Next Generation Workhorse! - NiteCore NU33 Headlamp Review
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
- As many are aware of, my go to headlamp for countless years has been the NiteCore NU32; it’s a workhorse, performs well, but wasn’t perfect.
The NU33 headlamp builds upon the overall design of the NU32 and corrects the issues that it had.
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NiteCore NU33
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Stats :
Includes : Headlamp, USB-C Charging Cable, Headband
Output : 3 Modes : Primary White flood, Auxiliary White throw and Red
Primary White
MODE OUTPUT RUNTIME
Turbo 700 lumens 4 hr
High 200 lumens 9 hr
Mid 60 lumens 38 hr
SOS 700 lumens
Beacon 700 lumens
Auxiliary White Light
MODE OUTPUT RUNTIME
Low 50 lumens 47 hr
UltraLow. 6 lumens 147 hr
Auxiliary Red Light
MODE OUTPUT RUNTIME
Constant-On 13 lumens 26hr
Slow Flashing 13 lumens 50hr
Max Lumens : 700 Max
Max Throw : 147 yards Max
Max Runtime 147 hours
Spread : 100°
Battery : 2,000mAh li-ion
Materials : aluminum body, Plastic back, rubber buttons
Dimensions : L-2.45" x W-1.81" x H-1.4"
Weight : 3.3oz with strap
IPX Rating : IP66
Dust-tight and protected against strong jets of water. Not capable of immersion
Impact resistance to 3.2ft
Price : $50
Features :
Reflective headband
USB-C Charging
15% smaller than the NU32
Power indicator
Lockout mode
Integrated battery
Review Pros :
Good number of modes
Plenty of Illumination
Good battery performance
Good overall mode Runtimes
Good Spacing between modes
Battery life indicator
USB-C Charging
Fast Charging - 1.5 hours
Excellent charging port cover - the NU32 cover absolutely sucked and barely worked
Comfortable
Not heavy but still solid feeling
Easy to operate
Good button sensation even with medium thickness gloves
Review Cons :
Head strap comes loose over time
Non-removable battery may be a con for some
Lack of a dimming option for the red mode - it’s bright which I like but there are times when a lower setting would be beneficial
Summary :
After running this headlamp for the last couple of weeks I have to say that I really like it. It doesn’t have any glaring problems, the performance is good, the weight is good and the price is also good.
To be honest, after reviewing the terrible NiteCore UT27 I wasn’t sure that I would take a look another one of their headlamps….seriously, that headlamp was absolutely terrible but being that I liked the NU32 so much I gambled on this one and I’m pleasantly surprised.
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Based on your review of the NU32, I bought one. And I've had it for years, and it still is a great headlamp. I am 48 years old, with a 22 year old son. The NU33 will be my Christmas present to him this year, thank you for the review. I have never been disapointed with a product that I have purchased based on a review of yours. I have utmost respect for the way you conduct your "Agenda Free" channel, it matters, (integrity).
I could pretty much cut and paste everything you said. 100% agree on the NU32. And likewise agree, Luke is by far the best and most reliable reviewer out there.
🤙, John G.
Thank you. I needed to know how long the batter life worked for this rechargeable headlamp NU32. Great to know I will have long use of such a higher cost. I am excited to purchase new model of the NU 33
The NU25 is the most popular headlamp of Appalachian Trail long distance hikers. It's small, light and relatively rugged and has red and white light functions with several settings each. The feature that I am particularly fond of is the ability to lock the switches by pressing them both, simultaneously, thus preventing the light from being accidentally turned on in your pack. There are numerous tutorials on UA-cam on how to replace the original headband with shock cord and a cord lock to lighten it even further than the stock unit. It's awesome! Get the yellow one so you won't be as likely to lose it. It's TINY!
Yep. I have an NU25 and wouldn’t imagine using anything else.
I have not had any issue with issued head band on mine so far...
I have the NU25 UL. It's perfect except the rubber cover to the USB-C. It's difficult to close the rubber lid. I used it on a heavy rain and water got in. It died a few weeks later.
For those that want that light with removable batts: get the Black Diamond Spot 350.
Almost the same lamp, without the turbo (that ramps down anyway) and light and great. It takes 3xAAA - put some Eneloops in there and you're ready for anything. 👍
Oh, and it's way cheaper.
replies like yours are the reason I read 'em after watching any YT video.
Warm regards from Reno, Nevada
@@azclaimjumper Thanks man! All the best to you from Germany!
As mentioned previously. No go with an integrated battery. How long to charge up when dead?
Agree. Black Diamond has some great lamps, I have about 6 lol. Also like Sofirn and Wurkkos 18650 headlamps, solid, good straps and even cheaper but well made.
