Inova X5 vs. T2 ?

Matt Shade

Matt Shade

Joined
Nov 24, 1999
Messages
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I think I've been bitten by the flashlight bug. I picked up an Inova X1 last winter and have used the hell out of it for everything from doctorin horses to working on tractors and being out and about at night. Sure its not as bright as my 4D maglight, but its always with me! :D
So now I've got to thinking about getting one maybe a little bit bigger/more powerful. Not something to EDC like the X1, but something that could still get stuck in a pocket or on my belt for those times when I plan on needing a light.
The X5 has caught my eye. Love the estimated run time, and by their advertised effective range, I'm guessing its about twice as powerful as the X1? It sounds great reading the specs, but I've read a few complaints about its range (throw?) and some things along those lines. How does that compare to the X1? The X1 is pretty good on distance for me, so if the X5 throws the same (or farther) and puts out a wider beam I'd be pretty happy.

Then I saw the T2 for about the same price. This still has a decent run time at 5 hours. And they rate it at 40 lumens. I don't have a clue what that means (ok I know what it means, but don't have anything to compare it to). What I'm wondering is if its significantly brighter than the X5 or X1? And would it throw a relatively narrow beam a long distance similar to the X1? Is very useful up close?

Hoping someone can help me out here. I did a lot of searching and couldn't find any real comparisons. Thanks :cool:
 
Run time: The advertised runtime on the X5 is unregulated. This means that the light output will steadily decrease. The T2 will run for 5 hours at fairly constant brightness and then the output will drop pretty fast (but still useable light).

Flood of beam: Both beams will have more sidespill than the X1. The beam of the T2 is more like that X1 (bright hotspot but with more sidespill). The X5 is a flood light, it will give more sidespill than the X1 or T2

Throw of beam (the brightest part of the beam): Both lights will have more throw than your X1. The X5 will have a tiny bit more throw, the T2 will blow the other two away. If you are looking for a light that can spot things farther away, go with the T2. The T2 has the TIROS optic to focus most of the beam into a tight spot, this is why there is not as much sidespill.

Lumens: The X5 might be around 10 lumens. The T2 claims 40 lumens. A good comparison is that the T2 should put out more overall light than a standard 2D flashlight.

Toughness: I find that all Inova lights are very well built. The T2 has HAIII which will resist scratches a lot better. I feel that the T series of lights are slightly better built than the X series (comparing my T1 to the X1).

Both are very good lights! The X5 is better for close range use while the T2 is better for medium range but still works for close range. Also, they have different tail caps.

Get both! :D

Hope that helps.
 
i think the X5 will work fine for the things ya listed, they are not as bright as i expected though, a surefire aviator or the lumimax would be better imho, but lots higher.
 
I have and use both the X1 and X5. I recommend both.

Remember, the X1 is a spotlight. It's for closeup work. It's great for inspecting the cables behind your computer or your TV/VCR/cable box/DVD player.

The X5 is a floodlight. It's for lighting up the area around you-- your closet, a corner of your basement or garage, or your path at night. It's great for walking the dog.

I also carry the XO3. That throws a beam like no one's business, clear across a parking lot and under a car, so you can see what animal is making all that noise late at night.
 
Thanks guys. You haven't made the decision any easier, but at least I know what to expect from the two now :D
Probably get an X5 first, and then see about a T2 or something even brighter down the road.
I really like the X1, but sometimes in tight quarters when you can't hold the light back very far, it doesn't light up enough area to see what your doing very well. The X5 ought to be a good addition since its a flood, and the long run time will be good for when folks want to borrow it and think they need to leave it on constantly.
The mix of power and run time on the T2 is pretty dang tempting though.....

I gotta quit reading this forum, damn near broke as it is :rolleyes: :D
 
Keep in mind that the T series feature a momentary and click off/ on function. And a "lockout" tail cap. Their bodies are checkered for a sure grip, many times better than the X series with flat side bodies.

I use my X5T (sterile with type III hard anodizing) for closeup purposes. My T2 rides in my vest/ jacket/ coat pocket on a regular basis.

N.
 
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