Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp Assessment

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The Nitecore NU25 UL may be the unsung hero of ultralight headlamps. It’s practical, loaded with all of the important options, waterproof, and surprisingly reasonably priced. Whereas penning this evaluation, we needed to double-check the value a number of occasions as a result of it feels and features like a headlamp that prices double or extra. We had been impressed by how snug the NU25 UL is to put on, even for prolonged intervals of 5+ hours. Initially, we weren’t bought on the shock cord-style strap, however after thorough testing, we actually couldn’t discover a motive to dislike it. The NU25 UL provides each spot and flood lights that can be utilized individually or collectively, permitting you to tailor the sunshine to your particular exercise. We’re typically upset when rechargeable headlamps keep on with the outdated micro-USB charging platform, however to our delight, the NU25 UL makes use of USB-C, permitting it to recharge from 0 to 100% in beneath an hour and a half. Total, we love this headlamp for every thing it provides at such a budget-friendly worth.

We put the Nitecore NU25 UL to the take a look at over six weeks, touring from the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra and again once more. This headlamp accompanied us by means of quite a lot of actions, together with mountaineering, operating, paddling, and climbing. We examined it in various circumstances, from foggy, chilly nights within the Sierras to crystal-clear desert mornings. By means of each situation, the Nitecore NU25 UL proved its versatility and reliability, making it a reliable companion for all adventures.

Take a look at our headlamp gear information for extra high picks, knowledgeable suggestions, and recommendations on choosing the right choices obtainable.

Illumination & Mild High quality

We had been impressed with the general illumination and lightweight high quality of the Nitecore NU25 UL. The number of brightness ranges and lightweight modes make this headlamp one among our favorites for illumination. Not one of the gentle modes, even on the very best setting, felt too harsh, and the mix of spot and floodlights was wonderful for varied nighttime actions reminiscent of climbing, path operating, mountaineering, and tenting. The general brightness was on par with headlamps boasting larger lumen scores and much outperformed different ultralight fashions we examined. The primary draw back we discovered was the crimson gentle function. In some circumstances, like getting into a tent with sleeping campmates, the crimson gentle felt too brilliant. Whereas we appreciated the additional brightness on the path, we would like the choice to dim the crimson gentle or swap to a single crimson gentle (the NU25 UL makes use of two) in sure conditions.

Burn Time

Burn time is considerably subjective since every consumer will use their headlamp in another way. The utmost burn time will rely closely on the sunshine modes and brightness ranges getting used. That mentioned, we discovered Nitecore’s claimed burn occasions to be correct and akin to different high performers just like the Black Diamond Spot collection and the Petzl Actik CORE. In excessive mode, you possibly can anticipate round 2 hours and 40 minutes of burn time, whereas in low mode, you’ll get roughly 10 hours and 25 minutes. Most customers will expertise burn occasions between these two figures, relying on utilization. In ultralow mode, Nitecore claims a formidable 45 hours of burn time, which could possibly be extremely helpful for thru-hiking or emergency conditions.

Weight

Weighing in at an astonishingly low 1.6 ounces, the Nitecore NU25 UL is without doubt one of the lightest headlamps we examined. Its minimal weight makes it splendid for ultralight-focused actions like path operating, long-distance mountaineering, and alpine climbing. The load financial savings largely come from its slim shock cord-style strap, which, regardless of wanting too minimal to carry the lamp securely throughout high-output actions, works precisely as supposed.

Whereas some may be skeptical in regards to the strap’s measurement and stability, we discovered it surprisingly dependable and comfy, even throughout intense motion. For these trying to lower down on each ounce with out compromising important options, the NU25 UL is a formidable alternative.

Consolation

Headlamps with shock cord-style straps typically sacrifice consolation for weight, however we discovered the strap on the Nitecore NU25 UL to be extra snug than different fashions with comparable straps. Typically, we discover conventional straps extra snug for many customers, however with an ultralight headlamp, you typically should make some sacrifices. Whereas the strap was comparatively snug, we did discover occasional tightness round our temples, inflicting sporadic discomfort. The NU25 UL has a bit of froth padding on the again of the headlamp, which minimizes plastic-to-skin contact and considerably improves consolation. Its ultralight design additionally reduces fatigue, significantly throughout vigorous actions like path operating.

Total, the NU25 UL charges pretty excessive on our consolation scale, however on account of its ultralight design, there are different, heavier headlamps we examined that had been extra snug.

Ease of Use

Like many main headlamps as we speak, the Nitecore NU25 UL makes use of a two-button design, which comes with a small studying curve through the first few makes use of. The bigger principal button turns the headlamp on and off by holding it down for a couple of second. Fast faucets of the primary button cycle by means of three brightness ranges: excessive, medium, and low.

A double faucet of the ability button whereas the headlamp is off prompts a helpful ultralow mode. The smaller mode button toggles between the sunshine modes: spot, flood, spot & flood mixed, and crimson gentle mode. Double-tapping the mode button prompts a strobe function, and holding each buttons concurrently permits the lock operate. Whereas remembering all of the button combos takes some follow, we’re assured that devoted customers will determine it out over time. That is one headlamp the place studying the guide earlier than use is a good suggestion. The buttons are additionally fairly low-profile, so utilizing the NU25 UL with cumbersome gloves might be tough.

Options

The Nitecore NU25 UL packs many of the options present in high-end headlamps at a fraction of the associated fee. It provides a most output of 400 lumens, managed by a two-button design. The headlamp contains each a highlight and a floodlight, which can be utilized individually or collectively at various brightness ranges to customise your beam width and depth relying in your exercise.

The NU 25UL additionally options an ultralow operate that could be a nice function to make use of round camp. Different options embrace a brilliant crimson gentle mode to protect night time imaginative and prescient and scale back bug attraction, a lock operate to stop unintended power-on, strobe options in each white and crimson gentle modes, and USB-C quick charging. The built-in battery indicator helps you retain observe of remaining energy, whereas the glow-in-the-dark paracord-style headband ensures straightforward visibility at midnight. Total, the NU25 UL delivers a formidable feature-to-price ratio that’s laborious to beat.

Ought to You Purchase the Nitcore NU25 UL?

The NU25 UL is a flexible, feature-packed ultralight headlamp that meets the wants of many out of doors lovers with out breaking the financial institution. It’s a superb alternative for night time mountaineering, tenting, backpacking, and path operating. At this worth, it’s additionally nice for on a regular basis duties like taking out the trash, strolling the canine, or engaged on the automobile. Nonetheless, with solely 400 lumens, it’s not splendid for these needing a brilliant brilliant gentle for extra technical pursuits like night time snowboarding or mountaineering. Moreover, because the headlamp isn’t rated for submersion, those that want a lightweight for damp environments could wish to think about different choices.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Think about?

In the event you just like the NU25 UL however wish to think about different choices, take a look at these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the record of our favourite headlamps:

Petzl Tikkina Assessment: If the NU25 UL’s worth level is a bit steep, you would possibly wish to think about the Tikkina. You’ll be sacrificing some options, and it’s not rechargeable, nevertheless it saves you $12. The Tikkina has single-button performance which makes it a bit simpler to make use of than the NU25 UL. 

Black Diamond Spot 400 Assessment: If funds isn’t a priority and also you’re in search of a headlamp with higher-quality supplies and true waterproofing, we advocate trying out the Black Diamond Spot 400. It prices a number of bread loaves extra, however we imagine the additional price is justified for sure customers.

Petzl Bindi Assessment: The Bindi is costlier nevertheless it’s additionally much more ultralight than the NU25 UL. It’s not fairly as versatile as a result of its battery life and lumen score are each decrease than its Nitecore competitor.