Inova X5 or Surfire E2E

S

Spydiefan04

Joined
Jan 8, 2005
Messages
819
I can't decide, like the looks of both, like the Light Output of the Surefire, but like the battery life of the Inova. This would be a flashlight to be carried in a backpack so I'll almost always have it with me, not interested in belt or pocket carry. Don't forsee it being used for self defense, this would probably be to use along with my maglites only while being smaller. Also how bright is the Inova compared to a 4D Maglite? What do you good people think???
 
The X5 won't throw like a 4D mag (floodlight vs spotlight).

I say go for the E2E if its complementery to your Mag. Might want to consider the E2O as well.

Not as bright but longer battery life.
 
If you need throw go with the E2e, but if you plan to do more close up work, or work in confined areas, go with the X5.

Both are good choices.
 
Get one of each. Seriously. They will literally use the same batteries -- after the batts are depleted by the Surefire, they will still run the Inova for several hours, so your Inova use is free.

I carry them both when I go for a walk at night, and really prefer the Inova because I don't need to light up the whole street, like the Surefire will. The Inova works fine for signalling to cars when they're coming up behind me in the dark or when I'm crossing a street, or walking on broken ground.

But the Inova isn't nearly as bright as a Surefire or a big Maglite, so I keep the E2 handy just in case.
 
i have both, if i could have only one i would say E2e, since i put my KL1 head on my E2e i never use the inova any more, mostly used it for reading in bed when my wife was sleeping lol, imho the E2e is a much better/brighter light, the inova just isnt bright enough for me when i need a lite at nite.
 
Having just been introduced to the Surefire craze last week, I have to say go with the E2e. I have one in my coat pocket today. Don't ever plan on being without it.
 
I kept my X5 and sold my E2.
Inova now makes models with more throw that you might want to look into.

Paul
 
If you like the looks of the Surefire but prefer a longer burn time than its standard incandescent of about 60 minutes, then go with the E2e Outdoorsman. Its incandescent is rated at 150 minutes at 25 lumens. And is still much brighter than the Inova X5. An optional KL1 head will boost its burn time and will outshine the X5 quite easily. But there is a considerable increase of cost. I have regulated my X5 to coat/ vest pocket carry for blunt impact application purposes. It has a GG& G TID impact head attached. Note that I always have another flashlite on my person as a backup.

I have found the Nuwai Quantum III with 3 watt LED head a great value in a compact flashlite that runs on a single CR123 with about 35 to 45 lumens, depending on who says what. It is as small as the SF E1e series. But cost about half the price, approximately $35+.

For plebian, "non tactical" utility purposes, I' d go with a Terra Lux Mini Mag Star II LED and reflector kit that drops right into the ever popular MiniMag AA lite- about $30 for this white LED conversion.

N.
 
No contest. I've owned 3 X5Ts and there isn't a SureFire made that isn't vastly superior. The X5Ts have decent finish, subpar throw, and nice heft for use as a pocket stick/yawara, but that's it. While Nightcutter's 5PC is going out of production and has a lesser quality finish, in every other way I find it superior to the X5T. Only other Inovas I've tried were their microlights, which IMO suck, compared to Photon 2s; I have no interest at all in the larger Inovas. Second Nakano's opinion of the Nuwai, though--much better light output than even a SF E1E (3x) for about half the price although the finish isn't that great.
 
The only Inova I' d consider in this category is the T1 model. It is a good compromise of size, lumens output, and price. According to www.brightguys.com the T1 has a 1.5 watt white LED that burns for 1.5 hours at a steady rate. The on/ off clickie switch can also serve as a temporary press on/off. It is lanyard attachable and has a nicely checkered body for a good grip purchase. Sized closed to the SF E2e. And priced at $43. I will take a closer look at this one.

N.
 
Just curious, can anyone tell me how as far as light goes the X5 and E2 compare to D-cell Maglites, this is pretty much all I know as a frame for comparison. Thanks.
 
Ditto on the recommendation to get both.

Their applications are in two different realms.

The X5T is good for around the camp/garage/basement lighting.

The E2e is for lighting up the night.

I have both, and find them both to be great devices.

Then, you'll move up the light (Surefire or others for that matter) line.

'Tis a slippery slope...but cool.....
 
Spydiefan04 said:
Just curious, can anyone tell me how as far as light goes the X5 and E2 compare to D-cell Maglites, this is pretty much all I know as a frame for comparison. Thanks.
Click to expand...


In the open, with a bit of ambient light the X5 will let you see clearly about 3 feet. But it is a flood light, so you still will be able to see farther, just not super clearly.

The E2e can light up my neighbor's house from maybe, 20 feet (?) with street lights.

I havent really been out at night with the E2e, so I'm not really sure.
 
I have a C2 with the same lumen rating as an E2e and it easily lit up an apartment building 40 yards from my front door. I love it.
 
Spydiefan04 said:
Just curious, can anyone tell me how as far as light goes the X5 and E2 compare to D-cell Maglites, this is pretty much all I know as a frame for comparison. Thanks.
Click to expand...


the inova is not nearly as bright as a 4 'D' maglite, while the E2e is much brighter. imho the inova might be fine for reading maps, works ok when working in tight places on the car i have found, but it just doesnt have much power, or throw, i have never been that impressed with mine, with new 123's my inova X5 is little brighter than a aaa arc, sure its a little brighter, but considering the larger size, 2 lithium batts, multiple LEDs, its not MUCH brighter than my arc aaa. imho i can do nothing w/it my arc wont accomplish at 1/5 the size with cheaper batts. i am just not crazy about them if i was looking for a light like that i might would check out the longbows or nuwais, they are more $$ but also brighter imho. sure the inova is ok but imho it aint the end all best around,
 
eda-koppo said:
No contest. I've owned 3 X5Ts and there isn't a SureFire made that isn't vastly superior. The X5Ts have decent finish, subpar throw, and nice heft for use as a pocket stick/yawara, but that's it.


must say i agree, though i have only owned 2 X5ts,
Click to expand...
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Get one of each. Seriously. They will literally use the same batteries -- after the batts are depleted by the Surefire, they will still run the Inova for several hours, so your Inova use is free.

I carry them both when I go for a walk at night, and really prefer the Inova because I don't need to light up the whole street, like the Surefire will. The Inova works fine for signalling to cars when they're coming up behind me in the dark or when I'm crossing a street, or walking on broken ground.

But the Inova isn't nearly as bright as a Surefire or a big Maglite, so I keep the E2 handy just in case.
Click to expand...

I agree with Esav. I carry one of each.

The E2e has excellent throw. If you need to see what's making noise beneath that car parked across the street, but you don't want to get too close to the car, the E2e is the way to go.

The X5 is an excellent floodlight. If you simply need to light your path at night, if you're walking the dog, or if you need to look into a darkened corner of the garage or basement, the X5 will do the trick.
 
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