Last Updated on June 1, 2025
Have you ever heard of a flashlight that emits a blinding 100,000 lumens? Sounds extreme, right? Well, that’s exactly what the Imalent MS18 brings to the table. In this comprehensive Imalent MS18 review, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about this beast of a flashlight that’s made for professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and serious gear lovers.
This flashlight isn’t just about brightness; it’s also about performance, durability, and intelligent features. It comes with a high-performance cooling system, multiple brightness modes, and a powerful battery pack, all of which we’ll dive into below. If you’re looking for a flashlight that turns night into day, the MS18 is a solid contender.
Why Trust Our Review?
We specialize in reviewing tactical flashlights on our homepage, and the Imalent MS18 stands out for good reasons. In fact, it’s often compared with other top performers like the Acebeam X70 and Fenix LD15R, but the MS18 easily tops the list for its unmatched brightness.
Features & Performance of the Imalent MS18
1. Unmatched Brightness
The Imalent MS18 features 18 Cree XHP70.2 LEDs, delivering a jaw-dropping 100,000 lumens at its peak. That’s over 50 times brighter than a standard car headlight. This level of brightness makes it ideal for:
- Search-and-rescue operations
- Law enforcement
- Cave exploration
- Large outdoor spaces
2. Incredible Throw Distance
The beam distance on this flashlight is 1350 meters, allowing you to illuminate objects over 1.3 kilometers away. Whether you’re in a forest or inspecting large construction zones, the MS18 ensures you won’t miss a detail.
3. Durability and Design
The flashlight is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, giving it an ultra-tough, anti-abrasive finish. With an IP56 rating, it’s water-resistant and can survive heavy rain or splashes, although it’s not submersible.
4. Advanced Cooling System
The MS18 features an active cooling system that includes heat pipes and a high-speed fan. This helps reduce the internal temperature, maintaining performance and extending battery life. No other flashlight in its class has a more efficient cooling design.
Battery System and Brightness Modes
1. Powerful Battery Configuration
This flashlight runs on an 8-cell 21700 Samsung battery pack with a 19V/2A input for fast charging. You can fully charge it in just 4.5 hours. For a light this powerful, that’s impressively efficient.
2. Eight Brightness Settings
The MS18 offers 8 brightness levels ranging from 700 lumens to a turbo mode at 100,000 lumens. Below is a quick look at the modes:
| Mode | Brightness (Lumens) | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 700 | 892 minutes |
| Mid-Low | 2000 | 555 minutes |
| Mid 1 | 5000 | 410 minutes |
| Mid 2 | 22,000 | 220 minutes |
| High 1 | 25,000 – 30,000 | 67 minutes |
| High 2 | 25,000 – 60,000 | 63.8 minutes |
| High 3 | 25,000 – 100,000 | 53 minutes |
This makes the MS18 incredibly versatile for different environments and tasks.
3. User Interface and Controls
- Single Click to turn on
- Press and hold to turn off
- Double click for turbo mode
- Five clicks for lock/unlock function
4. Smart Indicator Lights
The indicator system tells you the:
- Battery level
- Brightness level in real-time
- Charging status
It’s a thoughtful addition for those operating in pitch-dark environments.
Imalent MS18 vs MS18W
| Feature | MS18 | MS18W |
|---|---|---|
| Light Color | Cool White (6000-7000K) | Warm White (4000-5000K) |
| Beam Distance | Slightly Longer | Slightly Softer |
| Use Case | Search & Rescue | Photography, Foggy Areas |
Other than the LED temperature (color), both flashlights are nearly identical in build and function.
✅ Pros
- Brightest flashlight available on the market
- Fast charging and long runtime
- Eight customizable brightness settings
- Smart indicator and user-friendly interface
- Self-cooling design for safety
- Strong aluminum build and water resistance
- Comes with a shoulder strap and case for easy carrying
- Covered by a five-year warranty
❌ Cons
- Very bulky and heavy
- High brightness leads to heat buildup
- Turbo mode runtime is short (~1 minute)
- Not fully waterproof (IP56 only)
Multiple Brightness Settings
Imalent MS18 provides multiple brightness settings. It contains eight unique options: lower, mid-lower, mid 1, mid 2, high 1, high 2, high3, and turbo.
| Modes | Max Brightness | Max Runtime |
| Lower mode: | 700 Lumens | 892 minutes |
| Middle lower mode: | 2000 Lumens | 555 minutes |
| Middle 1 mode: | 5000 Lumens | 410 minutes |
| Mode middle 2: | 22000 Lumens | 220 minutes |
| High 1 mode: | 25000-30000 Lumens | 67 minutes |
| Mode high 2: | 25000-60000 Lumens | 63.8 minutes |
| High 3 mode: | 25000-100000 Lumens | 53 minutes |
Final Thoughts on the Imalent MS18 Review
If you need the absolute brightest flashlight, the Imalent MS18 should be your go-to. It’s designed for those who need extreme performance without compromising on features. Yes, it’s large and heavy, but for what it delivers—100,000 lumens, intelligent cooling, fast charging, and excellent runtime—it’s worth every penny.
Whether you’re heading for a camping trip, involved in professional rescue missions, or simply want the best tactical flashlight, the MS18 delivers like no other.
If you’re exploring more tactical options, check out our guide on the best rechargeable flashlights for comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How bright is the Imalent MS18 flashlight?
- The MS18 can deliver up to 100,000 lumens, making it the brightest flashlight currently available.
2. What is the beam distance?
- It can throw light up to 1350 meters, enough to illuminate across a mountain valley.
3. How long does the battery last?
- Up to 892 minutes on the lowest mode, and around 1 minute on turbo before stepping down.
4. Is it waterproof?
- It’s IP56-rated, which means it is water-resistant but not submersible.
5. What accessories are included?
- A carrying case, charging adapter, shoulder strap, user manual, and spare O-rings.
For more flashlight reviews and side-by-side comparisons, explore our full tactical flashlight reviews section.