KronoReview of the Klarus FL18 . This item was provided by GearBest/Karen for review.
^ Product page/website pics ^
Klarus is another popular manufacturer. They are definitely priced in the mid to mid-high market in the flashlight world. This is my first experience with Klarus, and hopefully won’t be my last. Let’s check out the specs from Gearbest first:
Klarus FL18 - GearBest regular price: $75.55.
Features/Specifications (From GearBest product page):
Main Features:
• Combines a primary LED with multi-coloured side LEDs to give a 2-in-1 flashlight and lantern with long throw beam and diffused flood
• Utilizes a CREE XM-L2 U2 LED as the primary LED for maximum beam distance of 219 m, delivering a max. output of 950 ANSI lumens
• The sidelight LEDs are multicolour as default, utilizing a CREE XP-G2 R5 LED for white light and CREE XP-E R2 LEDs for red and green light
• Patented unique side light to free your hands, provides a perfect floodlight for areas in close proximity, illuminating your entire field of vision
• The primary LED and side LEDs are separately controlled by two switches, but can be illuminated simultaneously
• In addition to providing a floodlight, the red side LED also has an SOS function, and the green side LED has a flash mode
• A red light flashing an SOS signal is the international standard rescue signal. The red flashing mode could however also be used as a caution or danger signal. The max runtime of the red SOS is 32.5 hours
• The green flashing mode could be used to signal that it is safe to proceed or as a location beacon. The Max runtime of green flashing mode is 70 hours
• New ergonomically designed high-low switches in two colours for easy one-handed operation, even in the dark
• Patented self-locating magnetic fast connection charging system. When the charging cable is within 1cm of the charging port, it self-locates to make the connection
• Magnetic connector has built in short circuit protection which makes it safer
• USB rechargeable interface on side of flashlight with visible charging status
• Uses standard USB port for charging, so you can recharge at home, in the office, airport, vehicle or anywhere that has a USB chargingport available
• Any 18650 rechargeable battery with PCB protection or KLARUS custom battery can be used
• IPX-8 rated waterproof design (underwater to 2 metres), guarantees function in even the wettest weather
• Dark grey colour, military quality, sophisticated technology, durable and scratch resistant
Specifications
General
Emitter Type: Cree XP-G2 R5, Cree XM-L2 U2, Cree XPE-R2
Total Emitter: 1 x Cree XM-L2 U2; 1 x Cree XP-E R2; 1 x Cree XP-G2 R5
Lumens: 950Lm
Feature: Lanyard
Function: Exploring, Household Use, Diving, Seeking Survival, Night Riding, Hiking, Walking, Camping, Hunting
Battery Type: 18650
Battery Quantity: 1 x 18650 battery (included)
Mode: Primary Light (Strobe; High; Mid; Low; Moonlight; SOS); Side Light (White Strobe; White-High; White-Low; Red Flood; Green Flood; Red-SOS; Green-Flash)
Rechargeable: Yes
Waterproof: IPX-8 Standard Waterproof (Underwater 2m)
Specification
Power Source: USB, Battery
Reflector: Aluminum Smooth Reflector
Lens: Glass Lens
Beam Distance: 200-300m
Body Material: Aluminium Alloy
Available Light Color: White, Green, Red
Available Color: Black
Runtime
High Mode: 2 hrs
Mid Mode: 3.6 hrs
Low Mode: 130 hrs
Stobe Mode: 3 hrs
Dimension and Weight
Product weight: 0.19 kg
Package weight: 0.3 kg
Product size (L x W x H ): 16.4 x 3.3 x 2.3 cm / 6.46 x 1.30 x 0.91 inches
Package Contents
Package Contents: 1 x Klarus FL18 Cree XPE R2 + XM-L2 U2 + XP-G2 R5 950Lm 6 Modes Waterproof Rechargeable Torch,1 x 18650 Battery, 1 x Lanyard, 2 x O-ring, 1 x USB Cable
Package Contents:
1 x Flashlight Kit
My added specs:
Lens OD: ~26mm
Lens thickness: ~1mm
Weight w/battery: 162g
OAL: 165mm
Head diameter: ~33mm
Battery tube diameter: ~23mm
KRONOREVIEW:
The Klarus FL18 is a single 18650 flashlight and lantern combination with two white, one green and one red emitter. The flashlight comes with a nice lanyard and Klarus 2200mAh 18650 battery. It is shipped with ample protection in a nice retail, hanging-type cardboard box. Light is controlled with dual side-switches. Forward black switch controls the head, second orange switch controls the lantern. There are four regular modes (H/M/L/Moon) with last mode memory, and two hidden modes (blinkies/SOS). There are seven lantern modes (White-High/White-Low/White-Blinkies/Red/Red-SOS/Green/Green-Blinkies). You can also combine any lantern mode with any flashlight mode. The FL18 also has an AR lens and OP reflector.
