Skilhunt H04 RC vs Nitecore NU25
Quick take: The Nitecore NU25 costs $4 less; the Skilhunt H04 RC is brighter (1,200 vs 400 lm); the Skilhunt H04 RC throws farther (167m vs 113m); the Nitecore NU25 runs longer on high (4 vs 2.5 hrs).
| Spec | Skilhunt H04 RC | Nitecore NU25 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $40 | $36 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Headlamp | Headlamp |
| Lumens | 1,200 lm | 400 lm |
| Candela | 7,000 cd | 3,200 cd |
| Beam distance | 167m | 113m |
| Runtime | 2.5 hrs (high) | 4 hrs (high) |
| Battery | 18650 | Built-in |
| LED | LH351D 5000K | CREE XP-G3 S3 |
| Beam type | Flood | Flood |
| Modes | 4 Stepped | 4 Stepped |
| UI | Skilhunt UI | Simple |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| CRI | 90 | 90 |
| Weight | 2.1 oz | 1.0 oz |
| Dimensions | 4.3 x 1.0 in | 3.5 x 1.5 in |
| Warranty | 2 Year | Lifetime |
What owners report
Skilhunt H04 RC
- ✓Right-angle body, pocket clip, magnetic tailcap and a good headband — genuinely versatile
- ✓High-CRI variants available with a user-configurable interface
- ✓48 grams for 900 lumens and 123 m of throw
- ✓No PWM on any mode, so no flicker
- ✓Multiple independent reviewers report essentially no complaints
- ✗Magnetic charging rather than USB-C, as on other Skilhunts
- ✗The configurable interface takes setting up before it suits you
- ✗18650 runtime limits sustained high output
- ✗Sold through enthusiast channels rather than mainstream retail
- ✗Several near-identical variants (H04, H04R, H04F) make listings confusing
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