Klarus Upgraded XT1C - 700 Lumens

FlashlightZ Opinion

Author : David

The Klarus XT1C is one of the most underrated lights on the tactical light market today. If you consider yourself a flashaholic and don't know about this light, you definitely need to keep reading!

How many lights would you consider to be TRUE everyday carry? The MecArmy SGN7? The Nitecore Tip? Most of these lights are sized for going on your keychain, and subsequently just aren't very powerful by tac light standards. Normally,lights in this size are around 100 lumens in strength. If you're used to stronger tactical lights, with lumens around 1000, that's quite a drop! Standard handheld lights, however, are typically just too bulky to be convenient to carry in your pocket all day. If you're looking for an everyday carry light that uses the best options from both worlds, and which also has serious tactical possibilities for your sidearm, then take a hard look at the XT1C.

So how big is the Klarus XT1C, and how bright is it? In a nutshell, the XT1C is designed to be a tactical light that's mounted on your sidearm. This means that it has been made incredibly small, while also being a light that's tactical both in brightness and operation. Let's unpack what that means a little bit.

First, let's talk about the brightness, because who can wait for info like that? This light, which is about the length of your thumb, is 700 lumens. That's actually greater than the brightness of many larger, name-brand tactical lights like the Mag-Lite ML25LT, which is only 177 lumens. The Streamlight Stinger DS HL is 640 lumens, so even this light falls short!

As a pistol light, the Klarus XT1C is fantastic. It has the standard 1" diameter and so should be compatible with most any pistol tactical mount. Although Klarus does not make a remote pressure switch for the light, it should be easy to access the light's functions with a good two-handed pistol grip. The layout of the light is Klarus's patented dual-switch design, with all access placed on the tail - within easy reach even while operating your pistol. The only drawback here is there is that the primary switch has no momentary-on function.

Of course, the light wouldn't really be everyday carry if it couldn't be easily carried every day. To that end, Klarus has included the handy accessory of a solid titanium steel pocket clip. This clip fits neatly on your pocket or belt, has a secure hold on the light, and is practically unbreakable. As far as a flashlight to carry around with you, use around the house or at work, just generally to have at hand for any situation, the Klarus XT1C really can't be beat. Between its size and its steel pocket clip, it's an ideal everyday carry light. These are aspects that just really can't be improved upon without severely looking brightness or durability.

But what about the beam characteristics? It may be 700 lumens, but most smaller flashlights are so floody that it doesn't get much further than a couple dozen feet in front of you. Not so with the XT1C, which is designed to be an actual tactical flashlight and not just some extra illumination. The light's beam reaches a staggering 210 meters. That's 688 feet in American. Or, to put it in an even more American way, that's more than the length of two football fields. And you can easily carry it in your pocket! This is definitely an exceptional tactical light. Plus, this beam is easy on your eyes - no PWM flickering! The Klarus XT1C is a quality tactical flashlight that is Constant Circuit Current driven, for a better experience for your eyes.

But this light is smart in more ways than one. Its also got Klarus's signature ITS temperature control system. This flashlight actually monitors its own internal temperature at all times that it is in use. When the internal temperature gets too high, the light will automatically dim, protecting your investment's valuable circuitry. This is of incredible value, as the increasing pace of flashlight LED technology leads to higher brightness lights with greater heat production. Many inexperienced flashlight users run the risk of damaging their expensive flashlights by overuse on high settings. The Klarus XT1C is a worry-free flashlight, since its ITS does all the worrying for you! If you can protect your tactical flashlight investment by getting one with a smart internal temperature sensor that regulates the light's brightness, you should definitely do it!

Another way that Klarus protects your investment is by making it just plain tough. Unlike keychain lights which can often be made of less sturdy material, the XT1C is made of the same aircraft-grade aluminum as any full-size tactical light. This means that this tiny light, again, no larger than your thumb, can be run over by a truck with no impact on its functioning. But not only is the exterior casing tough, but the interior is well protected, too. The XT1C is rated impact-resistant up to 1 meter. If you're taking this out of your pocket and it slips, Klarus GUARANTEES this light will keep working.

The Klarus XT1C is also rated IPX-8 waterproof. What this means is that it is totally watertight up to two meters below the surface. Basically, if the water isn't deep enough that it goes over your head when you're standing in it, it's not deep enough to harm your light. Heck, if you drop it, it won't even turn off - you'll be able to find it by following the light!

So to recap: this light is as waterproof as they come, impact-resistant, and nearly as bright as any handheld tactical light, and all at a fraction of the size. The XT1C is a pretty-near flawless everyday carry option, even beating out (in my opinion) that other Klarus EDC option, the Mi7. And Klarus's respected rear dual-switch gives the light serious tactical switch possibilities. If not for the lack of a momentary-on switch, this light would be getting a perfect score. But even without this tactical option, I feel comfortable leaving this light with high marks. I give it 9/10.