Even if Imalent overstates their lumens by 30% and the MS18 peaks at just 70,000 lumens it would still hold the record for output in a production light. That’s still something to be proud of. Imalent has produced some flawed products in the past. However, kudos should be given to them for:
Being extremely creative and innovative. For example: no other manufacturer ever came out with a variable tint light controlled via a slider on a touchscreen display like Imalent did several years ago.
Pushing the envelope. They are one of the few manufacturers showing us just what is possible in terms of output with LEDs these days.
Coming out with new models rapidly. It’s nice to see rapid releases and improvement. No waiting years for a new model from this manufacturer.
Addressing issues when they are found. From reading this thread it looks like when issues were found with the MS12, they did a recall and incurred massive expense in redesigning the head to fix the problems. The resulting new light is impressive. Not every manufacturer would do that. They aren’t perfect, but their heart appears to be in the right place.
They appear to be learning from their mistakes and some of their products are excellent.
Looking at the Imalent failure poll, I will never own one. 700.00 for a bulky, heavy light that probably is over rating it’s lumens, and is most likely not reliable is a non starter for me. I also don’t like lights that need a fan. Everyone thankfully can buy what they want, and for those who like this light, go buy several.
I also have no need for a gigantic light. My needs are more about what I can fit in my pocket.
But just because I’m not going to purchase a gigantic light doesn’t mean I’m not interested in seeing what’s happening at the cutting edge. It’s quite interesting watching manufacturers fight to produce the most lumens.
If my opinion was perceived as bashing that was not my intent. I don’t recall telling anybody not to buy one. But I stand by what I say and what I said is relevant. These things aren’t cheap. People need to be informed of possible issues before they go and spend $800+
That being said… Even if the MS18 only does 71000 lumens, that’s still incredible! I hope it hits 100k lumens and I’ll be the first to say that if it does, I’ll be in line to buy one myself.
Imalent seems like they’ve designed a head profile they like and are going to stick with it for many models. As someone else mentioned, a 12 cell set-up would be much better for a 100 000 lumen light.
how much would that thing weigh though? assuming they’d use the same head.
Would it also basically be as long as the infamous 6D maglight?
It’s pure business decision… They’ll “destroy” their reputation to a few hardcore enthusiasts and lose them, but gain a few sales from the uninitiated. Every business does a cost-benefit analysis, and unfortunately many bean-counters are not customer-relations experts. Or engineers.
I think the lights Imalent make are fine, even good, and they have enough WOW factor in them that there’s really no need for blatant false advertising. It’s like playing poker with two crooks - “You got 5 queens? I beat you with 7 jacks!” It’s almost like the manufacturers peruse these forums, get Texas Ace’s or koef3’s or maukka’s or whomever’s test results (that are done on a huge actively cooled heatsink) and multiply it by the number of emitters to come up with their numbers.
Take the DX80 for example. Yes there was a recall, but they got to have known they were shipping a defective product. It’s almost like taking a defective product, selling them as a way to raise money, then ship replacement parts afterwards. Not saying this was the case with the DX80, because things happen, but it makes you wonder if with more extensive testing, there would have not been as much a recall as there was.
Seriously agree that there’s no need for the overstatement. This light might very well produce 70 000 lumens. Why not call it a 75 000 lumen light. LOL either way it’s still the KING
Kinda like: so I’ve built an oldschool muscle car dragster that has 1700 HP which is astonishing yet I decide to tell everyone it makes 2050 because I think it sounds better.
The difference is, the BLF light will come close to, or slightly exceed, its output and throw specs. The GT4 is not intended to be the swath of light this is. It’s intended for large down-the-range lighting.
That said, I think a higher powered version of VoB’s GT COB conversion would probably be a more useful and practical light than these mega multi-emitter lights.
I have not experienced any problems with my Imalent lights yet.
I tested two R90C in my TA lumen tube and they measure about 14k lumens at turn on with some light leakage because of the large head size so I estimate about 15k lumens. Light is still very impressive though but a bit disappointed that I bought it so soon since R90TS will likely be 30k lumens
I don’t have a problem with the flashlight itself nor concerned about it’s quality….because i will never buy one.
In an open forum, conversation will deviate and the OP should expect that. Also should expect the criticism of the product. Particularly if the claims are not backed by actual testing and proof.
I think there would be a different conversation in here if there was proof of 100,000 lumen running, even for a minute or so. Without proof, it’s legitime conversation to question the claims.
I don’t know what you are reffering too, but if there is one wow light that i will force open my wallet, it would be for that light on youtube with the 38mm LED.
Here’s the deal: They could have used 24 XHP 70.2s, ran them at a more reasonable 12V and 2.4A, and produced 100k lumens rather “easily,” while using about 30-40% less power (less heat); AND have enough overhead for turbo.
poor quality