Deciding Between the Nitecore NU25 and Petzl Bindi?
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- čas přidán 5. 01. 2020
- After thorough use of the Nitecore NU25 and Petzl Bindi headlamps I wanted to show everyone my conclusion comparing these two very similarly marketed flashlights. They're both ultra light but which do I prefer and why?
Tina's Instagram: / wo_ist_tina
My Instagram: / jaywandersout
Lists of most of my gear:
www.amazon.com/shop/jaywander...
Affiliate links of gear used:
--Headlamps
Olight H1R Nova 600 Lumens Rechargeable - 1.8oz - amzn.to/2SwuGIJ
Nitecore NU25 360 Lumen Headlamp - amzn.to/37K9s1B
Petzl Bindi 200 Lumens Ultralight Headlamp - amzn.to/35vk1UK
Shock cord on the Nitecore
amzn.to/3hBvsRw
--Cameras used:
Sony Alpha A6600 Camera with 18-135mm Lens - amzn.to/36Xte9K
Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony E - amzn.to/2sNyCxq
Sony Alpha 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G Telephoto APS-C Lens - amzn.to/2MgvAsi
DJI Osmo Pocket - amzn.to/2UhuAGm
--Microphone:
PowerDeWise Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Mic - amzn.to/2EEwqLd
Video editing application: Davinci Resolve 16.1 (free version)
#backpacking #hiking #hikinggear #headlamps #nitecore
Thank you for a great comparison video! I've been using the Bindi for several years and a lot of thru-hikes (CDT, AZT, LT, GET, AT). It's just worked for me all that time and so I hadn't really been seeking anything else. I have really good night vision and so I'm even able to hike with the lamp in the lowest white light setting (5 lumens). And believe me, being a sobo hiker on most all these trails, I spent a lot of hours hiking fall mornings and evenings in the dark. I also just barely managed to see 2 rattlesnakes across the trail on the AZT...I stress barely. I agree that the red light on the Bindi is pretty useless and finally decided I'd like something that has a red light strong enough that I could hike with it, hence my curiosity about a suitable replacement. Your comparison images are great in helping me see how well it would work, based on my experience with the Bindi.
I agree with you. This little lamp is the perfect lamp. I do a lot of solo multi day backpacking trips in the Adirondack mountains of New York. I like to keep my pack weight down to 20 pounds or less for multi day backpacking trips. (Excluding water and camera). This lightweight lamp at it lowest settings works well for hiking in the dark on astablished trails. I have used it many times to climb in the dark to see beautiful sunrises from mountain peaks. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
Awesome, thorough review dude!! Keep up the great work. I look forward to more of your gear reviews! Hike on!
Great review! I had both head lamps in my cart and was trying to figure out which to buy.. it’s like the review was made for me.. thanks!
Jay, thanks for the reviews. Also, I agree with your statement about reviewing products one has had *and used* for several months. That's why I asked you about your solar panel on the PCT. Again, thanks!
Wonderful review, thank you for putting so much effort.
Absolutely the best comparison video that I have seen regarding these two headlamps. I have the NU25 but I also have an Olight S1R Baton II if I really want to light up my surroundings.
Nice! I have an Olight S1R original and I'm always tempted to upgrade for that 100 extra lumens. Oh well. Olight flashlights are so tiny it's crazy.
I watched maybe 10 such videos yesterday, and this is by far the best one..! Both with the manual camera settings, and the actual presentation 👍
Only thing i would add is that the Nitecore NU25 has a 61 meter light beam on the 190 lumen setting (81 meters on the boost), while the Petzl Bindi only has 36 meter on the 200 lumen setting (according to the specs on the manufacturers website). Considering that a lot of trails have sections where it can be difficult to see where to go even in broad daylight, with markings being pretty far apart (if there even is any markings at all), i would argue that the Petzl Bindi is not really ideal for night hiking... People probably bring a GPS device for night hiking, so it should not be a serious issue, but it is still nice to have access to a somewhat powerful light source...
I ordered the Nitecore NU32 the other day as it was on sale for $11 cheaper than the NU25. This weighs 76g without the headband, so the NU25 is probably a lot more comfortable to wear, and with 5 hours at 190 lumen, it will be plenty for dayhikes, but somewhat limiting for night hikes... The NU32 gets 17 hours on the 190 lumen setting (77 meter light beam), which may seem like complete overkill, but this means that i can hike as long as i can muster, and use the boost setting pretty liberally (1 hour, 550 lumen, 125 meter) 😋
Thanks! Was considring the nu 25 or the revolt.. first red light review that made sense.
