Nitecore NU25 vs Nitecore NU25 MCT
Quick take: The Nitecore NU25 costs $3.950000000000003 less; the Nitecore NU25 MCT throws farther (132m vs 113m); the Nitecore NU25 MCT runs longer on high (45 vs 4 hrs).
| Spec | Nitecore NU25 | Nitecore NU25 MCT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $36 | $39.95 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Headlamp | Headlamp |
| Lumens | 400 lm | 400 lm |
| Candela | 3,200 cd | 4,351 cd |
| Beam distance | 113m | 132m |
| Runtime | 4 hrs (high) | 45 hrs (max) |
| Battery | Built-in | Built-in |
| LED | CREE XP-G3 S3 | NiteLab MCT UHE dual-core + Red |
| Beam type | Flood | Balanced |
| Modes | 4 Stepped | 4 Stepped + Red |
| UI | Simple | |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP66 |
| CRI | 90 | |
| Weight | 1.0 oz | 1.8 oz (with bracket and headband) |
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 1.5 in | 2.4 x 1.4 x 1.1 in |
| Warranty | Lifetime | — |
What owners report
Nitecore NU25
- ✓45 grams — one of the lightest headlamps available anywhere
- ✓Dual spot and flood optics that blend well for varied activities
- ✓Feels as bright as headlamps rated much higher
- ✓USB-C charging, full in about an hour
- ✓IP66 weatherproofing and a broad consensus as best in class among thru-hikers
- ✗The minimal strap can feel tight around the temples over long sessions
- ✗Newer versions dropped the 0.9-lumen super-low red mode
- ✗Sealed 650mAh cell — no swapping in a fresh one on a long trip
- ✗Runtime is limited by that small cell at high output
- ✗IP66 handles rain but isn't submersion-rated