Preface
The R Series is a new series from Imalent that comes with the “Jungle Search Light” tagline.
The RT70 with its single XHP70.2 LED in a deep and relatively big reflector, is it worthy to carry that “Jungle Search Light” tagline?
Note: The sample used in this review is the KIT version (ie the RT70 flashlight comes with 4 x Imalent 18650 battery). There is a Non-KIT version that comes with just the RT70 flashlight only.
Packaging & First Impressions
This is what the light will come with as shown below.
- The threads and o-rings were well lubricated.
- Threads were rather smooth and clean (no gritty feeling).
- The side electronic switch is recessed and produces an audible click upon activation.
- Anodizing of the light is uniform without any missing specs.
- The provided lanyard appears a little thin but it is able to support the full weight of the light and should hold up to the test of time.
- Holster provided is of decent quality and should withstand day-to-day abuse without issue.
- Battery compartment holds the Imalent non-proprietary 18650 3000mAh battery (same battery used in the Imalent HR70) OR KeepPower 18650 3400mAh battery with sufficient room for a slightly thicker battery width. 18650 3500mAh batteries should be able to fit without issue as well.
Note:
- Before using the flashlight for the first time, remove the dust protection film on the lens & insulation sheet from the battery’s terminal first (unscrew head first).
- Only Button Top 18650 batteries are recommended for use.
Front:
Side:
Top:
Box Contents:
Quick Overview (Manufacturer Specifications)
- Body Material: Black HAIII Aluminium
- LED: XHP70.2
- Battery Format: 4 x 18650 ONLY (Can operate on 1 x 18650 Battery during emergency, TURBO mode might not work stably though)
- Output & Runtime (with 4 x Imalent MRB-186P30 18650 3000mAh):
- Eco – (60 lumen – 96h)
- Low – (400 lumens – 18h 18min)
- Mid Low – (800 lumens – 7h 18min)
- Mid – (1200 lumens – 3h 45min)
- High – (3000 lumens / 1h 50min)
- Turbo – (5500 lumens / 8min) -> (3000 lumens / 1h 36min)
- Max Beam Distance: 903m
- Beam intensity: 203,800cd
- Waterproofness: IPX-8 Standard (2m)
- Impact Resistance: 1.5m
- Dimension: 161mm (length) x 51mm (body diameter) / 86mm (head diameter)
- Weight: 420g / 620g (excluding / including battery)
- Accessories Included:
- 4*Imalent MRB-186P30 18650 3000mAh battery
- 1*USB Magnetic Charging Cable
- 1*Lanyard
- 1*Holster
- 2*Spare O-rings
- MSRP: ~$161 (KIT version) / ~$99 (Non-KIT version) [Scroll below to view the special price in SGD instead if purchasing from the local Singapore Imalent distributor]
UI (User Interface)
UI for this light is suitable for a Bug-Out Bag (BOB) or walking/hiking light as it is relatively straightforward to use.
Switching ON and OFF is done by the electronic switch on the side of the light, so no momentary activation is possible.
Its UI is somewhat similar to a non-programmable Zebralight H600w‘s UI but at a slightly slower mode cycling.
From OFF:
- 1 Click – Light will switch ON to last used mode (last mode memory).
- 2 Click – Direct access to TURBO; 2 Click again to activate STROBE – another 2 Click will return to TURBO / 3 Click to return to ECO mode.
- 3 Click – Direct access to ECO.
- HOLD (till GREEN indicator flashes 3 times) – LOCKOUT mode is enabled; HOLD (till GREEN indicator flashes 3 times)– LOCKOUT is disabled.
From ON:
- 1 Click – Light will switch OFF.
- 2 Click – Direct access to TURBO; 2 Click again to activate STROBE – another 2 Click will return to TURBO / 3 Click to return to ECO mode.
- 3 Click – Direct access to ECO.
- HOLD – Mode change (light cycles through ECO, LOW, MID LOW, MID & HIGH); release switch to select mode.
Note:
- All modes can be memorized except for TURBO and STROBE.
- TURBO mode can only be accessed through 2 Clicks from OFF or ON, it is not part of the mode change cycle.
- When the light is switched ON, the GREEN indicator will switch ON as well (as seen below).
- Low battery indicator – the Red indicator will switch ON instead when the battery is <3.2V.
Form Factor
For flashlights that are intended to use for a BOB or walking/hiking usages and for possibly an extended period of time, form factor is extremely important.
This light feels rather well balanced in a medium sized hand (slightly head-heavy, mostly due to the larger reflector). Switching between overhand and underhand holding method is still easy despite its form factor. The knurling on the light enables the light to be sufficiently “grippy”, even with wet hands/gloves.
The light is able to tail-stand perfectly even with the lanyard attached.
Charging Process
With the provided USB Magnetic Charging Cable, the battery was charging at ~1.46A.
The light cannot be operated on any modes when charging.
The RED indicator depicts charging in progress and GREEN indicator depicts charging has completed.
Magnetic Charging is an extremely easy option of charging. By bringing the Magnetic Charging head close to the Magnetic Charging interface, the magnet will do its work and instantly snap them into place. However, do ensure that the Magnetic Charging head remains seated correctly throughout the charging duration as moving the flashlight would cause it to dislodge and stop the charging process.
