Nitecore NU27 Assessment | CleverHiker

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Nitecore could not but be a family title in america, however they’re shortly making waves within the headlamp area with their light-weight, extremely useful, and inexpensive choices on this market. The NU27 is one in all 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 out there for every colour temperature. This makes the NU27 an extremely versatile headlamp choice.

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

The NU27 provides distinctive worth, delivering spectacular brightness and light-weight efficiency. Nonetheless, it’s not with out quirks. We discovered the dearth 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 best for flood lighting and has some flare-like artifacts across the edges. That stated, for what it provides, it’s a high choice for its weight and performance. General, the NU27 is an thrilling new headlamp from Nitecore. Questioning if the NU27 is best for you? Take a look at our complete evaluation under and discover our Greatest Headlamps Gear Information to see the way it compares to the competitors.

Illumination & Gentle High quality

In terms of general illumination, the NU27 impressed us essentially the most. The headlamp has a lumen score of 600, however as we regularly level out, lumen scores don’t at all times inform the complete story. For instance, the Petzl Actik CORE additionally has a 600-lumen score, 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 score suggests. We have been additionally impressed with the throw of the NU27’s beam, which outperforms even a few of our favourite headlamps with related 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 not less than improved floodlighting general. The headlamp additionally produces some odd lens-flare-like artifacts close to the perimeters of the beam, which could be disorienting at occasions. Moreover, the colour rendering isn’t the very best, which means the NU27 doesn’t do a superb job of precisely reproducing colour throughout all three colour temperature settings.

General, 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 rivals. Because of the ultralow operate, you’ll be able to rise up to 57 hours of sunshine per cost underneath best circumstances. Nonetheless, the ultralow operate solely supplies 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 shortly, and you may anticipate not more than an hour on turbo. That stated, the excessive setting is vivid sufficient for many actions. Actual-world burn occasions will differ based mostly on the settings used and the way lengthy they’re engaged. General, 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 good for ultralight backpackers, path runners, or anybody trying to reduce pack weight. Any headlamp underneath two ounces is a stable alternative for these aiming to cut back gear weight. 

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

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

Consolation

Ultralight headlamps could be tough to judge for consolation. Whereas they’re not inherently uncomfortable, weight financial savings are usually 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 reduce fatigue, making this a headlamp you’ll be able to 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 type straps usually discovered on ultralight headlamps. The strap options air holes to reinforce breathability.

Ease of Use

Much 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 ability 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 means of the headlamp’s three colour temperatures and accesses the crimson gentle operate.

Headlamps with lots of options usually have a little bit of a studying curve, however we have been in a position to determine most capabilities throughout our first use with no need the directions. Nonetheless, we did seek the advice of the directions to learn to entry the particular modes (SOS, Beacon, Sluggish Flashing). Not like some directions with poorly thought-out illustrations, Nitecore supplies 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 tough with out the priority of breaking it.

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

Options

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

The nice and cozy gentle (3000K) is simpler on the eyes and works properly in foggy or wet circumstances. Impartial white (4500K), the commonest colour temperature discovered on headlamps, provides 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 crimson gentle operate provides 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 accommodates a diffusing stuff sack, which lets you use the headlamp as a lantern, in addition to a clip that may exchange the strap.

Whereas the options of the NU27 are a serious plus, the number of brightness ranges and lighting modes would profit from the addition of a reminiscence operate. This is able to 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 provides glorious worth, offering spectacular illumination, versatility, and options in a surprisingly inexpensive, light-weight bundle. Its considerate options—resembling the flexibility to pick out a number of colour temperatures, as much as 5 brightness ranges in white gentle mode, two brightness ranges in crimson 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 stable alternative for ultralight backpackers, informal evening hikers, hunters, runners, dawn-patrol skiers, and extra. The low worth level and flexibility additionally make it a superb choice for all informal outside actions.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Take into account?

In case you just like the NU27 however need different choices as properly, take a look at these fashions or the remainder of our lineup on the listing of our favourite headlamps:

Nitecore NU25 UL Assessment: The NU25 UL is a favourite among the many ultralight group 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 Assessment: If ultralight is what you’re after, then the Bindi is price a glance. When 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.