Review – Klarus Light XT11

The light itself is constructed of aircraft aluminium with a dark grey hard-anodized finish that is well matched across all parts of the flashlight.

The light is easily disassembled into its component parts – Head, body, tail cap and tactical ring.  All parts thread together very smoothly.  The pocket clip can also be removed without the use of tools. O-rings installed at the head and tail help the XT11 achieve an IPX-8 rating against water ingress.

Here are some other features of the XT11:

>> The head of the XT11 features a finned base and is topped off with the removable crenelated bezel ring.

>> The bezel ring is easily removed by hand allowing the installation of the optional filters or diffuser.

>> Battery contact at the head is maintained, even under recoil through the use of a brass spring.

>> The body is finished with a checkered pattern for improved grip.  The removable pocket clip snaps securely into place and is held in place by friction against the body.

>> Lettering is a slightly off-white colour and is very sharp and legible against the dark grey background.

>> The removable tactical ring installs between the tail cap and body.  The ring also provides an additional lanyard attachment point and is able to rotate freely around the body of the flashlight.

>> Inside the tail cap a brass spring-loaded button is used to make and maintain battery contact.  Batteries may be loaded from either the head or tail.

>> The tail cap houses the two switches and has raised edges which provide a lanyard attachment point and protect against accidental activation.  The main switch protrudes slightly beyond the raised edges meaning the XT11 cannot tail stand.  A flat area is machined into the outer edge of the tail cap to allow indexing the light so that the user’s thumb is properly aligned with the switches.

>> The two tail cap switches have distinct purposes with the taller round switch serving to turn the XT11 on and off and the shorter mode button used to cycle through the operating modes.

>> The main switch is a forward clicky and allows momentary operation with a partial press and constant-on operation with a full press and click.  The XT11 always turns on in high mode first.

>> When the light is on, each press and release of the mode button will advance to the next output mode (High -> Medium -> Low -> Back to High).  Holding the Mode button for 2 seconds will activate the strobe mode.

>> The strobe mode may also be accessed directly while the XT11 is off by pressing the Mode button.

When it’s all said and done, the Klarus XT11’s biggest selling points are going to be its price and feature set.  I do believe it is a little more “tacticool” than “tactical” and it is better suited for general use rather than in a hardcore tactical environment.

To purchase the Klarus XT11 for yourself, all you need to do is visit Klarus Light's website and place your order. If you're looking for something else, there is a wide range of different flashlights and accessories to choose from!

The key component that your flashlight always needs!

The design of your flashlight’s reflector affects both the beam’s strength and focus. Without a reflector in place, no matter how powerful the light, the beam would just diffuse everywhere – like a solitary candle sitting on a table. So, reflectors are important. Without them, you just bought a very expensive candle.

But you don’t want a candle. You want a mean and surly tactical flashlight, and for that, you need to understand reflectors.

Most modern flashlights allow you to adjust the reflectors – most of the time by twisting the bezel – to narrow or widen the beam. It’s when you perform this function that you truly notice the difference in the various types of reflectors: smooth, faceted and orange peel.

Let’s examine each of these:

Smooth Reflectors

Smooth reflectors have been around as long as flashlights. Actually, they were around before if you count lanterns as the precursor to modern flashlights. They are cheap and easy to make. That’s why they are typically found in lower quality flashlights. The problem with smooth reflectors is that they project patches of bright light and darkness. You may have noticed this when using a cheaper flashlight – there a big shadow right in the centre of the beam.

Now, some smooth reflectors are well made and can project a quality beam when tightly focused, but when you broaden the beam, the rings of shadow and light come back again. It’s just a design flaw.

Faceted Reflectors

This was the next evolution in reflector technology and eliminated the rings of shadows and light seen with smooth reflectors.  Faceted reflectors are comprised of hundreds – or even thousands – of tiny little mirrors that focus light in the same direction at a slightly different angle – this eliminates those annoying rings. Now, you do lose some of that tight focus you get with a smooth reflector, but many find the trade-off to be worth it. As a general rule, the more facets a reflector boasts, the cleaner and smoother the beam – no matter how tight.

Orange Peel Reflectors

This is the final evolution – thus far – of flashlight reflectors. Instead of facets, the entire surface of the reflector has a smooth yet textured appearance. The reflector – with the exception of colour – takes its name from its resemblance to an orange peel. Because it projects such a smooth light regardless of focus, this type of reflector is used in most high-quality flashlights like the ones found in our store.

As you consider your next flashlight, take into consideration the different types of flashlight reflectors.  Especially when you are evaluating the varying beam distances that are available on flashlights, take note of the reflector type as it just might impact which light accompanies you when the sun goes down.

For a wide range of flashlights, with a variety of quality reflectors - contact Klarus Light today!

How to find the best small flashlight for you

Power used to mean sacrificing convenience. In order to have a powerful flashlight you needed to be willing to carry around a huge, bulky flashlight. Anything that could fit in your back pocket wasn’t good for much more than reading a book or using to find the candles in a power outage.

But things have changed. Today, even small flashlights can have a high lumen output and long beam throw. Some even incorporate advanced features that previously were only found in top-of-the-line, tactical flashlights. Technology is a wonderful thing, and we live in exciting times!

So, what defines a small flashlight, and how does a small flashlight become the best?

