When talking about tactical flashlight, things that popped in mind is tactical bezel and intimidating appearance. But Klarus XT1C is somewhat different. It’s a tactical flashlight powered by single RCR123 (16340) battery and takes benefit of dual switches at its tail cap for easier access to particular modes.
I received this flashlight from Gearbest for reviewing purpose, here’s Klarus XT1C specification from their product page:
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SPECIFICATION |
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|---|---|
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Brand |
KLARUS |
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Model |
XT1C |
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Flashlight Type |
Handheld |
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Flashlight size |
Mini |
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Emitters |
Cree XP-L HI V3 |
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Lumens Range |
500-1000Lumens |
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Luminous Flux |
700LM |
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Luminous Intensity |
11025 |
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Feature |
Dual Springs, Dual Tail Switch, Integrated Heat Dissipation Design, Lanyard, Lightweight, Pocket Clip, Reverse Polarity Protection, Waterproof |
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Function |
Camping, EDC, Exploring, Hiking, Household Use, Law Enforcement, Night Riding, Seeking Survival, Self-defense, Walking |
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Switch Location |
Tail Cap |
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Light Modes |
High, Low, Mid, SOS, Strobe |
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Battery Type |
16340 (included), CR123A |
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Waterproof Standard |
IPX-8 Standard Waterproof (Underwater 2m) |
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LED Lifespan |
50000h |
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Power Source |
Battery |
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Working Voltage |
2-4.2V |
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Reflector |
Aluminum Smooth Reflector |
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Lens |
Toughened Ultra-clear Mineral Glass Lens |
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Beam Distance |
200-250m |
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Impact Resistance |
1M |
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Body Material |
AL 6061-T6 Aluminium Alloy with Anti Scratching Type III Hard Anodization |
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Light color |
Cool White |
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RUNTIME |
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High Mode |
700LM 50min |
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Mid Mode |
100LM 3h |
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Low Mode |
5LM 53h |
Before continuing the review, I will say that I got positive impression with this tactical flashlight with some small notes.
Get Klarus XT1C for $43.96 using coupon “GBFTS” at Gearbest
First Impression
You may noticed a text saying “programmable”, let me explain something about it. One key feature of “tactical flashlight” is that the flashlight should always start from highest brightness level.
Not only Klarus gives this crucial feature to XT1C, it also gives option for the owner to choose between tactical and adventure mode. I’ll talk about it later in the “Operating Klarus XT1C” section.
Now let’s see what’s inside the packaging:
Package contents:
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Flashlight with a RCR123 battery installed inside
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Lanyard and spare o-ring
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Operating instruction
One nice thing to notice is that Klarus added a single sheet of plastic over the positive pole of the battery to avoid accidental activation during distribution.
Here’s closer look to Klarus XT1C, very compact:
Two things that can be improved is the knurling pattern on its tube and the pocket clip. Large diamond pattern knurlings is a bit out of harmony compared to its overall design — although it’s not bad either.
Detachable pocket clip also made this flashlight looks cheap although it’s pretty strong. The good thing is that clip position is reversible.
Parts and Features
It’s always fun to see how a flashlight is made and what technology they are using. So I disassembled XT1C and found that it also has “inner tube” just like Klarus G20 I reviewed earlier before.
One key feature of XT1C is dual switch positioned at its tailcap that gives user quick access to particular mode.
Primary switch (the round one) is used to activate the flashlight that always starts in High mode when used in tactical program. Secondary switch, the one looked like a flapping panel, is used to switch mode (High – Med – Low) and quick access to strobe mode (from off).
In adventure mode, flashlight also starts on High mode but the next cycle will be Low – Medium – High. While secondary switch gives access to Low mode directly.
Talking about tactical usage, while I’m not a LEO nor tactical guy, I found that the clicky sound is too loud despite it uses electronic switches.
For the emitter, Klarus put nice XP-L HI V3 and smooth reflector that gives XT1C a bright 700 lumens output.
I haven’t tested my self if this flashlight really able to operate for 50 minutes in high mode as written on specs. Hopefully I can finish my “flashlight runtime tester” in the near future to check it.
Operating Klarus XT1C
Operating Klarus XT1C is pretty straight forward. Default configuration is tactical program, so I’ll write about operating XT1C in tactical program first.
Tactical Program
Click the primary (round) switch to turn on the light on high mode, then click the secondary switch to change to medium mode, and click again to switch to low mode.
When the light is off, secondary switch is used to activate strobe mode temporarily.
If the strobe mode is activated for 2 seconds or more, you can release the switch and it will keep strobing until you click the secondary button again.
Program Switching
To switch between tactical and adventure program, turn on the light then click and hold primary switch for 5 seconds until the LED’s blinking.
Still holding the switch, press secondary switch to select program. Blinking one time means you’re using tactical program and blinking twice means you’re using adventure program.
Adventure Program
Clicking primary switch will activate flashlight in High mode but the next sequence will be Low – Med – High, while the secondary switch gives access to Low mode directly.
Unfortunately for this time I was unable to take decent Klarus XT1C beamshots because I’m quite new to this area after moving here few months ago. Next time I’ll get darker and longer area for better beam shot pictures.
Klarus XT1C Beamshots
All Klarus XT1C beamshots pictures are taken using Pentax Q camera, ISO 500, f/2.0, 0.3 seconds exposure without flash.
To give you perspective of how dark it was, here’s the control shot.
I’m using default program on this flashlight, tactical mode, so it always starts with high output level:
Another click brought the light into medium output level:
And last, lowest mode level:
Lowest mode is not very useful for long range illumination but it will surely help on close range illumination.
There’s actually another mode, strobe, but I’m unable to capture it using my camera so I made video of it instead.
I will publish the video as soon as possible using my Youtube channel in my own language (Indonesian) but a subtitle will be added to helps foreign language speaker.
Klarus XT1C Summary
After using Klarus XT1C for couple of days, I can say that this is a great flashlight for both tactical and daily use. The option to select between “tactical program” and “adventure program” is an advantage and makes Klarus XT1C as a multi purpose flashlight.
A minor note that could be improved by Klarus is quality of the pocket clip. An integral or screw-mounted clip will be a plus. Adding extra length to the head/body will also help this light become a striking weapon for tactical use.
Pros:
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Lightweight and bright
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Dual switches for quick access to particular mode
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Programmable, user can choose between “tactical” or “adventure” program
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A 16340 battery is included
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Electronic switch
Cons
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Pocket clip’s quality and knurling pattern design can be improved
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Flashlight’s length is a bit too short