Flashlights have come a long way from being simple tools to light up the dark. Today, they’re engineered for precision, durability, and adaptability, catering to everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to tactical professionals. The NEXTORCH C61 Dual-Beam Flashlight with Stepless Dimming is a prime example of this evolution, blending cutting-edge technology with practical design to deliver a lighting solution that’s as versatile as it is powerful. With a max output of 3,500 lumens, a dual-beam system, and a host of user-friendly features, the C61 aims to be the go-to flashlight for industrial, tactical, and outdoor applications. After spending some time with this light, I’m excited to dive into what makes the C61 a standout in the crowded flashlight market.
First Impressions: Build Quality and Design
Right out of the box, the NEXTORCH C61 feels like a premium piece of gear. Weighing in at 175g (without the battery), it has a satisfying heft that screams quality without being cumbersome. Measuring 165mm in length, 35mm at the head, and 28.5mm at the body, it’s compact enough to carry comfortably but substantial enough to feel like a serious tool. The grid-pattern knurling provides excellent grip, even in wet conditions, and the anodized threads and beefy tailcap spring add to the overall impression of durability. This flashlight feels like it’s built to take a beating, and with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance plus 1-meter impact resistance, it’s ready for tough environments—whether you’re in a rain-soaked forest or a dusty industrial site.
The C61’s design is both functional and thoughtful. It comes with a magnetic tailcap, which is a game-changer for hands-free use. I found myself sticking it to metal surfaces like my car hood or a steel beam during testing, and it held firm, freeing up my hands for other tasks. The included stainless steel wire lanyard and carabiner add versatility for securing the light to a belt, backpack, or wrist, while the optional tactical grip (installed with an included tool) enhances control for high-stakes situations. The lanyard, in particular, is a standout—it’s stretchy, features a quick-release loop, and includes a D-ring for added functionality. It’s not just a lanyard; it’s a well-thought-out accessory that enhances the C61’s portability.
Technical Specifications: Power and Performance
The heart of the C61 is its 9-core LED array, which pumps out an impressive 3,500 lumens with a beam distance of up to 420 meters (459 yards, according to NEXTORCH’s specs). This kind of output is enough to light up a football field or pierce through dense fog during a search-and-rescue operation. The flashlight operates in two distinct modes:
– Main Light (Spot): Offers Constant On, Turbo, and Stepless Dimming, with brightness adjustable from 25 to 3,500 lumens and a beam distance ranging from 37 to 420 meters.
– Side Light (360° Flood): Provides Constant On and Stepless Dimming, with output adjustable from 1 to 30 lumens, perfect for close-up tasks like reading maps or working on equipment.
Powered by a 21700 4800mAh Li-ion battery (included), the C61 delivers up to 85 hours of runtime in low mode, making it a reliable companion for extended missions. The battery charges via a USB-C port on the head, covered by a press-in cap to maintain the IP67 rating. Charging is straightforward, with both USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to USB-C cables supported, and the included short USB-C cable is a nice touch for portability. I found the charging process to be efficient, with improvements over previous NEXTORCH models, taking the battery from empty to full in a reasonable amount of time.
The C61’s constant-current circuit ensures stable brightness, preventing the annoying flicker or dimming you might get with lesser flashlights. It also features a battery status indicator that flashes blue to signal when you’ve hit the minimum or maximum brightness and turns red to indicate lockout mode, adding a layer of user-friendly feedback.
Dual-Beam Functionality: Spotlight and Floodlight in One
What sets the C61 apart from the competition is its dual-beam design, which combines a high-intensity spotlight with a 360° floodlight. The main spotlight uses a domeless emitter with a smooth reflector, delivering exceptional throw for long-distance illumination. I tested the C61 at night, and it easily lit up trees or buildings over 400 meters away with a crisp, focused beam. The light is cool white (likely around 6000K) with a low CRI, which isn’t ideal for color accuracy but prioritizes brightness and distance—perfect for tactical or search scenarios.
The side floodlight, powered by an array of approximately seven individual emitters behind an opaque cover, produces a soft, glare-free 30-lumen output that’s ideal for close-range tasks. I used it while setting up a campsite, and the 360° spread provided even illumination without harsh shadows, making it perfect for tasks like cooking, reading, or inspecting gear. The floodlight’s stepless dimming feature is a standout, allowing me to dial in the exact brightness needed—whether it was a subtle glow to preserve night vision or a brighter output for detailed work.
Switching between the spot and flood modes is handled by two e-switches under a single rubber cover, a design borrowed from NEXTORCH’s P82 and P83 models. The smaller switch controls the side floodlight, while the larger one handles the main spotlight. The interface is intuitive: a full press turns the light on or off, a long press adjusts brightness steplessly, and a double-click activates Turbo mode for the main light’s full 3,500-lumen output.
User Experience: Practicality Meets Innovation
The C61’s stepless dimming and memory recall features make it incredibly user-friendly. Unlike flashlights with fixed brightness levels, the C61 lets you fine-tune the output to match your needs, whether you’re scanning a distant horizon or working under a car hood. The memory function remembers your last brightness setting, so you don’t have to readjust every time you turn it on—a small but appreciated detail.
The magnetic tailcap deserves another mention for its practicality. I attach it to my Whirlpool fridge and it keeps C61 in perfect horizontal position. I think that this is a lifesaver for mechanics, welders, plumbers, HVAC technicians, construction workers…any blue-collar people who need more light day or night.
The flashlight’s one-handed operation is another highlight. The single-switch control system is simple enough to use under stress, and the included finger ring adds extra security when you’re moving quickly or working in rugged conditions. I also appreciated the lack of PWM (pulse-width modulation) at all tested levels, which means no annoying flicker that can strain your eyes during prolonged use.
See the NEXTORCH C61 in this video
Real-World Applications
The C61 is marketed as an all-in-one solution for industrial emergencies, tactical missions, search and rescue, outdoor adventures, camping, and vehicle repairs—and it lives up to that promise. During a weekend camping trip, the floodlight made setting up my tent and cooking at night a breeze, while the spotlight was perfect for scanning the surrounding woods for wildlife. In a simulated power outage at home, the magnetic tailcap and floodlight turned the C61 into an impromptu work light, illuminating my workspace without needing a separate stand.
For professionals, the C61’s durability and versatility make it a trustworthy tool. Its IP67 rating means it can handle being submerged in water or dropped from a meter without skipping a beat. The 30-day Test & Evaluation Program offered by NEXTORCH for law enforcement, military, and security agencies is a nice touch, showing confidence in the product’s performance under real-world conditions.
Conclusion: A Flashlight That Does It All
The NEXTORCH C61 Dual-Beam Flashlight with Stepless Dimming is a masterclass in versatility and performance. Its dual-beam system, combining a 3,500-lumen spotlight with a 360° floodlight, makes it adaptable to virtually any scenario, from long-range searches to close-up maintenance work. Features like stepless dimming, memory recall, a magnetic tailcap, and USB-C charging elevate it above traditional flashlights, while its robust build and IP67 rating ensure it can handle the toughest conditions. Whether you’re a professional in law enforcement, a search-and-rescue volunteer, or an avid camper, the C61 is a tool you can trust to light the way.
Priced at $95.99, it’s an investment in quality and reliability, backed by NEXTORCH’s reputation as a global leader in high-performance lighting. If you’re looking for a flashlight that combines power, precision, and practicality, the C61 is a beast that won’t disappoint.
Where to Buy: You can grab the NEXTORCH C61 directly from www.nextorch.com
Read the full article here
