IMALENT MS03 Review – Brightest and Compact EDC Flashlight
IMALENT is a brand that has made a name for itself by consistently introducing innovative and cutting-edge products in the flashlight industry. With the release of their newest product, the IMALENT MS03, they have once again pushed the boundaries of what is possible with a flashlight. The MS03 is a small, palm-sized EDC flashlight that boasts incredible performance capabilities. Equipped with three Cree XHP70.2 emitters, this flashlight is capable of producing an astonishing 13,000 lumens of light output. Even more impressive is that the MS03 achieves this level of brightness using just one 21700 Li-ion battery. I had the chance to test out the MS03 and can confidently state that it outshines any other pocket-sized flashlight I’ve encountered.
Unboxing
IMALENT’s package for their flashlight is a true work of art, designed to impress from the moment you lay eyes on it. The packaging boasts a fully printed layout, which adds to the overall aesthetic of the product. The attention to detail is evident, with reflective blue text that catches the light and makes the box stand out even more. The package exterior also clearly displays the impressive 13000 Lumens, informing you that you are handling a high-quality product. Upon opening the package, the luxurious inner box greets you, sliding out to reveal a beautiful picture of the MS03. IMALENT has truly outdone itself with the packaging of this product, making it a pleasure to unbox and revealing the care and craftsmanship that has gone into its design.
When you open the box of the IMALENT MS03 flashlight, you will discover a well-organized and complete package. The first thing you’ll see is an IMALENT card and some silica gel, which keeps everything dry and protected. The main attraction of the box is the flashlight, which sits securely at the bottom. A sturdy foam holds it in place, guaranteeing its perfect condition upon arrival. Alongside the flashlight, you will also find another cardboard box that contains all the accessories.
These accessories include two spare O-rings, a flashlight clip, a lanyard, a holster, and a USB-C charging cable. What’s more, the package comes with a high-quality IMALENT 21700 4000mAh proprietary cell, so you can start using the flashlight right out of the box.
Design
The MS03 flashlight is an exceptionally well-made product that boasts high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. The light is designed with a large head, which is impressive given its compact size for a 21700 light. One of the standout features is the large on/off switch, which is easy to locate and use. Additionally, beneath the switch, you can find a small LED light that users can turn on to locate the switch in low-light conditions. This LED light also functions as a battery level indicator and flashes red when the voltage falls below 3.0V.
The MS03 has a well-executed and functional knurling, although it is not as elaborate as that on Olight products. The light’s anodizing and etchings are flawless. The light’s threads are anodized as well, which enables mechanical lockout by slightly untwisting the tail cap. Furthermore, the threads are well-lubricated, which makes it easy to unscrew and remove the tail cap.
The MS03 features three Cree XHP70.2 LEDs that are perfectly centered, and they are protected by a tough mineral glass lens. The flashlight is built with only one spring located inside the tail cap. This means it may not be as shock-resistant as other torches, but its 1.5-meter drop rating should be adequate for most users. Finally, the battery tube of the MS03 is designed with thick side walls, ensuring that the battery fits perfectly with no side-to-side movement.
Overall, the MS03 flashlight is a superb product that prioritizes durability and functionality in its design. Its compact size, high-quality materials, and attention to detail make it an excellent choice for anyone in need of a reliable flashlight.
Features and Performance
Cree, an American LED company, manufactures the high-quality flashlight MS03. The flashlight’s emitter consists of three Cree XHP70.2 LEDs, which emit a bright and intense light. The color temperature of the MS03 is 6500 K, which is a cool white light that makes it easier to see details in the dark. The reflector of the flashlight is smooth, which helps to create a more cohesive hotspot, giving it a better throw. The smooth reflector is particularly useful for long-range illumination, as it enables the light to focus on a specific area with greater intensity. Additionally, the MS03 comes with an AR-coated glass lens that provides an added layer of protection for the lens.
One of the key features of the MS03 is its mode memory. When you turn off the flashlight, it remembers the mode you last used. Then, when you turn it on again, it will automatically return to that mode. This feature is especially useful for people who frequently use their flashlight for a specific purpose and want to save time by not having to go through all the modes every time they use it. The MS03 also has a tactical strobe function that can disorient an attacker or target! making it difficult for them to focus or respond appropriately.
The throw of a flashlight is an essential factor that determines its performance in illuminating objects at a distance. It is the calculated distance in meters at which the flashlight produces a light intensity of 0.25 lux. A higher throw distance is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or search and rescue operations. The MS03 flashlight has an impressive throw distance of 324 meters! making it an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency responders.
The candela per lumen (cd/lm) ratio is another critical feature to consider when choosing a flashlight. This ratio determines if a flashlight has a spot or flood-type beam. Well-focused spot beams can be over 100 cd/lm, while tactical flashlights are typically between 20-100 cd/lm. Work lights, on the other hand, have less than 10 cd/lm. The MS03 has a high cd/lm factor of 2.02! indicating that it produces a well-focused spot beam ideal for outdoor activities.
The MS03 is powered by a single 21700 Li-Ion battery! which is known for its high energy density and long-lasting performance. The flashlight has a battery indicator that lets you know when the battery is low, charging, or fully charged. However, the MS03 cannot charge batteries directly, and you may need an external charger to keep your battery going. The flashlight also has built-in low voltage protection (LVP) to prevent damage to the cell from over-discharge, making protected cells unnecessary.
In addition, the MS03 has a built-in thermal control that automatically adjusts brightness output to prevent overheating! ensuring that the flashlight performs optimally. It also comes with an IPx8 protection rating! which means it is waterproof and can withstand submersion in water for extended periods. However, the flashlight does not have AUX LEDs or a magnetic feature, which may be necessary for some users.
Charging
The package comes with a charging cable that connects USB to USB-C, specifically intended for on-cell charging, not on-light charging. While the charging process seems to be efficient, it may not be as fast as it could be. Charging at 0.5C seems to be unnecessary since USB-C could handle a higher charging rate. Nonetheless, the charging process is relatively speedy and takes only around three hours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IMALENT MS03 flashlight is an exceptional product that exceeds expectations in design, features, and performance. Its innovative design, attention to detail, and high-quality materials make it a reliable and durable flashlight. The MS03 boasts an impressive 13,000 lumens output, which is remarkable for its small size! and it’s mode memory and tactical strobe function add to its practicality. The Cree XHP70.2 LEDs provide a bright and intense light output, and the smooth reflector! and AR-coated glass lens create a cohesive hotspot for a better throw. The MS03 is an excellent choice for anyone in need of a powerful, compact, and reliable flashlight.
