Gotta get this out of the way first! This light was provided by Flashlightz.com, for the sole purpose of a review.
I will start off by saying that this is my first Klarus light. Not because I have avoided them, just because the right opportunity never came along.
Let start of with the manufacturer stats:
• CREE XHP70.2 P2 LED; 50,000 hours life.
• 4 lighting levels, 2 strobe modes.
• Battery: Li-ion 26650 Battery x 1 (Use only 26650 Li-ion batteries (included), Do not use 18650 /16340 / CR123A batteries).
• Working Voltage: 2.5V – 5.0V
• Dimension：(Head) 49mm (1.93”) x (Body) 34.5mm (1.36”) x (Length) 150mm(5.91”).
• Weight：168g (5.93oz) (Without battery).
• Material：Aerospace Aluminum Alloy 6061-T6, Mil-Spec HAIII anodizing.
• Lens：Hardened Mineral Glass; AR coated; Scratch resistant.
• Reflector: Orange Peel.
• Body Color：Black.
• Switch: Side Switch + Tail Switch.
• Waterproof：IPX8 (underwater 2 meters).
• Accessories Included: 1 x Klarus Charging Cable, 1 x Klarus 26650 Battery, 1 x Spare O-Ring, 1 x Lanyard, 1 x Nylon Holster.
Output modes are listed as: 3000 lumens, high at 650 lumens, medium at 160 lumens, and low at 15 lumens. The light also includes strobe and SOS modes.
As indicated, this light uses the new Cree XHP70.2.
What about the UI?
This light is a dual electronic switch light. It has a tail switch and a side switch. They have very similar functions, tap either and the light turns on. One interesting aspect of the dual switch firmware is that the side switch has memory and the tail switch does not. If turned on by the side switch the light will enter the last used mode that was in use when the light was turned off by the side switch! The tail switch always starts in low, with a single click. Once on, a single click of either switch will increase the light to the next level. To turn off the light hold either switch for about 1 second.
From off, a 1 second hold of either button results in the light starting in high until the switch is released then it turns back off. If the light is on, a 1 second hold still takes you to high with either switch. When released the light goes back to the current mode. One thing to note, the light appears to turn off during that 1 second hold.
This light does have electronic lockout, making it more pocket friendly! To enable it, hold both switches down for a couple of seconds and the light will blink 2 times indicating you are in electronic lockout. During lockout mode pressing either switch will blink the side switch center led 3 times to indicate lockout. To disable lockout one needs to click either switch 3 times, once again the main LED will blink 2 times to indicate the light is unlocked. The electronic lockout persists through a battery change!
Strobe and SOS modes
Strobe is turned on at any point by 2 quick clicks of either switch, 2 more clicks will enable SOS and a single click will return the light to the last used mode or off depending on the state before entering strobe mode.
Back to the dual electronic switches… Notice the inner tube in the main body? That allows current to be carried to the electronic tail switch… allowing it to function.
What about the battery and USB charging?
Klarus included a wrapped cell with their name on it and it boasts 5000mAh. In my Lii500, the cell was within 100mAh through 3 test cycles. I would call it a good cell, not sure whose they use.
The USB charging port is fairly well sealed, as well as can be. I did run one charge cycle with USB and it was fairly quick, did not check current… (Klarus indicates up to 2 amps) But, the charge did terminate at 4.19V. The side switch includes an LED that indicates charge state and charging state.
Charge state:
When the light is first turned on the side switch LED will blink for 5 seconds, the color indicates charge level.
Green = 70% - 100%
Orange = 30% - 70%
Red = less than 30%
Constant flashing red indicates less than 10% charge left.
Charging state:
When charging the side LED will be red until full. Once full it will turn green.
Included kit:
Klarus included a good cell, basic lanyard, decent USB cable and an awesome holster! I really like the holster, this light is to large for a front jeans pocket, fits the back pocket and fits a jacket pocket well. The holster fits the light well and has good methods of attachment. I think almost any light should include a decent holster, unless it is tiny.
What are my thoughts?
I really like the size and shape of the light, the front end is well shaped and transitions from the battery tube to the head well. The body could have a little more grip, but it works. I am still not sure what I think of the tail switch, the light is a little big for a cigar hold and does not include a tactical ring… but each to their own.
Where does this light shine? (pun intended) I got to spend some time in the woods with my kids and this light. This is a very good place to use this light, very floody and bright enough when needed. I have also been keeping it in my truck, would be great for roadside assistance purposes. Definitely not and EDC, for most folks… the head is a little to big.
I was less than enamored with the output on high. It may reach 3000 lumens, but I am not sure. I compared it to other high output lights and was still not sure. I do not have a way to measure output. I do not think it will have useful throw at 300 meters as claimed. I did find it useful for spotting critters at around 200 yards.
Overall, I do like the light. It has it’s uses and purposes. It is a good, general purpose light that will find plenty of use in my arsenal of lights! The overall size to output ratio for this light is pretty darn good. It gets warm, but not to hot. I would not unattended tail stand it on high. Other modes would be fine.
Beamshots
These were taken at approximately 110 yards on a hazy cold night.
Turbo
High
Medium
Low
Thanks for taking a look at a pretty good light!
Matt