I picked up an Inova X5 for Christmas, solely as a way to completely kill off discarded batteries from my SF A2. Probably won't get much use. Just humble clean-up work for the trusty A2.
Not much to see here folks. Go about your business. 5 puny li'l LEDs, no spiked defensive bezel, not dive rated, can't turn off street lamps at 1/2 mile, unable to blind drug crazed attackers bent on taking your life. Sort of a "red-headed step child" of flashlights (no offense to red LED flashlights meant). Why even sell the bloody light? Who would want such a plain and simple underachiever? Hmmm.....
Hmmm... It does light up the night well enough to take a walk or change a tire. It has a really nice flood with no artifacts and no harsh bright spot to make some types of work more difficult. It does take lithium batteries so it'll handle the cold and always be ready to go in the harsh environment of a vehicle tool box. It does light up a room nicely. Fits in a pocket or belt sheath with little notice. Seems to be built like a brick sh*t-house. And jeez, look at that run-time.
The Inova X5 has slowly become one of my favorite lights. This has to be one of the ultimate everyday utility sleeper lights around. :rock:
In this forum there are a multitude of "hot-wire junkies" and "throw freaks" (no offense meant to freaks or junkies). Sure, bright lights with stupendous throw are a lot of fun. But that's just it, for me atomic bulbs and laser like throw are mostly toys (totally dismissing the voracious diets and dismal run-times of these hopped up beasts). Don't even mention fragile bulbs that go "Poof" at the worst possible time. What I find myself using 95% of the time in the real world is something with a smooth beam, adequate light, LED based and superb run-time. "Gee Wally, that sounds a lot like the Inova X5"
Sure, there are brighter lights. Sure, you can get lights with more throw. So what??? The Inova X5 just goes on quietly and modestly getting the job done.
TR