Klarus XT11GT Tactical Flashlight Vs. Klarus XT11X Tactical Flashlight

The Klarus XT11GT has been considered one of the best tactical flashlights for over a year now and is still incredibly popular to this day. But is it about to be dethroned by Klarus’ newest tactical flashlight - the XT11X? Only a couple of months since its release, and the Klarus XT11X is growing in popularity everyday. It’s not surprising consider the massive power behind this tactical flashlight. So what’s the difference between the XT11GT and the XT11X? And which would be the better tactical flashlight to buy? This blog will address those questions so you can be informed about these best tactical flashlights and decide which you’d prefer.

Powerful Tactical Flashlight

While both flashlights are powerful, the XT11X has a greater output, but that doesn’t make it better necessarily. The beam patterns are quite different and both tactical flashlights have features that are unique to them.

Klarus XT11GT: This tactical flashlight delivers a maximum output of 2000 lumens and is equipped with a CREE XHP35 HD E4 LED! It’s quite compact with a length of a little over 5 ½ inches and a head diameter of less than 1 ½ inches so you could clip it to your pocket or carry it in the holster that comes with it. The XT11GT has a maximum beam throw of 316 meters so it can shine far out into the distance! It features a focused beam with a defined hotspot and good spill.

Klarus XT11X: The XT11X delivers an insane output of 3200 lumens with its CREE XHP70.2 P2 LED. It’s not quite as compact as the XT11GT, but given the power behind this flashlight it’s to be expected. It’s just under 6 inches in length with a head diameter of over 1 ½ inches. It’s not a ton bigger than the XT11GT, but it may be a touch more difficult to carry on your person. The beam on the XT11X is very diffused and broad. It has a maximum beam throw of 283 meters so it still has some throw to it, but it’s better to illuminate the area in front and around you.

Versatile Tactical Flashlight

Klarus has done an excellent job creating these powerful tactical flashlights that can be used in a variety of situations and even be more customizable for each user. Both the XT11GT and XT11X have this amazing versatility so that you can use these flashlights for anything from outdoor adventures, tactical situations, general household use, and more.

Let’s discuss the similarities first. Both flashlights feature a triple switch design with dual tail switches and a side switch that function independently. With the dual tail switches you have access to a momentary-on, One-Touch Turbo, and One-Touch Strobe or One-Touch Low depending on which programmable setting you have the tactical flashlight in. The side switch offers you a One-Touch Low, an SOS mode, and an intelligent memory function that remembers the last brightness level you used. The side switch can also be locked out to prevent it from turning on accidentally.

Klarus XT11GT: The XT11GT features four brightness levels ranging from 10 lumens to 2000 lumens with runtimes that range from 170 hours on the lowest brightness level to 50 minutes on turbo. It also has a strobe mode and an SOS mode for emergencies.

One of the most versatile features of this flashlight is the programmable settings. It features three programmable settings: the Tactical Setting, the Outdoor Setting, and the Advanced Tactical Setting. In the Tactical Setting you can access three brightness levels using the tail switches as well as a One-Touch Strobe, and you can access all four brightness levels with the side switch. In the Outdoor Setting you can access all four brightness levels with the tail switches and side switch. You’ll also have access to the One-Touch Low with the tail switches. In the Advanced Tactical Setting the side switch will be completely locked out. You’ll only have access to the turbo brightness level and the One-Touch Strobe. You can switch between settings at any time giving you complete versatility for any situation.

Klarus XT11X: The XT11X features four brightness levels as well. They range from 15 lumens to 3200 lumens with runtimes that range from 82 hours on the lowest brightness level to 45 minutes on turbo. So the runtimes are shorter, but the XT11X is absolutely more powerful.

The XT11X tactical flashlight features two programmable settings rather than three. It features the Tactical Setting and the Outdoor Setting that function exactly like the XT11GT’s programmable settings do.

Rechargeable Flashlight

Both the XT11GT and XT11X are USB rechargeable flashlights making them more convenient. For the most part, they share the same features when it comes to charging and batteries. Both feature a charging/battery capacity indicator located on the side switch. While charging, you can refer to the indicator to know if it’s still charging, if it’s finished, or if it’s having charging issues for one reason or another. When you first turn the tactical flashlight on, you can see the indicator glow a certain color for a couple seconds to give you an idea about how much charge your battery has left.

Another difference with the XT11GT and XT11X is what batteries they’re compatible with. The XT11GT is compatible with an 18650 battery or two CR123 batteries. The XT11X is compatible with an 18650 battery, two CR123 batteries, or two Klarus 16340 batteries so you get more options with the XT11X tactical flashlight.

Concluding Remarks

You really can’t go wrong with either the XT11X or the XT11GT, both are some of the best tactical flashlights you’ll find. Depending on what you’re looking for though, one flashlight might suit your need over the other. If you’re looking for pure power, go with the Klarus XT11X. If you’re looking for something more compact with better runtimes then go with the Klarus XT11GT. Either way, you’ll end up with a tactical flashlight you’ll love.

You can purchase the Klarus XT11GT and Klarus XT11X from our Amazon store!