It's difficult to tell whether it was the luck of the draw (lottery!) with variations in individual Inova X1s, variations in lots or a subtle change in the X1 itself but the X1 v2 (reflectored) that I've purchased for myself several months ago projects a considerably better beam than the three X1s that I've purchased as gifts recently - one, about 2 weeks ago, and two purchased yesterday at a different Target.
My X1, again, purchased shortly after their initial availability, projects a beautiful pattern with a tightish symmetrical spot that smoothly transitions to a very even and very large spill, albeit, with a fair amount of blue in its beam. It has become my low-level and runtime goto flashlight.
Subsequently, the beams of the three X1s purchased recently have larger spots that do not smoothly transition to their smaller and ringy spills - though, they are a fair bit more neutral in tint (whiter?). The leads to the die are visible in these three X1s. With their larger "white" spot, smaller spill and visible leads, the beams of the three recently purchased X1s are similar to an Inova Radiant 2AAA purchased prior to my original X1 (but returned because it died - damn clickies). In two of these three X1s, the spot is not centered.
My original X1 v2 has greater throw and appears to be brighter overall than the other three. There is also some variation in the feel of the on/off tailcap in all four X1s. The feel and effectiveness of the switch in my X1 has improved over time with usage.
I'd think that with the sumptuous feel of the X1's HA finish that the X1 would be a fine, modestly priced flashaholic gift for non-flashaholics who appreciate finer things without the need for them to think about runtime and battery availability, but that a potential lack of consistency in Inova X1s would not be such a fine thing.
What do/does the beam(s) of your X1(s) look like? For those who have used multiple X1s, have you noticed any consistency issues?
73
dim
My X1, again, purchased shortly after their initial availability, projects a beautiful pattern with a tightish symmetrical spot that smoothly transitions to a very even and very large spill, albeit, with a fair amount of blue in its beam. It has become my low-level and runtime goto flashlight.
Subsequently, the beams of the three X1s purchased recently have larger spots that do not smoothly transition to their smaller and ringy spills - though, they are a fair bit more neutral in tint (whiter?). The leads to the die are visible in these three X1s. With their larger "white" spot, smaller spill and visible leads, the beams of the three recently purchased X1s are similar to an Inova Radiant 2AAA purchased prior to my original X1 (but returned because it died - damn clickies). In two of these three X1s, the spot is not centered.
My original X1 v2 has greater throw and appears to be brighter overall than the other three. There is also some variation in the feel of the on/off tailcap in all four X1s. The feel and effectiveness of the switch in my X1 has improved over time with usage.
I'd think that with the sumptuous feel of the X1's HA finish that the X1 would be a fine, modestly priced flashaholic gift for non-flashaholics who appreciate finer things without the need for them to think about runtime and battery availability, but that a potential lack of consistency in Inova X1s would not be such a fine thing.
What do/does the beam(s) of your X1(s) look like? For those who have used multiple X1s, have you noticed any consistency issues?
73
dim