A Small Flashlight Defined

Typically a small flashlight is under 10cm and under 100 grams in weight without the battery. Anything under 8cm and 75 grams is considered a mini-flashlight – though many people use these two categories interchangeably. Finally, under 5cm and 50 grams and you have a micro (or keychain) flashlight.

What Places a Small Flashlight Among the Best?

Now that you know defines a small flashlight, it’s time to get into what distinguished a small flashlight as one of the best.

-- An Easy to Use Interface

We bet you thought we were going to say power, right? Well, we will get to that, but we think the user interface is even more important than power. Given the size of these lights, there isn’t a whole lot of room to work with. So, an efficient and easy-to-operate user interface is a must. Make sure you can access any of the flashlights modes quickly.

-- Lumen Output

Okay, time to talk about power. This is pretty easy. In order to be ranked among the best, a small flashlight needs multiple brightness modes and a max lumen output of AT LEAST 200. Anything less and it doesn’t qualify.

-- Multiple Beam Shapes

There are two types of beams: flood and throw. Throw is long, narrow and focused; Flood is short, wide and diffuse. The best small flashlights allow you to choose between either.

-- Construction Material

There was a time when small meant comprised of inferior materials. That’s not the case anymore. The best small flashlights use the same materials as the larger ones: high-quality, aero-grade, anodized aluminium. Don’t accept anything less.

-- Impact and Water Resistance

In order to be the best, an impact resistance of at least one meter and a water resistance rating of at least IPX-7 per ANSI/FL1 standards are necessary.

Klarus Light has a wide range of flashlights, including affordable, durable and innovative small flashlights that can still provide you with a high lumen output!

How to light up a room with a flashlight and a gallon of water

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have no power, whether it be from an unexpected power outage caused by a natural disaster or humans – it’s great to know that you can light up an entire room with just a jug of water and a simple flashlight!

Here’s how to do it:

> Fill up a one-gallon, translucent jug or bottle with water

> Strap a flashlight to it. You can use tape, but the best option would be to use a head lamp or a torch that attaches to a head band.

> Point the flashlight inward so it is facing towards the bottle of water.

> Turn the flashlight on, and the water will boost the light so it fills the whole room.

Presumably a brighter flashlight will work better, but it sounds like this trick should help distribute the light better with whatever you’ve got!

Give it a try with a Klarus flashlight today! Simple visit the website and place your order. Not only do we have high-powered flashlights, but also small torches that can be easily strapped to your gallon of water.

Are you getting the best Performance from your Flashlight?

In 2009, standards were set in place to ensure that all flashlight models are tested and rated in the same way. Compliance with these standards is voluntary and the manufacturers do their own testing, but most major brands now include the following performance data on their packaging.

Although headlamps have become the main focus in the lighting community, flashlights remain a good choice whenever a handheld light is preferred. Advances in LED (light-emitting diode) technology and battery efficiency have resulted in flashlights that are smaller, lighter and brighter than they were just a few years ago.

Some key factors to compare when selecting a flashlight:

• Light output
• Battery type and run time
• Size and weigh

Light Output

Light output is measured in lumens. This is a measure of the intensity of the light coming out of the flashlight, on the highest brightness setting powered by new batteries. It may also be shown for multiple light settings. Light output can range from a modest 20 lumens (great for reading a book) to a terrain-scorching 3500 lumens.

Beam Distance

Beam distance is measured in meters. This refers to how far the light will shine before the brightness diminishes to the equivalent of the light from a full moon. Full moon illumination is considered adequate for safe and careful outdoor travels. This distance will vary when the brightness setting is selected.

Run Time

Run time is measured in hours. How long does it take for the light output to. Light output may gradually decrease over time, or remain largely constant and then suddenly decrease. Run time is commonly given for each light setting. A Runtime graph provides the best illustration of the performance of a light over time.



Impact Resistance

Impact resistance is measured in meters. Lights are tested by dropping them 6 times onto concrete at the rated distance. This test is primarily to ensure the light remains functional after occasional accidental drops. It is not a test of resistance for more heavy impact like being run over, being struck with a heavy object or being used to strike other objects.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is rated using the IPX system. Water resistance is important if using your light in the rain or around bodies of water. The lights are tested for splash resistance, submersion rating, etc.

Additional Features and Functions

• Bulb Type
• Advancements in LED technology have rendered other bulb types almost obsolete. 
• Beam Type
• The lens reflector that surrounds a bulb influences how the light is dispersed.
• Regulated Output
• Lights with a regulated power supply maintain a steady, near-peak brightness level throughout most of the batteries' life cycle.
• Battery Type
• The type and availability of replacement batteries is often a factor in selecting a flashlight.
• Modes
• A single setting is sufficient for general-purpose use. Some models offer 2 or more modes like low, medium, high and boost).
• Controls
• The type of on/off and lighting mode switches is important for some users. 
• Materials and Shape
• Most flashlight bodies are either plastic or aluminium alloy. Some feature stainless steel in the head of the flashlight for extra impact resistance.
• Size and Weight
• This is mostly personal preference.
• Accessories
• Add-ons that may be included or sold separately include a lanyard, belt clip or holster, and lens filters and diffusers to provide lighting options.

Looking for a top of the range torch at an affordable price? Klarus Light has a wide selection, ranging from flashlights for police use to general purpose torches you can do in everyday situations.