Nitecore NU20 Classic First Look & Comparison To NU25 Headlamp

[@ToolsTrucksTrails]

This 20 Classic is the only one on my list now. Thanks Matt. Thanks for bringing the knowledge as always

[@matjobin]

@@ToolsTrucksTrails It’s a nice option with all the right updates. Thanks for watching!

[@ianatt5804]

I just bought two NU20 Classic! Nitecore really have impressed me with my old NU25, but the bracket just broke after many hours of service. The new NU25 for camp use is just too bright and the buttons are awkward (I'm always blinding myself with it), but the build quality is still exceptional.

[@tonybinks2670]

Great review. You missed commenting on the "reading light" auxillary warm-white light function on both. I use it all the time. It is accessed by a double press of the white light button. The NU25 (original) is easily the best head torch I have ever used, the NU25 UL and 400 come a little short - especially without the 1lumen setting.

[@matjobin]

@@tonybinks2670 Totally forgot about that setting! Thanks for mentioning it in the comments. Agreed with the NU25 (original) and NU25 UL. Been really digging this NU20 classic so far.

[@retkvi]

@@matjobin Hi Mat, what kind of shock cord did you swapped it for? Can it be bought somewhere on aliexpress, perhaps the used thickness would be helpfull, but if you can point to the propper cord it would be safer, don't know what cords are out there.

[@matjobin]

@ I swapped it for some reflective cordage that I bought online from Litesmith. I went with 1.6mm shock cord and a micro lock. There were different thickness options available for the shock cord at the time. Not sure if that is still the case. Switching everything out was a fairly easy process.

[@WilliamKapes]

I ran into the same disappointments when I "upgraded" from the NU25 to the NU25UL. I wound up getting the NU21 which felt more of a spiritual successor to the old NU25 than the UL. However I might have to take a look at the new Classic. And dont worry. Not being wasteful. My kids wind up with the older models as I get new ones :)

[@matjobin]

@@WilliamKapes I had been looking at the NU21 after feeling the same way as you with the NU25 UL, but I ended up going with the RovyVon light out of interest. Great little flashlight. After switching back to the NU25 for this year, I was intrigued with the release of this NU20 Classic. Hope you enjoy it if you decide to give it a try. Nice! Passing down gear is always a great way to go.

[@kenwbrenner]

Hi Mat. I appreciate your great video on this subject. I still have an old headlamp that uses 2 AAA batteries, and have been thinking about getting something newer that is rechargable (since I now have a large battery pack). Was thinking about the 20 Classic, and will probably do so now due to your comments. Thanks for such a great channel! God Bless.

[@matjobin]

@kenwbrenner Rechargeable headlamps are a great way to go, especially if already carrying a battery bank. I've really been liking the NU20 Classic so far and the updates compared to the NU25 I've been using over the years. I'm happy you found my video helpful. Thanks for watching and enjoy the new headlamp!

[@wolfeadventures]

Great review. The 1 lumen is soo important to me. I have NU20 and NU25 and can’t go without the 1 lumen mode. That’s more valuable than usb-c for me.

[@matjobin]

@@wolfeadventures The 1 lumen has been a favorite setting of mine and one that I find I use the most along with the next highest setting for night hiking. Having the 1 lumen and usb-c has been great! Almost everything I charge on trail is usb-c now so this was a nice update. My updated RovyVon light is usb-c too :). Don’t know why the 1 lumen was removed from the NU25 UL, but I’m glad it is on this updated headlamp.

[@wolfeadventures]

@@matjobin I just think Nitecore didn’t realize how many people use that setting. 6 Lumens is too bright in the tent for me.

[@tt-of4xv]

Some people say despite nitecore claims, the new NU20 classic output less total lumens in a battery charge (the battery is smaller).

[@mrtru1te]

Nice. Thanks for the video. I own the original nu25 and liked it. This new one is exactly what I was expecting the nu25 ul to be. That being said I haven’t used the nu25 since I got a rovyvon a5 so not sure it’s worth getting. Maybe for fall and winter hikes :)

[@matjobin]

@@mrtru1te It’s a nice upgrade to the old NU25. The RovyVon lights are great! I’ve been enjoying them too. I bought it out of interest and since almost everything else I charge is USB-C it was one less charging cable to carry around. So it was more out of interest and a want, but not a need. My updated RovyVon is also usb-c. Unless looking to upgrade, the old NU25 and RovyVon A5 lights are still fantastic and can get the job done.

[@tt-of4xv]

Also when comparing the beam shots on your video I feel like the more broad beam of the old NU25 was much better for hiking.

[@matjobin]

@tt-of4xv The NU20 Classic definitely has a more direct and longer range of light than the wider and shorter range of the old NU25. I haven't found it to be a dealbreaker for me though others might have a different experience.

[@eric_festinger]

Do I understand correctly that (except for the turbo mode), the runtime is less with the NU20 Classic than with the old NU25?

[@matjobin]

@@eric_festinger Yes, turbo and high modes will diminish slower on the NU20 classic compared to the NU25, but they still diminish. I’ve found the overall runtimes to be shorter with the NU20 classic vs the NU25. It has some nice updates and is adequate for what it is, but I still find that I slightly prefer the old NU25.

[@eric_festinger]

@ that’s a shame… but thank you for your reply ☺️

[@secretminie]

Can new nu20 classsic bracket put at nu25 (2017)? Because mine are broken...the are no more spare part 😢😢

[@matjobin]

@@secretminie Unfortunately not. They are both designed differently.