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Nitecore NU20 USB rechargeable headtorch

$29 USD Nitecore NU20 LED headtorch

Tilting bracket with switch guard
The Nitecore NU20 USB rechargeable headtorch is available for $29.11 USD delivered on Aliexpress.

  • Nichia 219B high CRI LED
  • ~6 hours @ 220 lumens (360 lumens max)
  • Compact and lightweight
  • IPX7 waterproof
  • 5.5 x 3.2 x 2.1cm, 47g


The Nitecore NU20 is a USB rechargeable LED headtorch that is lightweight, compact and water resistant.

It uses a Nichia 219B high CRI LED emitter to provide better colour reproduction and a warmer tint that is easier on the eyes.


Specifications:
  • Nichia 219B LED
  • 100° wide angle reflector
  • Max output: 279 lumens
  • Color Rendering Index: CRI ≥90
  • Color Temperature: 5000K
  • Peak intensity: 1200cd
  • Max beam distance:69m

Case
  • 1.5m impact resistant polycarbonate material, in 4 colours
  • Single rubber switch for all function (power logo on it)
  • Indicator LED (beneath switches)
  • Micro USB charging port with rubber cover
    • IPX7 rating (immersion in 1m water up to 30m)

    Battery
    • Micro-USB rechargeable 600mAh lithium-ion battery
    • ~2hr charging from 0 to 100%
    • Able to be charged while powered on (e.g. with a USB battery pack)
    • Indicator LED glows red while charging, green when fully charged

    Mounting bracket
    • Adjustable tilt 52° down (e.g, towards your feet, reading a book, working with hands, etc)
    • Switch guard prevents accidental activation when the light is flat against the headband

    Headband
    • Good quality, comfortable, stretchy
    • Easy to adjust
    • Removable, replaceable, washable

    Modes:
    • 4 brightness levels, 2 special modes:

    Mode Lumens Runtime Entry Usage
    Low 1 100hr Switch 1x from off Nightlight
    Medium 30 7:45 Switch 1x within 3 seconds from on Walking in the dark (carefully)
    High 170 6hr Switch 2x within 3 second from on Night running/hiking
    Turbo 270 30m Hold switch 1s (when on) Short term high illumination (drops to High after 30s)
    SOS 220 ? Hold switch 3s (when on) Flashes SOS in Morse code
    Beacon 220 ? Switch 1x from SOS mode Pulses a intense flash


    Operation:
    • Low-Medium-High cycles with switch (within 3 seconds of on)
    • After 3 seconds, any short press will turn the light off
    • Battery check: 1 second press (when off) blinks the LED:
      • 3 blinks = battery above 50%
      • 2 blinks = battery below 50%
      • 1 blinks = battery less than 10%

    Pros
    • High CRI LED is used for all modes.. not just the lopw output reading mode (e.g. NU25)
    • Small and lightweight (pocketable)
    • Detachable from headband mount 
    • Constant current output without PWM flickering
    • No complicated modes / memory functions
    • Single button operates all functions - easy to turn on quickly
    • OK in heavy rain / sweaty conditions
    • Could substitute shock cord or a nike skinny headband as the headband for weight savings. Or elastic shoe laces
    • Could omit the headband by clipping to a hat adjustment strap (reversed) or backpack sternum strap

    Cons
    • Non-removable battery
    • No red light
    • 'Cool white' LED light has a blueish tint
    • Plastic body doesn't act as a heatsink
    • No "battery low" indicator
    • No memory function for changing startup mode from Low
    • Battery check is only approximate
    • Brightness is not constant to the end
    • Switch guard may be annoying when the light is flat against the headband
    • A right-angled Micro USB cable is needed to avoid obstructing your left eye while charging from a USB battery pack when wearing
    • LED emitter is offset to one side
    • Not USB-C

    Mods
    • Put scotch tape over the light to make the beam more diffuse
    • Put red cellophane over the light  to create a red light

    Package contents:
    • NU20 unit
    • Tiltable mounting bracket 
    • Adjustable elastic headband
    • 1m micro-USB cable

    7 colour designs
    Switch guard
    Mounting bracket
    Front
    Specifications

    Further Resources

    Sectionhiker review
    Candlepower forums review
    Amazon.com product page (affiliate link)

    Reddit
    Headlamp recommendations?
    I’ve realized the Nitecore NU20 can attach directly to the back of my hat

    Youtube
    Nitecore NU20 headlamp. Field Use Review.
    Nitecore NU20 Headlamp: 360 Lumens, 1.6 Ounces...
    The perfect backpacking headlamp is NOT the Nitecore NU25 (2019)