Very nice and helpful review, thank you!
I have seen that Nitecore on some other videos. I really want to switch to a rechargeable headlamp. Very good video and information. Thanks for sharing. I have enjoyed your videos.✌️
Well thanks for enjoying them!
Thank you, good fellow, for this review. Very clear, concise and informative. A thumbs up from me.
I used a bindi on my 2019 thru hike of the PCT. It worked great.
I didn’t do that much night hiking but when I did, the dimmest or second dimmest setting was enough for me.
I agree its red light is super dim. I never needed the bright one but I could see people who stay in shelters or hike in a big group might benefit from the brighter red light.
I think I paid about $40 for it late summer in 2018. $60 seems a bit pricey. Maybe they had a low come on price when they first released it. I like that I didn’t have to add custom shock cord to it. That makes up for a more expensive price for the less handy.
The square usb plug is weird at first but once I figured out which way was “up”, I never had a problem plugging it in again. Never damaged it.
It’s plenty dust and water resistant to survive a six month PCT thru hike. It’s still going strong.
The white color makes it easy to find on the ground or in a tent. The cord does get dirty fast.
The little button never bothered me.
Loved that I could recharge it but really didn’t need to on the trail since I didn’t do a lot of night hiking. I liked the indicator lights that told me how much charge it had left.
I bought it as soon it came available about May 2018 but had it shipped to me a month later. I think it was $60 at the time as well though but at the time it had no real competitors for that brightness and weight. Good that it worked out for your entire thru hike. It is super duper light for sure.
Excellent Review!
great review!
Nice video my friend. I had the NU 25 on my thru hike and still use it and it’s the best I’ve ever had especially with how light it is
Yes, super light and I really love that you can use it while plugged in.
Based off of this video review I bought the Nitecore NU25 (uL version from LightSmith). I am very impressed with the light brightness settings and their functionality for what they are intended for. This light is so lightweight that it’s quite comfortable for long ware times, and it is so small in volume it will sit in pocket without being much a bother. Thanks Jay!
I replaced the headband with that ultralight shock chord way but I'll probably put the original headband back on. It's great to go that light for a thru hike but for day to day that headband is pretty comfortable. I really did like the buttons way better on the Nitecore as well. Have fun with it!
Nice review man. I have the Nitecore NU25 but wanted to compare it to the petzl and here we are 👍🏼. I'm one of those rare flashlights channels that keeps the camera in manual as well. It's nice to see someone else doing it as well. Awesome work buddy 😎👍🏼🔦 thanks for a great review man. Looks like I'll be picking up a second NU25 for my other backpack.
As of right now if I was going on another long thru hike I'd probably pick up a new NU25. It's a pretty sweet headlamp.
Great video. I was trying to make this exact decision. This has really helped. I was leaning towards the Bindi but now know I want the NU25. I am sensitive to pwm.
Thanks. I hope it works out well for you. I still use the same NU25 four years later and it's still working great.
Cool. I like your review very much. Very informative one.
Solid review. I just got the NU25 and added the shock cord. Saved about 15 grams lol. Thanks Jay!
So light. I still use the headlamp all the time in the car. It definitely goes with me on backpacking trips though. I used it for a good 4 hours last year doing the Cactus to Clouds hike and it worked very well.
my guess is that square port was the only one they could find with some water resistance. thanks for the review and comparison!
Good stuff Jay
Thanks for the review, Jay. I like the NU25 and is my go-to and I used it on my PCT section night hike last September. Great price as well. While both have locking functions, I do like the physical locking mechanism of the Bindi. BTW - Nitecore has some really ridiculous flashlights, including a 10,000 lumen “mini-sun” contraption. Very creative company.
A long time ago I bought Nitecore batteries and chargers and loved them and was happy they went into the flashlight market. I'm a flashlight lover as well so actually have a variety of Streamlight, Surefire, Fenix, Thrunite, Olight, and Thorfire flashlights. Can't have enough redundancy for lights at least if you don't have to carry them.
Setting the camera to manual and using the same settings for all lights to get a good comparison is something that is commonly done on bicycle headlight (and taillight) comparisons, for their "beam shots"
Fully pro review. Haven't seen yet such a good one like this one.
