Inova flashlight news...

[zenheretic]

FYI for those that like Inova flashlights and don't yet know. They changed the X1 so that it has more "spill". Previously it acted like a little spot light and threw a near perfect circle of light out. Now it is more like other flashlights that will spill light out away from the circle. Most flashaholics believe this is a good thing as it lights more of a room instead of just the object being lit. I picked up two of the older model...just because .

Also, if you have a Fry's electronics, they are having a big sale on the Inova XO (MT). It normally retails for $49.99 but is currently $29.99. It is rated for 32 Lumens which is plenty for a work light, but not a defense light. If you are looking for a tough LED with lithium batteries (perfect for glove boxes/tool boxes or other long term temperature resistant storage) then this is a great deal.

[uhiforgot]

FYI for those that like Inova flashlights and don't yet know. They changed the X1 so that it has more "spill". Previously it acted like a little spot light and threw a near perfect circle of light out. Now it is more like other flashlights that will spill light out away from the circle. Most flashaholics believe this is a good thing as it lights more of a room instead of just the object being lit. I picked up two of the older model...just because .

Also, if you have a Fry's electronics, they are having a big sale on the Inova XO (MT). It normally retails for $49.99 but is currently $29.99. It is rated for 32 Lumens which is plenty for a work light, but not a defense light. If you are looking for a tough LED with lithium batteries (perfect for glove boxes/tool boxes or other long term temperature resistant storage) then this is a great deal.

I have an XO and it's the best work light I've ever had. I've been an Inova user since the very first generation of the X5, and they kick @$$!!!

Good to hear that the X1 has a little more ambient light now. I remember first seeing it when working at... my old job, and was impressed with it, but that's the one thing that turned customers off of the light. They liked that it used AA batteries, but it just didn't have enough coverage.

My concern now is if they reworked the optics to have more "spill" did they up the output of the LED to accomodate for not concentrating the light as much in one place?

-Jeff

[zenheretic]

Hi Jeff, first off I hope I didn't use the wrong term (spill). I think I did as you mentioned ambient light which is what I thought I was talking about. Here is the review that first alerted me to the change...perhaps it makes a lot more sense than me. Short answer is the whole bulb/reflector assembly is different... http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/inova_x1.htm

[uhiforgot]

Excellent (accompanied by Mr. Burns-esque finger tapping)

It doesn't seem like Inova to resort to a simple reflector system, but if it works, I'm all for it.

-Jeff

[*Cho*]

I just noticed that change when I got to work today. I have mixed feelings about it though. I really did like how the X1 was a spot. It was a great size and took AA batteries. A flood or "spill" in that size is great too, but I'm not sure how I feel about it replacing the spot. They should sell them both.

[zenheretic]

I just noticed that change when I got to work today. I have mixed feelings about it though. I really did like how the X1 was a spot. It was a great size and took AA batteries. A flood or "spill" in that size is great too, but I'm not sure how I feel about it replacing the spot. They should sell them both.

Yeah, I'm not sure if the "new" style is better or not...that is why I bought out the remaining old spots that were still on the shelf.

[deeker]

Where can you order to get the new one, to go with the old one of course? Is there a new marking, number or designation to ensure you get the new one?

That's a good deal for the X0, as well. Good general use light. It hides in my SAR jacket pocket, the SureFire in my pants cargo pocket.

[*Cho*]

The only Inova product that is really bugging me right now is the new keychain light. The 4 function option is neat, but I usually just want me to be on when I'm holding down the button. What I have found to be happening (with mine anyways) is that somehow in the my pocket the light gets turn on and the 4 functions get activated. So every time I go to use it I need press it 3 times to get to the strobe fuction and then hold down the button for 10 seconds until it flashes 3 times and is back to its regulare function.

[psimonl]

I just bought a T3 a whiloe ago and can't stop myself using it. I even use it to check on the kids at night instead of the perfect one for that task, the arc aaa-p...

