Nitecore NU27 Evaluation | CleverHiker

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Nitecore could not but be a family title in the US, however they’re rapidly making waves within the headlamp area with their light-weight, extremely practical, and reasonably priced choices on this market. The NU27 is certainly one of Nitecore’s latest choices, and it initially caught our consideration because of its distinctive set of options. Most notably, the flexibility to regulate the colour temperature of the sunshine. Customers can toggle between heat white, impartial white, and funky white gentle, with 5 brightness ranges accessible for every colour temperature. This makes the NU27 an extremely versatile headlamp possibility.

Weighing 1.98 ounces, the NU27 simply barely qualifies as ultralight, but it surely nonetheless matches into our ultralight class. Its 600-lumen output creates a vibrant beam with a throw that outperforms many dearer headlamps. The NU27 has the very best weight-to-brightness ratio of any headlamp in our lineup, making it a wonderful alternative for ultralight hikers, runners, and thru-hikers.

The NU27 presents distinctive worth, delivering spectacular brightness and light-weight efficiency. Nonetheless, it’s not with out quirks. We discovered the shortage of a reminiscence operate a bit irritating because it resets to the bottom impartial gentle setting every time it’s turned off. The beam additionally isn’t very best for flood lighting and has some flare-like artifacts across the edges. That stated, for what it presents, it’s a high possibility for its weight and performance. Total, the NU27 is an thrilling new headlamp from Nitecore. Questioning if the NU27 is best for you? Take a look at our complete evaluate beneath and discover our Greatest Headlamps Gear Information to see the way it compares to the competitors.

Illumination & Gentle High quality

On the subject of general illumination, the NU27 impressed us probably the most. The headlamp has a lumen ranking of 600, however as we frequently level out, lumen scores don’t at all times inform the complete story. For instance, the Petzl Actik CORE additionally has a 600-lumen ranking, however when examined facet by facet, the NU27 seems considerably brighter. Apparently, the “excessive” setting on the NU27 is rated at solely 400 lumens.

The extra 200 lumens are activated in turbo mode. This implies the NU27 is brighter than its ranking suggests. We have been additionally impressed with the throw of the NU27’s beam, which outperforms even a few of our favourite headlamps with comparable lumen scores.

That stated, there’s room for enchancment. The beam is considerably spotty, and we’d wish to see a flood operate added in future fashions or at the least improved floodlighting general. The headlamp additionally produces some odd lens-flare-like artifacts close to the perimeters of the beam, which might be disorienting at occasions. Moreover, the colour rendering isn’t the very best, which means the NU27 doesn’t do a wonderful job of precisely reproducing colour throughout all three colour temperature settings.

Total, the NU27’s illumination exceeded our expectations, whereas the sunshine high quality is generally mid-tier however passable.

Burn Time

The burn time of the NU27 is a combined bag, although principally optimistic general. In comparison with a few of our high performers, it’s on the decrease finish, however when in comparison with different ultralight headlamps, it’s on par and even barely higher than its opponents. Because of the ultralow operate, you possibly can rise up to 57 hours of sunshine per cost below very best situations. Nonetheless, the ultralow operate solely gives 6 lumens, making it appropriate for round camp however inadequate for on-trail use.

From there, burn time decreases considerably: about 13 hours on low, 6.5 hours on medium, and simply 3 hours on excessive. Nitecore doesn’t present a burn time for the turbo setting, however in our expertise, the battery drains rapidly, and you may anticipate not more than an hour on turbo. That stated, the excessive setting is vibrant sufficient for many actions. Actual-world burn occasions will fluctuate primarily based on the settings used and the way lengthy they’re engaged. Total, whereas the upper settings carry out properly, we’d wish to see higher burn time from the low and ultralow settings.

Weight

Weighing simply 1.98 ounces, the Nitecore NU27 nice for ounce counters. Whereas not absolutely the lightest in our testing pool, it ranks among the many high three ultralight choices. It’s excellent for ultralight backpackers, path runners, or anybody trying to decrease pack weight. Any headlamp below two ounces is a strong alternative for these aiming to scale back gear weight. 

The light-weight design is particularly noticeable throughout long-term use, because it minimizes fatigue. We discovered it simple to overlook the headlamp was even on our heads, whether or not throughout an evening hike on the Colorado Path or working within the entrance vary. The decreased weight means much less pressure, making it simpler to benefit from the job at hand.

Whereas lighter headlamps can be found, the NU27 strikes an important steadiness between its low weight and general brightness.

