Inova T2

[1011Tristar]

I have an older (Tiros) Inova T2 which I love, as it's built like a tank, and very reliable. I'm thinking of getting a new T1 or T2. Based on everything I've read here, I realize that the T1 is more floody, and the T2 is more of a spot, but I like that the T1 doesn't have a flared head, so it would be easier to carry in my pants pocket. In any case, I compared the specs of the Tiros T2 to the new T2, and I'm a bit confused.

The old Tiros T2 puts out 40 lumens, for what is claimed is an effective range of up to 200'. The new T2, which is supposed to be a spot, not a flood, puts out 125 lumens, for a range of up to 250'. Since the new T2 puts out far more lumens, with a similar beam pattern, shouldn't the range increase considerably? Maybe they changed the way they calculate lumens, or how they measured range. My question is, how much more throw will I get (if any), out of the new T2? I'm also curious if the new T1 will have more throw than the Tiros T2.

 

[jhc37013]

That is like 25% increase in throw so i don't think its that bad at all.

 

[defloyd77]

The beam patern won't be the same as your TIROS, it'll have sidespill like a traditional beam.

 

[1011Tristar]

I know the T1 will have quite a bit of sidespill, but I thought the T2 is more of a spot(?). Any idea if either will have more throw than the Tiros T2?

 

[parnass]

My 2007 Inova T2 (K2 LED) throws considerably farther and has much more spill than my TIROS T2 and TIROS X02s. The 2008 T1 (K2 TFFC LED) has even more spill, but doesn't throw as far as the 2007 T2.

I haven't compared the throw of the T1 to TIROS T2 yet.

 

[asdalton]

Inova used to exaggerate the lumen specs for its TIROS generation lights; it wouldn't surprise me if the "range" (which has no agreed-upon definition anyway) of its older lights was generously defined as well.

As usual, listen to user reviews rather than the manufacturer's specs.

 

[parnass]

.... I haven't compared the throw of the T1 to TIROS T2 yet.

I just compared the throw of the 2008 Inova T1 (with K2 LED) to my TIROS T2. Both throw about the same distance, though the T1 emits a super wide spill -- a wall of light.

 

[1011Tristar]

Parnass - thank you very much for the comparisons - I really appreciate it.

 

[toolpig1]

I have both the newest T1 and T2, and it would be tough to pick a favorite. The advantages of the T1 are its more compact size, can holster lens up or down, greater runtime, floodier pattern (if your needs are indoors or closer range). The advantages of the T2 are its slightly better output (at the cost of runtime), and it is the better light for outdoors with its stronger throw and warmer tint.

If this helps, the T1 has become my EDC in a nylon belt holster, carried lens down. The T-series tactical forward clickies with momentary on have a great feel. It takes just the right amount of pressure to activate the light, not too hard and not too sensitive. I've been a fan of Inova for a few years and also have 3 versions of the T4, an XO, and the new X-series that takes 2AA. I have yet to hold a light from China that feels as good, looks as good, or works as good.

 

[ZMZ67]

I just compared the throw of the 2008 Inova T1 (with K2 LED) to my TIROS T2. Both throw about the same distance, though the T1 emits a super wide spill -- a wall of light.

Pulled the TIROS T2 out of "retirement" and made the same comparison myself.The 2008 T1 seems to throw just as far IMO as well.Of course the output of the new T1 is substantially more than the older LUX I T2.Also took the 2008 T2 out for comparison and it really provides a substantial advantage in throw compared to the T1 and TIROS T2.Although tints vary on the 2008 T-series lights they are much better for outdoor use than the tints of my older TIROS INOVAs that tended to be on the cool side.In true CPF fashion I would recommend buying both as they are two of the better values available in single stage lights.