Terrific review! I really appreciate how much simpler the NU20 classic is to operate. I have to fumble with the NU25 user interface to relearn it every time I use it. I hope you include the relative ease of use in your review of the NU27. Many thanks!
@@anthonyalpocetti5152 a Big thanks 🙏🏻 and yes it’s much simpler and well thought out… the NU27 is as well so I will for sure point that one out in the review, thanks 👍🏻
Great review. The only criticism I have of the NU20 Classic is the locking mechanism, the old NU25 (2017) would flash the battery status lights to show it was locked. The new NU20 flashes the main light when it’s locked (same as the NU25UL). Which isn’t great when you go to lock the headlamp before going to bed and suddenly getting blinded.
Great review and I agree, perfect UL headlamp for backpacking, unless you plan to hike at night for many hours on a regular basis. The UI is great ! A few things : - a constant mode around 50-100lm would have been great. The 360 & 200lm are actually almost the same after a few min and the output decrease very sharply. - the headband is not so great ("heavy", "bulky", not the best too adjust) - at 38lm both the old NU25 and NU20 C should last 7hr in theory. But during my tests the NU20 lasted around 6h15, while the old NU25 is known to last more than 8hrs. That's a big deal because this is probably the mode you want to use while hiking. The NU20 is easier to charge during use though (port on the side, not in your face on the bottom). - the 1lm is very focused, so quite bright for 1lm and narrow. A 1-5lm mode on the flood aux light (like on the red light) would have been much better in a tent - the flashing red light mode could have been hidden (like with the white light)
Engineer feedback (more for Nitecore rather than Robert): I want a 100-150 lumen red lamp to reduce bug attraction and preserve some of my night vision while hiking. 38 lumens just isn't enough sometimes. Super bright white lite is only useful in bursts, like for spotting trail markers or finding an off-trail route. (Or, maybe, re-finding the trail after wandering off of it.) (Except for cycling, then we need super-duper-bright light!) Also, pass-through charging is mandatory -- it allows you to use your main battery bank rather than a heavier headlamp for longer runtimes. (I believe that Nitecore does this correctly).
Nice video, thanks. I am considering this headlamp because there are very few that have a a red light and a 1 lm moonlight mode , which I like for camping and night photography. If I understand correctly, after it has been on for 3 seconds, the only way to change the brightness level is to turn it off then back on, which is not a great design.
@@not-a-raccoon yeah it all depends on how you plan on using it, and if winter hiking or not. Would say the NU20 Classic is perfect for occasional night hiking for shorter periods and camp life but for longer time in the dark like during winter one with a bigger battery and lumens might be a better choice.
@roberthammenrudh I live above the Arctic circle in Norway. It's dark for the better part of 3 months here. With all the time I spend in the woods battery life is a must
I had hoped for a USB-C update of the original NU20. This is still the only light I carry when hiking. (Apart from the Nitecore tube on my key ring.) The NU20 was unique in it’s simplicity while still being great quality. And I miss the „no brain required“ locking mechanism of the NU20, where a piece of the bracket just slides over the button.
I do not think so. I use the wrap around headlamp and think that is best. The ones with the 200+ degree wide beam. Lots to choose from and they are thin and not bulky.
Imo a more focused beam is better for cycling for seeing all the traffic signs and other reflectors as early as possible. For walking I'd prefer a wider beam.
I agree at 200lm, however with any modes the output will be around 38lm after 2hr of runtime. That output is relatively low so having a focused beam is useful.
Havent tried the nu20 classic, didnt really see any argument for it compared to the Nu25ul - but having had the nu27 for a month, its a much better light, light cone distribution is better, it has the important feature that it can attach to your cap (for hiking in the rain) with a self made headband it weighs less than 50g.... much better run times on light performance...
Well the NU20 Classic is a bit lighter and for me has enough power and performance 🤷🏼♂️ but the NU25 UL is a great choice as well. The NU27 looks and feels very promising and glad you report you like it and use it and just like you I will try and make my own head band for it to save some weight… looking forward trying it out a bit more and will come back with a review. 🙂
Hej 👋🏻, kul att just du svarade med en kommentar!! Kollade massor av dina videos för ett antal år sedan!! 🙂 Jag fick min direkt från Nitecore, har inget uttalat samarbete och inga pengar byter hand men får då och då lite nyheter jag kan testa ut och göra videos på. Så, ingen aning vart du ska köpa tyvärr, men finns nog på Amazon tror jag! Borde även dyka upp hos Kenneth på Backpackinglight.se om inte redan så i alla fall snart.
blinking light mode adds zero weight, it's just programming. Similar to life vests, when you need it you won't be in a position to go get it so good to have it on you.
Great review, thank you.
@@chrishamilton2527 🙏🏻
Really helpful review!
Thanks and glad you liked it! 🙂
Terrific review! I really appreciate how much simpler the NU20 classic is to operate. I have to fumble with the NU25 user interface to relearn it every time I use it. I hope you include the relative ease of use in your review of the NU27. Many thanks!
@@anthonyalpocetti5152 a Big thanks 🙏🏻 and yes it’s much simpler and well thought out… the NU27 is as well so I will for sure point that one out in the review, thanks 👍🏻
I bought the nu20 classic for exactly this simple and intuitive operation. The NU25 is too complex for me to remember!