Consolation

Ultralight headlamps might be difficult to judge for consolation. Whereas they’re not inherently uncomfortable, weight financial savings are sometimes prioritized over consolation, particularly when in comparison with heavier headlamps. Ultralight fashions usually use fewer supplies, leading to much less padding and strap materials, typically impacting consolation.

That stated, we discovered the NU27 to carry out very properly by way of consolation. Naturally, weight performs a big function—much less weight in your brow results in a extra snug expertise throughout extended use. Regardless of missing heavier, softer supplies, the light-weight, balanced design helps decrease fatigue, making this a headlamp you possibly can put on all evening.

Nitecore does a great job of minimizing plastic-to-skin contact, though some uncovered plastic stays on the again of the headlamp physique. We additionally discovered the strap extra snug than the shock-cord fashion straps usually discovered on ultralight headlamps. The strap options air holes to reinforce breathability.

Ease of Use

Just like different Nitecore headlamps, the NU27 is designed with dual-button performance. On the highest of the headlamp physique, there are two buttons. The bigger button is the facility button, which turns the headlamp on and off and adjusts the general brightness when it’s on. The smaller button is the mode button, which cycles by way of the headlamp’s three colour temperatures and accesses the pink gentle operate.

Headlamps with numerous options usually have a little bit of a studying curve, however we have been ready to determine most capabilities throughout our first use while not having the directions. Nonetheless, we did seek the advice of the directions to discover ways to entry the particular modes (SOS, Beacon, Gradual Flashing). Not like some directions with poorly thought-out illustrations, Nitecore gives clear,easy-to-understand instructions.

The charging port is straightforward to entry, and attaching the cable is simple. The strap is straightforward to take away, and the included pocket clip attaches simply as properly, although eradicating the clip can really feel a bit difficult with out the priority of breaking it.

Our primary grievance is that the buttons’ small measurement and low profile make them tough to press with medium to heavy gloves on which was a problem for us throughout chilly evening hikes within the mountains.

Options

The options of the Nitecore NU27 are one other standout side. As we’ve talked about, the NU27 permits you to change between three totally different colour temperatures. Whereas colour temperature is a matter of non-public choice, these choices additionally enhance visibility in varied environmental situations.

The nice and cozy gentle (3000K) is less complicated on the eyes and works properly in foggy or wet situations. Impartial white (4500K), the commonest colour temperature discovered on headlamps, presents a extra pure gentle for on a regular basis actions. Lastly, cool white (6500K), although a bit harsh, enhances visibility in outside environments. It’s also possible to choose from 5 totally different brightness settings throughout all three colour temperatures. Moreover, the pink gentle operate presents two brightness settings.

Past that, the NU27 consists of SOS and Beacon modes, USB-C charging, a battery life indicator, and a locking characteristic. The field additionally comprises a diffusing stuff sack, which lets you use the headlamp as a lantern, in addition to a clip that may change the strap.

Whereas the options of the NU27 are a significant plus, the number of brightness ranges and lighting modes would profit from the addition of a reminiscence operate. This might prevent from having to reset the colour temperature and brightness every time you flip the headlamp on and off once more.

Ought to You Purchase Nitecore NU27?

The Nitecore NU27 presents wonderful worth, offering spectacular illumination, versatility, and options in a surprisingly reasonably priced, light-weight package deal. Its considerate options—reminiscent of the flexibility to pick out a number of colour temperatures, as much as 5 brightness ranges in white gentle mode, two brightness ranges in pink gentle mode, USB-C charging, a battery life indicator, and a locking characteristic—improve its versatility.

At 2.98 ounces, with a 600-lumen max output and spectacular beam throw, the general brightness-to-weight ratio makes this a strong alternative for ultralight backpackers, informal evening hikers, hunters, runners, dawn-patrol skiers, and extra. The low worth level and flexibility additionally make it a wonderful possibility for all informal outside actions.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Contemplate?

When you just like the NU27 however need different choices as properly, try these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the listing of our favourite headlamps:

Nitecore NU25 UL Evaluation: The NU25 UL is a favourite among the many ultralight neighborhood for its low worth level and lightweight weight. Whereas it’s just like the NU27, it lacks some key options discovered within the NU27. Nonetheless, the NU25 UL saves you four-tenths of an oz. and $8.

Petzl Bindi Evaluation: If ultralight is what you’re after, then the Bindi is price a glance. Whilst you’ll be sacrificing options and illumination, the Bindi weighs a mere 1.2 ounces, saving you eight-tenths of an oz. in comparison with the NU27.