Fenix HL18R-T vs Nitecore NU21

Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.

Fenix HL18R-T is the lighter option — 2 g lighter than the Nitecore NU21 (5% less weight). If grams matter to you, that is the one to beat.

Spec	Fenix HL18R-T	Nitecore NU21
Weight	42 g · 0.042 kg · 0.09 lb	44 g · 0.044 kg · 0.10 lb
Brand	Fenix	Nitecore
Category	Lighting	Lighting

Fenix HL18R-T

42 g

Ultralight 500-lumen rechargeable headlamp for trail running.

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Nitecore NU21

44 g

Ultralight USB-C rechargeable headlamp with 360-lumen white and auxiliary red beams, built for running and minimalist hiking.

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Fenix HL18R-T vs Nitecore NU21: which should you buy?

If saving weight is your priority, the Fenix HL18R-T wins — at 42 g it is 2 g (5%) lighter than the Nitecore NU21 (44 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.

See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest lighting page, or browse the full gear weight database.

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