Klarus XT11 600 Lumen Tactical LED Flashlight Review

[rehtardeudpossum]

what's the difference between ANSI lumens and just lumens? so will this put out about the same amount of light as the classic fenix tk40 for 2.3 hours?

[goingprepared]

@rehtardeudpossum The ANSI measurements are a standard developed and agreed upon by a bunch of people in the industry. Lumens that are not ANSI are whatever random measuring (or theoretical) method the company decided to use. It will put out the same amount of lumens, but you need to understand that lumens are just a measure of all of the light coming out and do not say anything about distance or anything like that.

[MrRazzledazz]

2 questions.

I just picked up the Fenix PD32 mostly as a self defense flashlight.

Now I'm disappointed after seeing this review.

Is the XT11 the same size as the PD32

As for a "startling" display of light power, how much more (percentage) is the XT11 in your opinion? It's kind of a stupid question, but I don't trust ANSI Lumen ratings from competing manufacturers.

[goingprepared]

@MrRazzledazz No, the XT11 is larger. Lumens don't mean anything anyway. The XT11 has a larger reflector, so you will start to notice more of a difference the further away you get. At 100 yards, you will see a big difference between the two.

Forgetting all that, the interface on the XT11 is light years better than the PD32, especially for tactical purposes. Both switches are on the end of the light and much easier to use at night.

[MrRazzledazz]

@goingprepared Thank you very much for your quick reply! Can you provide a brief opinion on why you believe "Lumens don't mean anything anyway."

I'm really just looking for an everyday carrying flashlight that I can pull out of my pocket in case I need to "startle" (or put a wrench in an assailants thinking with a law enforcement kind of light source). At least enough to get away from the immediate danger.

[goingprepared]

@MrRazzledazz Lumens are a measure of the total output of the light. They don't say anything about hotspot brightness, throw, beam angle, size, or any other beam characteristics.

Just about any light will do what you are mentioning since it will be short distance. Go for something that is a good size and that you like the interface. You might like the Klarus XT2C.

[MrRazzledazz]

@goingprepared Thanks. What's your current favorite EDC with both good throw, flood and lasting power, and looks ;)

[goingprepared]

@MrRazzledazz I don't know of any lights will all of those qualities. My current EDC is a prototype of a Sunwayman V11R, which is a cool little light. Throw is pretty awful though.

[joebob4501]

@goingprepared Do you like the Jetbeam PA10 better, or the PC10?

[goingprepared]

@joebob4501 I like the compact size of the PC10, but they are pretty much the same light. Go with the one that has the batteries you prefer.

[sike8184]

Can you tell me how this compares to the plight m20 x? Also I love your channel and your online store. Thanks

[goingprepared]

@sike8184 The beams are about the same, with a bit more output on the XT11. The XT11 is a bit easier to use at night since the M20X side switch can be kind of tough to find in the dark, especially if you are wearing gloves.

[sike8184]

@goingprepared Thanks for the heads up. The Olight looks sweet but it does seem awkward to find the strobe unless you grab it just right. I think I will order the Klarus soon.

Thanks

[lazarra101]

@fckurvtc @TheSwampStalker I believe in order to get max lumen output in the klarusxt11 and in some other lights you have to use a quality rechargeable battery and not just regular lithium batteries.

[lazarra101]

OMG OMG OMG OMG!!! I can't wait til mine comes in the mail!

[ejabuan52]

Just received this light from their site and its legen, wait for it, dary!!! Very good quality, extremely bright, and the dual switch interface is the best set-up IMO (It's one of the main reasons I bought the light).

I look forward to purchasing more lights and other items from goinggear. They responded to my email, restocked the flashlight, shipped the flashlight, and it arrived, all extremely quick. Keep it up goinggear.

[AceNizzle]

@ejabuan52 i also just got this light, i cant put it down! its simply amazing ive used it to mess with people, and just cant stop shining it, im so into flashlights now

[AceNizzle]

*throw*

[AceNizzle]

About how far will this light go? I got an e21 the other day and was wonderin how much further this will go

[goingprepared]

@AceNizzle It will go out to about 150 yards well.

[lazarra101]

Oh man I want this light so bad for some reason...maybe because it's so awesome!