One of the best recensions!
Thanks Jay
Great review and I'm THIS close to replacing my Bindi now. lol Question though - even with the lock-out feature - was there any time that the Nitecore got accidently turned on in your pack? That's always one of my greatest worries.
Thanks for your review. I am not sure if Petzl has changed Bindi since the time of your review to present day 2/2023. I am an avid solo multi day backpacker. This little lamp has exceeded my expectations. The low light setting is perfect for doing chores at camp and walking on trails at night. The red light is bright enough to do everything I need once I am in my hammock. The button for turning the light on and going through the lighting options is straight forward and easy to use. I would recommend this light.
Nice review; very thorough. Based on advertised literature, the Bindi has a 680 mAh battery vs NU25 610 mAh which should make the Bindi last longer. unusual for the Nitecore to last longer..... The Bindi also has a power revive for about 90 minutes on low once the main battery is depleted.
Thanks for the additional information. Both are pretty similar all right. I've been checking for new ultralight headlamps but so far nothing else new that is also still effective.
So I personally have and use the bindi, and a little trick I found is if you press and hold the button while its off, it will automatically turn on the red light
My engineering brain loves how detailed you are with all your videos 😊 You’ve always done loads of research and testing which is greatly appreciated!
NU25 for the win! Better features and not really any drawbacks. Petzl has multiple design flaws.
I haven’t done Instagram in years but I think I’ll probably get back on. I saw that your acct is new so I’ll follow you and Tina!
She has CDT 2020 on her insta bio.
Are y’all hiking it together?
Good eye! She is indeed hiking the CDT 2020 and I'll update everybody on my plans for 2020 although no thru hike is in my plan for the year. Maybe the next year.
Wow. How long will that take you guys to do? (CDT)
good review
They fixed the USB-port, thanks for pointing it out 🌌💟☮️
good review but I chose and have the Petzi because everything is "out of the box" and I can deal with any of the negative comparisons. Matter of fact the Bendi works super at home assisting with any needs for illumination regarding various tasks.
New subscriber here! Thanks for the comparison! It helped me decide what I wanted! I think I am going with the Nitcore. Do you have a video that goes over how you made the shock cord customization? I like that you set the video to a manual adjustment, Pro move.
Sorry I didn't record that process.
This is so funny because Emilee (Coins) uses the Bindi and I use the NU25. I really like it so far. Glad you made this video because it makes me even more happy with my purchase. I didn’t want to spend the $60 on the Bindi. I need to make the shock cord headband that you made. That’s awesome.
-Timber
That us funny! What are your cohikers using? Having a good time back on trail? We've been seeing Coin's Instagram posts. Enjoy your days!
Exactly the video I was looking for ..such a coincidence because I've been watching your AT videos 🤣🤣
I love my NU25, the same one which I've had since before this video.
The battery bank would be a huge difference! Very good to know. I also had some question about how long the shock cord would last on the Bindi and it seems like the ability to replace the Nitecore with a shock cord of your own design is also a benefit.
With a ultralight head lamp being able to use a battery bank does help a lot.
I have never used a power pac plugged into anything while using the power device but a thought of caution comes to mind. Consumer grad Lithium ion batteries are damaged when charging them in temperatures near 32°f and below. What happens is the anode pole ends up getting an electro plating covering, rather then forming the crystal medium it is suppose to form for charging use. this damage is not reversible. So maybe be judicious about when you power off the power pac. nice review. I need a new head lamp, my problem is I keep loosing them.
Yep, lithium plating is a big issue that can definitely reduces battery life quickly. I'm glad you know about it. Most people have no idea about it so I was even going to make a video about it once I get more research in. I guess the advantage of running while plugged in is even when the batteries are way past their optimum you can still get use out of these. This is also why I really like my Olight Nova headlamp since I can just replace the battery when needed. It just doesn't have a red lamp though.
Good info
Thanks 👍
Yeah too many headlamps , I looked at both but being clumsy and hard on gear I went with the Petzl Tikka with 300 lumens because you have to open it to recharge directly into the battery thus the port doesn't get dirty . Jay enjoy your time and don't forget Germany as I did , Mom reminded me when I reached 60 that I went to kindergarten in Germany before the P.N.W.
