Imalent LD70 Review: The Ultimate Compact Flashlight
The Imalent LD70 is a compact, high-performance flashlight designed for everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts. With a staggering output of 4000 lumens despite its small size, the LD70 promises to deliver exceptional performance in various applications, from outdoor adventures to daily tasks.
In this review, we will delve into its impressive features, performance metrics, and usability, providing potential buyers with a comprehensive understanding of what the LD70 offers. Key aspects to be covered include its design, build quality, battery life, and the various operating modes it provides, including turbo and strobe settings.
Whether you’re scaling a mountain or navigating a dark hallway, the Imalent LD70 is engineered to meet your lighting needs effectively. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of the flashlight’s capabilities, advantages, and limitations, helping you decide if the Imalent LD70 is the right choice for your lighting requirements.
Table of Contents
- Design and Build Quality
- Light Performance
- User Interface and Controls
- Battery Life and Charging
- Heat Management and Safety Features
- Pros and Cons
- Comparisons with Competitors
- Ideal Use Cases
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Imalent LD70 is both modern and functional, making it a standout choice for EDC enthusiasts. With a length of 81mm and a weight of just 87g, this flashlight is specifically designed for portability.
Its dimensions allow it to fit comfortably in a pocket or backpack without being cumbersome. The LD70 is constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum, ensuring durability while maintaining a lightweight profile.
Dimensions and Weight
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 81 mm |
| Weight | 87 g |
The compact dimensions and light weight of the LD70 make it ideal for outdoor activities and everyday carry. Its size is comparable to a roll of quarters, offering a high lumen output without sacrificing portability.
Material and Finish
The flashlight features a hard anodized finish that not only enhances its visual appeal but also provides resistance to scratches and wear. This type of finish is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the flashlight during rigorous use.
The LD70 is available in multiple colors, including Black, Blue, Green, and Gold, allowing users to select a style that suits their preference.
Colors Available
| Color |
|---|
| Black |
| Blue |
| Green |
| Gold |
The variety of colors available adds a personal touch to the LD70, making it not just a tool, but also a stylish accessory. Users can choose based on personal taste or intended use, whether for tactical applications or casual everyday carry.
Light Performance
The Imalent LD70 excels in light performance, generating a maximum output of 4000 lumens thanks to its powerful CREE XHP70.2 LED. This high output ensures that even in the darkest environments, visibility is not compromised.
The flashlight’s beam distance reaches an impressive 203 meters, providing ample illumination for a wide array of applications.
LED Specifications
| LED Type | Maximum Output (Lumens) | Beam Distance (meters) |
|---|---|---|
| CREE XHP70.2 | 4000 | 203 |
The integration of the CREE XHP70.2 LED is a significant factor in the LD70’s performance. This LED is known for its efficiency and ability to output high brightness levels, making it suitable for both tactical and recreational use.
Lumens Output by Mode
| Mode | Lumens | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 20 | 15 Hours |
| Medium | 200 | 3.5 Hours |
| High | 2000 | 1.5 Minutes then 900 for 39 Minutes |
| Turbo | 4000 | 1 Minute then 900 for 38 Minutes |
The LD70 features multiple modes, allowing users to select the appropriate brightness level for their needs. From a low setting for extended runtime to an intense turbo mode for short bursts of maximum illumination, the LD70 caters to various lighting scenarios.
Beam Distance and Intensity
The beam distance of 203 meters ensures that users can illuminate distant areas effectively. The flashlight’s design prioritizes floodlight capabilities, providing a broad area of light, which is beneficial in outdoor settings where peripheral visibility is essential.
While it may not throw light as far as some high-throw flashlights, its expansive beam allows for practical use in a variety of environments.
User Interface and Controls
The Imalent LD70 features a user-friendly interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate. This simplicity is vital for users in urgent situations, where quick adjustments to light settings are necessary.
The primary control mechanism is a large electronic button located on the back of the flashlight.
Button Layout
The button is designed for ease of use, featuring a smooth, flat surface that allows for precise control without accidental activation. This design is essential, especially for a light that can generate high heat in its turbo mode.
Mode Cycle and Access
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Single Click | Turn on/off in last used mode |
| Press and Hold | Cycle through 20, 200, 900, 2000 lumens |
| Double Click | Activate Turbo mode |
| Four Clicks | Lockout mode |
This straightforward control layout enhances the LD70’s usability, allowing users to quickly access different brightness settings or lock the light to prevent accidental activation.
Lockout Functionality
The LD70 includes a lockout feature, activated by pressing the button four times. This function is crucial for preventing unintentional activation during transport, ensuring that the flashlight remains off and the battery is conserved.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is a critical aspect of any flashlight, and the Imalent LD70 does not disappoint. It is equipped with a built-in 1100mAh Li-ion battery that can be recharged using the included magnetic USB cable.
Battery Specifications
| Battery Type | Capacity (mAh) | Charging Time |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in 18350 | 1100 | 1.5 Hours |
The rechargeable battery offers convenience, eliminating the need for constant battery replacements. A charging time of about 1.5 hours ensures that users can quickly power up the flashlight between uses.
Runtime Across Different Modes
| Mode | Runtime |
|---|---|
| Low (20 lumens) | 15 Hours |
| Medium (200 lumens) | 3.5 Hours |
| High (2000 lumens) | 1.5 Minutes + 39 Minutes at 900 lumens |
| Turbo (4000 lumens) | 1 Minute + 38 Minutes at 900 lumens |
The LD70’s runtime varies significantly across its different modes. While the turbo mode provides intense light for short bursts, lower modes like low and medium offer extended runtimes, making it suitable for a variety of activities without frequent recharging.
