Swiss Army LED lights

[Lunal_Tic]

Are the 2xAA and 2xAAA Swiss Army LED lights made by Inova? I seem to recall that Victorinox used to sell rebranded Inova lights but those were CR123 versions IIRC.

Also are they Luxeons or 5mm LEDs in the AA and AAA versions?

TIA,
-LT

 

[Marduke]

Inova, and Luxeons
http://www.inovalight.com/victorinox.html

 

[Lunal_Tic]

Cool thanks. Anyone ever used one? I like my Inovas but like I said they all run CR123s. I wonder if these AA and AAA lights are as nice.

-LT

 

[LightJaguar]

I have a 2AA one. It was one of the first LED lights that I bought. The only reason why I bought it was because I thought they looked nice. I wanted to get the one with red rubber grip but I did not find it. Mine has a slight purple tint (like most of my Luxeon lights).
It's decent I guess and I keep it in my Wenger backpack. I saw them recently at my local Targer for about $40 with a Swiss Army knife included.

 

[Lunal_Tic]

Thanks for the info. Does it use a reflector or an optic and does it have a push button on/off switch?

-LT

 

[Marduke]

Pretty sure it's aluminum reflector, glass lens (not optic), twist on/off. May also be twist/momentary, but not sure.

 

[Lunal_Tic]

Thanks again for the info. I think I'll go ahead and order a few for Christmas presents.

-LT

 

[robbydob]

I've got the 2 'AA' and 2'CC' versions and must say they're really nice looking lights (but then again i'm a sucker for the Victorinox logo). Seem very sturdy....but a little weak on the output. Seems like they don't want you to access the emitter, at least they don't want me in there...any thoughts on how to gain access so I can beef up the output on the 2 C?

 

[Marduke]

I've got the 2 'AA' and 2'CC' versions and must say they're really nice looking lights (but then again i'm a sucker for the Victorinox logo). Seem very sturdy....but a little weak on the output. Seems like they don't want you to access the emitter, at least they don't want me in there...any thoughts on how to gain access so I can beef up the output on the 2 C?

Only way that I've heard of people getting into Inova's is the freeze and pop method.

 

[elgarak]

Only way that I've heard of people getting into Inova's is the freeze and pop method.

The Victorinox Inovas are built differently than normal Inovas; they have a twist-head (like the AA MiniMag). You can take off the head, and can take out the lamp module. The module is sealed, with very little 'attack points'. I haven't tried to open the one on my 2AA one, but I fear it's quite difficult to do without damage.

 

[Gunner12]

If you are looking for bright, there are brighter lights out there for a the same price but if you are looking for durability, the Swiss Army light are pretty good, typical of Inova products.

 

[DaveG]

Just so you know,the newer versions have upgraded leds,such as I have a older silver aaa.It has a 5mm led. Just bought a black aaa it has the same square small led,that looks like the one on the Inova X1 third type. Says 2 watt on the pkg.Output very close on X1 third type,and new black aaa.At least by my eyeball test.

 

[Monocrom]

Thanks again for the info. I think I'll go ahead and order a few for Christmas presents.

-LT

Be sure to check each one before giving them away. I've owned two, 2AA Vic lights. Both came with the threads bone dry!

Since these lights are twist-on, and you need to remove the head to change batteries; bone dry threads are a real problem. The first one got stuck when I tried to twist the light on. Hopelessly stuck. I tossed it down a sewer. Bought another one, just to make sure the first was a rare lemon.... Nope!

The head started to get stuck on that one too. I stopped turning the head, went to a Duane Reade on the corner, bought a small tub of Vasoline, and carefully tried to remove the head; without it getting hopelessly stuck. I accomplished my goal. Sure enough, the threads were bone dry again! Not even a minimum amount of lube from the facxtory to take the head off easily the first time, so that the customer can apply lube.

After applying an obscene amount of lube to the threads, (oh yeah, the batteries didn't work either) I bought some more AAs, and the light now works well.... But I have zero confidence in it, and I can't believe that Inova's Parent company is the one making these things! :thumbsdow

 

[Lunal_Tic]

Thanks for the input guys. I'll check the threads and probably put Lithium e2 batteries in them.

The appeal of this was the packaging with the SAK Farmer. They often used to pair Maglites with their knives and I don't want one of those.

-LT

 

[spinkid]

I modded my 2AA last week with a P4 and could not really notice a difference. Maybe the lottery I guess as I thought it was good before hand, only a bit weak. As to getting in, the black ring will come off with a lot of coaxing. I did damage my light, but I beat it up in my tool bag and don't care. If I tried, I could of heated the head a bit as there is some type of loc-tite on the black ring. It now wants to pop off, but I have not applied loc-tite to it. It is a simple mod after the head is taken apart. I wish I still had access to SMT resistors from my old job and would of tried fooling around to get more output, but no biggie, I still enjoy the light. I tred taking pictures, but my photo ability (lack of) combined with my work camera don't make good pictures.

 

[vetkaw63]

I got the black ring off the top of my light without too much trouble. How do I get the LE apart without destroying it?
Thanks,
Mike

 

[AndyTiedye]

These lights were being sold in a gift box with a red or blue alox Vic Farmer for $14.99.
(The sale is over).

 

[vetkaw63]

These lights were being sold in a gift box with a red or blue alox Vic Farmer for $14.99.
(The sale is over).

Yes, I got two of the red farmers/led lights. Now they need SSC's installed. Anybody done this?
Mike