I actually had the Petzl RXP headlamp that auto adjusts to brightness or distance and it worked great. My problem was as it got older I couldn't find a replacement battery for it. Other than that it was pretty sweet.
Спасибо большое! Отличный обзор! 👍
Just used the Bindi other night hiking the LA Aqueduct and it was not bright enough for me.
What knot did you use for your paracord headband?
Nice review Jay! I have a Petzl Tikka and I'm trying to decide if I should buy the Petzl Accucore rechargeable battery and then modify the strap to reduce weight OR just buy an NU25 for PCT next year. I think the weight difference may be about an ounce. Do you get more life out of the built-in battery on the Nitecore or the Accucore rechargeable. Any idea?
Sorry I don't know anything about the Accucore. I did have a Tikka on my PCT and loved it since its bean shot so far. It made for hiking at 3am in the Sierra much easier. My biggest gripe was that it didn't have a lock so it wouldn't accidentally turn on. The NU25's throw is pretty nice though and I like that I could plug it into a battery bank if the battery runs out.
@@JayWandersOut thank you!
The flicker makes complete sense once you think about how LEDs work. They don't dim like an incandescent bulb, the lower power modes use the same bulbs, at the same brightness but use pulse width modulation to only have them on say: 75% of the time for medium, 50% for low and 10% for super low. The rate of the pulse is faster than your eyes refresh rate so you don't see it, but certain camera settings show it clear as day.
I like petzl. And now I have also the new model of nitecore but I miss low red light mode.
I like the petzl because is more like tent lamp. Its not so disturbing light. And the white is more yellow. And I dont like so much the buttons on Nitecore. Harder to press. And Petzl is so simple to use. Also the rotation is easy, smooth and silent. I love that. I like design, shape…of course it have few downsides but I like this headlamp anyway. May I miss some super turbo mode for white. Nitecore is ideal for moving because is more bright. Of course the usb c is just perfect for 2024. I dont like the sound of straps. I have the UL version. So this I like more on Petzl. But Im happy for both. Its just different. Depends on for what to using.
The shutter speed is resonating with the Hz rating of the bindi.
I like to use lights that use the lithium 18650 batteries because they tend to last long and I can quickly change the battery out with extras that I carry. Not as lightweight as yours but I don't worry about being caught without a light. The ones I have have a red light setting and one has two 18650's on the back of the strap. I like the strobe light in case of confrontation with a wild animal. Hopefully, it will disorient them.
Two 18650's that's heavy! I actually have several flashlights that take those and they are great batteries but the flashlights are just so heavy. I love that 1000 lumens though. I keep a Thrunite TC20 in my car next to my bed that uses a 26650 battery and puts out 3800 lumens to blind anything that seems threatening. Out backpacking though I like to keep things light.
@@JayWandersOut Wow I learned something new. I never knew about a 26650 battery. You are right about the weight of what I mentioned. Thanks Jay. Keep those video's coming.
THE spark drone RC controller had same fault , rectangular micro usb port ....
The Olight H1R is no longer available and it's replacement, the Olight Perun Mini 1000 uses a proprietary battery. The Fenix LD15R uses a standard COTS Lithium battery and has features similar to the Nitecore NU25 so that may be an option (although it's heavy like the Olight). The Fenix doesn't have a headlamp adapter however there are 3rd party products available.
Been using the bindi and bought multiple to have in case the current one fails or stops working for whatever reason. Bindi 100%
I'm pretty sure ALL LED lights use PWM to dim the light. It's far more efficient so if you want the battery to last a long time, you use PWM. The difference on the better lights is that the PWM frequency is quite high, they're probably pulsing at 1000 or more times per second so you won't notice it so much on the camera.
So again, in the olight I can use lithium batteries in case my charge were to go dead?
Also, where can I get those other straps?
Yes, the Olight takes normal CR123 batteries as well as the rechargable one they have. In fact throughout my entire through hike I used a normal lithium CR123 battery and later carried a spare since I didn't want to cary the charging cable with me. I was depending on this flashlight if it got so cold my rechargeable headlamps would stop working.
@@JayWandersOut what about those other straps you had on it?
Oh yeah, I used shock chord and most of the ideas from czcams.com/video/jdK7BXsX8_Q/video.html
@@JayWandersOut great! Thx so much for sharing!