HI-LIGHTS:
Toughened glass AR lens.
On-board charging with convenient, magnetic connector.
Plenty of knurling and ridges for grip.
HA-III matte black coating.
Reverse polarity protection (confirmed).
Includes 2200mAh battery which tests above that at 2390mAh.
Many light modes for varying conditions utilizing four different emitters.
Solid, emitter shelf. Should have a decent thermal path.
Anodized threads enabling lockout.
Very nice, floody beam pattern with a smooth transition from corona to spill.
Beefy, square threads.
Fits protected or un-protected 18650s.
Tailstands.
Separate UI for main light and lantern modes.
Both lantern mode and mail light can be used simultaneously.
Very low and useable moon mode.
Hidden blinkies/SOS.
LOW-LIGHTS:
Tailcap does not remove (one piece body/tailcap).
Glued emitter.
Not too budget conscious.
^ Klarus modes from their website ^
UI:
Black button (main light)
> Momentary on with short press.
> Hidden blinkies with 2 rapid presses. Then press one time for SOS.
> Long press for high. Then short presses to cycle to medium, low, moon mode, then off.
Orange button (lantern)
> Momentary white lantern on with short press.
> Hidden blinkies on white lantern with 2 rapid presses.
> Long press for high white lantern, then short press for low white lantern. Then another short press for red lantern, and another short press for green lantern.
>Rapid double click on each mode for hidden blinky/SOS modes.
PICTURES
^ Contents ^
^ Standing on bezel. Crenelated bezel allows light through if accidentally left on ^
^ Tailstanding ^
^ AR lens ^
^ Dual switches. Black switch controls main light. Orange switch controls lantern modes. ^
^ Magnetic charge coupling, opposite side of dual switch ^
^ Magnetic charge cable connector ^
^ Connection made ^
^ Red light confirms charging is taking place ^
^ Green light confirms light is fully charged ^
^ Tailcap has side access lanyard ^
^ Logos. Nice and crisp lettering ^
^ Included Klarus 2200mAh battery. Tested at 2390mAh on my OPUS analyzer charger ^
DECONSTRUCTION
^ Notice that the tailcap does not come off. It is a one piece tail/battery tube ^
^ Main light emitter view (XM-L2 U2) ^
^ View of inner diffuser ^
^ Colored emitters (green/red) in lantern section (Both XP-E R2) ^
^ Single white emitter in lantern section (XP-G2 R5) ^
^ Inside lantern section ^
^ Partial view of UI side of driver ^
^ Partial view of charging side of driver ^
^ Head parts: O-ring, bezel, AR lens and chunky aluminum reflector ^
^ Square threads ^
^ In hand ^
^ Size comparo w/LuckySun D80 ^
BEAMSHOTS/NIGHTSHOTS:
^ Lantern modes, Red/Green (one side) White (opposite side) ^
Control shot.
(Note:My Beamshots-Distance to house is approx. 160 ft. (49 meters). Pics taken with Kodak easyshare Max Z990 f/4.5, 1/5 sec, ISO-1600).
High beam shot.
Medium beam shot.
NOTE: Low beam and Moon Light modes were not visible on my camera set-up.
SUMMARY
Klarus has built a solid reputation of producing quality lights, and the FL18 is no exception. This is one versatile light, and utilizes 4 different emitters for interesting combinations. This light also has quality HA-III anodization in a nice flat black, square cut threads, decent thermal path, lockout, 2200mAh rated Klarus battery, convenient, water-proof charging mechanism…so much packaged into this very pocketable light. The diffuser itself is also a very nice, 2 piece design, which took some thought to make it disperse light so smoothly. Machine quality is also exceptional with no sharp edges. The UI will probably take some getting used to, but with so many possible combinations, that is to be expected. Separate buttons for main light and lantern help in that regard.
At first, I fully expected the main light modes to be a compromise, to allow for lantern modes. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Most folks would be very impressed with the levels and quality of light that this beam puts out. Klarus rates it at 950 lumens. I don’t know if it is quite that level, but not far off. In conclusion, the Klarus FL18 is a bit pricey, but will easily satisfy those that demand exceptional quality and thoughtful design.
KRONOMETER patented rating: 4.5 out of 5.
