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The original was posted on /r/Ultralight by /u/Comfortable-Pop-3463 on 2024-09-25 17:23:02+00:00.

Hey ! I bought a NU20 classic a few weeks ago. I did some runtime tests that I’m happy to share :

NU20 Classic runtimes : https://i.imgur.com/48ZH7TC.png

Zoom on the first 10 min : https://i.imgur.com/0hghegz.png

Please note : I used this fantastic little app called ceilingbounce on my phone to record the data. However my phone measures lux, not lumens. Lumens numbers in the chart could be inaccurate as they were only estimated based on the official specification for the medium mode (38 lm). Also I don’t have a lab, so relative outputs between modes could be slightly off (but not by much). Relative outputs throughout a single mode should be very accurate.

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Details

- Turbo (spec : 360 lumens - 2h) :

Kind of steady for 30s, then loses 70% of its initial brightness over a minute. Afterwards, it decreases slowly until the 1H40 mark, then it declines to an output similar to the medium mode after 2h of runtime. It stays in medium for an additional 40min, then goes to low for an unknown time.

- High (spec : 190lm - 5h) :

Steady for 60s, then loses 50% of its initial brightness over 5min. The slower rate of decrease means the high mode is a bit brighter than the turbo mode between minute 1 and 5…

Then it diminishes slowly, reaching an output similar to medium after 2hr of runtime. It stays in medium for an additional 3hr, then goes to low for 1h30 more.

- Medium (spec : 38lm 7h) :

rockstable for 6h15, then goes to low for an additional 2h15. So my NU20 doesn’t meet the spec (FL1 standard) on that mode (tested twice).

• Low (spec 1lm - 97h) : not tested

- High CRI aux light (spec : 20lm - 7h) : 6h15, so here again it doesn’t meet the spec…

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Discussion

Since we already have one turbo mode, I really wish they made the high mode more stabilized. I don’t see the point of blinding you and wasting energy for 5min. Plus it leads to unreliable and shorter runtimes if you happen to switch modes, as this will reset the timer each time. This behavior makes great video reviews though :)

Compared to the new NU25 (source, thanks to Face Wad), the runtimes of the NU20 appear to be significantly shorter / dimmer. Not surprising since the battery of the NU25 is 30% bigger (650 vs 500mAh), for 7g more (+18%). Note that Nitecore is boasting about the led efficiency of the NU20 using the old NU25 as reference, not the new one. And even the old NU25 may have better runtimes since it had a 20% bigger battery (610mAh), for the same weight. Maybe 110mAh is the weight of the battery indicator + USB C ?

At camp, I’d say it doesn’t really matter since the battery life is already good enough, but it does make a difference if you like to night hike. The NU20 can still be used while charging though.

Another difference compared to the new NU25 or even the old NU25 (according to throw specs) is that the beam of the NU20 classic is quite narrow / spoty. I’m not sure whether or not it’s better while hiking, but I don’t really like it in close quarters. It makes a very noticeable hotspot, and the central spot of the NU20 at 1 lumen appears brighter than the one from a BD Astro at 6 lumens. Fortunately there is the floody high CRI light which I think will be perfect at camp (but will be too bright in the middle of the night).

I also wish nitecore updated their “headband”, the one on the petzl bindi is just better imo.

To sum up, this is a good headlamp with a great UI and capable enough for most hikes, I just think nitecore could have done better 7 years after the original NU25 :). For the few people that hike in the dark regularly, the new NU25 might be a better option.

Thanks !