There is no foreseeable issue with this Magnetic Charging interface, due to the small black insulating ring and recessed Magnetic Charging interface.
Note: Both the Magnetic Charging capability and provided 18650 battery are non-proprietary.
Beam Style/Beamshots
For this light, the spill, corona and hotspot is somewhat predictable due to the deep Smooth Reflector. Despite the larger sized LED used, the beam is still “throwy” for recognising items in the mid to further range distance.
The above beam profiles are a rough interpretation of what is seen when white wall hunting.
The beam has a rather large hotspot with some slight corona which then blends into a rather wide usable (circular) spill. It also helps that the XHP70.2 led is perfectly centred in this sample. There are some rings but no dark “donut” in the beam when whitewall hunting or in real world usage.
All of the beamshots taken below are done so with the following camera settings (ECO & LOW: 1/6, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, MID LOW & MID: 1/8, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB, HIGH & TURBO: 1/13, F3.5, ISO100, 5000K WB).
Some pictures have been adjusted slightly to depict as close as to what is seen in real life. The distance of the light from the door is 4.6m.
Control shot:
ECO (60 lumen):
LOW (400 lumen):
MID LOW (800 lumens):
MID (1200 lumens):
HIGH (3000 lumens):
TURBO (5500 lumens):
Mode (Output) Spacing
Mode spacing appears to be progressively brighter to the eye and most of the modes are well spaced enough to be able to know which mode one is currently in. With that in mind, TLR tend to view mode spacing as battery life indicators (amount of runtime left) rather than the specific output (lumens).
The naming convention for the mode levels is rather uncommon with ECO, LOW, MID LOW, MID, HIGH & TURBO. It could potentially make do with 1 lesser mode since the difference between MID LOW and LOW are quite similar in perceived brightness. As such, the MID LOW and MID modes could be converted to just a MID mode of say ~1000 lumens to still retain a perceived brightness increase from the LOW mode of 400 lumens, as well as increasing runtime on the MID mode.
It would be nice if Imalent would incorporate a MOONLIGHT mode to one that is at moonlight level (sub-lumen or 1 lumen) for those bedtime runs or during which having 60 lumens is way too bright for the night-adjusted eyes.
However, since this light is primarily targeted for those looking for an outdoor “Jungle Search Light”, it is understandable why Imalent omitted this mode.
Tint & CRI
Imalent did not disclose the tint (color temperature) and/or the CRI (Color Rendering Index) for the main LEDs used in their light. For this light, a guesstimate would be in the 6000K and 70CRI ballpark.
There are tint shifts throughout the beam profile. The hotspot is cool white whilst the corona possess a yellowish-green tint; and the spill having a slight purple tint.
This is however, not as noticeable in real life.
Waterproofness
The light was subjected to warm water submersion, followed by cold water submersion and left under room temperature running water tap whilst running on TURBO.
No signs of water intrusion in the head, switch or body was seen.
Lockout Capability
Both electronic lockout and mechanical lockout are possible when needed, like during transportation in a bag.
See UI (User Interface), on how to activate and deactivate Electronic LOCKOUT.
When Electronic LOCKOUT mode is activated, any button presses will cause the GREEN indicator to flash once.
A quarter turn (clockwise) of the head section of the flashlight will enable Mechanical LOCKOUT.
Scale Comparison (Ruler)
Summary
To sum up, we believe that the most important part of any review is if given the chance to purchase the same light for our own usage or to gift to our loved ones out from one’s pocket (wallet), would we still do it?
For this light, it is a YES – if not having a MOONLIGHT mode and/or the tint shift is not an issue for your usage.
The extremely straightforward UI (with direct access to ECO or TURBO), large hotspot “thrower” with fairly large spill in a relatively compact size light, magnetic charging are all plus points for this flashlight. In addition, we highly recommend getting the KIT version – be it for your personal use or as a gift to loved ones and/or friends, so as to do away with having to purchase Button Top 18650 batteries and have a complete set that is ready to go with just an additional wall charger or powerbank.
As mentioned earlier, we look forward to the day that Imalent incorporates a MOONLIGHT or even a lower ECO mode for closer range usage as well.
Here is a bonus size comparison picture next to some of the more higher output flashlights.
From Left to Right: Imalent RT70, Nitecore Concept 2, Fenix TK75 (2900 lumens version).
As with all gears, two is one and one is none.
Stay safe,
The Lite Review
Disclaimer: Light was provided for by Imalent (manufacturer) through a local distributor for this review. No other compensation was provided.
Where to Buy Links
Disclaimer: The links below do not contain any affiliate or tracking links.
This flashlight can be purchased from the Imalent official distributor below.
Imalent HR70
X-Boundaries
Email: info@x-boundaries.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xboundaries/
X-Boundaries will be giving our readers a special promotion – the first 3 purchases made by mentioning “The Lite Review” at their store address below is entitled to SGD50 off retail price (SGD491.90 w/ GST) for the Imalent RT70 KIT.
X-Boundaries Pte Ltd
#03-59/60 Novena Square,
238 Thomson Road,
Singapore 307683
Tel: +65 6356 7280
Available Discount Coupon Codes
- Click HERE to view our complete list of discount Coupon Codes.