Heat Management and Safety Features
High-output flashlights often face challenges with heat generation. The Imalent LD70 incorporates several features to manage heat effectively, ensuring safe and comfortable use.
Heat Dissipation Mechanism
The design of the LD70 allows for efficient heat dissipation. Although it can get quite hot when used in turbo mode, the flashlight is engineered to handle this thermal load, with the body temperature monitored to prevent overheating.
Thermal Cut-off Features
The LD70 features automatic thermal regulation. Once the internal temperature reaches a certain threshold, the output is reduced to maintain a safe operating temperature.
This feature is particularly important during prolonged use at high settings.
User Experiences with Heat
Users have reported that the LD70 becomes quite warm during operation, especially in higher modes. Many agree that while the light’s performance is impressive, it requires careful handling to avoid discomfort due to heat.
The balance between high brightness and heat management is critical for optimal performance.
Pros and Cons
Like any product, the Imalent LD70 has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these can help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Advantages
- Exceptional brightness with a maximum output of 4000 lumens.
- Compact and lightweight design suitable for everyday carry.
- Multiple brightness modes cater to various needs.
- Built-in OLED display for battery monitoring and mode indication.
- Durable aluminum construction with a stylish finish.
Disadvantages
- Non-replaceable battery may raise concerns for long-term use.
- High output modes generate significant heat.
- Magnetic charging cable may be inconvenient if lost.
User Ratings Overview
Overall, user feedback on the Imalent LD70 has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding its brightness and build quality. However, some users express concerns about the heat generated during operation and the absence of a more standard charging port.
Comparisons with Competitors
In the crowded market of compact flashlights, the Imalent LD70 competes with several notable models. This section will compare it with similar models to highlight its unique advantages.
Comparison with Olight Baton S1
| Feature | Imalent LD70 | Olight Baton S1 |
|---|---|---|
| Lumens Output | 4000 | 600 |
| Battery Type | Built-in 18350 | 1 x 18650 |
| Weight | 87 g | 100 g |
Compared to the Olight Baton S1, the Imalent LD70 outshines it significantly in terms of lumen output. While the Baton S1 has a replaceable battery, it doesn’t match the LD70’s intensity, making the latter a better choice for those needing extreme brightness in a compact form factor.
Comparison with Nitecore TIP2
| Feature | Imalent LD70 | Nitecore TIP2 |
|---|---|---|
| Lumens Output | 4000 | 720 |
| Beam Distance | 203 m | 100 m |
| Battery Type | Built-in 18350 | Built-in 280mAh |
In comparison with the Nitecore TIP2, the LD70 offers superior output and beam distance, making it a more effective tool for outdoor activities. However, the smaller battery in the TIP2 may provide longer runtimes in lower modes.
Other Notable Competitors
Other competitors include the Thrunite TC20 and Fenix E35 V3.0, both of which offer different features that may appeal to users. The TC20 provides a larger battery capacity and higher runtimes but lacks the compactness and ultra-bright output of the LD70.
Ideal Use Cases
The versatility of the Imalent LD70 makes it suitable for a variety of applications. Here are some scenarios where this flashlight excels:
Outdoor Activities
For camping, hiking, or fishing, the LD70’s powerful output and long beam distance allow for effective navigation and illumination of the surrounding area. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in a backpack or pocket.
Emergency Preparedness
In emergency situations, having a reliable light source is crucial. The LD70 can be a valuable tool for power outages or roadside emergencies, providing ample brightness to signal for help or navigate dark areas.
Everyday Carry Situations
As an EDC flashlight, the LD70 is well-suited for daily tasks such as searching for items in dark spaces, walking at night, or even for use in professional settings where high visibility is required.
FAQ
-
What is the maximum output of the Imalent LD70?
The maximum output of the Imalent LD70 is 4000 lumens, making it one of the brightest compact flashlights available on the market.
-
How long does it take to charge the LD70 fully?
Charging the Imalent LD70 takes approximately 1.5 hours using the included magnetic USB charging cable.
-
Can the battery be replaced?
No, the battery in the Imalent LD70 is non-replaceable. It features a built-in 1100mAh Li-ion battery that can be recharged.
-
Is the LD70 waterproof?
Yes, the Imalent LD70 is rated IPX-8, meaning it is waterproof and can withstand submersion in water up to 2 meters.
-
What is the warranty period for the Imalent LD70?
The Imalent LD70 typically comes with a standard warranty period of two years, covering manufacturing defects and issues.
The maximum output of the Imalent LD70 is 4000 lumens, making it one of the brightest compact flashlights available on the market.
Charging the Imalent LD70 takes approximately 1.5 hours using the included magnetic USB charging cable.
No, the battery in the Imalent LD70 is non-replaceable. It features a built-in 1100mAh Li-ion battery that can be recharged.
Yes, the Imalent LD70 is rated IPX-8, meaning it is waterproof and can withstand submersion in water up to 2 meters.
The Imalent LD70 typically comes with a standard warranty period of two years, covering manufacturing defects and issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Imalent LD70 stands out as an impressive compact flashlight that combines high performance with user-friendly features. Its unique design, powerful output, and OLED display make it a compelling choice for those looking for a reliable EDC flashlight.
While it has some limitations, such as a non-replaceable battery and heat management issues, its advantages far outweigh the drawbacks. With a compact and lightweight design, alongside versatile modes suitable for various uses, the LD70 is an excellent investment for anyone seeking a portable and powerful lighting solution.