I think Inova is the best bang for your buck flashlight. Nowm tehy need to built an overdone one...

Simon

[zenheretic]

I just bought a T3 a whiloe ago and can't stop myself using it. I even use it to check on the kids at night instead of the perfect one for that task, the arc aaa-p...

I think Inova is the best bang for your buck flashlight. Nowm tehy need to built an overdone one...

Simon

seems like the topic to me...

I like Inova so much I bought the company...oh wait, I'm not rich.

I did recently buy some Gerber flashlights, but found them less desirable compared to the Inova, so I returned the Gerbers.

[224477]

To me the old X1 centred spotlight was an advantage. I like it better as the new one. Just me maybe..

[ghostrider]

To me the old X1 centred spotlight was an advantage. I like it better as the new one. Just me maybe..

I like the spot of the old also. I hope they fixed the tailcap. I agree they should make both. Spt is good if you don't want a lot of ambiant light. If it's dark, and you light up with the spot, you'll still get ambiant light, just not as much as if you had more side spill. Sometimes, I don't want a lot of ambiant light, just enough to see, but not attract attention.

[zenheretic]

To me the old X1 centred spotlight was an advantage. I like it better as the new one. Just me maybe..

What sort of advantage?

I didn't even realize it was an issue until they decided to change it and I'm still on the fence of whether it is better or worse. Ghostrider has a good point, but are there any others?

[ront]

I like the new style better myself. For me it is a much more useful light. THe spot just does not do it for me. But, I know others feel differently.

Ron

[zenheretic]

I like the new style better myself. For me it is a much more useful light. THe spot just does not do it for me. But, I know others feel differently.

Ron

Fair enought Ron, but what exactly is the negative of the spotlight for you? Is it that spill is rather good for the close in work, such as looking in a car engine or trying to find your pen under a dark desk or is it something else?

[deeker]

Finding a seat in a theatre, or in some place where it is supposed to remain dark, would be one application. I'm sure others can come up with many more. I think both new and old version would suffice.

[ront]

Fair enought Ron, but what exactly is the negative of the spotlight for you? Is it that spill is rather good for the close in work, such as looking in a car engine or trying to find your pen under a dark desk or is it something else?

One of the things I use this type of light for is when I go out back of my house at night to get a load of wood. I much prefer having some spill to light up more of the area I am entering, vs just illuminating a specific spot. Same goes for the larger lights also. I have an Inova XO3 and a Surefire L4. If I enter a room with just the Inova, I mainly just light up a spot. The L4 lights up the WHOLE room. There are definitely places for the spot, just not for my uses mainly.

Ron

[Irish Lager]

For what i use my X1 for now, i prefer the spotlight style beam. Since it is used to navigate around my house at night and will most certainly accompany me to TNKFK it will work perfect for walking in and out of cabins and not waking the campers. But i think ill have to pick up a new one just to see what i think. Damn addictive personality, im afraid of what will happen when i start buying handguns. I spend enough on lights and knives as it is.
J

[224477]

What sort of advantage?

I didn't even realize it was an issue until they decided to change it and I'm still on the fence of whether it is better or worse. Ghostrider has a good point, but are there any others?

Well Zen, I will try to explain.
The tasks I am using X1 most, I prefer the spotlight, centered spotlight. I had the Inova Microlight before which had difused light beam. Good for about 5 meters. I can use the X1 up to 20 meters, depending on conditions. I guess the are using pretty much the same LED....

[zenheretic]

Well Zen, I will try to explain.
The tasks I am using X1 most, I prefer the spotlight, centered spotlight. I had the Inova Microlight before which had difused light beam. Good for about 5 meters. I can use the X1 up to 20 meters, depending on conditions. I guess the are using pretty much the same LED....

That is a good point...and since I carry a Microlight on my keychain, I guess I have best of both worlds...glad I bought a few extras of the spotlight version.