Replacement for Inova X0, T2, & T3 Lights

[meeshu]

I currently have several Inova X0, T2 and T3 lights which I hardly use. I'm looking for ONE flashlight that will replace all of the above Inova lights.

Ideally, the replacement light should -

* cost less than $100
* have a flat regulation curve
* have a greater output (lumens) than any of the Inova lights
* have longer runtime than any of the Inova lights
* be physically as small as possible
* uses AA sized batteries (first preference), CR2 size batteries (next preference), or CR123 batteries (last preference)
* be fairly durable, reliable, and rain resistant for use outdoors

X0 I have is a first generation with TIROS lens; about 20~25 lumens; 4 hr (flat) runtime with primary lithiums

T2 output is also about 20~25 lumens; 5.5 hr (flat) runtime with primary lithiums

T3 output is about 40~45 lumens; 2 hr (flat) runtime with primary lithiums.

Any suggestions for a suitable replacement light??

Currently looking at Olight Infinitum I25 and Nightcore D20 lights as possible replacements.

 

[rider]

I currently have several Inova X0, T2 and T3 lights which I hardly use. I'm looking for ONE flashlight that will replace all of the above Inova lights.

Ideally, the replacement light should -

* cost less than $100
* have a flat regulation curve
* have a greater output (lumens) than any of the Inova lights
* have longer runtime than any of the Inova lights
* be physically as small as possible
* uses AA sized batteries (first preference), CR2 size batteries (next preference), or CR123 batteries (last preference)
* be fairly durable, reliable, and rain resistant for use outdoors

X0 I have is a first generation with TIROS lens; about 20~25 lumens; 4 hr (flat) runtime with primary lithiums

T2 output is also about 20~25 lumens; 5.5 hr (flat) runtime with primary lithiums

T3 output is about 40~45 lumens; 2 hr (flat) runtime with primary lithiums.

Any suggestions for a suitable replacement light??

Currently looking at Olight Infinitum I25 and Nightcore D20 lights as possible replacements.

I replaced all three of those with an Ra Twisty, narrow beam, which uses CR123A batteries just like your Inovas, although you mention that battery as your third preference?
My EDC is an HDS/Ra Clicky, but I use that in wide beam, which doesn't throw as well as the T3 with the Tiros lens, even though it puts out 140 lumens (I still have a soft spot in my heart for the T3

For EDC use, I like the additional clip options on the Clicky, but for using where I used to use my Inovas, the round profile of the Twisty is great- just like the Inovas.

I've purchased dozens of Inova lights and have always liked the robustness of the T series and more expensive X series lights, but the Twisty (or the Clicky) exceed that handily. The Twisty (and Clicky) are also pretty much bombproof lights and are quite waterproof. I don't remember the waterproofness specs, but they're definitely usably waterproof to at least 20 feet (the deepest I've personally had mine).

I used to carry the T2 for general usage, especially with the long runtime, and the T3 in a Bianchi holster on the belt for spotting purposes. The Ra light gives me T2 level output for probably 8 hours, and T3 output levels for 4 hours or more (these are really conservative estimates).

The Ra lights have almost perfect regulation, and will run at a flat output level until the battery is no longer able to sustain the level, at which point they'll drop down to the next logarithmically determined output level (which maximizes your battery life and usable light).

You'll want the narrow beam if you want to approximate the throw of the T3, since the Tiros beam really gives you maximum throw from its limited output.

Having three (Twisty) or four (Clicky) programmable levels makes replacing the three Inovas pretty easy.

If it matters to you, the Ra/HDS lights are made in the USA.

As far as a AA light that meets your criteria, I can't really help out. I haven't been able to find one that I'm satisfied with myself. Almost all of my AA lights are single level.

 

[camelNotation]

Take a look at the Quark AA^2 Tactical, Fenix LD20, and eagletac p100a2--all 2AA lights.

Quark AA^2 Tactical: 2-mode programmable; choose from .2, 4, 22, 88, and 206 lumens. I have the Quark AA^2 Regular and it's a good light.

Fenix LD20: 6 modes, 9, 47, 94, and 180 lumens, strobe, and SOS A favorite here at CPF.

Eagletac p100a2: 2modes: 55, 190 emitter lumens. Very simple to use. 1.3 hour runtime on high and 6 hour runtime on low. Very flat regulation. I have the p100a2 neutral white LED model and it's a very nice light for the money (~$40).

Hope that helps!

 

[meeshu]

Thanks for the comments! They do help! :thumbsup:

I prefer AA batteries because they are more readily available and much cheaper than CR2 and CR123 batteries. Although the CR2 batteries are very roughly the same price as CR123 batteries, they are smaller than the CR123's, and are therefore preferred over the CR123's.

