500K), although a bit harsh, enhances visibility in outside environments. You too can choose from 5 totally different brightness settings throughout all three colour temperatures. Moreover, the pink mild perform provides two brightness settings.

Past that, the NU27 consists of SOS and Beacon modes, USB-C charging, a battery life indicator, and a locking characteristic. The field additionally incorporates a diffusing stuff sack, which lets you use the headlamp as a lantern, in addition to a clip that may change the strap.

Whereas the options of the NU27 are a serious plus, the number of brightness ranges and lighting modes would profit from the addition of a reminiscence perform. This might prevent from having to reset the colour temperature and brightness every time you flip the headlamp on and off once more.

Ought to You Purchase Nitecore NU27?

The Nitecore NU27 provides wonderful worth, offering spectacular illumination, versatility, and options in a surprisingly reasonably priced, light-weight package deal. Its considerate options—comparable to the power to pick out a number of colour temperatures, as much as 5 brightness ranges in white mild mode, two brightness ranges in pink mild mode, USB-C charging, a battery life indicator, and a locking characteristic—improve its versatility.

At 2.98 ounces, with a 600-lumen max output and spectacular beam throw, the general brightness-to-weight ratio makes this a stable alternative for ultralight backpackers, informal evening hikers, hunters, runners, dawn-patrol skiers, and extra. The low value level and flexibility additionally make it a wonderful possibility for all informal outside actions.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Think about?

In the event you just like the NU27 however need different choices as nicely, take a look at these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the listing of our favourite headlamps:

Nitecore NU25 UL Evaluation: The NU25 UL is a favourite among the many ultralight neighborhood for its low value level and lightweight weight. Whereas it’s just like the NU27, it lacks some key options discovered within the NU27. Nevertheless, the NU25 UL saves you four-tenths of an oz and $8.

Petzl Bindi Evaluation: If ultralight is what you’re after, then the Bindi is value a glance. When you’ll be sacrificing options and illumination, the Bindi weighs a mere 1.2 ounces, saving you eight-tenths of an oz in comparison with the NU27.