Nitecore NU33 Head Torch 700 Lumen Triple Output USB C Rechargeable Ultra Lightweight Headtorch with Red Light, Protective Case Included

Product Information

Two buttons separately control the white and red lights and they are shielded by a plastic cover for physical protection against accidental activation. Four brightness levels as well as two special modes are available from the central LED, a single output is available from the white CRI LEDs and two brightness levels plus a flashing mode are available from the red LEDs. In addition to the main light which offers 3 brightness levels plus SOS and beacon, the NU33 features an auxiliary red light and an auxiliary high CRI white light. The red mode effectively protects night vision and is ideal for night photography, wildlife observation and stargazing. The high CRI (≥90) white light offers very low and warm outputs at 50 (low) and 6 (ultralow) lumens. The auxiliary light modes, high CRI and red, are both useful. That usefulness is maximized by the fact that they are both directly accessible when the light is off meaning there is no need to cycle through the brighter modes, which is a truly great feature of a great UI. Those lumens are made even more useful by the design of the lens/diffuser that Nitecore uses. It provides a perfectly smooth hotspot that throws well while illuminating a large area. Cleverly, the entire face of the light acts like a diffuser so that you have a light cast over a very wide area as well. This means that even with the light angled high to look as far ahead as possible, there is still light being cast at your feet. I have never seen another headlamp pull off this combination of hotspot for distance and diffused light for area lighting so well. All light modes are accessible via a simple two button interface. A full charge takes approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes when charging using an adaptor with a 5 V, 1 A output and the torch is turned off. The torch can be turned on while charging, but charging will take longer and an adaptor with a 5 V, 2 A output will need to be used. The charging of the lithium-ion battery is not affected if AAA batteries are installed in the torch, as they sit in a separate compartment.

I bought this light because of its compact size and light weight. I use it for night mountain biking. I also chose it because it can run up to 4 hours at 700 lumens which is brightest longest running light is its class. 700 lumens is about the minimum for night activities faster than walking speed. Some compact lightweight headlights are 1000 lumens or higher, but only run for a short time before dropping down to a lower setting (what's the point of that?) Gave it 4 stars due to not having tested its claimed battery life and its too soon to know if it will crap out. So far I am pleased with it. The primary light of the NU35 is an ultra smooth TrueVision flood beam that provides constant illumination that eliminates the central hotspot to ease visual fatigue and facilitate a clear view. The lithium-ion battery is charged via the USB-C charging port using the included USB-C to USB-A charging cable. Lift the dust cover on the side of the torch, insert the USB-C end of the cable and connect the USB-A end to a suitable USB power source. The charging indicator beside the main LED will glow red while charging is in progress and turn green once charging is complete. Was a Great headlamp, perfect for mountain biking in the dark until it burned a hole in my ski bibs.

Operating Modes: Ultralow (CRI) / Low (CRI) / Mid / High / Turbo / Red Constant / Red Flash / SOS / Beacon The Nitecore NU33 head torch has a maximum output of 700 lumens from the primary white LED and is powered by a built-in, li-ion battery. The light is rechargeable via a USB-C port on the base of the light for fast, efficient charging (cable included).

The head torch has a maximum output of 700 lumens from high performance LED and is powered by a built-in 2000mAh li-ion battery. In addition to the main white light, the NU33 also offers an auxiliary red light and high CRI white light. The NU33-LE has a user-friendly dual button interface allowing you to turn the light on/off and smoothly access the light sources using the mode button. It also comes with a power indication that can be accessed with a short press of the mode button. This headtorch is perfect for night running, outdoor adventures and camping. Compact and lightweight without compromising on performance and durability, the NU33 is ideal for night running, camping and other outdoor adventures. No other problems with this light other than if its not kept on in cold temps it wont stay on the brightest setting. How ironic! The high CRI light is a feature that I grew to love on my NU25. It’s floody, with no hotspot, very easy on dark-adjusted eyes, and it renders colors faithfully which is handy for tasks like map reading. Best of all, it comes on at a nice, easy-on-the-eyes 6 lumens but can be bumped up to 50 lumens. I can tell you from experience that the low mode is more than enough to walk a dark trail or navigate a dark room and you can do this for 147 hours!

