Nitecore NU25 Head Torch - 360 Lumen USB Rechargeable Headlamp – Lightweight Waterproof Head Torch with Red Light

Product Information

The world’s largest Outdoor Hunting Products Exhibition – IWA Outdoor Classics 2023 is held in Nuremberg from March 2nd to 5th. As one of the world’s top tactical, hunting, outdoor and personal protective equipment trade fair, IWA shows the most dazzling and coolest tactical equipment and the world’s top equipment brands. At the same time, IWA is also a “paradise” for all kinds of fans of hunting and outdoor sports. This means you not only have multiple output levels, you can also have three different types of beam: Sadly there is no mention of CRI nor much info on the optics. The flood is claimed to be 100 degrees but I couldn’t find info on the spot beam. However, visually one can clearly see a difference between the two beam profiles. On February 10th-12th, 2023, ISPO Beijing is held at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. It has been 4 years since the last ISPO Beijing and has also been actively supported by a large number of outdoor enthusiasts.

Tested to ANSI/NEMA FL1 standards with the integrated battery fully charged in laboratory conditions. End user results may vary due to individual usage habits and environmental conditions. Ultimately I don’t think this is a deal breaker, but I’d defy anyone to be able to consistently turn it on to the mode & output you desire without getting it to do something you didn’t mean too. The battery is 650mAh in-built Li-ion, broadly equivalent to the power/runtime of a 14500 Li-ion cell. But being in-built the battery can be of a different shape, allowing the NU25 UL to be much smaller than it would be if it had used a 14500. The high combined white light provides a maximum output of 400 lumens from a the spot + flood LED with a colour temperature 5500 K, which will run for 30 seconds before stepping down due to the temperature regulation. Utilising a unibody optical lens system for a high light transmission of 94%, the new NU25 is specifically designed for reflecting a uniform and soft light that provides over a 100° beam angle in the flood or mixed mode which is ideal for night running and path finding.This is probably the best all-round headlamp I’ve ever used. My older headlamps are either too large, too heavy, aren’t rechargeable or are very expensive. So why the Nitecore NU25 headlamp? From August 28 to September 3, 2023, Chamonix, France hosts the annual Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), a landmark event in trail running. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the UTMB has evolved from a modest local race to the most prestigious trail running competition in the world. Each year, athletes from across the globe brave icy conditions, high winds, and torrential rain as they race through the night in hopes of gunning for the win. One thing I really like about the NU25 UL is the shape and lightweight. It really is very little weight to have on your head and the shape of the unit is comfortable to wear. The main light is permanently fixed into a carrier holder that also allows you to tilt the light forward and down. It all feels very natural and easy to use.

Note: *Only stays in high mode for 30 seconds before dropping down due to overheat protection, therefore this run-time is not based on constant use at full output. The high can be accessed again after it drops down, but if the NU25 becomes overheated it will stay in the lower output until the torch cools. I cannot guarantee my lightbox produces the same lumen numbers as the integrated spheres used at a commercial level. However the lumens I recorded are close enough for me to believe this light puts out the claimed figures. Lumen measurements Mode My Opple light meter confirms the dual white LEDs have a CCT (k) value of 5409 and an Ra of 70.2, while the red LEDs have a 5002 CCT(k).The Red LEDs are also not specified on what brand they are, however they also have their own smaller optics and appear to be modern LEDs rather than the old 5mm style ones.The red beam is bright enough to be highly useful too. ANSI FL1 standards: The runtime is measured until the light drops to 10% of its initial output (30 seconds after turning on). This does not mean that the flashlight is not usable anymore. The last column shows how long the light actually works till it shuts off. If there is a + symbol, it means that the test was stopped at that particular point, but the light was actually still running. This happens on certain occasions, with certain drivers, firmware, or batteries. Peak beam intensity and beam distance measurements Mode As there are so many different LED and output combos on the Nitecore NU25 UL, I decided to simply measure the highest output using the combo beam. Going off the beaten path in the early morning, evening, or night can present significant challenges. The less than perfect footing and hidden objects can make for some hazardous routes and at best you’ll bruise your ego – and…well, we won’t discuss the worst!

We also found that touching any button after the light has been on after 3+ seconds will shut off the device. These types of devices work best when each button has specific functions and not all-encompassing features. Yet, this quirk is not a deal-breaker. With some experience and familiarity with the product, you will soon have all of the button technicalities under control. We are delighted to announce that Scotty Hawker joins the NITECORE family as a new NITECORE ambassador in 2022. In the future, we will help and support him with our excellent products, taking him to the next level.The Nitecore NU25 UL has a large and comprehensive set of modes and options. This is a dual beam headlamp, which means it has 2 x LEDs. But it is more than just two outputs. One LED is coupled to a floody TIR optic while the other TIR optic is designed more for throw. There are no metal parts on the Nitecore NU25 UL, this is deliberate to keep the weight down. It appears to be mostly made of some kind of ABS plastic. It feels both durable and high quality. I have no concerns over the build quality, fit and finish appears to be superb. You can either have one LED or the other in use or both together. In all modes you also have differing output modes. This makes the headlight very versatile and gives the user easy ways to extend runtimes. Although maybe at the sacrifice of introducing a fairly complex and confusing user interface.