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This is an update to the original
XO review. Inova has removed the spotlight-type
optical system and replaced it with a reflector, resulting
in a more general-purpose beam in the new XO, and has
renamed the lensed version of the XO the XO2. The XO2
may also have an updated LED, but I have not had the
chance to confirm this.
The Inova XO is a Luxeon I LED flashlight made by Emissive
Energy Corp. It is available from BrightGuy.com.
The Inova XO is a very nice flashlight. It boasts
a tough anodized finish, smooth spot with good overall
output and throw, and is very well machined and designed.
Body: The body of the Inova XO is made of anodized
aluminum with flat facets machined in the sides. The
body finish is available in black or silver. The surface
is very smooth with no real texture. The tailcap has
reverse checkering for gripping the switch.
Bezel/Head: The very front of the light contains
a stainless steel bezel with beveled edges. This protects
the recessed glass optics in front of the reflector.
The inside of the light is also anodized for corrosion
resistance. Machining is very good. The fit and finish
are excellent.
Output: Output is in the form of a very nice
white spot of light which has a bright center and wide
spillbeam. Overall light output is greater than the
original, at least at the start.
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot Update July 2006: After the original
runtime plot (removed), which had a very unusual regulation
curve, I had many people contact me about this runtime
telling me "your sample must be defective".
Folks, you don't know how often I hear this. In fact,
I hear it EVERY TIME a light does not perform the way
some fanatical follower of a particular brand thinks
it should, or is even slightly disappointed with the
performance of a new product from their favorite maker.
One person, however, did tell me that this curve is
indicicative of a particular electronic component working
incorrectly. Since this seemed like a reasonable argument,
I contacted Inova. Unfortunately there was a small run
of bad electronics and I was unlucky enough to receive
one that made it out to a distributor. They weren't
"bad" as in "defective" or "failing",
but were "bad" in that the wrong electonic
component was put on the board. I received a new unit
and completed a new runtime test. The results are seen
below. All currently available units should have the
proper electronics.
The electronics in the Inova XO give about 5 hours
of constant output with the typical fantastic Inova
regulation curve.
Runtime
completed with Duracell and "Titanium"
brand batteries. More information on runtime plots is
available HERE.
Switch: The tailcap switch is basically identical
to the Inova X5 and X1. There is a rubber dot in the
center that can be pressed for momentary operation.
Tighten the whole tailcap for constant operation. Turn
back 1 full turn and the light is "locked out"
- it cannot turn on. This setting is to prevent accidental
operation which could wear down your battery in the
bottom of your backpack or luggage.
Seals / Water Resistance: The XO is water resistant
and is protected at the tailcap by an o-ring which should
be kept clean and lubricated with a silicone grease.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: The Inova XO is comfortable in the
hand. The lack of texture does decrease its grip-ability,
but the flat sides help compensate for that. It is easy
to use in a "tactical" manner by holding the
light in the palm and twisting the tailcap with the
thumb and forefinger. Depending on how far the switch
is unscrewed, the tailcap push button may take light
to moderate pressure to activate.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
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, drop in the new batteries with the
positive side facing you. There is a spring built in
to the far end of the light. This has apparently replaced
the piston-type reverse polarity system that used to
exist in the older version of the XO.
Accessories: Nylon wrist lanyard included.
What I Liked: Well engineered, tough light.
Nice beam. Stainless steel bezel ring, Glass optics,
Solid regulation.
What I Didn't Like: Nothing
Picky Little Things: Nothing significant.
Conclusions: The Inova XO has a very nice fit
and finish and it provides a much more useful beam than
the original in my opinion. Output is good and runtime
is spectacular.
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