Today, I’ll be taking a look at an equally-important light in Klarus’s inventory, the legendary Klarus XT11GT Po V2. This light started out way back in 2013 as the XT11, a dual-switch tactical light targeted towards duty and tactical use. It took the industry by surprise with dual rear switches and (for the time) impressive 1060 Lumen output courtesy of a Cree XM-L2. We all know the matra, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, but for flashlights, that goes out the window since companies jockey to keep their inventories up-to-date and competitive. Klarus is no different, continuously improving the XT11 over its lifetime. This new for 2021 Pro V2 version promises a significant bump in output, increased throw, and a UI that appeals to tactical or professional users. I love tactical lights, and I’ve reviewed some of the best on the market so far, so maybe the K11GT Pro V2 will dethrone my go-to choices? Let’s see!
Package quality.
The XT11GT Pro V2 came in a very retail-friendly package. This is common amongst the bigger brands that have the resources and channels for brick-and-mortar retail sales. It has a hangtag with the white and red Klarus color theme with a picture of the light front and center with nice graphics and feature blurbs. I really like the clean, uncluttered layout and it’s a very premium-looking package. The outer box top lifts off and inside, the light was inside the holster sitting in a cardboard holder under a lift-open cover with some preliminary instructions on it. To the right, the accessories are in their own box (like Olight’s accessories). Here’s what you get:
- Klarus XT11GT Pro V2
- Klarus 18GT-IMR31 battery (loaded in the light)
- Lanyard
- Holster
- Spare o-ring
- Manual
- USB A to type C charging cable
Like the competition, Klarus includes everything you need to get going. This is great for a first-time buyer who doesn’t own a charger or li-ion batteries since they don’t have to buy them separately (hint, hint, Acebeam). The accessories are decent quality and nothing special but should give good service. The molded rubber logo on the holster is a nice touch. Only one o-ring? C’mon Klarus. On a $90 light, a single o-ring is a bit cheap.
The Klarus XT11GT Pro V2 feels and handles. The XT11GT is an 18650-size light. The grooves are a bit thicker and taller and that improved grip quite a lot. The balance is nice and neutral, and all the controls are arranged for easy access. The V2 maintains the original XT11’s switch layout, with a forward clicky for momentary Turbo and large, paddle-like secondary e-switch that comprises half of the tailcap rear face. The forward switch is for switching the light on and off, while the e-switch is for momentary Strobe and mode changes. The switches feel awesome. The forward switch is partially shrouded by the sides of the tailcap, but sticks out just enough to easily manipulate, and it has a nice firm action and positive clicks. The paddle e-switch is positioned directly under the mechanical switch so your thumb naturally rests on it. It’s nicely weighted, so it takes some force to press, which is great since it’s really exposed and this helps prevent unintentional activation. The action is firm with near zero play and sharp, tactile clicks. I could easily activate both switches with the tip and pad of my thumb.
For retention, you get a blackened pocket clip with lanyard attachment points, and a pair of opposed lanyard holes out back. I had issues threading the lanyard though due to the too-small holes, but the pocket clip can be removed without any risk of the light rolling away on a smooth surface thanks to anti-roll features in the head. The USB charge port is positioned on the head, and the rubber cover is contoured to fit seamlessly, so it won’t get hung-up on things. This is one of the better designs for a charge port cover since it’s so unobtrusive. The charge port is flanked by a small LED indicator for charge and battery state. It is not illuminated during operation though. The holster is decent and meant for bezel-up carry with Velcro belt loop and sturdy plastic D-ring. Due to the dual switches, tail standing is not possible, but that’s fine for a tactical/duty light.
The Klarus XT11GT Pro V2 is a great tactical light with an impressive pedigree to go with great performance and a robust feature-set catering to duty and tactical users.