Best Klarus Advanced Tactical Flashlight Comparisons
larus has really impressed us by creating these incredible advanced flashlights with unique programmable settings. The XT11S rapidly grew in popularity once it was released. Then customers began asking for more upgrades like the XT11S with the original XT series of flashlights! So Klarus delivered with upgraded versions of the XT11S, XT1C, and XT12GT. In this post, we wanted to look at the four advanced flashlights with programmable settings that Klarus released just tis year.
The first advanced tactical flashlight that Klarus released: the XT11S! This flashlight is still incredibly popular to this day! And why wouldn’t it be? Not only does it have a ton of great features, but it also comes with some goodies. It’s a lot of bang for your buck. To start with, the XT11S delivers 1100 lumens and has a pinpoint beam with a great beam throw. It features three switches - a dual-tail switch and a side switch - which can be a bit...well, much. But once you learn of all the features, you’ll understand why there are three switches. Not to mention there is a lock-out function for the side switch if you prefer using only the dual-tail switches.
The XT11S features three programmable settings to choose from: the Tactical setting, the Outdoor setting, and the Advanced Tactical setting. Many users choose one of these settings and just stick with it, but it is really nice to have options. These settings allow the XT11S to be a truly versatile flashlight to fit any user’s needs. Also, the XT11S is USB rechargeable, has a battery power indicator, and a charging progress indicator.
The XT11GT is the upgraded version of the XT11S and delivers a whopping 2000 lumens! The XT11S and XT11GT are pretty much the exact same flashlight with a few exceptions. Since I already laid out several features of the XT11S above, I’ll just talk about the differences between the XT11GT and the XT11S. The first major difference is the LED. The XT11S has a CREE XP-L HI V3 LED the XT11GT has a CREE XHP35 HD E4 LED. The XT12GT also has more of a spill than the XT11S.
The XT11GT also comes with an unprotected 18650 3600mAh battery that helps this flashlight deliver unbelievable power. Of course, some users prefer not to use an unprotected cell and that’s just fine. The XT11GT can be equipped with other protected 18650 batteries, but it might not deliver all the power the unprotected cell can.
The XT1C is meant for an everyday carry flashlight that can also suit some tactical needs. First, the biggest and most obvious difference between the XT1C and the XT11S or XT11GT is the size. The XT1C is more or less, a pocket flashlight or a pistol light at a little over three inches in length. With the two way pocketclip, you can find unique ways to use the XT1C hands-free. It features a dual-tactical tail switch for easy one-handed operation. Unlike the XT11S and XT11GT, the XT1C only has those two switches and only has two programmable settings: the Tactical Setting and the Outdoor Setting. It also is not rechargeable, but it does come with a 16340 rechargeable battery. The XT1C is less complicated than the XT11S or GT. It has the programmable settings and is a great advanced flashlight without a lot of the bells and whistles of the previous two.
I can never get enough of talking about this flashlight. It’s Klarus’ newest release and everyone is incredibly excited about it! It shres imilarities with all three of Klarus’ previous releases of advanced flashlights. It features only a dual-tactical tail switch for easy one-handed operation. It also features two programmable settings: the Tactical Setting and the Outdoor Setting. So it’s more simplified than the XT11S or GT, but has more features than the XT1C.
The XT12GT is unique from the other advanced flashlights because of its magnetic charging port. Like the original XT12, the XT12GT has a magnetic charging port for secure and efficient charging. There’s a small ring around the charging port that indicates whether the battery is fully charged or charging. It also indicates the battery’s current charge so you can plan your usage accordingly.
Also, one of the goodies included with the XT12GT is the Magnetic Charging Connector. This cool little device allows you to turn any micro USB cable into a magnetic charging cable for the XT12GT. It’s small enough that you can easily add it to your keychain without adding too much extra bulk. It also has a handy little light on it that you can easily use in various situations from map-reading to looking for something in your car.
Those are some of the impressive flashlights that Klarus put out this year! We can’t wait to see what they create next year! We’re hoping for an XT15GT! What would you like to see Klarus make?