INOVA X-1 Pre-view

[Prometheus]

here's a brand new model coming out from INOVA. this is their single LED model based on the hugely popular X5 series.

basically a scaled down version, it features an AR coated ground glass lens. it's focused enough so at the right length you can see the 2 diodes as a slivers of a shadows on a projected surface.

i compared it to an arc aaa and a CMG Ultra for brightness. these were no where close to controlled conditions, but from what i could tell the X1 was as bright but with a much more focused beam. crisp outside border for the beam itself.

the body was the top notch inova machined t6 and same switch/tail cap as its bigger brother. comoaring it to a CMG ultra, the diameter was pretty close, however the X1 was a bit longer due to the switch.

the INOVA R&D guy i was hanging out with said these will retail for only $24.95. it's alot of production features for that money, especially compared to other lights in it's "category".

all in all a pretty cool little light. i am sure once these come out many more informed tests and reviews will pop on CPF.

hope you CPF'ers enjoy the pre-view.

oh yeah, it uses one AA battery.

 

[yclo]

Thanks for then info!

What kind of batteries does it use?

 

[Rothrandir]

looks nice!

any thoughts on a luxeon model?

 

[monanza]

I asked the same question of Inova a coupla three months back and was told there are no LS plans

. Who knows? They may have been uninformed but we have to wait and see.

Cheers.

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

Yclo: he already mentioned the type and number of batteries - 1AA.

Sure sounds interesting to me, particularly if it can take AA lithium.

 

[MYREDCHEVY]

Glad I waited to get the CMG ultra, this thing looks cool.

 

[hotbeam]

Looks nice!!

Pity they are not doing a X1-LS instead. Hopefully not too far in the future

 

[treek13]

Is it regulated? - This is the big question for me. If it is, I will probably buy one and if it isn't, well, there is always the CMG Ultra.

Pat

 

[txwest]

I think they put the switch on the wrong end of the light. The ARC AAA & CMG Ultra both use the head as a switch. Try turning one of these around & see how arkward it is to turn on & off. TX

 

[Lux Luthor]

Cool!

Is there a place to attach a lanyard?

 

[shiftd]

Originally posted by txwest:
I think they put the switch on the wrong end of the light. The ARC AAA & CMG Ultra both use the head as a switch. Try turning one of these around & see how arkward it is to turn on & off. TX

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I guess it is appropriate considering it's intention similar with its predecessor (inova x5), as a tactical light.

Does it have momentary on off?

Is it fully regulated?
How far is the beam throw?

 

[txwest]

The problem with it being like the X5T (not the X5) is the length of the light. The X5T is long enough that the other end sticks out past your hand when you're turning it on. Although, looking at the picture, it appears to be nearly as large as the X5T. TX

 

[shiftd]

yes, you are right txwest. But, it still win in the coolness factor though

 

[hotfoot]

That is one cooool design. Inova make some of the best-lookin' lights anywhere. I still think their coin-cell lites stomp the photons in the cool-factor department.

But a 1AA cell? That means a step-up of sorts is used, I'm guessing. I wonder then if CMG is going to take issue with them legally (as they already are, I hear, with Arc) on a 1-cell+step-up design. Heck - the X1 is using AAs, no less, which makes this even closer to the CMG Infinity in spec than the Arc-AAA! Interesting times ahead...

 

[iddibhai]

hmm, if they *are* regulated *and* Lithiums are OK, they'd push the Infiniti Ultra off my list of "gift lights" and "put in the car for emergency lights" that are affordable (meaning no $Fs). when you say "focused" and "glass lens", is this gonna be something like a collimated optic for throw or decent spill for close quarter task lighting? agreed on it looking very elegant! good price too!

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

It is Mag Instruments that has a Patent Infringement Suit against Arc (Mag Solitaire VS Arc AAA). Never mind that the former uses an incandescant bulb and the Arc uses an LED.

Only the Arc LS Rev1 could use 1AA. I have 2 Arc LS Rev1 lights: White second and Cyan first, but, only one 1AA pack. I like the 1AA on the white, better than on the cyan.

As long as it uses a 9200 mcd Nichia or better, I will be quite happy.

The X5T is on my 'want' list and this one is likely to be there soon enough.

Decent 1AA lights are few and far between.

The only thing NOT mentioned, is when they would be available.

 

[Mr. Blue]

OK OK I preordered from TAD just on specs and looks. 150' h20 resistance, 1AA bat, turny and pushy switch....BUT...I really like the broad coverage my Ultra G provides and don't always like focused beams in such a little light.

At 10 hours runtime, it sounds like it's regulated, but isn't that a first for Innova?

 

[JackBlades]

Inova advertises "up to" 20 hrs on the X5, when in all practicality you get about 3-4 hrs of good usable light, then it cruises down to a faint glow......

Take that 10 hrs with a grain of salt. For $25, with an AR glass window, I highly doubt it's regulated.

 

[Rothrandir]

that does look nice.

what finish does it use? i really like the silverish color...

 

[Kiessling]

ah .. no pics for me!!! no link either !!
something wrong or am I stupid again?
bernhard