Inova - WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (sobs)

[Retinator]

It's been about 3 weeks since I killed my Gen2 X1, and I just recieved it's Gen3 replacement today.

First the good news.

1) Came with battery, no packaging other than a bare-bubble wrapped X1 with the AA cell bubble wrapped next to it.

2)Piston design seems to have changed much for the better IMO. MY gen2 (not sure if this was common) took thumbs of steel to press in. This is MUCH smoother.

3) Tailcap design also shows improvements, most notable being the larger dimple for the (-) negetive contact
.

Next is the middle ground news, neither complaints or praises.

1) Annodizing (silver model) is rougher. It does tend to dry my hand out when holding it. It seems to be a duller color but that could be just the batch it was in. The annodizing quality appears better than the Gen2, so it's a 50/50 for me.

2) Reflector seems to be deeper, white wall testing seems to show the Gen 3 has more throw than the Gen2. Could also be due to the higher output, not sure.

Now the bad.....

1) Machining is good but in the lanyard hole, there are uneven spiral markings from the machining. Not a huge deal as you really have to look in the hole to notice it.

2) The LED is not centered very well. The biggest issue I have however, is using a rectangular sized die in a ROUND opening. This leaves a lot of unused real estate. The centering of the LED doesn't seem to be a big deal anyways. Closer white wall inspection (gotta make it sound official-bear with me) shows a square hotspot, with a lightly ringy corona. No biggies as far as I'm concerned.

3) Tint - In use, tint is hardly an issue, but this one is a diluted lemonade yellow tint. very weird, I've never seen a ayellow tint before, and since the envelope it came in was dry, I can't blame my dog for this one.

4) Brightness. Ok I've been without the Gen2 for 3 weeks and have since been spoiled by a 6PL, but this appears about as bright as the older Gen2. Shrugs, maybe it's all in the throw?

Overall my feelings are VERY mixed on this one. I'm under the impression that Inova's quality might have taken a few small steps down, or I just (un) lucked out. Admittidly I'm biased if not spoiled by my 6PL, and I don't wanna come down too hard on it, but maybe my needs have changed too.
I'd still be interested in a T2 or an X03, when they upgrade it.

Now for the newer people wondering about telling the difference between a Gen2/Gen3. Without pictures, look at the tailcaps. Gen 2 shows INOVA-EMISSIVE ENERGY stamped in the rubber around the outer edge.
Gen3 has INOVA stamped in the rubber in BIG letters accross the diameter of the rubber part.

Should I hand this one down to friends/family, or hang on to it? The X5 has since filled it's role well.

 

[cave dave]

It gets worse, the runtime on the Gen 3 is considerably shorter even though it isn't much if any brighter.

 

[Cydonia]

The X1 2nd generation drew about 200ma from the AA. The new gen 3 X1 draws about 650ma. The Inova X1 Gen 3 is a real retrograde devolution indeed from a brightness and runtime view. I'm sure they will make a Gen 4... and that they will fix the problem. I hope they use the new k2 flip chip in the Gen 4. Even going back to a 5mm Nichia, this time a DS or GS, would be awesome.

 

[KeyGrip]

They really don't pay enough attention to the X series. Here we are reading reports of this butt-kicking new T series and the AA lights are left behind?

 

[steveG]

New guy here... I just bought an XO and a Bolt 2L from Target. As a guy that has until now used nothing but mag-lites and random cheapo flashlights, I'm blown away by the brightness. I haven't owned either long enough to know what kind of battery life to expect though.

Now that I'm reading up on the subject, I'm finding a lot of mixed reviews and I'm having a hard time figuring out which model I have. I'm guessing it's Inova's latest, but is it their greatest? I've got a couple months to return them if I decide they're not for me... advice?

Would I be better off with the T-series?

Is there a better light for the price? I really don't want to spend over $60, but maybe I have to?

Thanks in advance

 

[Hitthespot]

Re: Inova - WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? (sob)

New guy here... Would I be better off with the T-series?

Is there a better light for the price? I really don't want to spend over $60, but maybe I have to?

Thanks in advance

The T series is very rugged and throw extremely well. I have the T4 and it out throws every light I have except for my Streamlight Super Tac. Depending on the model they have different degrees of brightness. Size is also proportionally larger.