The HDS series of lights are indeed small, very durable and reliable. But, they are a bit expensive (starting from ~ $99), and they use CR123 batteries which I'm not too keen on using (at this time). So I've (almost) eliminated the HDS lights from consideration.

Other brands such as Fenix, Eagletac etc. are being looked into. Trouble is, there are now quite a few light manufacturers, and it takes a fair amount of time to sort through the numerous lights now on offer! :thinking:

 

[rider]

Thanks for the comments! They do help! :thumbsup:

I prefer AA batteries because they are more readily available and much cheaper than CR2 and CR123 batteries. Although the CR2 batteries are very roughly the same price as CR123 batteries, they are smaller than the CR123's, and are therefore preferred over the CR123's.

True, but the reason you only find CR2 batteries in flashlights trying to be very "small" is that you're giving up a great deal of capacity (and hence potential runtime) for a very small reduction in size.

A CR2 battery is about 26mm long and 15mm diameter, with a capacity of around 800mAh. A CR123 is only 8mm longer (at 34mm) and 16mm in diameter, but at 1500mAh has almost twice the capacity! Furthermore, CR2 cells are typically more expensive than CR123, and are less readily available. To belabor the point, you can get a US-made BatteryStation CR123 for around $1.50 (and they stock around 10 different brands), but a CR2 will set you back a minimum of $2.50, and your choices are limited (the pricing may be different in NZ). Furthermore, numerous lights (like the aforementioned HDS) can run on RCR123 if you choose to go the rechargeable route.

I can understand the attraction of AA lights, in that you have widespread cell availability (although you will need to choose carefully to either ensure the light you use can perform adequately on the lower voltage of NiMH rechargeables, or else you're still throwing out money on alkalines).

The HDS series of lights are indeed small, very durable and reliable. But, they are a bit expensive (starting from ~ $99), and they use CR123 batteries which I'm not too keen on using (at this time). So I've (almost) eliminated the HDS lights from consideration.

Other brands such as Fenix, Eagletac etc. are being looked into. Trouble is, there are now quite a few light manufacturers, and it takes a fair amount of time to sort through the numerous lights now on offer! :thinking:

No kidding- check out some of the shootouts to try to narrow your search -you can easily spend a week researching one light. I'd normally recommend starting out on B/S/T and buying a few lights, then selling off the ones you don't like, but being located in NZ, shipping will kill you. I guess you're back to the library for more research

 

[toolpig1]

Another vote for the Eagletac P100A2. :thumbsup:

I just picked up a second one of these on B/S/T for about $25.

Edit: just read Shipwreck's mention of the T2-MP, I also have one of these and it's a great light. I love the warm tint on the T2-MP, but runtime is limited as it only has one level (high). The P100A2 offers a low level, still quite bright, for an 8 hour runtime. With AA batteries so dirt cheap, it's a real winner.

 

[shipwreck]

I recently got an Inova T2-mp, the new version. It is 140 lumens and is very bright. I also just ordered a new eagletac P20C2 mark II at 300 lumens for about $68.

 

[meeshu]

After a fair amount of research, I've eliminated lights that use CR2 and AA sized batteries.

There are only a few CR2 lights available at present, so there's little to choose from. Also these CR2 lights have relatively low outputs and runtimes, so they are not suitable for my purposes.

Although there are quite a few AA lights available with good runtimes and outputs, I eventually eliminated them from consideration due to the (excessive) length of the flashlight bodies required to accommodate the long AA batteries. I prefer small lights.

So, back to choosing CR123 battery lights.

I considered lights from 8 manufacturers for my replacement light.

Fenix
ITP
Eagletac
Nitecore
Olight
Jetbeam
4Sevens
Surefire

Ultimately there were only a few lights left for serious consideration for replacing my Inovas.

I like the style of the Jetbeam III Pro ST light, but it ONLY uses 18650 cells. I prefer lights that take a variety of battery chemistries, including primary Lithium and rechargeable Lithium. So this light was eliminated.

I almost bought an Eagletac P20C2 light! But the price of this light was a bit high (although well below my < $100 budget).

I've ordered an Olight T20-Q5 light for around $45! This light has good reviews with good runtimes and good range of outputs for the price! I'm looking forward to using this versatile light which should be good for both indoors and outdoors use.

I've also ordered two ITP A3 EOS EDC lights for EDC and backup/emergency use.

 

[shipwreck]

Well, let us know how it goes. My Eagletac was shipped to the wrong address, so I never got it last week. I should have it in my hand tomorrow, I hope. So, I still am not sure what it looks like.