Inova X5

S

Sidewinder

Joined
Jun 2, 2001
Messages
887
Just picked up an INOVA X5 LED flashlight from TAD today. I must say that I am very impressed with the quality of construction and output of the light. Much brighter then my Lightwave 2000 and much smaller. The light feels very good/solid in the hands and in the pocket

I wanted something to compliment my Surefires and fit in my pocket. The light will be used for general purpose tasks and is a welcome addition to my EDCs.

It uses 2 lithium 123A batteries so it goes well with my battery strategy for my surefires.

Here's a pic from TAD (without their permission):
x5.jpg



S.
 
Handsome light, huh? I've been mulling one over, but with the Arc LS coming out soon, I can't bring myself to pick up the bigger (but less powerful) Inova. Still, it's a cool light, and I may end up picking one up anyway.

I hear the Inova is very bright. There's concern that they seem to be overdriving the LEDs outrageously, which should reduce LED life a whole lot. I'm not really that concerned, I have enough lights in the collection that I'm sure any particular LED lighte won't get used that much.

Joe
 
Joe,

I know what you mean about the Arc LS. I'm not one to wait around too long if there is something now that fits my need (same things goes with the Surefore E2e). I like what I'm hearing about the LS but I have never felt it. Also it looks to be bigger then the X5. I will probaly get the LS when they come out just to see what all the hubub is all about.

I've also heard about the overdriven LED on the X5 but I'm not sure that it's going to be an issue with me. I will most likely loose the light well before the LEDs burn out.

The X5 is a very cool light. Very handsome and stylish. You really need to feel it to fully appreciate it.
 
I got mine at CountyComm. Very well made, probably the best quality LED light I have, also nearly the brightest. Given this much light out of 5 LEDs, I'd agree with the presumption that they are being pushed hard. I really like the fact that the on-off action is opposite the norm, i.e. loosen to turn on, tighten to turn off. Makes the shutoff very positive, and you never loosen it more than necessary to turn it on.

Have not tried it with Surefire cast-off 123As, but it is said that it will work just fine with them. Good to have something to use the depleted 123As with, as Surefire stuff tends to generate lots of them...

Yeah, I'm on the list for the Arc LS too, the brightness/size ratio of that light should be great (numerically as well).
 
Originally posted by Sidewinder
Joe,

I know what you mean about the Arc LS. I'm not one to wait around too long if there is something now that fits my need (same things goes with the Surefore E2e). I like what I'm hearing about the LS but I have never felt it. Also it looks to be bigger then the X5. I will probaly get the LS when they come out just to see what all the hubub is all about.
Click to expand...

Agree about not waiting around too long! The LS comes in 3 possible configurations: 1xAA, 2xAA, and 1x123A. The 123A version is the one I'm interested in, and I figure it'll be about half the size of the Inova. Maybe you saw the 2xAA version, which would indeed be bigger than the X5.


I've also heard about the overdriven LED on the X5 but I'm not sure that it's going to be an issue with me. I will most likely loose the light well before the LEDs burn out.

The X5 is a very cool light. Very handsome and stylish. You really need to feel it to fully appreciate it.
Click to expand...

Heh, I agree. Either I won't use the light enough to burn out the LEDs, or I'll lose it first, or I'll buy another light that trumps the Inova since LED technology is moving ahead at a nice pace. I don't care about over-driving the LEDs either, but it irritates some folks.

The fact that it's such a handsome light, apparently well-made, good light output, is very tempting. If it really can run on discarded SureFire 123As, that's a huge plus!

Joe
 
Just ordered an X5 from TAD. Silver is out-of-stock, should be in in a week. :mad:

Also ordred two ARC AAA's and a Photon II from them.

Where can I find out more about the ARC LS?

Mike
 
I am surprised that TAD is out of stock on the Silver X5:confused:

I was there yesterday and got the silver and they did not mention that it was the last one. Sorry about that!

Here is where I get my LS info:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com

Do a search in the LED section of the forum. Also the ARC site has info on the upcoming LS. If you find out when the light is going to be available please let us know.

S.
 
ARC seems to still be saying "December" for the LS.

Wow, I like it. I'll have to try one of those when they come out!

I bought the X5 to stick in my DR-Z400S tool bag in case I get stuck in the middle of nowhere at night.

Looks like I'll have some spare mini-mags laying around. Anyone heard if they finally came out with an LED conversion for the mini-mag?

Mike
 
Yeah! I love my little black Inova...I carry it in my scrubs at work- talk about having a nice strong light! In the ads they drive a car over it, waterproof to 150 ft., double O rings....very nicely put together....I carry it around the neighborhood when I don't feel like using the expensive Streamlight, or the heavy Nightbuster 10X (BTW, the Nightbuster 10 makes the maglight aluminum walls look flimsy- it's like an 8" long hammer!)...
Ahhhhhh, Toys for Boys!!!
:D
 
I also just picked one up at CountyComm. They had been flying off the shelves at Frys stores. So much going for it, size, brightness, cool looks. Glad I got it. Looking for reasons to use it.

MC
 
I just got mine today and it is a nice light. Brighter then I would have guessed for 5 LED's I haven't measured it yet but I bet they are running pretty hot. Overall I am impressed with this light, it is brighter then my Expedition 300 (Trek 7), and about 1/4 the size and weight. The Arc LS in the 123 version should be brighter, but I don't have the prototype to compare anymore.
 
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