kj75
Enlightened
Also little lights get brighter. For some years ago, a maximum output of about 700 could only be found at mid-sized lights, but now a light that has the dimensions of a finger can do the same. A couple of weeks ago manufacturer Klarus launched the Mi7: a little "pocket-rocket" that has also a surprising interface. In this review I'll compare this light to some others, and let's see how the Mi7 performs both at AA and a 14500-cell. Let's have a look at this tiny Klarus!
the new Klarus Mi7
tiny but bright
that has a XP-L HI V3 LED
a nice EDC-torch
also a new 14500-cell, especially designed for the Mi7
At first the features, given by Klarus:
• CREE XP-L HI V3 LED, up to 50,000 hours life
• Maximum output 700 Lumens; Maximum runtime 67 hours.
• Small and lightweight for everyday carry (26.4g without battery.)
• Battery Capacity Indication displays remaining power for easy monitoring
• One Touch Access to Moon-light and High output levels
• Unique high efficiency circuitwith broad voltage range to accommodate both AA (Primary/Rechargeable) and Li-ion 14500 batteries
• Constant Current Control with no PWM flash; suitable for photography illumination
• Over-Discharge Protection automatically lowers output levels to protect rechargeable batteries
• Lock-Out mode specially designed to prevent accidental activation of the flashlight
• Reverse Polarity Protection for ease of use
• Exclusive Stainless Steel switch; Elegant, Ergonomic, Easy to use
• Aerospace grade Aluminum Alloy body; CNC precision machining; Military grade
Hard Anodizing (HAIII) protection; Superior heat dissipation
• AR (Anti-Reflective) coated MineralLens hardened for scratch resistance
• IPX-8 water protection (2 meters submersible rating)
and the specifications:
• CREE XP-L HI V3 LED; 50,000 hours life
• 3 output levels，2 strobe patterns
• Voltage Range: 1.0V – 4.2V
• Battery: AA x 1; Li-ion 14500×1
• Color: Black, Red, Blue
• Reflector: Orange Peel
• Switch: Side Switch
• Dimension：Bezel19mm (0.75"); Body 17.6mm (0.69"); Overall Length: 87.2mm (3.43")
• Weight: 26.4g (0.93oz) (without battery)
• Material: Aerospace Aluminum Alloy 6061-T6
• Protection: IPX-8 rating (up to 2 meters submersible)
• Lens: Hardened Mineral Glass; AR coated; Scratch resistant
and the output specs:
Unboxing:
The Mi7 is packed in transparent box; to me the first time that a Klarus comes in a package like this, that I've seen earlier by another manufacturer… Mostly Klarus boxes are in black, red and white; this time the box has "pastel-looks". At the box the features, specifications and a runtime graph, inside we see a unless the manual a keyring, a carabiner and a lanyard. So, it's not over complete, but keep in mind that the Mi7 costs only € 39,90; so we can't have it all for this price. But overall, this box looks ok. Below some pictures of the package and the contents!
a transparent box this time
no black or red, but pastels
the contents: the Mi7, keyring, carabiner , manual and a spare O-ring
Impressions:
The Mi7 is the tiniest Klarus I've had my hands-on until now: The torch has the dimensions of an average finger. But it has "grown-up" appearance and feels therefore like real flashlight. My sample came in deep-black color, but the Mi7 is also available in red and blue. The build-quality is very good, also the anodizing and laser-engraving is well done, I couldn't detect any defects on it. Striking on this light is the pineapple-texture and the notches in the head. The XP-L HI V3 LED was perfectly centered at my sample and had a flawless orange-peel reflector around. The threads run smooth but need some grease: it will ensure longer life and protect against water. Also inside the body and the head it looks ok, no sharp edges or parts anywhere. Summarizing we can say the light is well-finished and feels durable, so it looks ok to me. Have a look at my pictures that show more details and impressions!
the Klarus Mi7
mini-sized mature-torch
therefore a real EDC-light
in nice deepblack color
and fits well in the hand
thanks to the button a good anti-rolling design
a lot of battery-options
anodizing and engraving well-done
no sharp edges
an orange-peel reflector and a perfectly centered XP-L HI V3 LED
this is my favorite combination
a keyring is included
the lanyard is (to me) too long
the texture and the notches in the head are striking
the heads' inner
a close-up to the cap
and in the tube
the Mi7 can be attached to you keyring
or hang it on using the carabiner
the Mi7 in the forest
the powerful XP-L HI V3 LED
a great, little torch!