Observations from Use

I was already a fan of the NU series of headlamps and this NU33 has solidified my love of these lights. It takes everything that was great with the previous NU series lights and makes improvements to the UI, charging interface, and construction. It also offers excellent, useful modes that are well-spaced and easily accessible. Best of all, it goes hard on useful outputs with useful runtimes rather than chasing impressive lumen claims to print on the box. To ensure you know when it's time to recharge, the NU33 has a built-in power indication which is access by a short press of the mode button. The LED lights show as follows: Two push buttons are located on top of the NU33, a larger power button and a smaller mode button. The power button turns the light on and can directly access either the main white light or auxiliary white from off depending on how the button is pressed. To access the main white light hold the power button for 1 second, and once on each press will cycle through mid, high and turbo. To access the auxiliary white light double press the button from off, and once on each press will cycle between ultralow and low. I’m not going to share charts, graphs, and pictures of light spots on white walls. Those things can be valuable but I don’t think they will tell the story of just how practical this light is. This light is not flashy in terms of lumen stats but it is exceedingly useful. The care that Nitecore put into making this light easy to live with is impressive. NU33 (top) shown with the modern classic NU25

The headlamp is operated by a user-friendly dual switch interface on top of the light. The power button turns the light on and off and adjusts the brightness level, and the mode button switches the light sources. The Nitecore NU33-LE triple output headlamp has been specially designed to mark Nitecore's 15th Anniversary. Made in a beautiful mystic purple, this limited edition headlamp has the quality and features of the original NU33, with an impressive maximum output of 700 lumens and a range of up to 135 meters powered by a built-in rechargeable 2000mAh Li-ion Battery. Previous offerings in the NU series of lights had battery meters but they weren’t as easy to use as the improved meter found on the NU33. Now, instead of having to count dim flashes, the battery level displays on a simple four level LED readout. It is far more foolproof. Easy to activate and read battery level indicator

Tested to ANSI/PLATO FL1-2019 standards in laboratory conditions. The data may vary slightly in real world use depending on battery type, individual usage habits and environmental factors. Brighter, smaller and runs longer, the NITECORE NU33 rechargeable headlamp is a noteworthy upgrade from the highly rated NU32 headlamp. Equipped with an upgraded unibody optical lens system, the NU33 emits a bright 700 lumen for distances up to 147 yards on Turbo mode. Switch freely between a primary white LED, offering three brightness settings, to a high CRI auxiliary LED for even flood illumination, ideal for close up tasks and reading. Alternatively, switch to the red auxiliary LED and protect your night vision or a long lasting signal light.

The NU33 weighs in at just 3.38 ounces on my scale. This weight includes its aluminum outer construction and integral 2000 mAh lithium battery. It is USB-C rechargeable which is a VERY welcomed change over previous headlamps in the NU series with Micro USB charging. It features three different lighting options: a central white LED, auxiliary high CRI white flood light, and red LED light. Outputs and runtimes are included in the image below. Observations from Use The LED light is much, much warmer than a BD Spot (2021 version), so it is a matter of preference I guess. Great color render on both LED lights on this headlamp ( primary and the secondary LED ). In terms of size, the Nu33 is similar to the BD Spot (2021 version), but it may be a matter of personal preference which one you prefer. The Nu33 has a balanced weight and is comfortable to wear. The side white CRI LEDs are activated by holding the power button for 1 second while the light is off. Holding the button for 3 seconds will activate the special modes of SOS or location beacon. The red side LEDs are operated with the left hand R push button and a single press will turn the light on in low, and continue to press within 3 seconds to cycle red low, red high, red flash and off. If left in any mode longer than 3 seconds the next press will turn the light off. Batteries Required: Built-in 590 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable (included) / 3 x AAA alkaline or NiMH (not included)Single press the power button to turn the primary light on in low, and continue to press within 3 seconds to cycle low, mid, high and off. If left in any mode longer than 3 seconds the next press will turn the light off. Turbo is accessed by holding the power button for 1 second while the light is on. After 30 seconds the turbo setting will regulate its output to prevent overheating. I haven't had the headlamp for long, but so far it's living up to its billing. I like the wide level of light settings to balance needs for brightness with battery life. I bought the NU31 and the NU33 at the same time for my partner and I. Both are good headlamps with similar features at different price points. At this point I can't evaluate either battery life or recharging ease. The headlamp is rechargeable via a USB-C port at the base of the light and is fully recharged in as little as 1.5 hours. The light comes with a USB to USB-C charging cable The red light could stand to be a little dimmer to be truly useful but it is available directly from “off” which is great. The red LED also offers a flashing mode which could be useful for those who intend to use this for early morning runs where you might be using this headlamp to be visible to drivers more than to see where you are going. To directly access the red light, instead use the smaller mode button and hold for one second from off, and once on use the power button to cycle between constant red and flashing red. When the light is on in any mode simply hold either the power button or mode button for 1 second to turn the light off again. You can also use the mode button to change between the modes while the light is on with single presses that will cycle main white, auxiliary white and red light.