Review: Klarus G30 (MT-G2, 3x 18650)

Klarus G30 MT-G2

Summary:

Battery:

3x 18650

Switch: Electronic in both tailcap and side locations.
Modes:

Turbo - High - Medium - Low

Mode Memory: Last mode used is memorized to a single click from off
LED Type: 1x MT-G2 NW
Lens: AR coated Glass
Reflector: Orange Peel
Price: $67.94
Provided by:

FastTech

https://www.fasttech.com/products/1601/10017125/5035000-klarus-g30-led-flashlight?utm_source=BLF&utm_medium=forums&utm_campaign=NK

Function:

The two electronic switches function slightly differently.

Side Electronic Switch:

From off:

A single press turns the flashlight on in the last used mode.

A long press turns the flashlight on in low.

A double press activates strobe. A single press will turn off the flashlight.

While on:

A single press changes modes Turbo, High, Medium, Low.

A double press activates strobe.

A long press (.5 seconds) turns off the flashlight.

Tailcap Electronic Switch:

From off:

Press and hold for momentary access to Turbo. The light will turn off when the switch is released.

A single press turns the flashlight on in the last used mode.

A double press activates strobe. A single press will turn off the flashlight.

While on:

A single press changes modes Turbo, High, Medium, Low.

A double press activates strobe.

A long press (.5 seconds) turns off the flashlight.

Data & Measurements:

All throw measurements are lux values taken at 7ft and calculated back to 1 meter (Rounded to the nearest hundred). Estimated output (Lumen) values are calculated based on measurements obtained through a DIY 'pvc lumen tube' in an effort to achieve diffusion of dissimilar beam profiles. As such, these values should be taken as "rough approximations."

80°F Ambient temperature, very little air movement. The flashlight is positioned partially inside of my PVC light tube headstanding on top of a piece of glass.

The run is started in turbo (approximately 1908lm at 30 seconds) and gradually steps down after 3 minutes. At this point the output jumps slightly until the temperature reaches 100°F and then drops back down. The output stabilizes around 900lm. Turbo was re-engaged and behaved similarly to the initial turn on, stepping down after 3 minutes. At the 130 minute mark I re-engaged turbo and started the fan. After another turbo activation with the fan still on the temperature drops below 100°F and the driver increases the output automatically. I deactivate the fan at the 145 minute mark and when the temperature increases above 100°F the output gradually drops to the previous stabilization point of about 900lm. After the final turbo activation the output drops below 40% and turbo can no longer be accessed. Another drop at the 180 minute mark to a 'moon level' of output. The run is ended at 200 minutes. The cells measure 3.17v.

Pictures:

The opposite side of the logo. The machining is quite exceptional. There's no sharp edges and the knurling provides very good grip, but is not overly aggressive.

A side profile of the side switch. It sticks out very little so it is not easy to find in the dark. There is an audible click when pressing.

This is the Electronic switch in the tailcap. It has a very nice tactile feel and a muffled click compared to the side switch. I find myself rarely using this one simply because the various grips to activate it is not as comfortable as using the side switch, for me.

Here's the tailcap. The two pedestals align with holes in the backside of the battery tube. It is a fair bit easier to align than Nitecore's design on the HC50 cap, which can be a little tricky sometimes.

3x Panasonic NCR18650PF 2900mAh cells.

The inside of the battery tube.

Here's a picture of the front end with that perfectly centered, giant MT-G2 emitter.

Comparison:

Some different lights for size comparison.

From Left to Right: Thrunite TN4A, Klarus G30, Roche M170, Nitecore EC4S, XinTD X3, Maglite 2D (MT-G2 @5Amps)

Beamshots:

The central tree trunk the beam is about 50 yards away. The water line is about 35 yards away.

The first set is 3 large emitter flashlights including my Maglite 2D modified with an MT-G2 driven at 5 Amps, running on 2x 18650 cells, the Nitecore EC4S utilizing a XHP-50, and the Klarus G30.

The second set is a larger variety of flashlights.

This is the Klarus G30 in Turbo, High, Medium, and Low.

Conclusion:

The Klarus G30 is an absolutely fantastic flashlight. The machining and build quality is great. The fit and finish is excellent. The feel of the flashlight in one's hand is superb. The creamy, smooth, neutral white tint is very nice.

The output is exceptional for the size of the G30. The thermal management is the best I've measured in any flashlight I have tested maintaining a temperature within 4°F from the hottest point on the head to the end of the tailcap.

Overall, the Klarus G30 is certainly one of the best flashlights I have reviewed. If you're looking for a small, floody, high output flashlight with a long runtime then this is the one for you.

Even without beamshots a great review.
thanks

Man I love this format, the looks and this light overall, all is just right IMHO.
Can’t justify buying one but it is my favorite not bought light :smiley:

I have one and I am happy with it.

I wanted a flooder with some throw and long run times for recovering deer/bear at night and this fits the bill pretty nicely.

If I get a chance I will post some beam shots in a bit currently on vaca.

Bob

Thanks, beamshots have been rough to come by in the last week. Poor conditions every night. :confounded:

Finally got a reasonable night for beamshots. :slight_smile:

Updated OP.

Fantastic flashlight. :+1:

A thanks for the beamshots
Good spacing!
And what a nice spot for those shots, beautiful!

Klarus G30 1900lm and Nitecore EC4S 2300lm, but from 1st beamshot pic Klarus G30 is slightly brighter.

Excellent review :+1:

Thank you for pointing that out. I must’ve forgotten to swap over to fresh 30Q cells for the EC4S.

Edit: fixed my mistake in OP.

How much voltage at two point of led? 6V or 9V? (klarus g30)