Review: NITECORE NU25 & NU25 UL HEADLAMP

ro.ma.

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Dec 3, 2012
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NITECORE NU25 & NU25 UL HEADLAMP
400 Lumens – Spotlight + Floodlight 3 Light Sources


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Nitecore NU25 & NU25 UL were sent to me directly from Nitecore for review.
For product description and purchase: https://www.nitecorestore.com/NITECORE-NU25-Headlamp-p/fl-nite-nu25-400-...(link is external)

Useful links:
https://www.nitecore.com/
https://www.nitecorestore.com/
https://www.facebook.com/nitecoreflashlights/
https://www.instagram.com/nitecoreflashlight/
https://twitter.com/nitecorelight
https://www.instagram.com/nitecoreitalia/(link is external)



Nitecore updates, after four years, the NU25 headlamp with two new products that differ only in the headband, the NU25 & NU25 UL.
Nitecore NU25 is updated with a higher light output and a lower weight than the previous version (NU25 UL), remaining a point of reference for short excursions where a light but at the same time powerful headlamp is needed. Nitecore NU25 features an intuitive dual-button interface and an upgraded unibody optical lens system with a primary spot LED offering 2 brightness settings, a flood LED with 3 levels for broad illumination, ideal for reading and close-up activities and alternatively features dual red auxiliary LEDs for undisturbed night vision or long-lasting signal light. NU25 has a projector that reaches with the beam, in a combined way, a maximum of 400 lumens covering a maximum distance of 64 meters. It is IP66 rated (protected against strong jets of water from any direction).
Nitecore NU25 has a built-in 650mAh rechargeable battery that can reach a maximum runtime of 45 hours, has a built-in USB-C port that allows for a full charge in just an hour and a half, and has a power indicator that warns when it's time to load.

Nitecore NU25/UL has a lockout mode to prevent inadvertent activations. It is suitable for countless uses including walking, camping, climbing, caving etc.




Main features:

  • Dual beam USB-C rechargeable headlamp
  • Specially designed for outdoor activities
  • Equipped with spotlight + floodlight (color temperature: 5500K) and red light illumination
  • With a max output of 400 lumens
  • Utilizes a unibody optical lens system with various facets for reflecting a uniform and soft light
  • Max peak beam intensity of 1,029cd and max throw of 64 meters
  • Built-in 650mAh Li-ion battery
  • Highly efficient constant current circuit provides a stable output with a max runtime of 45 hours
  • Designed with two buttons different in shape and touch, offering easy one-handed operation
  • 4 brightness levels, 3 light sources and 3 special modes available
  • Built-in intelligent Li-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C charging port
  • Designed with 4 power indicators to indicate the remaining battery power
  • Made from durable PC material
  • Waterproof and dustproof rating in accordance with IP66
  • Impact resistant to 1 meter



Dimensions and weight:

NU25

Dimensions: 60.1mm x 36.8mm x 25mm (2.37" x 1.45" x 0.98") (Bracket Included)
Weight: 56g (1.98 oz) (Bracket and Headband Included)
NU25 UL
Dimensions: 60.1mm x 33mm x 25.5mm (2.37" x 1.3" x 1") (Bracket Included)
Weight: 45g (1.59 oz) (Bracket and Headband Include
Warranty:
All NITECORE® products are warranted for quality. Any DOA / defective product can be exchanged for a replacement
through a local distributor/dealer within 15 days of purchase. After that, all defective / malfunctioning NITECORE®
products can be repaired free of charge within 24 months from the date of purchase. Beyond 24 months, a limited
warranty applies, covering the cost of labor and maintenance, but not the cost of accessories or replacement parts.

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Nitecore NU25 and NU25UL are sold in the classic black/yellow cardboard packaging. All the main features that distinguish the Nitecore NU25 are highlighted on the four sides of the package.



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Inside the boxes we find:

- Nitecore NU25/UL
- Head band
- USB-C charging cable
- Multilingual manual
- Warranty


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Nitecore NU25 and NU25UL near other headlamps.

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From left: Nitecore HC68, Nitecore NU25 e Armytek Wizard C2 WR



Nitecore NU25 UL (Ultra Light) and Nitecore NU25 have IP66 certification and are built in ABS, a tough and impact-resistant plastic material. The two fronts are light, wearable without any difficulty through the elastic band. They have compact dimensions and are equipped with two rubber buttons for managing the levels they are equipped with.


Nitecore NU25 UL is the lightest headlamp, at only 45g, optimized for outdoor enthusiasts who need a dedicated headlamp with low weight.

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NU25 UL is easy and practical to wear thanks to the design of the band with the lock adjuster and reflective paracord (Glow-in-the-dark), and the simple adjustment.

On the NU25 UL bracket, hollow to lighten the weight, there is a neoprene protection to avoid direct contact with the rigid plastic bracket when wearing it.

