the t3'06 has a nice wide creamy full beam, theres no imperfections, it's not hard to see what you're looking at, inside or out, the light pushed a high number of lumens out. I cannot judge i don't have the equipment to test or the experience to accurately guesstimate, The one thing I can say for sure is that, inova has made the closest thing toward a near perfect beam all around, it's got a really bright spill, and a great hot spot, it does wash out into a fizzled hot spot over a distance compared to my d-mini, it still reaches the places the d-mini can, light is spread over a larger distance when compared to the d-mini is all. Optimal use would be 5 - 60ft though in pitch darkness probably alot more. With suburban ambient light the spot was hitting tree's noticable at 60(ish) ft, which to me was good, considering it's style of reflector.
The t3 covers a decent area with light, when outdoors, the beam colour is a warmish red, but has a white tone so things appear almost natural under it's light, it's good, i like the beam and power. I think that with a cree, or 10 - 15 more lumens (in saying that, it's not 'really' needed, it's a sleek light with balls) about another 2 hours (5 total would be nice, too much to ask ?) runtime, would make this light Vveerrry attractive to any flashaholic, it's for the core inova fans only, or someone who appreciates a quality beam and doesn't mind fussing with it's batteries. I think people who need a beast light within a rather compact but noticeble package will enjoy this light, an officer would probably like the extra weight compared to a tiny p2d or something, I can only assume.
If this is considered for a police officer who works night duty, i think if the beam is anything like the t3, the t4 would be more than suitable, that has 25 more lumens (on the box), and i believe the t3 has enough but who can argue with extra lumens + rechargeble cradle. I know the money is high, but for a t4 you have to consider the value, you get the torch, battery, cradle, AC/DC packs, Inova buildQ, Inova warranty. Dunno about you, but it seems like the positives weigh up.
Good luck
Note. My kitchen combined living room gets entirely lit with this torch, indoors, it's insane. it's more than good, outdoors 5 - 40ft (backyards etc) Really good, for any inova fans who miss the tiros, hold onto your tiros because they have a purpose and a style of their own, they are not obsolete, but this new t3 is 'almost' a flood lamp with a good hotspot, but it's just inova reminding you that 100.L's can be shaped properly. In all respect it is NOT dim, it's a proper torch, and the build quality is the same, it's rock solid. It's a pity the run time is not around the 5 - 10 hour mark. i think inova play it safe, they are in the market as the 'reliable' one as they have alot of workers who need to rely on these torches, just because the light is not CREE does not mean that inova are behind in technology, their build methods are very good value for money, inova have had 'warmer' tint's in their T' series the Cree Looks very different next too the k2, it's a warm tint, and blue tint, it's noticeble. whether Inova avoid those tints for tactical lights is over me, there's a reason why.
When I sit and look at it, I appreciate the way they build things, i feel safe with it. When I hit the momentary, she wails. Yes it's not as impressive in terms of spot compared to a d-mini (all i have in that reflector size to compare too), but we are not talking about the same lights here, the d-mini has a dimi spill, the t3 is spill monster with considerable throw for it's reasons. Dont expect to keep a tight spot like a d-mini, this is an all round, reliable get up and go badboy.
Cheers
[/rant]
I think the lumens they rate are the "maximum capable at emitter." It doesn't mean they drive them to output the max, and it certainly does not mean that's what makes it out of the lens.
