Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp Assessment

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The Nitecore NU25 UL is perhaps the unsung hero of ultralight headlamps. It’s useful, loaded with all of the important options, waterproof, and surprisingly reasonably priced. Whereas scripting this evaluate, we needed to double-check the value a number of instances as a result of it feels and capabilities like a headlamp that prices double or extra. We had been impressed by how comfy 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 purpose to dislike it. The NU25 UL affords 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 We’re typically dissatisfied when rechargeable headlamps keep on with the outdated micro-USB charging platform, however to our delight, the NU25 UL makes use of USB-C, permitting it to recharge from 0 to 100% in beneath an hour and a half.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 the whole lot it affords at such a budget-friendly value.

We put the Nitecore NU25 UL to the check over six weeks, touring from the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra and again once more. This headlamp accompanied us via a wide range of actions, together with climbing, working, paddling, and climbing. We examined it in various circumstances, from foggy, chilly nights within the Sierras to crystal-clear desert mornings. By each state of affairs, the Nitecore NU25 UL proved its versatility and reliability, making it a reliable companion for all adventures.

Try our headlamp gear information for extra prime picks, skilled suggestions, and recommendations on selecting the right choices obtainable.

Illumination & Gentle 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 in every of our favorites for illumination. Not one of the mild modes, even on the best setting, felt too harsh, and the mix of spot and floodlights was wonderful for numerous nighttime actions corresponding to climbing, path working, climbing, and tenting. The general brightness was on par with headlamps boasting greater lumen rankings and much outperformed different ultralight fashions we examined. The principle draw back we discovered was the crimson mild characteristic. In some instances, like coming into a tent with sleeping campmates, the crimson mild felt too brilliant. Whereas we appreciated the additional brightness on the path, we would favor the choice to dim the crimson mild or change to a single crimson mild (the NU25 UL makes use of two) in sure conditions.

Burn Time

Burn time is considerably subjective since every person will use their headlamp in a different 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 instances to be correct and corresponding to different prime performers just like the Black Diamond Spot sequence and the Petzl Actik CORE. In excessive mode, you’ll be able to 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 instances 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 very best for ultralight-focused actions like path working, long-distance climbing, and alpine climbing. The burden 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 is perhaps skeptical in regards to the strap’s dimension and stability, we discovered it surprisingly dependable and cozy, even throughout intense motion. For these trying to reduce 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 comfy than different fashions with related straps. Usually, we discover conventional straps extra comfy for many customers, however with an ultralight headlamp, you typically must make some sacrifices. Whereas the strap was comparatively comfy, 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, notably throughout vigorous actions like path working.

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

Ease of Use

Like many main headlamps right now, the Nitecore NU25 UL makes use of a two-button design, which comes with a small studying curve throughout the first few makes use of. The bigger major button turns the headlamp on and off by holding it down for a few second. Fast faucets of the principle button cycle via three brightness ranges: excessive, medium, and low.

A double faucet of the facility 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 mild mode. Double-tapping the mode button prompts a strobe characteristic, and holding each buttons concurrently permits the lock operate. Whereas remembering all of the button mixtures 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 will be difficult.

Options

The Nitecore NU25 UL packs a lot of the options present in high-end headlamps at a fraction of the fee. It affords a most output of 400 lumens, managed by a two-button design. The headlamp consists of 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 may be a nice characteristic to make use of round camp. Different options embrace a brilliant crimson mild mode to protect evening imaginative and prescient and scale back bug attraction, a lock operate to stop unintentional power-on, strobe options in each white and crimson mild modes, and USB-C quick charging. The built-in battery indicator helps you retain monitor of remaining energy, whereas the glow-in-the-dark paracord-style headband ensures straightforward visibility at the hours of darkness. 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 wonderful alternative for evening climbing, tenting, backpacking, and path working. At this value, it’s additionally nice for on a regular basis duties like taking out the trash, strolling the canine, or engaged on the automobile. Nevertheless, with solely 400 lumens, it’s not very best for these needing a brilliant brilliant mild for extra technical pursuits like evening snowboarding or mountaineering. Moreover, because the headlamp isn’t rated for submersion, those that want a lightweight for damp environments could need to contemplate different choices.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Contemplate?

If you happen to just like the NU25 UL however need to contemplate different choices, try these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the record of our favourite headlamps:

Petzl Tikkina Assessment: If the NU25 UL’s value level is a bit steep, you would possibly need to contemplate the Tikkina. You’ll be sacrificing some options, and it’s not rechargeable, but it surely 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 on the lookout for a headlamp with higher-quality supplies and true waterproofing, we suggest testing the Black Diamond Spot 400. It prices just a few bread loaves extra, however we imagine the additional price is justified for sure customers.

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