User interface:
The Mi7 is compact, and you hide the whole torch in the palm of your hand. The difference between body and head is clearly noticeable, thanks to the edge between body and head. The side-button is also in the dark easy to find, and prevents the Mi7 also against accidentally rolling-off the table. The switch has the looks of a dual-button, but its only one and operates smoothly. Almost every AA or 14500-cell (IMR too) can be loaded without problems in the Mi7's tube.
I have to admit: the interface needs practice.. I never saw such an interface on a light before. But after a couple of days/weeks I can tell you that I got used with it. The light hasn't memory, and goes on in moonlight or high. Therefore, cycling between moonlight and highest mode isn't possible, neither from highest unto moonlight. Pressing the button longer time (than about a second) will turn on the Mi7 in moonlight / lowest mode. Press again to shut off. No other normal output options possible here. A short press from off will start the light on high, again a short press will give low; the third press will shut the light off. This means, that the Mi7 always turns of after the first (moonlight) or second press (low) when in normal mode. As said, I'm got used to this interface, but I think that every user will like this interface.
Two quick presses to enter the special modes: always starting at Strobe, again two quick presses brings SOS. You can activate Strobe (and again SOS) both from on and off. When the light is in a normal mode, a short press brings you back in last used. When a special mode is activated from off, a short press will shut the light again off. There's also a function that needs three presses: the battery-power-indicator. Use this feature from off; the light will blink one, two or three times. The more flashes, the more power. Press and hold the button for five second to lock-out the Mi7, this is shown by two flashes. To activate the light again, press four in sequence, the light flashes three times now to show it's unlocked.
The Mi7 has its own interface that needs practice; and I guess many user would prefer memory on this torch, so cycling through all modes is possible. On the other way, you will have always two direct-modes. The Mi7 is a complete light for its size, and the interface works without defects.
Modes:
The Mi7 has three normal modes in total: MOONLIGHT > LOW > HIGH. I you have in total three modes in the lumen-range of 0-700, it isn't easy to split these modes; for me, four or five modes would be better on this light. As mentioned earlier, two direct-modes here: MOONLIGHT and HIGH. Two special modes on the Mi7: STROBE and SOS, only STROBE is a direct-one. You can LOCK-OUT the light at two ways: using the button (press for more than five seconds) or by releasing the cap a little. The Mi7 has also a built-in POWER-indicator.
Beamprofile:
The beam of the Mi7 has surprised me: a relative tiny hotspot and corona and a lot of (bright) spill. To be honest, I didn't expect this when I look at this reflector. This results in a wide beam, but also good throw. Have a look at the (outdoor) beamshots in this review that show this interesting beam. No defects found here in the beamprofile, neither PWM; I'm happy with that.
the tints compared
Size comparison:
Let's have a look here at the Mi7, side-by-side to the Manker E11 and the Klarus RS16. Especially the Mi7 next to the RS16 shows the compact size of this new Klarus!
14500-cell, Klarus Mi7, Manker E11 and Klarus RS16
Klarus Mi7, Manker E11 and Klarus RS16
Klarus Mi7, Manker E11 and Klarus RS16
the fronts: Klarus Mi7, Manker E11 and Klarus RS16
one XP-L HI V3, and two XP-L LEDS
the tails: Klarus Mi7, Manker E11 and Klarus RS16
Beamshots:
And now the beamshots! We'll start indoors and later we go outside with in total three lights. First, the beam showed on a white wall. Distance about 0,75 meters.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 1/125 sec
GIF-picture
And now, outdoors:
And now the light outdoors, in the forest! Only GIF's here of the three normal modes shown here, because I was curious about the difference between an Eneloop-AA and a 14500-cell. At moonlight, the difference is barely notiable, at low mode the AA seems to give some more power, at high there's a clear difference. After that a comparison between the Mi7 and the Manker E11 (powered by an IMR-14500) and the Klarus brother RS16 (XP-L-version).
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 4.0 sec, 35mm
a GIF of the three modes, feeded by an Eneloop AA
the three modes running on an 14500
the Mi7 against the Manker E11, both lights at highest mode
the Mi7 against the Klarus RS16, both at highest mode
Conclusion:
The Mi7 is compact, well-finished and is a powerfull light for its size. Also the build-quality is good and the interface works without defects. This makes the Mi7 is good choice for those who are looking for an powerful EDC-light! The Mi7 has a wide beam and also good throw, this makes this torch a good all-rounder. I'll strongly recommend the combination Mi7 / protected 14500 to have the best performance.