My go-to has been the NU25. For the weight I'm happy with just 400 max lumens vs 700.
Thanks for your review Luke. I have the NU32, and multiple other Nitecore products. I’m tempted to pick this up, but am torn as I also have a Fenix HM65R-T that is brighter (1500 lumens) has longer run times, is waterproof, replaceable batteries, weighs just slightly more at 3.21 oz. For me it works great, but having the NU33 as a backup headlamp would make sense. Thanks
I recently purchased their NU25 I believe? Anyways, loving that little light! Tiny, very light, puts out all the light I need from a headlamp and I really like the fact that there is a separate switch for red light mode so one doesn't have to start with white light and then cycle through the lighting modes with a selector switch. Plus the red light mode on that light has a low, high, and flash settings. I was eyeballing some of their other offerings, but having that separate switch for red light mode was the deciding factor for me.
Yep! It is one of, if not the, best headlamps I've ever had.
@@efromhb no argument here! I have all sorts of headlamps, but this little NU25 is quickly becoming my favorite of the lot!
Yeah why I got the same.
I was gifted the NU33 headlamp for fathers day. I work as a graveyard night shift Security Guard lock up and unlocking of my local parks, it's an awesome headlamp for sure and will ask for a second one for Christmas. It's a 10 star rating for me. Just absolutely love it. Comfortable to wear and very light weight.
Why wouldn’t they make it waterproof? Gonna be a pass for lots of ppl for that
My thoughts precisely.
Agreed
He said it was IP66 rated. Is there a rating you are looking for?
I’ve had the NU25 for a good few years, which is also rated IP66 and I’ve been out it torrential rain, it’s got completely soaked numerous times and hasn’t missed a beat. It really crapped all over other head torches I have tried and tested, including my Pretzel.
Honestly, I've used an nu25 for years with the same water resistance level and it's never been a problem. Have hiked in rain, snow, paddle trips, etc and it's been fine. Unless y'all want to swim in the lake at night or something, I don't see why it needs to be that waterproof.
love my nu33.. you can also go straight to flood, red and special modes by pressing specific buttons.. as for water resistance ip66 its quite good.. as long as the usb port is sealed.. heavy rain with high winds is not a problem.. just not submersible.. the ability to work while charging is a bonus too.. 700lumens turbo doesn't step down fast like other flashlight.. although i agree there should have been an ultra low red.. as 13lumens of red light is really bright.. 👍😊
Agreed, the NU33 is a solid headlamp. I have preferred the simplicity and lightweight of the v1 NU25. The v2 NU25 added too much complexity. The NU33 seems to have the balance.
I've never needed an ultra-bright headlamp for running at night. I regularly do 10K up to a half-marathon trail runs at night and I'm in Asia where the growth is thick and tall here. In order of importance I'd go for a wide beam angle, long runtime followed by weight. Once my eyes adjust to the dark all I need is about 100 lumens and I've gone even lower to about 60.
Thank you for your great review 👍
Just bought a NU33, after comparing it with petzl arctik core and black diamond storm 500r in a shop.
Went fishing this night and what can I say ?
For me it has everything a headlamp needs to have👌😎
If you once got used to the redlight of the NU33, you don't want to use a different redlight.
Only negative aspect about it...
After you used it you don't want to take it off 😬
I can recommend the NU33.
I like it ,BUT!!! Not being waterproof is a deal breaker for me. Thanks for review Luke.
I've been using the 25 for for about a year and have been really happy with it. The 33 looks huge by comparison. I also have the same issue with the strap. Probably going to do the shock cord mod to deal with that and also drop the weight down to 1 oz.
That’s what I did with mine and I love it. Your right this one looks much larger. Take care
They recently updated the NU25. I'm still not 100% convinced the 'updates' were all positive. I like that you can get the shockcord as a factory option but the loss of high-CRI and red-light brightness levels is a huge miss IMO. In using it, I feel the new one thermally dims aggressively, but I'm still testing.
@@red6743 - That's a bummer. I really like having 2 different brightness settings on the red light. I could do without the emergency flash, but that might just be the ignorance that comes from thankfully not having needed it.
@@alanstrange2421 The new model is brighter and lighter but it wasn't all gains imo. We gained stuff but lost stuff too.
Over the last few years, I have gotten great service from my ThruNite TH20 Headlamp. All aluminum machined body, 520 lumens, 2 meter immersion depth, and it is still $29.95. A tremendous value.
I've been using a Fenix HL55 900 lumen for seven years at work, but it is no longer made. The HM60R is the latest upgrade (or beefier HM70R). Removable rechargeable battery. IP68 dust and waterproof.