Unlike the NU25 version, the NU25 UL bracket cannot be separated from the paracord sling unless the lock adjuster is opened. This bracket has been specifically designed for this model and therefore cannot be replaced with others.

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Moving on to the NU25 we see that it has a newly developed hybrid headband that has half headband and half paracord.


The headband of the NU25 is light, elastic and comfortable with a silicone insert for a better grip.

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The back braket of the NU25 has two metal levers that snap onto the headband allowing for easy detachment for cleaning and maintenance.
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The projector of the Nitecore NU25/UL has a unibody optical lens system with 3 types of light available: a primary spot LED + a flood LED (5500K), with a beam of over 100°, and two red auxiliary LEDs for night vision without disturbing or for a long-lasting signal light.


The beam of the Nitecore NU25 reaches, in a combined way (MIX), a maximum of 400 lumens and covers a maximum distance of 64 meters.


On the back of the two fronts, the name of the product and the characteristics of the internal battery are reported in particular. In the Nitecore NU25/UL it is possible to adjust the inclination; we have 6 possible positions, through 5 clicks, and a maximum inclination of 60° with respect to the starting position.
Let's see the NU25.

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For both models it is possible to release the support from the lamp.

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On the upper part of the NU25/UL we find the two rubber buttons for the complete management of the front; The Power button, larger in size, which we will use to turn the flashlight on and off as well as to adjust the brightness levels and the Mode button to switch light sources. The barely perceptible click of the two buttons is good.


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A novelty of this new version are the 4 blue LEDs, in the upper part, which indicate the remaining charge of the front.
To activate them when the flashlight is off, just press the "Mode" button.

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Operation and User Interface (UI):


The user interface of the Nitecore NU25/UL is very simple even if it has no memory. However, it is possible to go to Ultralow (6 lumens), with two clicks of the power button, from off.
Nitecore NU25 and NU25UL have, in the upper part, 2 keys for complete management of the front (MODE Button and Power Button), with 4 brightness levels, 3 light sources and 3 special modes available.

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For charging Nitecore NU25 and NU25UL have a built-in 650 mAh battery. This battery can be recharged via the USB-C socket on the left of the front.

This socket is protected by a rubber flap; you have to be careful when you close it to make it adhere perfectly.

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During the charging process, the 4 power indicators on the top flash to inform the user. When the battery is fully charged,
the 4 power indicators light up constantly. The weather charging time is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
When fully charged, the standby time is approximately 12 months.



BEAM and RUNTIME


The beam
of the Nitecore NU25/UL has a beautiful white color with a wide beam aperture for good viewing up to about twenty meters.


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The two white light projectors, Spot and Floody, can be activated alone or together (MIX) for a maximum output of 400 lumens.
Let's see the wall test.:

Spot and Floody together:

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Nitecore NU25/UL also has 2 red LEDs recommended for example for reading a map or for keeping insects away.

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The CCT color temperature and Ra color rendering value taken with OPPO's Light Master Pro, two meters away from the sensor, varies according to the selected light level. Let's see some values taken with both projectors or individually.
MIX mode:
In HIGH (400 lumens) I measured 5447 CCT and 71.5 Ra.
In MID (200 lumens) I measured 5379 CCT and 71.6 Ra.
In LOW (60 lumens) I measured 5321 CCT and 70.9 Ra.
SPOT mode:
In MID (200 lumens) I measured 5519 CCT and 72.1 Ra.
FLODDY mode:
In MID (200 lumens) I measured 5066 CCT and 69.7 Ra.

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The Runtimes were done in an internal environment with a temperature of about 15°C, using the internal 650mAh battery, fully charged.
I would like to point out that the values expressed by the graphs must be evaluated above all as a reference because they are made with means and conditions different from those used in the laboratory.

The first two tests were done by putting the Nitecore NU25 in Mix mode with High output (400 lumens) and in Spotlight mode with Mid output (200 lumens).
The runtime values resulting from my tests are slightly lower than those declared by the parent company. The values in CD are instead slightly higher.

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The first 10 minutes:

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Another test was done by putting the Nitecore NU25 in Mix mode with Mid output (200 lumens).

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VIDEO review.





CONCLUSIONS: With the new NU25 & NU25 UL Nitecore wanted to provide two excellent products for those who need a light and performing front for short excursions such as walking, camping, climbing, etc. Nitecore NU25 and 25UL update the previous version bringing, in particular, more power and improving some aspects such as the charging port, now in USB-C format, and adding 4 LEDs as a power indicator that allow a better visualization of the battery status. The lock mode is excellent, to prevent involuntary activations, and the user interface which I consider simple despite the many lighting possibilities offered by the front. I would have preferred the possibility of power supply with alkaline batteries as well as with the internal 650mAh battery.
Nitecore NU25 and NU25UL remain a point of reference for those who need a quality, light and performing headlamp, for short excursions or for backup. Thanks for reading the review.

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