Is It Time to Replace Your Old Headlamp? A Review of the Nightcore HA23 UHE Headlamp

When Nightcore reached out to me asking if I’d review their new HA23UHE headlamp, I was excited. For those of you familiar with my channel, you already know that I’m a big fan of Nightcore products. In fact, the headlamp I was wearing at the beginning of this video is my trusty Nightcore NU25, which I’ve been using for years for backpacking and hunting.

Disclaimer: Nitecore sent me the new HA23 UHEs to review for free

However, I’m always eager to try out Nightcore’s latest innovations to see if they can replace my old standbys. The HA 23UHE is the latest addition to their lineup, and I wanted to give it a thorough test to see how it compares to my tried-and-true headlamps.

The Nightcore HA23UHE: Features and First Impressions

The HA23UHE comes in three different colors: blue, green, and black. I’ve got the black rock version for this review.

One of the standout features of this headlamp is its Multi-Color Temperature (MCT) light system. This feature gives you multiple options to adjust the light temperature, which is especially useful for activities like hunting or camping where you want to minimize your impact on the surroundings.

For example, when heading out to your hunting stand, you can adjust the light’s temperature to be less offensive to the wildlife around you. Similarly, around the campsite, you can avoid using the harsh white light and opt for softer hues that are easier on the eyes. This flexibility is something I really appreciate in outdoor gear.

Now, let’s dive into the unboxing experience and take a closer look at what’s inside.

Unboxing the HA23UHE

When you open the box, you’ll find a few key items:

• Three AAA batteries: This headlamp is not rechargeable, so it comes with three AAA batteries to get you started. You can also use any AAA batteries you have on hand.
• Carrying bag: The lamp comes with a small, durable carrying bag with a drawstring. It’s made of a rip-stop fabric, similar to Dyneema, which is ideal for keeping your gear protected.
• The Headlamp: The HA23UHE headlamp itself has a solid, hefty feel to it, making it feel durable and reliable.

The battery compartment is located at the back of the headlamp, and you can swap out the AAA batteries or opt for a rechargeable battery pack from Nightcore. I personally like the option of either being able to use disposable batteries or a rechargeable pack, depending on the situation.

How It Works

The operation of the HA23UHE is simple and intuitive. The headlamp has a power button on top, along with a mode button to toggle between the different light settings. Here’s a breakdown of the controls:

• Power On/Off: A long hold on the power button turns the light on or off.
• Brightness Settings: Single presses of the power button cycle through the brightness levels of the light.
• Multi-Color Temperature Settings: Single presses of the mode button cycle through the light temperature options
• Moonlight Mode: A double click of the mode button activates a very low, moonlight-style light.
• SOS Flashing Mode: Double pressing the mode button also activates an SOS flashing sequence.
• Red Light: Holding the mode button brings up the red light, which has two brightness levels to choose from.

The ability to turn on just the red light, without activating the white lights, is something I really like. It’s great for situations where you don’t want to disturb your surroundings but still need to see.

Specifications and Usability

The HA23UHE is a powerful headlamp, offering up to 600 lumens at its maximum brightness. It’s also rated IP68, meaning it’s highly water-resistant and can withstand submersion up to 2 meters (about 6 feet). This makes it perfect for wet conditions, whether it’s rain or a damp environment during your outdoor activities.

The headlamp weighs 3.17 ounces with the batteries installed, which is quite a bit heavier than my other Nightcore headlamps, like the NU25 (which weighs only an ounce) or the NU27 (around 1.3 ounces). So, if weight is a critical factor for you, this headlamp is noticeably bulkier. It’s worth noting that the HA23UHE is a larger, deeper headlamp, mainly due to the need to accommodate the three AAA batteries.

Battery Life and Efficiency

As mentioned, the HA23UHE uses AAA batteries, which may be a pro or a con depending on your preferences. Personally, I like the fact that you can carry extra AAA batteries with you instead of having to bring a charging block. The headlamp also has a handy battery indicator with blue lights that let you know how much battery is left.

The battery life will vary depending on the settings you use, but the ability to swap out batteries on the go is a huge advantage for those who don’t want to worry about finding an outlet to recharge.

Who Is the HA23UHE Best For?

So, is this headlamp a worthy replacement for my old headlamp? While it may not be the perfect fit for all of my activities, I can see the HA23UHE being ideal for several use cases:

1. Rucking and Exercise: If you’re into activities like rucking, the weight of the headlamp won’t bother you, and you’ll always have reliable light with you.
2. Scouting and Kids: I can also see this being a great choice for younger scouts or kids. The headlamp is durable, waterproof, and can withstand rough handling. Plus, it teaches the valuable skill of carrying spare batteries for outdoor activities.
3. Around the House: The HA23UHE is perfect for tasks around the house or while traveling. If you often find yourself in need of a headlamp during camping trips, hotel stays, or late-night hikes, this headlamp will serve you well.

My Final Thoughts

While I love the HA23UHE for certain situations, it’s not quite the replacement for my current headlamps. I prefer the lighter weight and rechargeable features of the NU25 and NU27 for hunting and backpacking. The HA23UHE’s bulkier profile and reliance on AAA batteries make it less ideal for those activities. However, it will definitely be my go-to for activities like rucking, as the extra weight doesn’t bother me in that scenario.

In conclusion, the Nightcore HA23UHE is a solid, rugged headlamp that excels in water resistance, durability, and versatility. It may not replace my ultralight, rechargeable models for backpacking or hunting, but it fills a niche for outdoor activities and is a great option for anyone who doesn’t mind a bit of extra weight in exchange for reliable performance.