Great review. The only criticism I have of the NU20 Classic is the locking mechanism, the old NU25 (2017) would flash the battery status lights to show it was locked. The new NU20 flashes the main light when it’s locked (same as the NU25UL). Which isn’t great when you go to lock the headlamp before going to bed and suddenly getting blinded.
@@craig-olsen first thanks 🙏🏻… and true, and agree… would have been better to kept the old more discreet light on the NU25 2017 👍🏻
Great review and I agree, perfect UL headlamp for backpacking, unless you plan to hike at night for many hours on a regular basis. The UI is great !
A few things :
- a constant mode around 50-100lm would have been great. The 360 & 200lm are actually almost the same after a few min and the output decrease very sharply.
- the headband is not so great ("heavy", "bulky", not the best too adjust)
- at 38lm both the old NU25 and NU20 C should last 7hr in theory. But during my tests the NU20 lasted around 6h15, while the old NU25 is known to last more than 8hrs. That's a big deal because this is probably the mode you want to use while hiking. The NU20 is easier to charge during use though (port on the side, not in your face on the bottom).
- the 1lm is very focused, so quite bright for 1lm and narrow. A 1-5lm mode on the flood aux light (like on the red light) would have been much better in a tent
- the flashing red light mode could have been hidden (like with the white light)
I run the Superfire HL75 Mini from Aliexpress. Is available with different batteries all the way up to 2000mAh
Engineer feedback (more for Nitecore rather than Robert):
I want a 100-150 lumen red lamp to reduce bug attraction and preserve some of my night vision while hiking.
38 lumens just isn't enough sometimes.
Super bright white lite is only useful in bursts, like for spotting trail markers or finding an off-trail route. (Or, maybe, re-finding the trail after wandering off of it.) (Except for cycling, then we need super-duper-bright light!)
Also, pass-through charging is mandatory -- it allows you to use your main battery bank rather than a heavier headlamp for longer runtimes. (I believe that Nitecore does this correctly).
Nice video, thanks. I am considering this headlamp because there are very few that have a a red light and a 1 lm moonlight mode , which I like for camping and night photography. If I understand correctly, after it has been on for 3 seconds, the only way to change the brightness level is to turn it off then back on, which is not a great design.
@@GreatIaker thanks 🙏🏻 and yes, you are correct… if you wait longer than 3 seconds you need to turn it off to change mode or long press for 360L.
Great review.
Thanks 🙏🏻
Petzel? Fenix ?
My go to is the nu50. The battery life is INSAAAANE. and I don't mind the negligible weight
@@not-a-raccoon yeah it all depends on how you plan on using it, and if winter hiking or not. Would say the NU20 Classic is perfect for occasional night hiking for shorter periods and camp life but for longer time in the dark like during winter one with a bigger battery and lumens might be a better choice.
@roberthammenrudh I live above the Arctic circle in Norway. It's dark for the better part of 3 months here. With all the time I spend in the woods battery life is a must
I had hoped for a USB-C update of the original NU20. This is still the only light I carry when hiking. (Apart from the Nitecore tube on my key ring.) The NU20 was unique in it’s simplicity while still being great quality. And I miss the „no brain required“ locking mechanism of the NU20, where a piece of the bracket just slides over the button.
I do not think so. I use the wrap around headlamp and think that is best. The ones with the 200+ degree wide beam. Lots to choose from and they are thin and not bulky.
Imo a more focused beam is better for cycling for seeing all the traffic signs and other reflectors as early as possible. For walking I'd prefer a wider beam.
@@BisnesPyry me too, like the wider spread better but choose the Classic anyways due to the Micro USB. But I will fix the annoying head band 😄
I agree at 200lm, however with any modes the output will be around 38lm after 2hr of runtime. That output is relatively low so having a focused beam is useful.
Havent tried the nu20 classic, didnt really see any argument for it compared to the Nu25ul - but having had the nu27 for a month, its a much better light, light cone distribution is better, it has the important feature that it can attach to your cap (for hiking in the rain) with a self made headband it weighs less than 50g.... much better run times on light performance...
Well the NU20 Classic is a bit lighter and for me has enough power and performance 🤷🏼♂️ but the NU25 UL is a great choice as well. The NU27 looks and feels very promising and glad you report you like it and use it and just like you I will try and make my own head band for it to save some weight… looking forward trying it out a bit more and will come back with a review. 🙂
Vart fick du tag i din NU20? Lite sugen på att byta ut min gamla NU25. Död åt micro usb!
Hej 👋🏻, kul att just du svarade med en kommentar!! Kollade massor av dina videos för ett antal år sedan!! 🙂
Jag fick min direkt från Nitecore, har inget uttalat samarbete och inga pengar byter hand men får då och då lite nyheter jag kan testa ut och göra videos på. Så, ingen aning vart du ska köpa tyvärr, men finns nog på Amazon tror jag! Borde även dyka upp hos Kenneth på Backpackinglight.se om inte redan så i alla fall snart.
I have never needed the blinking lights function.
If I never used it, I should leave it home.
Blinking lights are not UL.
@@bcamping1 true true 😄
blinking light mode adds zero weight, it's just programming. Similar to life vests, when you need it you won't be in a position to go get it so good to have it on you.
It is probably in the laws somewhere that every flashlight needs to blink. But my phones light doesn't. Just on/off.