KLARUS ST11 Tactical torch - full test & video review
Buying a torch that's suitable for prepping is far more in depth than just going to your local store and trying to pick up the best LED torch for your money.
In fact, it is essential to go to the more specialist manufacturers to get a true preppers torch that has all the requirements for survival and prepping use.
As with a lot of our kit, there are definite requirements that must be met in order to determine if a torch is suitable for prepping, and, in this review I'm testing one of the latest additions to the exceptional Klarus range of torches, spotlights and key-chain lights - the Klarus ST11 tactical LED torch - which has been supplied by torch specialists TactLight, who export within the UK and all over the world.
Klarus have a huge range of LED torches - and most of them are suitable for prepping in one way or another, however, I have chosen the ST11 Tactical as it is one of their latest editions to the range, and is packed with all the good features we like to see in a quality torch.
- My own general opinions:
Straight out of the box, this is every bit a tactical torch.
Very stylish, which looks and feels just right in your hand. There are several light setting and other features which take a little time to get used too and master, but once I had played around with the torch it becomes common sense, and soon becomes quite logical to understand and operate.
On close inspection it's easy to see why these torches have such a good reputation - the precision engineered body is spot on with quality machining and quality knurling on the main grip area.The front bezel and rear button guard are polished stainless steel and again, precision made to fit very nicely. 
The ST11 is charged via a screw in end cap and then plugged into a USB port. I like this idea as the torch can actually be charged anywhere via a portable solar power pack or even from a wind up radio with a USB port.
I found the screw thread was, again, quality engineered and a very smooth operation when it comes to changing over to the charging cap.
- Specifications:
- LED Type: Amazingly bright CREE XM-L2 with life span of up to 50,000 hrs.
- Battery: 2x CR123A (3v) / 1x 18650 (rechargeable)
- Function: There are two switches – a tail switch and a side switch; the tail switch provides on, momentary-on and off functions and the side switch changes modes, gives fast access to the hidden strobe and SOS modes, and allows the light to be switched off in standby mode.
- This is where the ST11 excels above other dual switch flashlights. When in standby mode, the side switch provides on, momentary-on and off functions, as well as mode changes and quick access to the two flashing modes - Strobe and SOS. Strobe is very effective for personal safety at night and a memory feature means the torch can remember the last lighting mode that was used. The tail switch can be pressed again to switch the torch completely off.
- Switch: Forward clicky tail switch that is recessed to allow for tail-standing. There is also a side switch that is recessed into the body, but as easily accessible.
- Performance: Highly efficient performance due to the digitally regulated output, which maintains constant brightness.
- Protection: Reverse polarity protection circuit protects against incorrect insertion of batteries. Sealed with O-rings for excellent water resistance and improved service life. Waterproof and Dust Resistant to IPX-8.
- Dimension: 141mm (Length), 36mm (Head), 25.4mm (Body)
- Weight: 146g (without battery).
- Finish: Tough, sealed body with HA Type III anodising.
- Colour: Military grey
- Reflector: Orange peel for an even beam profile with good beam throw - 177m.
- Lens: Toughened, ultra clear glass.
So, first impressions were good - take a look at my full test and video review to see exactly how it performed:
KLARUS ST11 Tactical torch - full test & video review
- Conclusions on the Klarus ST11 Tactical LED Torch
l have struggled to find anything wrong with this torch - maybe the ability to add an additional coloured lens or a strike
bezel might improve it a bit, but, to be honest, they're quite low down on the list.
It looks good and is all the part a solid bit of kit, well manufactured and just works well - as far as the best LED torch goes, it's up there with the big boys. The range of beam is more than enough for most preppers requirements and having the four power modes really makes this a versatile torch for any condition.
The strobe function is very powerful and overpowering and could even be used in a self defence situation to disorientate a, would be, attacker. Along with the SOS function this really does make the Klarus ST11 Tactical LED Torch the full package.