[thejaytea24]

Does this light put out 600 lumes continous or does is step down? Would you consider this a good light for Law Enforcement?

I currently have a strion LED and am thinking of getting one of these.. Also do you recommend rechargeable batteries for it or the CR123s? If rechargeable, what are a good brand and chrager?

I am new to the flashlight scene, but would greatly appreciate any help that you may be able to provide.

Thanks!

[goingprepared]

@thejaytea24 It will step down, as will pretty much every light we sell. LEDs drop in output when they heat up. It is a great light for law enforcement and is optimized for tactical us.

For a charger, the Klarus ones we have work well. The Eagletac 3100 mAh 18650s are the best deal in batteries at the moment. They are very high quality and a great price.

[thejaytea24]

@goingprepared Awesome! Thanks for the reply.... Do you think that it would be a good upgrade over my Strion LED? Thanks again!

[goingprepared]

@thejaytea24 Yeah, definitely.

[thejaytea24]

@goingprepared Thanks a ton!

[joebob4501]

@goingprepared Is the XT11 PWM or current controlled?

[goingprepared]

@joebob4501 Both, depending on the level.

[joebob4501]

@goingprepared Is this your favorite single 18650 light?

[goingprepared]

@joebob4501 For a tactical setup, yes.

[lmglange]

very cute little daugther. I have one at 7 month now

[andya07774]

Hi Marshal does Klarus have good quailty controls? As the XT11 in your video looks amazing & I was going to buy one from your as you ship int, but my friend has one and at 100 yards the tree he aimed at lit up but only very slighty with no hot spot like on your video thats why I asked you in a previous comment was it really 100 yards away & you measured it with a laser, does your camera make things lighter?

If you compared xt11 to a Fenix TK21 which is better in terms of britness/ throw?

[fckurvtc]

@andya07774 On 15ft ceilings they have the same spill but the center hot spot of the tk15 overpowers the xt11. Also just food for thought, although the tk21 has a higher lumen rating than the tk15, the tk15 is more of a thrower whereas the the tk21 is a slightly better flooder. Marshall is correct, the fenix interface can be quite a pain in the ass at night, but with a pressure pad life would be easier. Aside from indexing the mode select switch, they are pretty solid lights.

[andya07774]

@fckurvtc Thats really helpfull as I play airsoft and the hotspot is important not just for "reasonable" distances but the light also acts as an illumination tool so I can see my rounds flying through the air and hitting the target the brighter the hot spot the more visable they are : )

Thanks for your help its nice to know there are balanced flashlight users out there who realise high lumens count isn't everything : )

[goingprepared]

@andya07774 Yeah, they have great quality. My camera actually does not show things as bright as they are. XT11 and TK21 are very similar in terms of throw, with maybe a slight edge to the TK21.

If you are expecting a thrower in this size with an XM-L LED, you are going to be disappointed. You need a much larger reflector to get throw out of an XM-L, like the Olight M3X. Lights in this size range with an XM-L are medium range lights, not throwers.

[goingprepared]

@andya07774 Also, do you know if he had good batteries in the light?  That can make a huge difference. The XT11 should be able to get out to 100 yards.

[andya07774]

@goingprepared Energiser CR123's

[TheSwampStalker]

Man, I have to thank you for all your great reviews. If you could spare some advice, I am looking at the Klarus XT11 and the Eagletac T20C2 (S2?). I will be weapon mounting the light on a firearm for night hunting wild hogs. I need at least 100 yards of throw, in a tight beam so I can see the game through my optics. Do you have any input on these two lights for that purpose, or are there other lights I should be taking into consideration? Thanks!!

[goingprepared]

@TheSwampStalker If you want a tight beam, get the Eagletac. Over that though, I would recommend the 4Sevens Maelstrom G5. The beam is very tight and the light is great quality.

[TheSwampStalker]

@goingprepared Thank you sir. I will check out the 4Stevens. Whatever I end up with, it will be purchased through you.

