What happened to Klarus?

[Labrador72]

I was wondering what happened to Klarus lights. While most flashlight manufacturers constantly come out with new lights or at least upgrade their existing series, Klarus seem to have been very quiet for some time now.

True that they released a couple of lights from the ST series this year but - aside from the XT11 - they haven't upgraded any of their lights with the latest LEDs: nearly all their lights are still fitted with the older XP-G and XM-L emitters. Do they still exist?

 

[kj2]

As far I know, they do still exist But you are right, they don't release many lights.
But IMO some companies do release a lot of lights, which isn't always necessary if you make it right the first time.

 

[Brasso]

I've looked at them. I haven't seen anything that even remotely peaks my interest. IMO, the Chinese companies should focus on small edc lights. That's where they shine. For a tactical / duty / professional light, I will go Surefire, Streamlight every single time and a Chinese "tactical" light won't even enter my mind.

 

[Norm]

They are still supporting CPF

Norm

 

[Bill S.]

Their new Mi1A Ti should be available soon.

B.

 

[rje58]

GoingGear has these in stock now, unless you are talking about a new model with an emitter upgrade.

Their new Mi1A Ti should be available soon.

B.

 

[mcnair55]

Funny enough a Klarus will be one of my first buys of 2014.My UK supplier has it in stock.

 

[Brasso]

Oddly enough, that is the one model they make that I would buy, if it wasn't a keychain light. Put a clicky and clip on it and it would be something.

 

[TEEJ]

I think a company doesn't cease to exist if they don't release new models constantly. They release new models once in a while, and, that's about it. If the ones they release sell, they don't fix things that are not broken.

If something is slow, they later release a version or model that addresses why.

 

[Labrador72]

Fair enough about releasing new lights but what I found strange was also that they only seem to upgrade LEDs for very few of their lights!

 

[KITROBASKIN]

The Ti Klarus AAA I have is nice for a twisty. One handed operation is a snap. It is not necessary to make it brighter, given the limited capacity of the AAA cell. Would a higher efficiency LED matter? Probably not much. Can't say anything about their other torches.

 

[TEEJ]

Fair enough about releasing new lights but what I found strange was also that they only seem to upgrade LEDs for very few of their lights!

Yeah, they are definitely not one of those companies that changes the line up every time a new emitter version comes out.

I still use my old XML T6 XT11, and it refuses to die despite many attempts on its life. Pump gun and rifle recoil, being thrown/dropped, using it to knock holes through sheet rock walls, etc...its just sucks it up and asks for more. I HAVE two newer ones with XML2, but they're back up...and, pretty much dormant as no back up was needed yet.

With two 18350, its 'ol T6 is pumping out ~ 1,000+ creamy colored lumens on max, and the beam is perfect for what I use it for.

I've been through too much with it to just put it out to pasture.

 

[decooney]

Interesting post, but I'm not sure I agree in a few areas. Just two days ago I just spoke with a very well known flashlight retailer who sells all the major brands including Eagletac, O'Light, Klarus, Fenix and others, etc. Unsolicited, they just happened to mention selling more Klarus lights than any of the others they carry, and they sell a ton of flashlights. Klarus must be doing something right, as people are still buying them. I enjoyed my prior XT11, gave away some XT2Cs for Christmas, and plan to buy the new version XT11 which was recently upgraded to 820 lumens. I now own several lights from different manufacturers including the makers above, and Surefire Furys too, and like the XT11 quite a bit due to the type of beam it provides and ease of use interface for my particular needs. One of my favorite lights.

 

[Labrador72]

two 18350, its 'ol T6 is pumping out ~ 1,000+ creamy colored lumens on max, and the beam is perfect for what I use it for.

Holy crap! I knew it would be brighter on 2x16340 and can definitely see that on my XT11 but didn't know it could get that bright! I'll have to grab a couple of 18350 and give it a try sometimes!

 

[lionken07]

GoingGear has these in stock now, unless you are talking about a new model with an emitter upgrade.

Yes and No. Something is wrong with the batch they have right now according to Klarus. They will be getting a new batch from Klarus; hopefully within the week or so.

 

[TheVat26]

I think Klarus designed the perfect tactical UI with the XT series and don't really see how to improve it other than updating the led. Even if they added some type of head loose mode, the tactical crowd wouldn't bother with it being the high mode at first activation with no mode memory being the primary motivator.

The only two things I wished were improved/added are the option of a smooth reflector and a clip with a little more flexibility in the securing prong, and that the clamp wrapped around the body a little better.

Have (2) XT2C's, XT11, RS11, and an XT2A. XT2c is my favorite.

 

[BillSWPA]

I think Klarus designed the perfect tactical UI with the XT series and don't really see how to improve it other than updating the led. Even if they added some type of head loose mode, the tactical crowd wouldn't bother with it being the high mode at first activation with no mode memory being the primary motivator.

The only two things I wished were improved/added are the option of a smooth reflector and a clip with a little more flexibility in the securing prong, and that the clamp wrapped around the body a little better.

Have (2) XT2C's, XT11, RS11, and an XT2A. XT2c is my favorite.

I completely agree. The interface cannot be beat. The clip, however, is not very useful. I would add that keeping the clip from rotating around the light would be helpful in allowing the clip to serve as a grip indexing tool.

While my XT2C is a bit large for EDC in some modes of dress, it is the most capable light I own.

The most important thing I would like to see is a Kydex maker like Comp-Tac or Blade-Tech make a belt pouch for the XT lights.

I have definitely seen Klarus get more and more popular among those that like strobe to be immediately available.

 

[Labrador72]

The clip is one of the weaknesses of the XT line: I find it is just a pass on the XT10 and XT11 but just cheaply useless on the other lights, especially the XT1A.
I would also like to see some crenelation added to the XT1A, XT2A, XT1C, and XT2C: always nice to have with lights that sit head down.

Has anybody tried to see how brighter the XT2C U2 is with 2x16340?

 

[FlashKat]

I received my Mi1A from Goinggear, and it works flawlessly. What kind of problem is there?

Yes and No. Something is wrong with the batch they have right now according to Klarus. They will be getting a new batch from Klarus; hopefully within the week or so.

 

[decooney]

Anyone heard if the XT30 is going to be upgraded or replaced with a higher output light by chance?

Would love to see some sort of MT-G2 emitter type light from Klarus like Crelant or the Solarforce K3 skinny handle 2x18650 light.