Inova X1 Info Needed

[mattz357]

I've ordered an Inova X1 already, but I'm looking for any info I can get on it. Are any reviews available? Any comparison/contrast with similar lights? Thanks in advance!!!

 

[cratz2]

There are reviews on flashlightreviews.com and ledmuseum.org as well as a number of comments on this forum.

I had one... it is one of the very few lights I've ever lost. Though I love the looks of Inova products, I just can't get used to the basically zero spill of the X1. I like the durability of the lens, just wish it spilled a little bit. Some folks love the totally focused beam though.

For alternatives... I'm not really sure on a budget. I have a cheap little Browning Black Ice light that runs on three itty bitty batteries. I't squite a bit smaller than the Inova and only cost $7 I think. Also, for single AA lights, the Infinity Ultra (or Ultra G from countycomm.com) would be one of my top choices. Great runtime and very nice spill. Definately larger in diameter than the X1. Also, for a few more $$$, the AA lights from Peak might be worth looking into. My next one will be a McKinley (123a x 1) that drives 7 high power LEDs. More money, more expensive batteries, but would be much more usable for my uses than the X1. They also make a 5 LED version of their AA light. peakledsolutions.com for more info.

There are also the so-called Xnovas. Basically decent quality rip-offs of the Inova appearance. The smaller one uses a single AAA to drive three LEDs. The larger one uses a single AA to drive five LEDs. I've not owned either, but they get generally good comments. Ledmuseum.org has a review of the smaller one. I'd buy one of each.

The other issue for me is size... Smaller though not radically smaller than an X5T if you're going to pocket carry it. And I think it's too large for a keychain. Sounds like I'm knocking it, but I'm not. I've recommended them to several friends that want a economical, hi tech, smaller light and I'm sure there are much worse choices than the X1. And maybe (hopefully) you'll love yours. Lots of positive comments from other members.

 

[MrBenchmark]

I like mine - I EDC it because it's so small. It's quite bright for a single 5mm LED. The lack of spill makes it useful for walking around at night in the house without disturbing others who are sleeping, or any other situation where you want to be unobtrusive.

On the other hand, it's not very useful for either closeup work (spotlight is too small), or walking around outdoors. (No spill, and while it throws amazingly far for a 5mm LED light, it's not really bright enough for the throw to do you very much good.)

If you have a use for it, though, it's a cool little light.

 

[Flying Turtle]

Someone, who's name escapes me, suggested earlier to cup your fingers over the beam to get a usable spill. I've been using my X1 more since trying this technique.

Geoff

 

[sotto]

The "fingerflector" was my idea: at least I think it was (nothing new under the sun). /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

A less temporary solution, of course, is some frosty Scotch tape (not satin tape) over the bezel. It'll widen and smooth out the beam a bit and can easily be removed.

 

[HesNot]

The X1 is an interesting little light. I agree that the lack of sidespill is a significant issue - the question is whether it is an issue for the better or for the worse. I personally find that at times it is a great feature - the walking around at night issue is one where you can focus on something specific without being obtrusive. But it's utility is limited when doing a lot of what I do and having to spot around to find things can be frustrating. I still carry it around a lot as I like the form factor but since receiving my TNC keylux AA I'm not sure how much use it will ultimately get.

Built very well and the switch is very nice - again it's a matter of what and how you use it.

 

[Flying Turtle]

Thanks, sotto, for the "fingerflector" idea. I needed to mention it's effectiveness. The best stuff is the simplest.

Geoff

 

[greenlight]

I opened my X1 last week. It was easy to do and I was curious to see what was inside. The brass collar that surrounds the led is coated black to prevent sidespill/ reflection. The black coating is easy to scrape off without damaging the brass finish. I coated the inside with glow polish then re-assembled the light. The white shiny polish coating gave the beam noticeable visible sidespill. Where before I couldn't see inside the light, now it is visible because it reflects the light. So that's the side-effect of glow modding an X1. I never was interested in adding sidespill to my x1. Maybe the next one I mod like this I will paint the glow at the base of the led leaving the black coating intact.

Silver polish could be applied for additional sidespill.
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