Pretty good review with useful information on both lights, given you really don't like the Petzl lite. I'm surprised you didn't complain that in this day and age, both Mfgs should have used USB C, instead of micro USB, thus eliminating the charging cable orientation problem. We have grown to really dislike Micro USB plug ins.
NU25 UL has USB C and a shock cord.
I had a NiteCore fail on me. I’m not a second chance kind of guy with gear. Been rockin Black Diamonds forever and they haven’t failed. But I have been looking at The BINDI, has pretty good run time and it’s really small and light. Thanks for your posts, keep them coming, really enjoy them
I really appreciate your opinion on review videos. It bugs me when someone titles a video "review" and it's at best an unboxing. Reading the specs on the box does not constitute a review.
Yes, I hate reviews after having it one day. I think on CZcams people feel the pressure to review new products first so they get more views when people search for the product. It always takes me months before I get to review something, often over a year. Oh well. Thanks for watching the video.
Not the lightest but I went with the NU20, not NU25 because the NU20 has a guard that prevents the button from being pushed and draining the battery while in my pack.
With the NU25 you just press the two buttons simultaneously and it locks out. I love that I don't have to push and hold either. It seems like the NU20 is pretty comparable except for the red feature.
Would this nu25 work for trail running in your opinion?
I'd say yes. Its highest setting is plenty bright for that. You'll have to be careful with how long you run though since a smaller battery means shorter life.
@@JayWandersOut thanks man 🤝🏻
Do you know what the differences are between the 25 and the 32? (nightcore)
Sorry, I do not have the 32 nor know anything about it. I'd have to Google it.
Higher lumens (over 500). Con is that's it's about double the weight of the 25....
Love you
The nu25’s main beam is too narrow which is a common complaint about it.
My Biggest negativ Point with nitecore was the Self-discharging by not using, i‘ve had by another Model. Thu, they will not geht another chance.
What cord diameter did you use with the nitecore?
It's 1/8" shock chord form Amazon amzn.to/3hBvsRw
GO NAVY!!!!!!!!!!
NU 25 all day ! Great headlight
Yep. I used it on my latest backpacking trips and still use it in my car. I'll have it with me on my next big backpacking trip as well.
Very nice review. I have a small edc bag im working on for my side pocket and im caught between a bindi and that nitecore and streamlight bandit. I made a light video as well and I lock my camera (panasonic gh2) to manual settings always. Led lights today come in different tints and type of leds (Nichia 219 b vs XML 2 etc etc.) will give you different levels of warmth or coldness based on a kelvin factor. cooler leds ar higher around 5000k+ and warmer are less than 4500k+ Also note the white balance of your camera. You should be able to also lock in your white balance to a number value as well. Great review! I went over my edc lights currently as well here czcams.com/video/80HtkgJQoYU/video.html
I love flashlights as well. I've been buying colder lights though in some models because they tend to be a tad bit brighter, at least with Olight and Thrunite anyway. For this year's trip I need to find my UV flashlight so I can film scorpions at night.. always losing my flashlights.
@@JayWandersOut I understand., I think nitcore makes a small leychain usb light that has a uv led along with a red led as well. i think its the nitecore tiki 300 lumen model. You might to try looking at that unless youre going for a headlamp. Do you have any ham radios in your camping / hiking bag?
I’m a huge gear slut, especially with headlamps. I bought the Bindi and don’t really like it. Not that it’s bad....but it’s probably the worst headlamp that Petzl makes.
Great review though!
I have their Petzal Tika and love that thing except no lockout. I had it on maybe the first 1800 miles of the PCT. One thing I hated most about the Bindi were its horrible tiny sharp buttons. When your fingers are half frozen it just didn't work well or hurt my fingers.
@@JayWandersOut check out the Petzl IKO
It’s insane!
@@JayWandersOut check out the Petzl IKO Core. It’ll blow your mind!
Count on a military guy mentioning red light hahaha
the red light is for map reading
Really for reading anything. Some would argue it isn't effective for map reading though since red lines would almost disappear. Red lights are harder to see from further away so you could still use it without drawing attention on yourself so stealth is another factor. Lots of reasons really.
To be clear....we all know what a bindi is right? who named it that
Yeah, I wonder if Petzl's marketing and PR teams had numerous meetings about renaming this device. I'm actually surprised it's still called the same.
A marine with a democrate commercial...yikes.
Yeah, we don't control those commercials. Besides if they want to give me money who am I to complain as long as they don't steal from others to do so?