What I wish is that this nice light came with an updated interface and about two extra normal modes. These additions would make this tiny Klarus an almost perfect EDC!
Thanks to Klaruslight and mr Schiermeier for the perfect shipping!
the new Klarus Mi7
tiny but bright
that has a XP-L HI V3 LED
a nice EDC-torch
also a new 14500-cell, especially designed for the Mi7
At first the features, given by Klarus:
• CREE XP-L HI V3 LED, up to 50,000 hours life
• Maximum output 700 Lumens; Maximum runtime 67 hours.
• Small and lightweight for everyday carry (26.4g without battery.)
• Battery Capacity Indication displays remaining power for easy monitoring
• One Touch Access to Moon-light and High output levels
• Unique high efficiency circuitwith broad voltage range to accommodate both AA (Primary/Rechargeable) and Li-ion 14500 batteries
• Constant Current Control with no PWM flash; suitable for photography illumination
• Over-Discharge Protection automatically lowers output levels to protect rechargeable batteries
• Lock-Out mode specially designed to prevent accidental activation of the flashlight
• Reverse Polarity Protection for ease of use
• Exclusive Stainless Steel switch; Elegant, Ergonomic, Easy to use
• Aerospace grade Aluminum Alloy body; CNC precision machining; Military grade
Hard Anodizing (HAIII) protection; Superior heat dissipation
• AR (Anti-Reflective) coated MineralLens hardened for scratch resistance
• IPX-8 water protection (2 meters submersible rating)
and the specifications:
• CREE XP-L HI V3 LED; 50,000 hours life
• 3 output levels，2 strobe patterns
• Voltage Range: 1.0V – 4.2V
• Battery: AA x 1; Li-ion 14500×1
• Color: Black, Red, Blue
• Reflector: Orange Peel
• Switch: Side Switch
• Dimension：Bezel19mm (0.75"); Body 17.6mm (0.69"); Overall Length: 87.2mm (3.43")
• Weight: 26.4g (0.93oz) (without battery)
• Material: Aerospace Aluminum Alloy 6061-T6
• Protection: IPX-8 rating (up to 2 meters submersible)
• Lens: Hardened Mineral Glass; AR coated; Scratch resistant
and the output specs:
Unboxing:
The Mi7 is packed in transparent box; to me the first time that a Klarus comes in a package like this, that I've seen earlier by another manufacturer… Mostly Klarus boxes are in black, red and white; this time the box has "pastel-looks". At the box the features, specifications and a runtime graph, inside we see a unless the manual a keyring, a carabiner and a lanyard. So, it's not over complete, but keep in mind that the Mi7 costs only € 39,90; so we can't have it all for this price. But overall, this box looks ok. Below some pictures of the package and the contents!
a transparent box this time
no black or red, but pastels
the contents: the Mi7, keyring, carabiner , manual and a spare O-ring
Impressions:
The Mi7 is the tiniest Klarus I've had my hands-on until now: The torch has the dimensions of an average finger. But it has "grown-up" appearance and feels therefore like real flashlight. My sample came in deep-black color, but the Mi7 is also available in red and blue. The build-quality is very good, also the anodizing and laser-engraving is well done, I couldn't detect any defects on it. Striking on this light is the pineapple-texture and the notches in the head. The XP-L HI V3 LED was perfectly centered at my sample and had a flawless orange-peel reflector around. The threads run smooth but need some grease: it will ensure longer life and protect against water. Also inside the body and the head it looks ok, no sharp edges or parts anywhere. Summarizing we can say the light is well-finished and feels durable, so it looks ok to me. Have a look at my pictures that show more details and impressions!
the Klarus Mi7
mini-sized mature-torch
therefore a real EDC-light
in nice deepblack color
and fits well in the hand
thanks to the button a good anti-rolling design
a lot of battery-options
anodizing and engraving well-done
no sharp edges
an orange-peel reflector and a perfectly centered XP-L HI V3 LED
this is my favorite combination
a keyring is included
the lanyard is (to me) too long
the texture and the notches in the head are striking
the heads' inner
a close-up to the cap
and in the tube
the Mi7 can be attached to you keyring
or hang it on using the carabiner
the Mi7 in the forest
the powerful XP-L HI V3 LED
a great, little torch!
User interface:
The Mi7 is compact, and you hide the whole torch in the palm of your hand. The difference between body and head is clearly noticeable, thanks to the edge between body and head. The side-button is also in the dark easy to find, and prevents the Mi7 also against accidentally rolling-off the table. The switch has the looks of a dual-button, but its only one and operates smoothly. Almost every AA or 14500-cell (IMR too) can be loaded without problems in the Mi7's tube.
