Inova x5 mini-review

Thanks for taking the time to write up the Inova X5MT for us.

I like both of the five-LED Inovas: the X5MT and the older model X5. The X5MT is my light of choice for most tasks. In some ways I prefer the rotate-only activation of the older X5 (harder to accidentally turn it on than the tailcap push-button of the X5), but the very small lanyard hole on the X5 case was a real downer. The 1/4" paracord-compatible lanyard hole of the X5MT was a major improvement in usability IMHO. Both the X5 and X5MT are quite bright for being LED lights (not quite tactical-bright, but still put out quite a bit of light).

The smaller single-LED Inova Mini-light becomes the light of choice when extended runtime & compact stashability are the deciding factors (20 hours X5MT, 72 hours Mini-light). At under an ounce each and about the size of a US quarter-dollar coin, it's pretty easy to carry a few of the Mini's on your person (in Altoids tin PSK, in pants pocket, as zipper pulls on jacket or pack, on neck chain or bracelet, as fob on knife lanyard, etc). But it is nowhere near as bright or as ultimately indestructible as the X5.

You can see some comments of mine re: Inova lights here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=203860
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=197626
 
Good review, thanks.

As you use the light for longer periods of time, I would be interested in hearing about your experiences. If you think of it, post an update after a few months or if something good or bad occurs. I have had two LED lights (not the Inova) begin flickering, and have heard complaints about this same problem with the Inova. I always appreciate hearing long-term use info to go with a person's first impressions.
 
I like my X5 also. I can literally run the batteries down in any of my surefires till they won't even turn on the light at all, and they will still run my X5. BTW you can get the CR123A batts for your X5 from www.surefire.com and they are 1.25 each or 15.00 for a box of 12. The price of a box of 12 used to sell for 45.00 so they are at a great price now. And 12 batts will run the x5 for a long time.
 
I've had an X5MT since Christmas (I love my fiancee!). Here's the quick and dirty:

1) Still LOOKS great, even after being dropped and banged around
2) Still running on the first set of batteries! I have used it maybe 3-4 days a week, checking rooms at night, walking 3-4 blocks at night, looking behind computers, etc.
3) STILL on the first set of batteries (yes, it is worth saying twice!)

If they stuck a pocket clip on it, it would be perfect. The sheath it comes with, though, is FANTASTIC. It is unobtrusive, and it covers something like 3/4 of the light, so it is quite secure. I got the silver body with green LEDs. I like the green LEDs, though I would recommend the white ones. I just got a Surefire C2 for more powerful lighting, and I think the pair make a great combo. I'll run my "dead" Surefire batteries in my Inova.

WHen buying a lithium light, I would recommend budgeting enough for a light and a box of batteries.
 
Originally posted by csp20108
I was concerned about the lithium batteries - I don't like the idea of nontraditional batteries due to expense and potential difficulty in finding replacements during another emergency. But, I found the batteries all over the internet for between $2 and $4 each. I ended up getting 6 for about $10 from the same person I bought the light from. Not a bad deal overall.
Click to expand...

I thought the same thing ten years ago when I first purchased a Sure-Fire 9P and sometimes, batteries were hard to come by. That has basically all changed now, however.

But...

Originally posted by sevenedges
I like my X5 also. I can literally run the batteries down in any of my surefires till they won't even turn on the light at all, and they will still run my X5.
Click to expand...

I have written a few articles for my website centering around LED flashlights and various things. When I wanted a "Scavenger LED" flashlight, I went with the CMG Infinity (Ultra) Task Light. The experience quoted above is what I experienced with the CMG - but with regard to AA batteries. AA batteries depleted to the degree that they will not even start up a digital camera - ONE of them will run the CMG for hours. So, you can stop throwing away "dead" batteries until you cycle them through your CMG and your Krill because there is a whole lot of life left inside of those seemingly dead batteries.

Pretty cool about cycling through used Sure-Fire batteries into the Inovas because Inova X5Ts and Sure-Fire E2es are on my EDC list as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top