KLARUS ST11 Tactical torch - full test & video review
Buying a torch that's suitable for prepping is far more in depth than just going to your local store and trying to pick up the best LED torch for your money.
In fact, it is essential to go to the more specialist manufacturers to get a true preppers torch that has all the requirements for survival and prepping use.
As with a lot of our kit, there are definite requirements that must be met in order to determine if a torch is suitable for prepping, and, in this review I'm testing one of the latest additions to the exceptional Klarus range of torches, spotlights and key-chain lights - the Klarus ST11 tactical LED torch - which has been supplied by torch specialists TactLight, who export within the UK and all over the world.
Klarus have a huge range of LED torches - and most of them are suitable for prepping in one way or another, however, I have chosen the ST11 Tactical as it is one of their latest editions to the range, and is packed with all the good features we like to see in a quality torch.
- My own general opinions:
Straight out of the box, this is every bit a tactical torch.
Very stylish, which looks and feels just right in your hand. There are several light setting and other features which take a little time to get used too and master, but once I had played around with the torch it becomes common sense, and soon becomes quite logical to understand and operate.
On close inspection it's easy to see why these torches have such a good reputation - the precision engineered body is spot on with quality machining and quality knurling on the main grip area.The front bezel and rear button guard are polished stainless steel and again, precision made to fit very nicely.
The ST11 is charged via a screw in end cap and then plugged into a USB port. I like this idea as the torch can actually be charged anywhere via a portable solar power pack or even from a wind up radio with a USB port.
I found the screw thread was, again, quality engineered and a very smooth operation when it comes to changing over to the charging cap.
- Specifications:
- LED Type: Amazingly bright CREE XM-L2 with life span of up to 50,000 hrs.
- Battery: 2x CR123A (3v) / 1x 18650 (rechargeable)
- Function: There are two switches – a tail switch and a side switch; the tail switch provides on, momentary-on and off functions and the side switch changes modes, gives fast access to the hidden strobe and SOS modes, and allows the light to be switched off in standby mode.
- This is where the ST11 excels above other dual switch flashlights. When in standby mode, the side switch provides on, momentary-on and off functions, as well as mode changes and quick access to the two flashing modes - Strobe and SOS. Strobe is very effective for personal safety at night and a memory feature means the torch can remember the last lighting mode that was used. The tail switch can be pressed again to switch the torch completely off.
- Switch: Forward clicky tail switch that is recessed to allow for tail-standing. There is also a side switch that is recessed into the body, but as easily accessible.
- Performance: Highly efficient performance due to the digitally regulated output, which maintains constant brightness.
- Protection: Reverse polarity protection circuit protects against incorrect insertion of batteries. Sealed with O-rings for excellent water resistance and improved service life. Waterproof and Dust Resistant to IPX-8.
- Dimension: 141mm (Length), 36mm (Head), 25.4mm (Body)
- Weight: 146g (without battery).
- Finish: Tough, sealed body with HA Type III anodising.
- Colour: Military grey
- Reflector: Orange peel for an even beam profile with good beam throw - 177m.
- Lens: Toughened, ultra clear glass.
So, first impressions were good - take a look at my full test and video review to see exactly how it performed:
KLARUS ST11 Tactical torch - full test & video review
- Conclusions on the Klarus ST11 Tactical LED Torch
l have struggled to find anything wrong with this torch - maybe the ability to add an additional coloured lens or a strike bezel might improve it a bit, but, to be honest, they're quite low down on the list.
It looks good and is all the part a solid bit of kit, well manufactured and just works well - as far as the best LED torch goes, it's up there with the big boys. The range of beam is more than enough for most preppers requirements and having the four power modes really makes this a versatile torch for any condition.
The strobe function is very powerful and overpowering and could even be used in a self defence situation to disorientate a, would be, attacker. Along with the SOS function this really does make the Klarus ST11 Tactical LED Torch the full package.
