Inova's Confusing Designations

[Confederate]

Why...why...is Inova using the same designations for radically different lights? For example, the T3 has gone from two 123A batteries to three, and from 85 lumens to 100. One would think this would result in an entirely new model number, but they use T3. This causes complete confusion with buyers and sellers caught between models. (Many T3s are still available with two batteries).

I find this to be greatly frustrating, although I applaud Inova on its innovation and its ability to continually improve its prodcuts. Some, like the X5, have had three iterations. I look at my X5 and suspect it's the second, but there's no way of knowing unless one keeps track with flashlightreviews.com and other great sites.

I wish they'd go easier on collectors and enthusiasts. By the way, does anyone have both versions of the T3 and would care to comment? Or the X5? (The X5 went from a 20-hour runtime to a 6.5-hour runtime, and went from being waterproof to 150m to being "water resistant.")

 

[CyByte]

Is the X5 still the same construction? why did the run time drop so much? at only 6.5 hours are there now better lights that size or is the light output that much better that makes it worth it for me to upgrade my first generation X5?

 

[lumenal]

Or the X5? (The X5 went from a 20-hour runtime to a 6.5-hour runtime, and went from being waterproof to 150m to being "water resistant.")

According to the 2007 Inova website, the X5 still has a 20 hour runtime.

As far as being waterproof, were the older X5's waterproof? 150m seems like alot of water pressure put on those 5 recessed LED's.

 

[Delta]

According to the 2007 Inova website, the X5 still has a 20 hour runtime.

As far as being waterproof, were the older X5's waterproof? 150m seems like alot of water pressure put on those 5 recessed LED's.

I've played with mine (X5, that is) while sitting in the hottub. They always used the specific words "water-proof" on their literature.

The 6.5 hour runtime had to be a mistake where ever you read it. No way 5 5mm leds would only last that long with 6v of lithium goodness running thru it.

Thats one of those "it aint broke, so don't fix it" lights though it would be nice if the LEDs were those new, really bright ones the fauxtons have in them nowadays.

 

[parnass]

The Inova X5 is a great light. I have the current version X5 which employs Nichia LEDs. They are brighter than the older versions. They draw more current so you get shorter, but still reasonable, battery life.

Read more about it in this review.

Inova's reuse of the same model names for radically different flashlights, e.g., T1, T2, XO3, is confusing for consumers but good for big box store dealers (think Target).

 

[cy]

that's nothing!

check out all the peak lights names... if you want to see confusing :sick2:

 

[greenlight]

that's nothing!

check out all the peak lights names... if you want to see confusing :sick2:

Or Intel!

 

[Delta]

Huntlight! Beat That!

 

[mossyoak]

the XO went to a reflector, but the "O" stands for optic. go figure.

 

[Spongebob]

I ordered one of the new T1 a couple weeks ago and just now noticed it has two cells instead of one like before. Other than that the T1 is now my absolute favorite light I own. The brightness is closer to what they advertise unlike on the Trios. Whitest beam ever for a Inova and superb build quality and I can't wait to try some of the new bigger T-series like the T5, its probably a hoss.

Inova's are built like a tank and now that they have done away with the Tiros system and gone to all reflector lights I think they will be around for some time.

 

[mossyoak]

but they use the K2 which is bright but not very efficient.

 

[Spongebob]

but they use the K2 which is bright but not very efficient.

They are marketed as "Tactical" lights in which brightness apparently takes priority over efficiency as most Surefire lights just have a 1hr rating and nobody ever complains about them

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

They are marketed as "Tactical" lights in which brightness apparently takes priority over efficiency as most Surefire lights just have a 1hr rating and nobody ever complains about them

Well put.

 

[prof]

Everyone is irritated about Inova reusing names...what about surefire? How many versions have there been of the L1, for example?

Yes it's irritating, but when multiple companies do the same thing, let's gripe at them all. Note that car companies do this also (ie Ford Mustang--need to add the year to have a clue what it looks like...). Even software does this...

 

[mossyoak]

Everyone is irritated about Inova reusing names...what about surefire? How many versions have there been of the L1, for example?

yes but at least they kept the L1 to the same configuration. (1 cell/2 stage)
inova is changing emitters, reflector/optics, and battery setup. but keeps the same name.

 

[pilou]

Car manufacturers change body, engines, number of cylinders, etc., all the time, yet no one complains that they keep the same name

 

[parnass]

Car manufacturers change body, engines, number of cylinders, etc., all the time, yet no one complains that they keep the same name

Cars are clearly advertised and marked by model year.. Inova flashlights are not date coded. When you order an Inova light from some dealers there is no way to specify which version you are ordering, (e.g., Amazon.com).

 

[Confederate]

Yes, the X5 now uses five 5mm white Nichia CS LEDs, which are a bit brighter, but not so bright as to make it worth the drop in runtime. I mean, it's meant for lighting areas right in front of you. In a storm, without electricity, I'll take the old model any day with its longer runtime.

I suspect the same is true of the T3. Now it takes three 123As to produce the brightness that a 2-cell Cree exceeds with greater runtime. My Fenix P3D-CE takes two batteries and blasts out 130 lumens for about two hours and my P2D-CE will crank it out for a little over an hour. The newer T3 takes three batteries and still operates at 250' (the same as the previous 2-cell). Difference is 100 lumens compared to 85. With the same runtimes, is the extra 15 lumens worth the extra battery?

I don't think so unless someone tells me different.

 

[chevrofreak]

the XO went to a reflector, but the "O" stands for optic. go figure.

The "O" is actually a "0".

 

[chevrofreak]

They are marketed as "Tactical" lights in which brightness apparently takes priority over efficiency as most Surefire lights just have a 1hr rating and nobody ever complains about them

Their incandescents may be rated 1 hour, but not their LED lights. The new Inova lights are very inefficient as far as lumens versus runtime. With a good LED they could have done 3 hours at 120 lumens with 3 cells.