Nitecore is my go to for lighting. I have must of them and they work perfectly for me.
Personally the non replaceable battery and poor water resistance would make me pass and stick with my fenix headlamp which is brighter and has neither of those drawbacks.
Excellent & informative comment. Thx for sharing.
Princeton Tec Apex for me. On my 2nd one in a16 year span. From 90+ desert heat at night to humid jungle excursions, I have never been let down. My first one got run over by an airport baggage truck, otherwise, I'd likely still be using it!
I like the petzl actic personally. I like having the versatility of being able to use regular AAA batteries if needed and it’s lighter weight. I would like to have a light weight lamp that has a lock though…
I have an ultra cheap headlamp indoors,for peering inside kit that needs fixing I have had the thing for years, and years ! It works every time, love it. I might look at this one for my travel kit.
I use the red light mode a lot. Having 2 light levels in this mode would be nice, but not a deal breaker.
NU25 Gen 1 for me. No need to upgrade.
Luke I just received a Night buddy headlamp. I'm really liking it. A unique feature of this is the sensor on the side which allows you to activate it just by waiving your hand by the side. You can get all the specs by googling it
Not unique. Wave feature on Olight Array 2S also.
@@SmithandWesson22A unique to me
I'll stick with my black diamond storm 400 in my opinion one of the best headlamps ever made.
Ive been using nu32 and thinking of upgrading to olight perun 2 mini but i end up with nu33 tested and trusted 💪
Hello friend, I love your videos, especially the flashlight ones are very good, for the same reason I miss seeing more of your reviews, since many new models have come onto the market, I am a fan of fenix, that's all please, greetings from Chile 🇨🇱 a big hug.
such an improvement over the NU32 (which I also own and like)
Strap stays good on mine, no adjusting needed. Thanks from Holland
It is worth noting that the headlamp can be tilted upwards if you turn it upside down.
Great review of what sounds like a great product.. It can't rotate up. But you CAN take it off and turn it upside down. Inconvenient, but in a pinch... Thanks, Luke.
Great review, I would have liked to have you discuss more of the differences with the NU32. I bought the NU32 a while ago and have enjoyed it too. Currently, it's still working fine but I am always interested in improvements. Thanks again for a good video
The buttons on the 33 are much better quality, the spotlight is more powerful, the high cri light (50 lumens) encompasses a larger and more uniform viewing area for reading than the nu32's, (19 lumens) though the nu32's dual lights emit more white light while the 33's single one has a somewhat yellow tint. The battery power indicator is more pleasing on the 33, but the strap loops twice around my large head on the 32, while the 33 only has a single loop. That explains always having to adjust the headband when active. The part that rests on your head on the 33 has the strap directly on your skin (or hat) while the 32 has it in front of the plastic piece, so it never gets stained by the oils on your skin like the 33 will. As mentioned, the usb cover is much easier to use on the 33. On the 32, there's a certain technique that's easy to do to snug the cover correctly. I call it "the push and wiggle" with the tip of your index finger.
NU32 is also IP67 rated which is impact and 1 meter submerged for 30 min, so yea the NU32 will stay in my kit for now.
Thank you. I really need your thoughts and I use them often when it comes with camping and outdoor. This light sounds fantastic. Not just because of the modes and what all the modes give me but the run times are VERY important to me. I will probably buy this light. I am pausing a little because of the strap having to be adjusted all the time. If that comes a problem, Possibly I can put the light on a different strap. Thanks again.
You should try and review the Fenix HM65R-T it's an amazing headlamp!
I was using an NU35 which was great, only con was the plastic hinge eventually broke. Everything else was great, it had 2 levels of brightness for the red light, you could charge it via the USB port AND had the option of using 3 AAAs in it. I never used batteries but the option was a great backup. Now trying to decide to get another 35 or maybe this one. The hinge would probably be ok but I’d have to be more careful with it.
MUCH appreciated for the honesty! I own a couple Nitecore products and it's definitely hit or miss with them. I gave away my P30i long range light, due to the terrible dead spot in the middle of the beam. It did however, have excellent modes. Absolutely love my P10iX though!
I enjoy listening to the soundtrack over your logo at the end of the vids.
I’m good with my stream light head band light. Thing lights up my entire neighborhood 😂
Thanks, I needed this as a Christmas Present for someone. Always appreciate the reviews!
Thx for ur review ! I will be ordering this today!
I just got mine after watching your vids a few days ago! I ordered the v2 battery powerbank at the same time
Thank you. I have been considering which headlamp to purchase. I appreciate your reviews.
