Nitecore NU27 Evaluation | CleverHiker

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Nitecore could not but be a family identify in america, however they’re shortly making waves within the headlamp house with their light-weight, extremely practical, and inexpensive choices on this market. The NU27 is certainly one of Nitecore’s latest choices, and it initially caught our consideration due to 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 mild, with 5 brightness ranges out there 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 suits into our ultralight class. Its 600-lumen output creates a brilliant 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 selection for ultralight hikers, runners, and thru-hikers.

The NU27 gives distinctive worth, delivering spectacular brightness and light-weight efficiency. Nevertheless, it’s not with out quirks. We discovered the dearth of a reminiscence perform a bit irritating because it resets to the bottom impartial mild setting every time it’s turned off. The beam additionally isn’t excellent for flood lighting and has some flare-like artifacts across the edges. That stated, for what it gives, it’s a prime possibility 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 evaluate beneath and discover our Greatest Headlamps Gear Information to see the way it compares to the competitors.

Illumination & Mild High quality

In relation to total illumination, the NU27 impressed us essentially the most. The headlamp has a lumen ranking 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 ranking, however when examined aspect by aspect, 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 prefer to see a flood perform added in future fashions or a minimum of improved floodlighting total. The headlamp additionally produces some odd lens-flare-like artifacts close to the sides of the beam, which will be disorienting at instances. 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 largely constructive total. In comparison with a few of our prime 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. Due to the ultralow perform, you possibly can rise up to 57 hours of sunshine per cost underneath excellent circumstances. Nevertheless, the ultralow perform 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 shortly, and you’ll anticipate not more than an hour on turbo. That stated, the excessive setting is brilliant sufficient for many actions. Actual-world burn instances will fluctuate primarily based on the settings used and the way lengthy they’re engaged. General, whereas the upper settings carry out properly, we’d prefer 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 prime 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 strong selection 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 simple 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 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 excellent stability between its low weight and total brightness.

Consolation

Ultralight headlamps will be tough to guage 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, generally impacting consolation.

That stated, we discovered the NU27 to carry out very properly when it comes to consolation. Naturally, weight performs a major function—much less weight in your brow results in a extra comfy expertise throughout extended use. Regardless of missing heavier, softer supplies, the light-weight, balanced design helps reduce fatigue, making this a headlamp you possibly can put on all night time.

Nitecore does an excellent 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 comfy than the shock-cord fashion 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 the headlamp’s three colour temperatures and accesses the crimson mild perform.

Headlamps with numerous 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 without having the directions. Nevertheless, we did seek the advice of the directions to discover ways to entry the particular modes (SOS, Beacon, Gradual Flashing). In contrast to some directions with poorly thought-out illustrations, Nitecore gives clear,easy-to-understand instructions.

The charging port is simple to entry, and attaching the cable is simple. The strap is simple 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 foremost grievance is that the buttons’ small measurement and low profile make them tough to press with medium to heavy gloves on which was a difficulty for us throughout chilly night time hikes within the mountains.

Options

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

The nice and cozy mild (3000K) is simpler on the eyes and works properly in foggy or wet circumstances. Impartial white (4500K), the commonest colour temperature discovered on headlamps, gives a extra pure mild for on a regular basis actions. Lastly, cool white (6500K), although a bit harsh, enhances visibility in outside environments. You can too choose from 5 totally different brightness settings throughout all three colour temperatures. Moreover, the crimson mild perform gives 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 substitute 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 perform. 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 gives glorious worth, offering spectacular illumination, versatility, and options in a surprisingly inexpensive, light-weight bundle. Its considerate options—corresponding to the flexibility to pick a number of colour temperatures, as much as 5 brightness ranges in white mild mode, two brightness ranges in crimson mild 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 selection for ultralight backpackers, informal night time hikers, hunters, runners, dawn-patrol skiers, and extra. The low value level and flexibility additionally make it a superb possibility for all informal outside actions.

What Different Headlamps Ought to You Think about?

Should 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 value level and light-weight weight. Whereas it’s just like the NU27, it lacks some key options discovered within the NU27. Nevertheless, 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. 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.