[fckurvtc]

@TheSwampStalker Get a Fenix TK15. I have both the Klarus XT11 and the Fenix TK15. The tk15 is 337ANSI lumens and the xt11 is "600ANSI" lumens, but if you want the truth, Klarus lies about their lumens ratings. The xt11 is a flooder whereas the tk15 is a really nice thrower. My tk15 has the SAME spill radius as my xt11 but will throw WAY farther... Plus its about $20 cheaper. Funny how something that's advertised as almost double the lumen rating is so underpowered in reality...

[goingprepared]

@fckurvtc They don't lie, it's just a different LED. Lumens are a measure of all of the light, not the center part. In the same size light, power source, and reflector, something with the XP-G will out throw an XM-L, even though the XM-L will have a higher lumen count.  You need a big ass reflector like the Olight M3X to get an XM-L to throw.

I like Fenix, but the interface on the TK15 is pretty bad if you want to switch modes at night. Finding that second switch is not easy.

[fckurvtc]

@TheSwampStalker PS. Both of them are weapon mounted on AR's and work great. They also have pressure pads available if needed. I have ordered from GoingGear and they have great customer service, if you order from them and you will not be disappointed.

[fckurvtc]

@TheSwampStalker PSS. And if you were wondering if there is a difference in the lumen output in the spill radius between the two, there virtually is none with 0-60 yards. After about 60 yards, the TK15 owns. 100yards is NO problem for the TK15- great visablility, the same can't be said for my XT11... :/ Quite disappointed to be honest.

[andya07774]

@fckurvtc Hi there im really greatfull for your post as my friends XT11 hardley touches the tree at 100 yards so I wonder why it seems to work so well in the video? Any ideas?

Can I ask if you did a ceiling bounce test which light is brighter the XT11 or TK15?

I might get a Fenix TK21 from going gear : )

Thanks for your posts and help

[andya07774]

Hi there Marsal is that tree really 100 yards (almost 100 meters) from where you where standing? I only ask as it really dosent look it?

Congratulations on becoming a father and your other reviwes are brilliant! : )

[goingprepared]

@andya07774 Yeah, it is. I used a laser range finder to verify.

[andya07774]

@goingprepared Thank you :)

[joebob4501]

Did you get any snow in Smryna? There was none in Columbia:(

[goingprepared]

@joebob4501 Hah, no, it's in the 60s here.

[joebob4501]

Is the variable strobe more effective than the single frequency strobe?

[goingprepared]

@joebob4501 That's the theory. I don't know of any official studies.

[joebob4501]

About how many miles is your store from Atlanta?



[goingprepared]

@joebob4501 Smryna is next to Atlanta. You can just about spit on the Atlanta city limits from our store.

[domokid]

Really good UI on this one.

[Nicho2177]

Another great review. I cant wait till I get mine! All I need to do is find a good mount to put on my AR

[goingprepared]

@Nicho2177 Try the JETBeam GM-02. It is really nice and very inexpensive.

[westallica5150]

Ruler

[westallica5150]

Love the review. I have made my choice to get this light to use for patrol. I work 1500 to 0100, so a high output, multi mode, one handed operation light is valuable. I put other officers I work with Surefires & Streamlights to shame with my Olight M20S. The buttons & functions on this light seem to be a better suited for police. One thing I was thinking though, about the reviews is maybe you could compare side by side the size of the light your reviewing to a Surefire G2, or next to a rule

[iflores97]

So this means the Olight warrior powers down to below 400 lumens lol

[04mach1speed]

@ThunderRyke Hahh Ryker shut up biotchhhh. Don't make me come to your house and blind you with my thrunite TN10 it's not like you don't live literatly 1 mile from my house lol. You've seen my light collection haha iv got too many

[Chambelona59]

I find it interesting to say the least, that no one is mentioning that the XT11 is only 600 lumens for the first 3 to 5 minutes... then steps down (powers down) to below 500 lumens to avoid the head overheating.

After finding this out, I will stay with my 500 lumen Olight warrior.

[goingprepared]

@Chambelona59 No one is mentioning that because pretty much every light we sell does that.

[ADMIND3R]

@Chambelona59 the olight m20 sx does that to, from 500 down to about 250 or so. most lights do this with new technology, its a given that with 1 18650 or 2 123's ur not gunna get over 500 lumens with any light, or even 400, but with the klarus xt11 its so efficient you get the most bang for your buck, the olight m20sx is an amazing light though no question about it. but its just like any other light, just the way of the beast

[fckurvtc]

Do you guys honor and CPF discounts? The one I tried was invalid.