How many charge cycles the battery have before failing? You also implied the head strap is stretching. That would be a major problem.
there's a brand in canada called woods, and they do a rechargable headlamp for about 15 usd. it runs red light for about 15-20 hours and 3 luman modes low medium and high. its the best bang for your buck ive ever seen. i run 2 of them in my backpacking kit and have never needed to ever use the 2nd one on the trail honestly. it has a function where it will run the highest luman setting off a wave(inferred snesner) senser which i find a useless function but for car camping could be useful.
I have been using the Petzl Actik Core for quite a few years. Not sure I could be persuaded to go with anything else. Works perfectly every time I need it to.
same... the Petzl core system is great...
I wish they would just release one headlamp with usb c
Strength and honor, brother. With reviewing the products like you do. Maybe they will finally see their mistakes and improve the product 🤔. Where is the product made?
Nebo has some great performing, nicely built lights, headlamp, emergency, pocket or backup flashlights. If you ever want to consider another name, give them a look. I have 5 of them, love them all, price is the sweet spot for a good, dependable light. Another good review tho👍
I actually just bought this and the Petzl Actik Core 450 to replace my Black Diamond 350 storm last week and have not tried them yet. Thanks for the info!
I got the NiteCore NU35 with dual power (li-ion and aaa) wich runs for 10h in high mode, 210 lumen. I lovet it!
I'm waiting for a programable headlamp where I can configure modes and brightness by myself when connected to the phone or computer.
Check out Lupine. Made in Germany, super high quality, and with their Piko and Blika headlamps they have the bluetooth option for that kind of thing. Very expensive though. I have the Lupine Penta, which is more in the class of this Nitecore, the other ones are a little larger.
I do beliebe Led Lenser has Bluetooth in their Signature Series as well, but I'm not sure what features you're getting there.
@@raphaelbeinhauer9242 Thank you, pricey but it really looks high quality.
@@viahney7200 Yeah, very pricey... I even get good discounts and they're still expensive. I bought mine used, and have no fear doing that with that brand, tzey also supply all sorts of spare parts if something were to be broken. They are a very sustainable company in that regard.
i did find interesting headlamp on aliexpress it was very cheap at about 8euros and in the end i like it even more then my go to 150euro headlamp... it is a cob light that cover almost 180deg with 40 leds and also heve a small "long range" lamp at full power it last only about 1,5hours but iluminate everything you need
I'm pretty partial to my Dan force headlamp off Amazon, year and a half with no issues
I have the HU60! I have most Nitecore products, but Holy s$#@ the HU60 annihilates everything else. I use one 10kmah high output power bank and put it in my pocket. The damn thing has a wristband remote with all the features. We just got back from Missouri in the cave system there. I carried one spare 10k with me and never needed it. The only caveat is no red led. But, you need to check it out Master Luke! It is like a search and rescue beacon on your head. I also carry the Thrunite TN42 which goes about 1.5 miles. Definitely love gear. Great review and hug the fam, so proud of those kids.
Still using my old school Thrunite TH10 headlamp. It has held up very well over the years puts out a s-load of light.
I have been looking into the LED strip head lights. They look to put out more light on three sides that forward facing single bulb lights.
No one brand in particular but would love to get your opinion / review on some of them.
I have the NU25 ultralight in my EDC carry pouch. Works very well.
FYI: IP66 Enclosure means IP rated as "dust tight" and protected against heavy seas or powerful jets of water.
They should have put the charge port on the side so you can charge and run/hike like the NU32 for hours of light time without requiring an adapter, they also should have put the charge levels leds where the port is to accommodate that.
Looks ok but i need it to be able to have removable batteries.
thanksss man, nice review, imma looking this type of headlamp
bought a Naturehike headlamp. It has no Redlight-mode (very usefull for soldiers). max 220lm and microusb charging port -- all for 20$
Does look a solid headlamp. Got a few Nitecore products. I think i should give them another try too going on this mate. Thanks Luke
My strap had troubles holding adjustment. I finally adjusted it and then placed a paperclip over where the two parts of the strap overlap. Problem solved and adds only a fraction to the weight.
Always interesting content , dont change anything !!
Had picked up two UT27s long before your review,still in box...Given my outdoor needs just picked up a HC68,we shall see👍
I use a Black Diamond which is so old I have no idea what model. It still serves its purpose which is all that matters, but I do like the idea of a rechargeable battery. I always have solar charging capability on my excursion and would like to ditch carrying extra batteries. I actually considered the NU32 after seeing your frequent use. Will now take a look at the NU33.
Thanks for the review man looks like a good light! I am pretty satisfied with my Fenix at this point tho.