T1--2 CR123 100 lumens----tail cap switch
T2--2 CR123 125 lumens----tail cap switch
T3--3 CR123 150 lumnes----tail cap switch
T4--Recharge 175 lumens--mid body switch
T5--3 CR123 200 lumens---mid body switch

Bill

 

[angelofwar]

I bought my X-1 at Target as well about three weeks ago...and was initially impressed...a great light for runnig down all my half-used AA's. But I got the River Rock 1-Watt AA today, and aside from build quality, it much better than the X-1...Inova has the "build quality" part down, and I know they're trying to keep up with the "light-quality"...I just wish they'd do it faster...the river rock's light quality is better than the X-1, enough to warrrant me EDC'ing it in it's place. My X1 will just have to find a place in my First-Aid/Emergency Kit for a back-up now.

 

[Illum]

The X1 2nd generation drew about 200ma from the AA. The new gen 3 X1 draws about 650ma. The Inova X1 Gen 3 is a real retrograde devolution indeed from a brightness and runtime view. I'm sure they will make a Gen 4... and that they will fix the problem. I hope they use the new k2 flip chip in the Gen 4. Even going back to a 5mm Nichia, this time a DS or GS, would be awesome.

K2 in a 1AA are you crazy?
I'd think they'd be better off tossing one or a cluster of 3 Nichia GS LEDs [or by that time QS:nana:] and stretch the runtime

 

[yellow]

Would I be better off with the T-series?

Is there a better light for the price? I really don't want to spend over $60, but maybe I have to?

1. yes
2. comparing lights using 2 CR123s, the Fenix P3D beats T1 and T2 in every aspect (= brighter + more runtime + offers multilevel) and almost fits into Your 60,--. I would go for it.
The only downside is the reverse switch - if this is a downside for someone

yes, I know, there will immediately be the "ruggedness" answer.
Use the switch that short time till it gets wobby; oben up the light (from the front!) and check sidewall thickness, compare with the light You think is not as "rugged", then discuss again

 

[asdalton]

Would I be better off with the T-series?

Yes. But be sure to get the most recent version with the upgraded LED. These will be advertised as "2008 version" or "MP." (The Bolt series and the 2007 T series use an older, less efficient LED.)

The Inova T2-MP is one of my favorite lights.

 

[darknessemitter]

K2 in a 1AA are you crazy?
I'd think they'd be better off tossing one or a cluster of 3 Nichia GS LEDs [or by that time QS:nana:] and stretch the runtime

Maybe he meant to say Rebel flip-chip? The new K2 and the Rebel both have the high efficiency chips, right?

I think some people were speculating before that PWTs might eventually be swapped out for Rebels because of the similar size.

 

[steveG]

Thanks for the responses guys.

Are the current X-series using the upgraded LED?

 

[Yoda4561]

The new X1's are using a new led but for whatever reason it's a big step backwards, depsite pulling 3x as much current from the battery. No idea about the XO series. The X5 is still using the old nichea 5mm I think.

 

[Illum]

Maybe he meant to say Rebel flip-chip? The new K2 and the Rebel both have the high efficiency chips, right?

I'm not jeering K2s in any way...but theres not that much estate in the X1 bezel to accommodate the K2 emitter, hence the response:thinking:

 

[sORe-EyEz]

if not for the momentary strobe feature, Gerber's Infinity Ultra is a good alternative. thatz what i got for mum on Mother's Day!

 

[darknessemitter]

I'm not jeering K2s in any way...but theres not that much estate in the X1 bezel to accommodate the K2 emitter, hence the response:thinking:

Oh, I didn't think you were bashing K2's or anything, I just thought maybe he meant to say the other new luxeon (since the Rebel would be a more realistic fit).

 

[Patriot]

K2 in a 1AA are you crazy?
I'd think they'd be better off tossing one or a cluster of 3 Nichia GS LEDs [or by that time QS:nana:] and stretch the runtime

I'll bet he was talking about the new K2.

 

[steveG]

I thought I'd give some newbie insight....

After buying an Inova XO a couple weeks ago I decided I wanted to buy a Surefire as well (I've wanted one for years). I debated between the G2 LED and 6P LED and decided on the 6P. I was expecting a better light in every way. Twice the price, twice the advertised run time, 80 Lumen versus 65 Lumen, almost legendary name....

The truth is, while I do think the Surefire rocks, it actually made me appreciate the XO even more. For everyday use I think it's a better light. It's smaller, fits in your pocket easily, seems just as bright, more usable beam, more comfortable to hold, etc. And, after doing some more research and finally finding an output chart, I see that the 6p LED has a very similar curve... bummer. I wanted the 6P LED or G2 LED because I thought it had a longer run time. The only advantage I can see with the 6P so far is the fact that it fits well in a "combat-style" fist. The only problem is, I can hardly remember the last time I needed to smash someone's face in... LOL. Oh well, it's still a cool light.

The bottom line?

In my opinion, the current XO is a damn good light at a very fair price ($39.99 at Target).