[goingprepared]

@fckurvtc We honor our discount, with some exceptions. You can find the current one on CPFMP.

[joebob4501]

How come you don't do any reviews on knives?

[goingprepared]

@joebob4501 Flashlights take too much time as it is, but I'm planning on branching out.

[joebob4501]

How come you don't do reviews on knifes?

[04mach1speed]

@ShadowwwLFS

Well I know the reg SST-90 is rated at around 2200-2500 lumens

But luminus industries says the P bin is supose to he 3915 but I'm not 100% sure

[ThunderRyke]

@04mach1speed Wow, you know NOTHING about flashlights. You're COMPLETELY wrong.

[joshmarauder]

would really want to.see the sunwayman tc40s if possible...only 2 videos on youtube of it but no beam shot

[603Crawler]

Thank you for your time putting these vids together, I reference them often.

I've had a Klarus NT10 for a few months and love it; impressive little light. Wanting a bit higher output in my next light, the XT11 looks impressive. Did you notice any rattling inside the body with the two 123 Lithiums?

Thanks.

[goingprepared]

@603Crawler Nah, that's rare with any light. The springs usually hold them in place well, unless you put it in a paint shaker.

[RayAH06]

Does this XT11 light have the same low but audible whining sound as the XT2C when it is on? Marshall, how come you guys don't offer the Thrunite TN12? I bought one and that thing is ferocious at just 127mm long with 605 ANSI/NEMA FL1 lumens!

I really didn't mind the PWM on the XT2C when I had it but the audible whine was driving me nutz!! I'd get this from you guys if it has no audible whine. Klarus lights do have some beautiful beams. I was SO regretting returning the XT2C because of that.

[goingprepared]

@RayAH06 We aren't selling Thrunite anymore.

I haven't noticed any whine, but I don't really pay attention to that stuff. I have had one customer say that one mode has it though. We have sold quite a few of these with just that one complaint, so it is either not bad or not widespread.

[joebob4501]

Would you prefer the XT11 or the Thrunite TN10?

[goingprepared]

@joebob4501 XT11, for sure.

[rpss1997]

Hi would you mind helping me choose between this light the klarus xt11 or a surefire 6px defender?

[goingprepared]

@rpss1997 I personally prefer the interface on the XT11.

[tfordman223]

Nice

[freeRguns]

Oops, lights up ur trees , more than the video can show.

[freeRguns]

Also, the 10 Realy lights

[freeRguns]

Been using the xt10 for hunten this yr.been gr8 for finding deer. Ran it on my 6.8 Sunday,an held up nicely.

[tfordman223]

do you have an option for a pressure switch to fit the XT11 for weapon mounting?

[goingprepared]

@tfordman223 Yes, the ED10 will work with it.

[n3qdz]

I have had mine for some time and man do I love it more and more each day! Great doing business with you Marshall! I won't be the last time getting stuff from ya.

[lobetrotter]

Just ordered mine, couldn't resist.

[WhereAreTheGuns1]

Nice

[04mach1speed]

By the way everyone----- max output\AMP

The XML T5=845-910 3amps

The XML T6=910-975 3amps

The XML U2=975-1040 3amps

The XML U3 1040-1105 3amps

And the SST-90 P bin can handle 3915 lumens at 9 Amps whoa damn!!!!

I found this interesting

[ShadowwwLFS]

@04mach1speed 3915? nope. SST-90 isn't capable of that. You made a mistake somewhere. ;)

[PavlovSandor]

goddamn thats bright. yknow we are screwed if you ever move right?

[tuckeros]

good light and congrats on the baby!

Going Gear is the best imo

[droidguy21]

Does this light come with filters?

[goingprepared]

@droidguy21 No, they are all optional.

