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The Inova Radiant series, which includes AAA, AA and
C cell lights, is Inova's method of entry into the lower
priced light market. These lights use less expensive
components compared to their high-end products making
them much more affordable, but lack some of the finishing
touches. This is the AAA version which utilized two
AAA cells for power and has a single 5mm LED in a reflector
at the front.
Body: The body is made of a high impact polycarbonate
with an octagonal shape. This shape naturally serves
to prevent the light from rolling off of a partially
inclined surface. The center section of the body is
black and has a slightly grippy/rubbery feel. Surrounding
the head of the light are vents molded into the plastic
which allow the metal body tube inside to vent waste
heat from the LED to the environment. This design helps
to protect the LED from thermal damage. The switch is
in the tailcap and there are two lanyard holes in the
tailcap as well.
Bezel/Head: At the front of the light you will
see a rubberized octagonal cap which can be removed,
but there is no reason to do so as it helps protect
the front of the light from impacts. A plastic lens
sits in front of the polished reflector. The LED can
be seen in the very center of the reflector.
Output: The white light produced by the LED
is a high color temperature and produces good color
rendition weighted slightly toward the blue end of the
spectrum. A bluish-green tint is detectable at the center
of the beam, and a slightly greenish-yellow corona can
be seen around the periphery of the beam. This tinting
is not really noticeable during normal use.
Beam at one meter at target center and at target edge
to show spillbeam.
Runtime Plot: Although the packaging states
that the internal circuitry provides "non-dimming
light output", it does in fact dim over time, reaching
50% in about 6.5 hours and then dropping rapidly. It
does not, however, dim nearly as rapidly as a direct-driven
alkaline AAA light. It appears to me that this is simply
a voltage boost circuit in operation which helps to
regulate output to some degree.
Runtime
completed with Duracell brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: The switch is on the tail of the light
and is covered by a cone-shaped rubber cap. Pressing
in on the switch lightly permits momentary (signaling)
operation, pressing in until it clicks keeps the light
on until you click it off. Only gentle pressure is required
to operate the switch and audible feedback is barely
noticeable (it's quiet). There is no way to "lock" the
switch in the off position without compromising the
water resistance of the light and because of the gentle
pressure needed to activate the switch it can be prone
to accidental activation.
Seals / Water Resistance: The packaging advertises
it as "water resistant" and states that it
is not designed for submersion. The O-ring which seals
the tailcap appears to be a bit thin for my liking.
I would recommend keeping it well lubricated to prevent
it from binding.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: It feels comfortable in the hand
and the switch is easy to operate. Because it is plastic
it can be carefully held in the teeth.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: For batteries, this light takes two
AAA cells. Duracell brand cells are included.
To change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop
out the old cells, place in new cells observing proper
polarity (negative toward the head in this case). Reattach
the tailcap and you're ready to go. When you spin down
the tailcap it will hit a stop so that the flats of
the tailcap always align with the flats of the body
tube. You will also notice that the body tube has a
metal cylinder liner inside which provides electrical
connectivity to the head.
Accessories: None
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Impact resistant, Long battery life, Good output, Semi-regulated
What I Didn't Like: Accidental
activation probable - no switch guard.
Picky Little Things:
Conclusions: A good general use
consumer-level light to replace your worn out Minimag
or penlight. Provides a nice beam, good output, and
very nice runtime. Nice styling, but lacks a little
of the refinement (and a lot of the price tag) of the
higher-end Inova lights.
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