Klarus mi7

Is the klarus mi7 the best size to value and lumens out there in a AA/14500?

7hns said:

Is the klarus mi7 the best size to value and lumens out there in a AA/14500?

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I would think so. The Olight S1R turbo S has 900 lumens, rechargeable, Great UI, but is $65.

Consider the groupbuy dealer/vendor section, the MI7 is an excellent value. I just ordered my first one from Freeme

My bad. The Olight S1A only has 600 lumens on turbo. The S1R is rcr123 battery

The Manker E11 is a similar AA side switch light and very close competitor @ $30, slightly shorter, floodier beam, and 800L max on a 14500, 400L - AA/NiMH.

I just got the Klarus, only thing smaller is my Eagletac D25a clicky. Nothing has replaced that one yet. The clip on the Klarus is kind of chincy, but it's a bit brighter than my eagtac. I also prefer my rear clicky. I have the Olight S1A and like it as well. Nice UI. Still not as small as my eagtac

I am also curious about other 14500 lights.

Really I guess I'm looking for closest thing to a compact 18650 light's output, but with a 14500 cell.

I realize there are more small 3.7/4.2V lights using RCR123 size, but I don't like the short stubby form factor, and 1xAA lights seem universally geared to NiMH cells. Dedicated 14500 with mode spacing designed for 14500 would be nice. Doesn't seem to be any of those in production lights at least.

Bought a Manker E11 recently, pretty good with NiMH, but my Efest 14500 should arrive Monday, we'll see.

I bought a Klarus Mi7 a weeks ago after seeing one on sale. I am a little wary of electronic switches after having one fail on a Sunwayman C10R, but the price was right and the color, Olive Drab, was interesting. Also, I have been switching over to an all AA format for my EDC light needs. The only hold out was my Foursevens Copper Preon1, which is 1xAAA of course. LOVE THAT COPPER! After getting my Mi7, I put in a Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA and put the new Mi7 into my EDC rotation. First thing that was odd was it would not go into low mode. The UI is quick press once to turn the light on in High, then another quick press for low. Then another quick press for off. Just wouldn't do it. All other modes worked as they should. When I drained that lithium, I used a alkaline I had on me and BINGO! There was low mode. Odd. Now works with any battery I use. I now carry the Mi7 with a Eneloop NiMH AA and it works well. I would change the UI and install a better clip. Something like what is found on the Sunwayman M11R. See picture below. But all in all, I am happy with this light.

7hns said:

Is the klarus mi7 the best size to value and lumens out there in a AA/14500?

Click to expand...

Lumens aren't everything. It's what is done with them that counts. Basically don't obsess with lumens.

the Klarus is a nice light. But has some major design flaws IMO.

Good bits:
-superb beam profile
-good performance on a 14500 (but feels poor on an AA. Or at least once you've used a 14500 you'll not want to use an AA in it)
-very nice build quality
-good UI

Bad bits:
-only cool white tint
-as with all 14500 lights very very poor runtimes on High
-no moonlight
-no clip (think this has been fixed now)

Deal breaker:
-Side switch activation in your pocket. Making it completely useless as an EDC light.


Its it's a real shame, as it's a super nice little light. But having it switching on in your pocket is just poor design and lack of thought on the lights intended use. It does have a lock out feature, but having to lock out a light every time you put it in your pocket and having to unlock it each time to use it. Is nothing but a reminder or the poor overall design of the light.