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UPDATE APRIL 2006: The Inova X5 has undergone a new
update. It now uses the new Nichia CS LEDs which are much
brighter than the originals. This review has been updated
with new output numbers and a runtime graph, as well as some
new pictures and content. The new sample reviewed was purchased
at Target Dept. Store.
The Inova X5 is made by Emissive
Energy Corp and is billed for indoor and outdoor use.
There have now been 3 versions of the Inova X5: the original
generation 1, an updated generation 2 version with a tactical
tailcap switch instead of a twist head, and now the current
generation 3 version with the Nichia CS LEDs. This review
now relates to the generation 3 version only.
Package
Body: The body of the X5 is anodized aluminum. The
unit reviewed is black, but silver is also available. The
body has six flat sides machined into the body tube longitudinally
to improve grip. The tailcap is drilled for the insertion
of a lanyard and is grooved for grip as well. The bezel is
made of stainless steel, which contrasts slightly the anodized
aluminum body. The bezel is permanently attached to the body
and the tailcap is sealed with a well-lubricated rubber O-ring
for water resistance.
Fit and finish of the X5 is good. The stainless steel bezel
is well made with only slight machining marks visible on the
end. The tailcap pushbutton is well done, smooth, and fitted
perfectly into the tailcap. The aluminum body fits together
very well with no burrs on the threading.
Overall quality of the device is quite good. Aside from nicks
and dings, you can probably expect no damage to occur to this
light from hard use. There is a spring loaded post inside
the head of the light that maintains pressure on the batteries
and also serves as a shock absorber for the batteries to help
protect them from drops.
Bezel/Head: The X5 uses five 5mm white Nichia CS LEDs
to produce its light. The LEDs are recessed in the stainless
steel bezel which affords a good degree of protection from
impacts. The holes that the LEDs rest in are conical in shape,
resulting in a slight reflector effect from the polished stainless
steel. The beam produced is a smooth round flood with a brighter
center.
Bezel
Output: Output is very good. The light produces a
nice even flood. The beam edges appear to "fade"
into the surrounding area. My favorite part of this light
is the stainless steel bezel. After looking at it, I wish
that the entire light were made of stainless steel, but this
would cause the cost to be excessively prohibitive.
Beam at one meter at target center and compared to older model
(far right).
Runtime Plot:
Runtime
completed with Duracell brand batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: The switch on the X5 works 3 different ways.
First, there is a rubber pushbutton on the end of the tailcap
that can be pressed for momentary operation. The tailcap can
be twisted clockwise for constant-on operation. The tailcap
can also be twisted 360 degrees counterclockwise to essentially
"lock out" the momentary operation of the light
via the rubber switch. This setting is for transportation
of the light to prevent it from accidentally activating in
a pack or pocket via the pressure switch.
Older Switch picture (silver model)
C current model has knurling, not grooves around the tailcap
and has the company name molded into the rubber, with no engraving
on the silver ring.
Seals / Water Resistance: The X5 is now advertised
as "water resistant". Earlier models were advertised
as waterproof to 150 feet. Although not a dive light, it should
withstand any wet environment it encounters.
Ergonomics:
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light and older silver
model.
Batteries: Two 123A cells power the light. I would
recommend Titanium
brand cells for $1.00 each (here's
a review) or BatteryStation
or Surefire
brand cells for less than $2 each. I would not recommend purchasing
these cells at retail stores since they cost $10 a pair or
more in most retail stores!
To change out the batteries: unscrew the tailcap, drop out
the old cells, place in new cells observing proper polarity
(positive toward tailcap). Reattach the tailcap and you're
ready to go.
After changing the batteries, when reattaching the tailcap
I found it to be advantageous to rotate the cap the wrong
direction while applying pressure until it clicks and then
screw it on. The threads don't always seem to want to grip
properly unless aligned in this manner first.
Accessories: A holster is included with the X5. The
holster is made of nylon and has elastic side panels to grip
the light. A belt loop is built in to the holster. Current
packaging may or may not come with a belt sheath. Some have
a wrist lanyard instead
The belt sheath that comes in the package was described by
one of my colleagues as "flimsy". Although it holds
the light tightly, it flops around unpredictably when attached
to the belt. I personally would go out and purchase a good
quality belt sheath if I wanted to carry the light on my belt.
+ + + Pluses: Waterproof, Tough/impact
resistant, Good battery life, Good Brightness, Easy battery
change
- - - Minuses: Tailcap tries to cross-thread
on occasion when starting.
Conclusions: The X5 has been advertised
as being an "LED floodlight for extreme conditions".
Based upon the durability and general overall quality of the
light, I would have to agree. It is a great light that should
last for many years even under harsh conditions.
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