Headlamp reviews,yes!!🤖🗯️
Did you see their USB powererd lights? They can be straped to your hiking bags and powered by a portable power bank. You can buy a usb switch to so it can be switched on or off as I believe they don't come with one, I can be wrong. However how your backpack can have extra light too. I like it and will get some for my back pack next year.
Black Diamond is the workhorse...proven and true in the elements.
Luke check out the Fenix HL60R it's by far the best headlamp I've ever used, more lumens replaceable 18650 battery heavy duty construction aluminum body but still light weight enough to be used without center over head band.
Thank you for the review!
I'd always prefer removable batteries . Have two petzl Tikka torches . They cost me less than £50 total on a deal . With my rechargeable batteries I get plenty of light for my needs ,& should I ever get an issue with a light, I just swap over to the second unit .
I've used this model for years doing crew work . In fact I still have an older model of this unit , which is still going after approximately 8 yeas of use .
The led is definitely dimmer now , but has been astonishing value .
I'm going to pick it up to try it out at work.
Great video, thanks for your hard work!
I LOVE ❤ my HC68!!
I've never seen the NU33, but I own 2 HC65 headlamps by Nitecore, and from my research the HC65 seems to beat the NU33 in nearly every way. The 65 is much better at getting wet. It uses common replaceable rechargeable batteries. It is lighter than the NU33. The HC65 is my favorite flashlight ever, and I'm a bit of a nerdy flashlight nut. Maybe you would like the NU33 better, but it might be worth researching the HC65, or the V2 version of it, or the HC68.
Great review! Thank you! I wouldn’t get it because of the strap and battery.
Good review
well, just ordered one when I saw your review, because was actually loking for a good headlamp a sopposed to teh junk I got laying aroung
I have high quality headlamps in my arsenal, and then I have "throwdowns" that I don't care if get lost. I like to have one in easy reach when I'm working out in the garage or around the house, seems you never know when one will come in handy and I hate having to walk all the way from one end of the property to the other!
I'm using Nitecore HU60 with NPB4. Very versatile and long lasting power support. Both flood and focus headlamp. IP68. Hope u give a review on this.
I’ve been using cheap ever ready headlamps..work quite well for the price
Funny!! If you look at your picture on UA-cams 12 picture index page, yours looks like it's a post for a horror movie. But I still like the light.
Would love to hear your thoughts on OLIGHT's headlamps Perun mini and perun they are using in their headlamps
I love my Olight head lamp, simple, rugged, waterproof, light weight and the battery can be replaced when it wears out some day
Love my 32.
question, can it run (while being charged) from an external power bank like my previous gen nu25 ???
yes it can.. tested
Bought a 15 dollar Dorcy headlamp that takes 3 AAA bats. Has 2 white light levels a red and green light as well
Thanks Luke!
thanks for ur review .
Thanks for review Luke… from Denmark👍
You need to review the Ledlenser MH8. It out performs the NU33.
It's a shame it's not waterproof and you can't change the battery. Those two are absolutely required for caving.
I've been using the nu32 for the last 3-4 years as my work headlight. Extremely satisfied with the thing! I'm an elevator technician and many times it happens that i use up all the life of the battery in a day. So I came across this review for the newer model nu33.
I've been watching your videos and like the honesty in your reviews. One of them, persuaded me to get my Osprey backpack.
Anyhow, on the headlight again. You say that it only puts out 200lm on the high setting. Do you have a comparison with the nu32 on this feature?
Because i mostly use it on high (not turbo) and i need the thing to last at least 6-7 hours.
Thank you for your videos!
Greetings from 🇬🇷
Good review but I will stick with my Olight Array 2S. The red lamp has multiple settings.
3:30
He : "....the cost of this is 50 dollars".
Crow : Kaaw kaaw kaaw kaaw
Great video and looks like a great product
Sweet headlamp👍
Had it about a month. I have a Fenix headlamp that is better but this thing is better for backpacking. The Fenix has a 5k battery and 1600 lumen and just slightly larger but it weighs way more.
The sealed battery is a deal breaker for me. If I'm on a multi-day trip, how will I recharge the light? The only solutions I can think of are carrying a solar recharger or a power bank with enough watt-hours for the entire trip. Also, a caver would need the turbo mode most of the time in a cave, leaving only 4 hrs of use, since solar won't work. Besides, waiting for more than 15 min. to recharge the light is out of the question. Carrying spare batteries like disposable lithium or rechargeable AAs or AAAs is my choice. My ideal, however, is a rechargeable Li-poly that can be replaced with AA or AAA when the rechargeable runs out of energy.
I love the NU25 for hiking, recomend it to everyone.
Another great review!