Do LEDs weaken over time?

M

Morpeus

Joined
Mar 31, 2004
Messages
780
I have an older model X5 with fluted cylinder and upon purchasing two more newer model X5s with hexagon cylinder noticed the new ones were alot brighter, like at least 5 lumens IMO.

I contacted Inova to see if they were using brighter LEDs in the newer models and they said no and I should send it in for a new one. Problem is I like the older body style better and they would just replace it with a new model. They also said the LED would always be as bright as when new till they burned out but I am not sure about that as well.

And yes I have tried several sets of new batteries.

Do LEDs realy fade over time and does anyone else have an older model X5 and know what im talking about?
 
How much have you used it? LEDs are supposed to be good for at least 1000 hours I think. It could be that the one you have is just not as bright as your new one, for whatever reason. It may have been that bright when you bough it, I mean. I only have a new X5, so I can't help you there.
 
It has had one battey change. I also have another older style one I got on trade here at the forum just for collecting and after trying it tonight I found the same results, alot weaker than the new ones. The gentleman I got it from said its had about 4 sets of batteries in it but not all were new and the condition is like new.
 
In theory LEDs do weaken with use and the more they're overdriven the faster they fade, but in practice that's not going to be noticeable after a few years of ordinary use.

LEDs that are nominally the same actually vary a little in brightness as well as in color. They keep improving them, too; a flashlight you buy now is likely to be a little brighter and whiter than a supposedly identical one you bought a year or two ago.
 
I read the X5s are underdriven.

There's a similar thread @ CPF where some guy used an LED light over his keyboard everyday, he said it faded dramatically.
 
The bad part is you can't change the LEDs, now I have to just deal with it weak or swap it in. Maybe they should start making replacable LED head assembly units like the lamp assembly on the Surefire so you can just replace them when they fade. Its a bit upsetting that Inova wil not admit they fade, I was told my light must be defective.

Has anyone ever sent a light back to Inova, im curious what the turn around time is?
 
Try cleaning the LED or lens in front of it? Especially if you smoke or live near the ocean and carry it outdoors a lot? Could be smoke or salt film on it? No idea really just thought I'd ask.
 
LEDs should last at least 10,000 hours just like a transistor.It will start to weaken at some point.
 
Did try cleaning the lens on both older X5s and no change, a task in itself trying to clean those little gattlin gun lenses lol.
 
Cougar Allen said:
In theory LEDs do weaken with use and the more they're overdriven the faster they fade, but in practice that's not going to be noticeable after a few years of ordinary use.

LEDs that are nominally the same actually vary a little in brightness as well as in color. They keep improving them, too; a flashlight you buy now is likely to be a little brighter and whiter than a supposedly identical one you bought a year or two ago.
Click to expand...

Couldn't have been better said. A lot of "flashaholics" are actually waiting for the next generation of LED lights (the "K2" series I believe they're called) that will take them closer to the throw and punch of incands.
 
I took the batteries out and cleaned the + connection on the tailcap with ultra fine steel wool and it helped alot, must not have been getting a good connection.
 
Yeah, the first thing you should think of if an X5 is dim is that there is a bad contact somewhere. This is a problem even with the newer ones. I have to clean the contacts on mine regularly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top