I have to admit: the interface needs practice.. I never saw such an interface on a light before. But after a couple of days/weeks I can tell you that I got used with it. The light hasn't memory, and goes on in moonlight or high. Therefore, cycling between moonlight and highest mode isn't possible, neither from highest unto moonlight. Pressing the button longer time (than about a second) will turn on the Mi7 in moonlight / lowest mode. Press again to shut off. No other normal output options possible here. A short press from off will start the light on high, again a short press will give low; the third press will shut the light off. This means, that the Mi7 always turns of after the first (moonlight) or second press (low) when in normal mode. As said, I'm got used to this interface, but I think that every user will like this interface.
Two quick presses to enter the special modes: always starting at Strobe, again two quick presses brings SOS. You can activate Strobe (and again SOS) both from on and off. When the light is in a normal mode, a short press brings you back in last used. When a special mode is activated from off, a short press will shut the light again off. There's also a function that needs three presses: the battery-power-indicator. Use this feature from off; the light will blink one, two or three times. The more flashes, the more power. Press and hold the button for five second to lock-out the Mi7, this is shown by two flashes. To activate the light again, press four in sequence, the light flashes three times now to show it's unlocked.
The Mi7 has its own interface that needs practice; and I guess many user would prefer memory on this torch, so cycling through all modes is possible. On the other way, you will have always two direct-modes. The Mi7 is a complete light for its size, and the interface works without defects.
Modes:
The Mi7 has three normal modes in total: MOONLIGHT > LOW > HIGH. I you have in total three modes in the lumen-range of 0-700, it isn't easy to split these modes; for me, four or five modes would be better on this light. As mentioned earlier, two direct-modes here: MOONLIGHT and HIGH. Two special modes on the Mi7: STROBE and SOS, only STROBE is a direct-one. You can LOCK-OUT the light at two ways: using the button (press for more than five seconds) or by releasing the cap a little. The Mi7 has also a built-in POWER-indicator.
Beamprofile:
The beam of the Mi7 has surprised me: a relative tiny hotspot and corona and a lot of (bright) spill. To be honest, I didn't expect this when I look at this reflector. This results in a wide beam, but also good throw. Have a look at the (outdoor) beamshots in this review that show this interesting beam. No defects found here in the beamprofile, neither PWM; I'm happy with that.
the tints compared
Size comparison:
Let's have a look here at the Mi7, side-by-side to the Manker E11 and the Klarus RS16. Especially the Mi7 next to the RS16 shows the compact size of this new Klarus!
14500-cell, Klarus Mi7, Manker E11 and Klarus RS16
Klarus Mi7, Manker E11 and Klarus RS16
Klarus Mi7, Manker E11 and Klarus RS16
the fronts: Klarus Mi7, Manker E11 and Klarus RS16
one XP-L HI V3, and two XP-L LEDS
the tails: Klarus Mi7, Manker E11 and Klarus RS16
Beamshots:
And now the beamshots! We'll start indoors and later we go outside with in total three lights. First, the beam showed on a white wall. Distance about 0,75 meters.
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 1/125 sec
GIF-picture
And now, outdoors:
And now the light outdoors, in the forest! Only GIF's here of the three normal modes shown here, because I was curious about the difference between an Eneloop-AA and a 14500-cell. At moonlight, the difference is barely notiable, at low mode the AA seems to give some more power, at high there's a clear difference. After that a comparison between the Mi7 and the Manker E11 (powered by an IMR-14500) and the Klarus brother RS16 (XP-L-version).
Camera-settings: ISO100, F/2.7, WB daylight, 4.0 sec, 35mm
a GIF of the three modes, feeded by an Eneloop AA
the three modes running on an 14500
the Mi7 against the Manker E11, both lights at highest mode
the Mi7 against the Klarus RS16, both at highest mode
Conclusion:
The Mi7 is compact, well-finished and is a powerfull light for its size. Also the build-quality is good and the interface works without defects. This makes the Mi7 is good choice for those who are looking for an powerful EDC-light! The Mi7 has a wide beam and also good throw, this makes this torch a good all-rounder. I'll strongly recommend the combination Mi7 / protected 14500 to have the best performance.
What I wish is that this nice light came with an updated interface and about two extra normal modes. These additions would make this tiny Klarus an almost perfect EDC!
Thanks to Klaruslight and mr Schiermeier for the perfect shipping!
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