What's the Inova X2 like?

[Pahrens]

I've been craving a simpler light recently, one with a single output and common battery. I want it to be well made, reliable and look nice. I'll be using it for bushwalking mostly. This led me to the Inova X2, it seems to fit the bill. Does anyone have experience with this torch? Is it a good light?

Whenever we've gone out with our torches into the bush I've never found the low modes enough. I've also usually found I like something with a little more throw but still some side spill.

Otherwise what do people recommend with these specs:

- Solid reliable build quality
- 1 x AA or 2 x AA battery
- Single mode of around 50-150 lumens
- Looks good

 

[notsobrite]

if you're looking for a twisty this should be perfect for you. has exceptional runtime and a pretty nice beam, only drawback i see is lack of knurling; makes the light a little slippery in my hand. i gave an inova to a friend about 5-6 years ago and he's still using it. also consider fenix e21- about the same price, brighter, 2 modes, clicky switch.

 

[Pahrens]

That's a good point about the knurling. I don't think it really bothers me though, it's a decent size light so shouldn't be too hard to get a good purchase on. It's not very wet here either so water shouldn't be a problem.

I had a look at the Fenix, it seems nice. I just like the simplicity of the Inova more I think. It's a tough no nonsense style torch. The more I think about it the more I'm set on it. Of course I still want to hear other peoples valuable opinions, and who knows, perhaps someone will show me something even nicer!

 

[parnass]

I use the Inova X2 (and T4-MP) for night time walks on rural roads and am impressed with amount and pattern of light emitted. No problems since purchasing it in December 2009.

It is built like a tank and is a good value.

 

[Pahrens]

Built like a tank, I like that. It looks like it's built like a tank in the photos too.

I'm glad you like the beam pattern, is it a more throwy light with a strong hot spot? Or is it more like a big flood? I can only compare it to a Fenix P3D and Zebralight SC30W. They had nice smooth beams but were a little bit too floody for my liking.

 

[parnass]

... I'm glad you like the beam pattern, is it a more throwy light with a strong hot spot? Or is it more like a big flood?....

The hot spot is fairly small and there is a lot of light in the spill area. I don't see any rings and it throws decently far. It is an excellent balance between throw and flood for my usage.

 

[Pahrens]

Sounds good to me. After using an LED Lenser M5 I've begun to hate ringy beams.

I think that I'll start looking around for the best prices. Thanks.

 

[UpChUcK]

It's rugged, simple, has a smooth beam, is plenty bright, has momentary and it's an atractive light. The grip on it is just fine with its matte black finish. It has more grip than many lights with knurling like the MiniMagLED 2xAA.

I have 2 X5's, 3 X1's, 2 X2's, and 2 XO3's ('07, '10). They are solid single-level lights. I do however find them a bit overpriced. But I always get them on sale. :thumbsup:

 

[carrot]

I was given one by Nite-Ize earlier this year. I like it. There aren't many modern high output simple flashlights these days and I appreciate that Inova has taken the opportunity to fill that niche with a solid little light.

 

[Pahrens]

It does seem to be one of the only high output single mode lights today. I think it's great Inovas filling this niche.

I like that people keep calling it tough.

 

[Grubrunner]

I own an XO3, X5 and T3

Inova lights are very good value for money.

Damn good lights.

 

[Pahrens]

The X5 looks interesting but unfortunately I've decided against getting anymore CR123a lights. Even the X1 doesn't look too bad, but it's output and battery life seem a little low.

I like the look of those T series lights too. One of the rechargeable models would be great.

 

[CAMVDCS]

I picked up an X2 about a couple of weeks ago and keep it on my night stand. Simple to operate and dependable so far. It's listed at 85 lumens. I went back to the store and I saw an X2 that was rated at 107 lumens. :sigh: I guess they must have released a more powerful X2. Was tempted to buy it but have been looking at 4sevens & Surefires.

 

[Pahrens]

I went the opposite way around, looking at Surefires, Quarks and now Inova. I noticed some 85 lumen models around. I'll try to make sure I get a 107 lumen model.

 

[Chrontius]

I've got one of their old (Luxeon 3) AA twisties released in conjunction with Victorinox. If you want something hammer-simple, and about that durable, it's hard to go wrong with Inova... I own a bunch of their gear, and used them almost exclusively for years before I found Surefire and legos and limited-production oh my. I also beat the stuff up (X5 slid through a holster, Xo took a tumble onto asphalt...). Their practice of using a stainless steel reinforcement ring around the edge of the bezel and switch leads to a surprisingly robust product.

 

[Pahrens]

Those Victorinox ones look nice. It would match my Swiss Army knife too, same color and pattern.

I love the stainless steel on these, I wish more companies would do that.

How do you find the build quality in comparison to the Surefires?