Last Updated on March 20, 2025
LED technology changed the way flashlights are manufactured. In the past, flashlights used to be big in size and used bulbs to provide lighting instead of a chip that is common in today’s lights. The bulbs such as incandescent bulbs were not long-lasting as they are destructible on impact or pressure. This is not the case with LED bulbs which are very strong and can perform amazingly for many years. You don’t need to replace the bulbs regularly as it is the case with other types of bulbs. We are going to discuss here top two flashlight brands Klarus and Fenix.
In short:(Check below my top pick 2 flashlight comparison)
- If you need a Brighter flashlight at an affordable price, then go with Klarus.
- If you need a Reliable and Decent features flashlight, then go with Fenix.
Klarus and Fenix Establish Date
What is the best flashlight brand for tactical or home use? There are various quality flashlight brands to buy from. And in today’s article, we are going to discuss Fenix and Klarus flashlight brands. Both of these two brands started just a few years back, but are currently considered to be some of the best on the market. Klarus was started in 2011, while Fenix was created in 2004. These two have a rich history and they have continued to come up with new, better, and reliable flashlights that users have fallen in love with.
Feature comparison: Fenix VS Klarus
People who have used Fenix and Klarus flashlights say that they are some of the best. This is very true as I have used both. I once had Fenix PD35 and it performed very exceptionally. It is sturdily made and I love the great throw that it delivers. Currently, I am using the Klarus XT11GT flashlight which is an upgrade of the XT11S flashlight. These two are similar and but the Klarus TX11GT is one of the best flashlights that I’ve ever owned besides the Fenix PD35 light. Having such an experience, it is easier to compare these two brands.
Best Selling Klarus XT11GT and Fenix PD35 difference
| Feature | Klarus XT11GT (Original) | Klarus XT11GT Pro (2022 Version) | Fenix PD35 (2013 Version) | Fenix PD35 V2.0 (2018 Version) | Fenix PD35 V3.0 (2021 Version) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Brightness | 2000 lumens | 2200 lumens | 850 lumens | 1000 lumens | 1700 lumens |
| Beam Distance | 316 meters | 320 meters | 185 meters | 250 meters | 357 meters |
| Battery Type | 18650 / CR123A | 18650 / CR123A | 18650 / CR123A | 18650 / CR123A | 18650 / CR123A |
| Rechargeable | Yes (Micro-USB) | Yes (USB-C) | No | No | No |
| Charging Port | Micro-USB | USB-C | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| Light Modes | 4 Modes | 4 Modes | 5 Modes | 5 Modes | 5 Modes |
| Strobe Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Turbo Mode Runtime | 1.2 hours | 2 hours | 1.5 hours | 2.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| High Mode Runtime | 4.5 hours | 6 hours | 2.8 hours | 5.4 hours | 5.7 hours |
| Medium Mode Runtime | 14 hours | 18 hours | 8 hours | 10 hours | 12 hours |
| Low Mode Runtime | 170 hours | 180 hours | 140 hours | 430 hours | 430 hours |
| SOS Mode | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Body Material | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy |
| Water Resistance | IPX8 | IPX8 | IPX8 | IP68 | IP68 |
| Impact Resistance | 1 meter | 1 meter | 1 meter | 1 meter | 1 meter |
| Switch Type | Tail + Side | Tail + Side | Tail + Side | Tail + Side | Tail + Side |
| Length | 139 mm | 139 mm | 134 mm | 136 mm | 134 mm |
| Head Diameter | 34.9 mm | 34.9 mm | 25.4 mm | 25.4 mm | 25.4 mm |
| Weight (Without Battery) | 130g | 130g | 87g | 88g | 88g |
| Price | Check Price (N/A) |  Check Price |
Check Price (N/A) |  Check Price |
My Choice Check Price |
Production and popularity!
First of all, Klarus lighting focuses on innovative products that perform excellently and are of high quality. They have a professional R and D team, production, and marketing department who function together to ensure that they come up with products that customers love. Also, they provide a guarantee and after-sales service. This has made this brand to be recognized worldwide and it can be found in areas like US, EU, Oceania, Asia, and Africa.
Related: the difference between Fenix and Nitecore.
Fenix is among the most purchased flashlights on the planet. They have flash a presence in more than 100 countries with the US included. Fenix pays attention to creating innovative lighting technology and solutions. They are known to provide small, medium, and large flashlights, bike lamps, lanterns, and headlamps. These come in different sizes with varying features. They can be used by hunters, the military, law enforcers, security, hikers, campers, and many others.
Related: SureFire vs Streamlight flashlights
Various type of Klarus and Fenix flashlight
Klarus flashlight brand has lots of flashlights on offer. You can choose from the different series that it offers such as the XT-series, R-series, ST-series, P-series, SD-series, MI-series, BK-series, and many others. Every series is best suitable for particular activities like diving, hunting, tactical use, bicycle riding, hiking, and outdoor activities. You just have to find a flashlight that meets your needs or has features that you love.
Related: Fenix VS Surefire
Similar to Klarus, Fenix is offered in different series. It has 8 series with several flashlights. It is important that you go through the different series to find a flashlight that meets your needs. One of the things I like about Fenix lights is that they have a wide range of features and they are one of the brightest. Klarus as well have lots of features to offer, but they are slightly costlier than Fenix lights.
Conclusion
Overall, if you are looking for a flashlight for outdoor or tactical use, then Klarus is the best brand to buy from. Klarus flashlights are solidly built and are very reliable in different weather conditions. While Fenix flashlights are best for those looking for a great and powerful light at a great price. But they all perform outstandingly. You can decide to use the PD35 from Fenix for hunting, and the Klarus XT12GT for shooting or in combat.