It’s easy to say that Klarus is one of our favorite brands at the store, and most of us actually carry or own some type of Klarus light. When it comes to a quality build that’s reliable and incredibly easy to use, we will always recommend Klarus as one of the best. That is why we’re excited to see that they have just released the new RS11: a 620 lumen flashlight with a few tricks up its sleeve.
The new RS11 is Klarus’s first attempt at creating a light with a charging port, which comes in very handy for those looking for a light to keep in a car or truck, since there is no need to purchase a separate charger to charge the batteries (keeps the light and battery in one convenient package). Since the charging port is located in the back of the light, the infamous dual switch interface has been moved towards the head of the light, and has a bit of a different interface (similar to the ED10 pressure switch for the XT11). At the head of the light, Klarus used a more aggressive bezel to protect the lens of the light, that is also very efficient as a defense tool to thwart off any attackers. The light has three modes (low, medium, high) and a strobe that can be accessed via the secondary switch.
As a rechargeable light, this one has been very impressive so far, and is very versatile and easy to recharge anywhere, which makes it a good light for any commuter.
After releasing the XT series, Klarus realized that their lights were a great choice for a weapon mounted light, yet it did not have a specifically designed pressure switch for the lights. Introducing the Klarus TR11 and TR12 pressure switches, which are the first of its kind that allow the user to cycle through the modes via the switch. The TR11 and TR12 have a dual button switch: a larger primary switch used for momentary light, and a secondary to access a constant beam and cycling through the modes (including strobe). The TR11 switch will fit the XT1A, XT1C, and the XT2A, while the TR12 will fit the XT2C.
The XT10 was a really great step for Klarus, a new brand that at the time was able to launch itself into the flashlight market with a great and incredibly reliable flashlight. Now, they have improved on the already impeccable light by introducing the Klarus XT11. Unlike the previous model, the XT11 has an upgraded XML-LED with the new U2, which boosts the lumen output up to an incredible 600 lumens. Another improvement can be found in the new integrative lens of the light, which can be swapped out for a blue, green, red, or frosted lens depending on the required color. Where great things were added to the XT11, Klarus also left the good qualities from the previous XT10 untouched, such as the dual switch on the tail cap and the edged tactical ring to prevent the light from rolling.
The engineers at Klarus were very innovative with the design of the XT10 and XT11 flashlights for tactical purposes, and they got a great response from the users saying that it was a great light for their tactical or home needs, but were a bit bulky for EDC due to their proportions. In response, Klarus released the all new XT series (XT1A, XT2A, XT1C, XT2C), a set of slimmer and smaller lights than the XT10 and XT11 that still use the dual tail switch integration. Just like the P series, the XT series lights are named based on their cell capacity, so it makes it easier to choose which light is more necessary or practical than others. All of the lights do come with the standard high mode output when turned on, and can cycle through the different modes by pressing the tail switch. To access strobe, hold down the second switch while the light is on, and can be accessed for temporary use while the light is off by simply pressing the secondary switch while the light is off.
A newer brand that has had a fast uprising on the flashlight market, Klarus is well known for its highly acclaimed XT10: a tactial light that is made to handle some of the toughest conditions on the planet. However, this review is to discuss the EDC line of the Klarus brand, which rise above and beyond their expectations. The Klarus P series contains four different lights: P1C, P2C, P1A, and P2A. Each light has a different lumen output and battery cell capacity, which is great for those that wish to find the ideal light for the conditions that the user may endure (i.e.: output vs. convenience/pocket portability vs. run time). The Klarus P series lights come standard with IPX-8 waterproofing and a removable pocket clip.
The Klarus XT20 is a tactical light with mega output. The XT20 differs from a lot of tac lights in that it has two whole heads built into the same bezel. Having two heads means that it has two different LEDs set into two different reflectors. This set up allows the XT20 to have ridiculous output with a very unique beam pattern. The hot spot is wider than most, while still being extremely intense. The XT20 uses two CREE XM-L LEDs to pump out 1200 lumens of light on high. Having that much output makes this torch perfect for search and rescue, or just as a general duty light. The XT20 also features Klarus’s dual switch system which has become very popular due to its ease of use.
With its phallic shape and crazy output, this is one powerful light!
The Klarus XT-10 is a fairly small and affordable flashlight with tons of output.
Using the new CREE XM-L LED the XT10 is capable of putting out a blinding 470 lumens on the max brightness setting. That is a lot of light for such a modest sized and modest priced torch. The user has a few options when it comes to powering the XT-10. This light accepts either 2 CR123 lithiums, 1 18650 rechargeable, or 2 16340 rechargeable batteries. Flexibility is always a welcome trait as it makes the light much more versatile and therefore more likely to be used. This is a “do it all” kind of flashlight. There isn’t one specific task is was built for, so it excels at doing most anything.
If you are looking for an easy way to get into high output LED lights then this is a great option. This is a nice way to get an insanely bright light while still keeping your wallet padded.
The Klarus Mi10 SS is an itty bitty AAA powered light that has some nice features to make it a good outdoor or pocket carry light. The small size means that it fits in your pack or pocket without notice or excessive weight. Compact doesn’t mean dim though, since the light can crank out 80 lumens on high. Low is 2 lumens and medium is 20 lumens, rounding out the three outputs that will cover most lighting needs, as long as you are not trying to spot targets at 300 yards.
A nice nerdy feature of this light is that all three modes are current controlled, which eliminates the PWM, or the rapid flashing that many regulated lights use to control the output. Most lights ten times the size of this light are not current controlled, making the Mi10s circuitry even more impressive. If that made your eyes completely glaze over, here is a video with some shiny stuff:
Klarus is new on the flashlight scene, but they arrived with some really cool lights as their first models. Their models cover the regular battery configurations, AA (ST10), 2 x AA (ST20), CR123 (NT10) and 2 x CR123 (NT20), meaning that you can set yourself up with whatever configuration you prefer. The lights make great outdoor or general use lights, with their dual switches and great interface. The rear switch will give you momentary activation and reliable operation, while the head switch switches modes. You can loosen the head for even more modes and hold the head switch in any mode to get instant access to strobe. Of all the strobe options I have seen, this is probably the best. It isn’t in the way for people who hate flashing modes, but it is right there ready to go for people who want strobe.
When you are in the middle of nowhere and need super high output, you have it, but when you need to save battery life or are up close to what you are illuminating, you have that too, along with plenty of outputs in between. SOS is in there too for when you crawl in a cave looking for shelter and find Bigfoot looking non too happy that you interrupted his nap.