[droidguy21]

That new camera rocks

[ShadowwwLFS]

Been waiting for this one long time, primarily due to white diffuser & colored filters. Nice to finally see it released, it'll join my collection soon :P

[cankiller1000]

I orderded one friday and it was shiped 2 hours latter so they get it in the mail as fast as they can .i am verry pleased

[1337Leva]

i edc one of those spotlights they have on police helicopters...so far not bad but people kind of get upset if i shine it in their eyes

[KracknCorn]

I have the xt10 and I love it, just wish they could redesign the tail cap so it can tail stand

[goingprepared]

@KracknCorn The XT10 was designed primarily as a tactical light, so tail standing wasn't something they were very worried about. It is a useful feature though, so you might want to take a look at something like the Eagletac T20C2 XML.

[goingprepared]

@KracknCorn The XT10 was designed primarily as a tactical light, so tail standing wasn't something they were very worried about. It is a useful feature though, so you might want to take a look at something like the Eagletac T20C2 XML.

[andya07774]

@KracknCorn

Hiya to tail stand mine I just grab a clean dringing glass switch it on and place it in the glass upside down and as I tend to have my light on for up to 2 hours or more I somtimes fill the glass with water which keeps the light cool if its a hot working enviroment : )

[joshmarauder]

Like*

[joshmarauder]

I have the fenix tk35 from goinggear and i love the flashlight...and im ready to buy another flashlight but im looking for a good thrower ive seen your videos but videos dont do justice...which flashlight would you recommend...nothing to big light olight sr series

[goingprepared]

@joshmarauder If you want a thrower, try the Olight M3X or Sunwayman T40CS. Both are relatively compact and have excellent throw.

[ustfu]

Baby approved this flashlight.

[zhsy00001]

Oh, ya, what's the news on the tree in the front yard? Got a new range idea yet?

[goingprepared]

@zhsy00001 There is another one off to the side I can use.

[zhsy00001]

Had my xt-10 for almost a year. I ware the case on my belt every day. I walk to the bus over a mile and use the light the whole way.

I've dropped the xt-10 a couple of time even tough I have both a lanyard and the tactical ring. It got scratched on both ends, but works like a champ. Use in rain or clear.

It could use stainless steel on both ends.

The tactical loosened after about 6 months and doesn't prevent rolling on a sloped surface as much as it used to, but still works.

Every day carry.

[avalon449]

I thought the tree was being chopped down?

[avalon449]

I bought the XT10 from you last year now I want the XT11! I hate when they upgrade lights....lol!

[purewhips1]

Awesome awesome. Congratulations on your new born!

[aendzo]

can you ship to texax?

[goingprepared]

@aendzo We will ship anywhere in the world.

[roadkill11091974]

Does this light replace the XT10 as your favorite light? Also is the PWM bad in the lower modes? PWM is the only reason that's keeping me away from Klarus lights.

[goingprepared]

@roadkill11091974 Well, it replaces my XT10. It is a little big for EDC for me since I carry my light in my pocket. PWM is about the least important thing to me for a flashlight, so I honestly don't notice it.

[roadkill11091974]

@goingprepared Thanks for your input Marshall! I might just order this light! After i get a T20CS and a M3X that is. :) Keep those reviews coming! More power! :)

[roadkill11091974]

Oh yeah, i thought that tree was going down? :)

[roadkill11091974]

Finally, the flashlight reviews! Been waiting for these! :)

[ALAPINO]

WOW! Klarus certainly didn't take long to up the ante on this the XT.

Thanks, Marshall!

(And congratulations on the newest addition to the family!!!)

[aebbelwoy]

Just to make sure I understood correctly, the U2 built in the XT11 does not necessarily have a more cold tint than the T6 built in the XT10?

[goingprepared]

@aebbelwoy It depends on the individual light. On the whole, they might be a bit cooler.

[Gungfuman77]

Jayrush01 - lol... I was just going to ask that same question too.... I thought that tree was dead and scheduled for demolition.

[jayrush01]

weren't u getting that tree cut down??

[goingprepared]

@jayrush01 Hah, yeah, it was supposed to be. It was the city's fault from when they put in a new pipe, so we are dealing with that.

[Metaxas360]

=D ok, this video answered my question !

thanks Marshall !

[racerx32]

Cool review,, I'm definitely liking the XD11 a bit more than the 10, the improvement are neat,,I must add it to my flashlight collection, especially since your daughter gave it the seal of approval, lol.