My beloved Inova X1 gen 2 is dead!

[dervishMe]

Went camping for two weeks in Baja Cali. with the family and the X1 was DOA for no apparent reason. It could not be at a worse possible situation. I did bring the XO but it was way too bright for my need most of the time. I tried to clean all the contact points, replaced the battery but could not revive the thing. It's dead dead!

For the last two years this was my most often used light even I have other more powerful and expensive flashlights. Something about the size and the way it handled made the X1 very useful to me. Also, the run time it produced from a single AA was unmatched by any other light I have.

Too bad this model is no longer in production.

Dervish Henry

 

[Marduke]

Target and Academy Sports has been known to still carry the X1gen2. Also, check the light by shorting between the (-) end of the battery and the back of the body, bypassing the tailcap. Sometimes the nub on the tailcap is bent over time.

 

[ES13Raven]

Too bad this model is no longer in production.

Can't you send it in to Inova?

 

[fieldops]

Can't you send it in to Inova?

absolutely! send it in. They have always been there for me. I lost a T3 tailcap in a blizzard once and they sent me 2 new caps for free! Another Time I dropped an XO3 from a tower. It was really banged up and the LED didn't work. I sent it in for a new LED, and they sent me back a whole new light, free of charge!

 

[Fenris]

If you send it to Inova and they do replace it, fully expect to get a gen 3.

 

[Cydonia]

I agree - the Gen 2 Inova X1 is a great long running single mode made in USA 1AA light. I use mine almost every day and sometimes EDC it. (I've heard people say on here that they are no where near as reliable and rugged as the direct drive Inova X5. There is no doubt about that in my mind. The boost circuit in the X1 must be flimsy. Some have reported Gen 2 X1 failure from a single drop.)

There are still some Gen 2 X1's around. I bought up quite a few when they were selling out at batteryjunction for $15. (Don't even ask - I'm never going to sell any!)

 

[cobalt]

I dropped a 2nd generation x1 on the floor about six weeks ago, and it was D.O.A.

After I sent the defective x1 back to Inova, they send me a new 3rd generation x1, in less than three weeks. At this time, I had no problem buying another new 2nd generation x1 at my local target.

 

[dervishMe]

Thanks everyone. All my local Targets carry the newer v3. Wish someone could get me one. I'll pay for shipping plus few dollars extra over the cost of the light just for the trouble.

Interesting, as much as I like Inova products, I'm starting to have doubt lately. I have four of these microlights in my drawyer w/ drained battery due to that "auto turn-on" switch built in them.

I would be greatly appreciated if someone could tell me where to get one of these gen. 2 X1. Please let me know.

 

[AFAustin]

Thanks everyone. All my local Targets carry the newer v3. Wish someone could get me one. I'll pay for shipping plus few dollars extra over the cost of the light just for the trouble.

Interesting, as much as I like Inova products, I'm starting to have doubt lately. I have four of these microlights in my drawyer w/ drained battery due to that "auto turn-on" switch built in them.

I would be greatly appreciated if someone could tell me where to get one of these gen. 2 X1. Please let me know.

Don't know if you're still looking for a gen.2 X1, but Kevin at Batterystation has them. Just bought one myself, along with a gen.3 from CFR Lights (on sale).

 

[One2gofst]

I will be going by a Target tonight. I saw the ten 2 models last time I was there. I will stop in to see if they still have them and pick one up for you if they do. I believe they run about $20 plus tax.

 

[Retinator]

Yours too? Mine rolled off of the counter in the kitchen onto tile, bang dead.

I've tried emailing them on Thursday, haven't heard back. If I don't hear from them Monday, I'll try phoning them. I don't want to just send it in. Do you need an RMA or anything.

Likely we'll get a Gen3 replacement meaning I'll HAVE TO (cough) grab an Arc-AAA to fill in the gap.

 

[senna94]

From their appearance most Inova lights look like they would have bulletproof reliability. It amazes me how fragile they really are. It has been my experience that the phone is the best way to get a response from Inova. E mails can take a long time to be replied.

 

[dervishMe]

Don't know if you're still looking for a gen.2 X1, but Kevin at Batterystation has them. Just bought one myself, along with a gen.3 from CFR Lights (on sale).

Thanks, AFAustin!

I'll check with him. What a surprise. When did you get it?:twothumbs

 

[dervishMe]

I will be going by a Target tonight. I saw the ten 2 models last time I was there. I will stop in to see if they still have them and pick one up for you if they do. I believe they run about $20 plus tax.

Thanks, One2gofst!

It's been a while since my last post... Austin says Batterystation still has them. I'll check with them today and will let you know. Heck, pick one up for me anyway if you can get one at your local Target. We'll work out the details... You guys are a bunch of nicest people.

 

[kz1000s1]

My gen 2 died some time ago also, but I haven't sent it in yet because I have a second one I was using. Unfortunately the beam on this one isn't as good.

 

[AFAustin]

Thanks, AFAustin!

I'll check with him. What a surprise. When did you get it?:twothumbs

Just received it yesterday. Nice price ($16.50), but shipping is $6.95, so I combined it with some of BS's good CR123A primaries (now made in U.S.). Also, it was shipped Priority.

I wasn't sure if it was gen. 2 or 3, so I e-mailed Kevin and he replied that it's 2.

Here's the link: http://www.batterystation.com/inova.htm

 

[Illum]

Yours too? Mine rolled off of the counter in the kitchen onto tile, bang dead.

inova's driver boards aren't filled with epoxy after assembly and the most vital and also the most fragile component on the board--Inductor usually fails first.

 

[Retinator]

Funny thing is, mine landed sideways. There's a thread with a quick fix for inserting a piece of dowel and pounding the thing to reset the contacts or something.

Haven't found the thread

Nothing worked on mine and I'll be getting a gen 3 in a few weeks.

To the OP (Dervish) : You might want to look into the Arc-AAA with the older CS led. I think the DS or GS might be too bright for you.
I'm looking and thinking (on the GS) myself. But I'm slow in my choices
Good luck with the search!

 

[Illum]

you could flood it with water and...

 

[Burgess]

Sadly, my cherished Inova X1 (generation 2) died also.


Fell less than 1 meter onto a hardwood floor, and never worked again. :mecry:



Mailed it back to Inova, but they replaced it with a Generation 3 model.


(sigh . . . .)

_