Nitecore NU07LE Signal light | Expert review by Koen van der Jagt

That must be practical: a rechargeable signalling light that produces almost all important colours and flashes. Let me introduce you to the Nitecore NU07LE!

My first impressions

The packaging is modest and so are the contents, only the essentials are included. Despite the fact that the NU07LE comes with a solid holder and is MOLLE compatible, an included headband or arm strap would have been welcome additions. During use this namely turns out to be a useful accessory.

The NU07LE stands out because of its divergent shapes and design The elongated casing is largely translucent, allowing you to see the NU07LE's most striking details: the five light sources and the built-in battery. The light is completely made from polycarbonate but can handle its own. The back of the light is enhanced with guide rails that enable you to slide the light into an ARC rail on a helmet. Below a smaller and longer clamp to attach the NU07LE to a headband or your MOLLE compatible system. A striking detail is also the USB-C port which is not covered; and yet the manufacturer guarantees that the light is IP66-rated. Simply put this means that the light can handle (heavy) downpours or a wave of water, but it cannot be submerged in water.

The NU07LE weighs next to nothing, you hardly feel it hanging from your gear. Charging it is child's play via the USB-C connection and you can check the battery status. A good option is that you can continue to use the light as you charge it, and you can be sure of your safety with this powerbank, for instance.

When and how

The NU07LE has multiple mounting options and if you are resourceful you can expand this even more. In the holder it is most stable, but mounting the holder has its limitations because of the velcro closure. The same applies when you mount it to a helmet, it needs to be enhanced with ARC rails. And yet I was able to attach the NU07LE in various ways: panniers, jacket and backpack will work well in many cases. If your gear or clothing is enhanced with a MOLLE or PALS system, you can attach the NU07LE even faster. Thanks to the angular shapes the light is also stable when placed on its own. The five different colours ensure that the light can be used in many different situations; from head torch to rear light but also as signalling light for emergency services or road workers.

How is the NU07LE in terms of controls and comfort:

The NU07LE looks (at first glance) a little tricky to control. You turn the light on and off by holding the button two seconds: this is easy and not uncommon. Choosing the light mode is clearly different: this is only possible when you turn the light on and hold the button long enough to reach the colour or option you desire. Considering all the options it takes approx. 15 seconds before you have seen them all. When the light is turned on you can no longer switch light options. In reality this won't be as difficult as it looks because the NU07LE turns itself on in the mode last used, and you often need the light for the same purpose. The control button has a clear pressure point and is, because of its divergent structure, also easy to find in the dark. The options for the NU07LE are unique: I have never held a light with five colours (red/green/orange/white/blue) that all also have a flashing mode. As additional option there is also a built-in red/blue flash that makes you stand out even more. The NU07LE has a built-in power check, so you know in time when you need to charge it.

In short: the NU07LE is unique in terms of controls and options.

This is what I love about the NU07LE

This light is incredibly versatile, especially when you own a 'set'. Think of a front and rear light when you go hiking or cycling, as white and green signalling light on a boat or as breakdown light. As you charge the NU07LE you can still continue to use it; also great.

This could be better

Despite the IP66-rating I would have loved to see a USB-cover: it feels 'safer' and it also enables you to attach the light upside down in the rain. I also miss an arm strap or headband.

Value for money?

The NU07LE is not unreasonably priced, but also not very cheap. Your money, however, does buy you an 'all-rounder' that is nicely constructed. It think it would be wise though if Nitecore created a set with a discount. Who knows..

My conclusion:

I appreciate lights such as this: multi-functional and easy to take with you. A headband or arm strap like the ones that come with the NU05 make the light even more versatile, now you need to be creative or have a MOLLE or velcro connection. I hope that Nitecore will continue to build on this concept and that we will be able to welcome another more powerful version of this light soon!

Also

The NU07LE is a signalling light, a light to be seen, not to shine with. The range with the white option is a few metres at most.

Last, but not least: the beamshots:

Time to use the NU07LE during common situations when the light could come in handy. The possibilities are endless thanks to the five available colours!

The ESEE adventure cap is enhanced with a velcro closure to which you can attach the NU07LE to make sure it won't fall off when you walk or run. Incredibly practical!

Attached to a backpack the NU07LE ensures that you are seen by traffic coming from behind or maybe one of your fellow backpackers.

Another option is attaching it to your means of transport, your pannier, for instance. With the NU07LE you are much more visible than with your average rear light.

You can also increase your safety on a construction site by wearing orange light on your safety helmet, for instance.

When you attach the NU07LE to a first-aid bag with velcro you will be even more recognizable and increase safety where help is needed.