Help Me Choose - Bolt or PolyTec ?

[DonK]

I've been looking for ageneral purpose (walking dog etc) LED light that uses CR123 lithium batteries.

I have an old Inova T3 that I've used for several years (85 lumen model) and I also have a Streamlight TLR1 C4 on my Glock. Very happy with the performance and durability of both brands.

Now for my new light I am trying to decide between PolyTac LED (120 lumen) or the Inova Bolt 4.6W (no lumens quoted)

I've not handled either model. The bolt is aluminum and the PolyTac is nylon. Don't know if there is any major advantage to either. The Bolt has a polycarb lens (I think) and the PolyTac a glass lens - glass sounds better to me, the plastic lenses always scratch eventually.

So, for anyone who has a Bolt 4.6W model, just how bright is the light ? Anyone got any opinions as to the pros and cons of each model ?

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[outersquare]

if you mean streamlight polytac i'm almost certain the polytac is brighter than the bolt.
The bolts are old models, I don't think inova has ever updated them.

 

[Wyeast]

Bolts are K2 based. I have a 3.8w (2AA) model, it probably runs in the 60lum range. The 4.8's probably around 85? Definitely dimmer than the PolyTac, although it'll seem only a little dimmer to your eyes.

The Bolts are built solid. Haven't had one fail (we have 3, 2 ride every day on a bike) I'm sure the Streamlight is solid too, although I haven't owned a Poly yet. Hope that helps!

 

[DonK]

Thanks for the input fellas. I picked up a Bolt for just $18 and it is a decent light. I have an old Inova T3 rated at 85 lumens (the one wth the fancy lens system) and the Bolt is about the same or slightly better. Construction is good and the lens is glass. Not as well constructed as a T model, but way cheaper too.

I've not found a polyTec LED yet. Would like to compare.

Deal was too good to pass up on the bolt - it is v lightweight too.

 

[ZMZ67]

The Bolt was a good deal for what you paid but don't overlook the current INOVA T-series lights.The T1(100 lumens) and T2(125 lumens) are smaller, brighter and offer better beam quality than your old T3.The new T-series lights use a conventional reflector instead of the TIROS(lens) and do not have the rings in their beams.

 

[LEDAdd1ct]

I am not a primary battery user by any means, let alone CR123A. But, I own an Inova T1-MP 2008, and I think I can state it is the best [factory] built light I own (not counting customs and mods). Gad Zooks on e-Bay are nice guys to deal with. It is a bit more expensive than some of the cheaper lights out there, but the build quality for the price is insanely high. I believe the newer version has slightly increased output. Also, the emitter in this light puts out an absolutely *gorgeous* beam profile.

 

[DonK]

Of all the lights I've looked at I think Inova T series are the best made (fit, finish, performance, strength) but they have only basic features.

I have several Fenix lights and am very impressed with features, beam quality, finish and price. In fact I consider both Fenix and Inova to be superior in terms of fit, finish, and features when I compare them to high priced Surefire. I recently acquired a Surefire 120 lumen model with the aggresive bezel, and this is what I base my comparision on. The Surefire is compact and light, but it seems comparatively flimsy and the finish is not as good as Fenix or Inova. Surefire 5 lumen output is great though.

I'm sure that some people around here will scoff when i say that a Fenix is better than a Surefure, but with my examples that is the way it is.

Inova T series have great strength of course, and I don't hesitate to recommend them to friends.

For weapon lights I use Streamlight TLR1 C4 and Fenix TK10, both of which are excellent designs with good beams and rugged construction.

I always try to be objective in my evaluations, and try to keep cost out of the evaluation.

One thing I will say is that the tailcap threads on the Bolt are not very good - the cap is free to move at least 1/32 of an inch in the loose threads, and this means that you must back the cap off a long way in order to avoid accidental activation. But for $18 it is a steal, and will make an excellen glove box light