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Detailed
Information:
The Inova XO3 is definitely what I would
consider a "premium" flashlight. It boasts
a estimated 1-2 hours flat regulation (not yet verified),
smooth spot with good overall output and throw, and
is very well machined and designed. Beam intensity is
in the lower range of lights advertised as "tactical"
by manufacturers who cater to military and police.
The body of the light is anodized aluminum with longitudinal
flat panels machined into its sides to help with grip.
The surface is very smooth with no real texture. The
tailcap has reverse checkering for gripping the switch
and a lanyard hole.
The very front of the light contains a stainless steel
bezel with a beveled inner edge. This protects the recessed
special anti-reflective coated glass optics in front
of the collimating lens. The inside of the light is
also anodized for corrosion resistance. Machining is
very good. The fit and finish are excellent.
Hiding in the bezel behind the glass optic is the uniquely
designed collimating lens. This is Inova's "TIROS"
or Total Internal Reflection Optical System lens. Total
internal reflection is not something new and is actually
utilized by Lumileds (the maker of the Luxeon Star)
in their current collimating lenses. This is also how
fiber optic cables work and how many large water fountains
are illuminated. Go HERE
for more information. Inova has reshaped the collimating
lens to provide a very even and uniform spot unlike
other lenses that are available. Transmission efficiency
has also presumably been improved, although I do not
know the efficiency of current Luxeon Star collimating
lenses. Resting behind the lenses is the Luxeon Star
and regulation circuit. Runtime has not been stated,
but I would expect 1-2 hours of very flat constant light
output regulation followed by a long period of low output.
The tailcap switch is basically identical to the Inova
X5, X1, and XO. There is a rubber dot in the center
that can be pressed for momentary operation. Tighten
the whole tailcap for constant operation. Turn back
1¼ turns 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.
Output, as mentioned, is in the form of a very nice
spot of light which has a bright center and tapers toward
the edges. There are several slight rings of light and
dark that appear around the periphery.
Based on my readings, the "throw" value of
this light beats some of the lights that are rated at
the low end of output to be classified as tactical lights.
Its central spot is tight, but wide enough to light
a person's entire face at less than 2 meters. Its "overall
output" value is the same as, or better than, several
6 Volt incandescent lights. In my opinion, this is one
of the few LED based lights that actually reaches into
the "tactical" range of output. The flat regulation
circuit should keep the output in that range while many
incandescent lights with similar initial output dim
over the entire period of their use.
Runtime Plot
Runtime
completed with Duracell batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
Ergonomics: The Inova XO3 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. The flared head gives
it good proportion and balance.
The XO3 is water resistant and is protected
at the tailcap by an O-ring which should be kept clean
and lubricated with a silicone grease.
The XO3 is powered by two 123A lithium batteries.
These are very expensive to buy in stores and we recommend
purchasing them on-line. Simply unscrew the tailcap
and drop in the new batteries, positive side facing
you. This is opposite from the way most lights accept
batteries. There is a piston-based reverse polarity
protection device built in to the far end of the light
to protect the electronics.
The package includes batteries and an OK quality nylon
belt sheath. 2 hands are required to place it in or
remove it. No flap over the top for retention. I'd get
a better one if I were actually going to carry it on
my belt.
I have been informed by a third party that the Bianchi
Accumold 7311 Compact Light Holder in size 2 (for SureFire
6R/9P and similar models) fits this light very well.
The 7311 fits the Inova lights just about perfectly
-- all it needs is a thin spacer to stop the clickie
from activating when the light is inserted all the way.
They used the thin nylon washer trick for the spacer.
1" diameter, .125" thick. They then drilled
out the inside to about .65" to be sure that ANY
clickie would not touch the spacer
They also mentioned that the Inova lights will fit
the Pelican pouch - but to prevent the light from activating,
it needs a modified 1" wide x 1/4" thick nylon
spacer at the bottom -- they enlarged the hole in a
standard Home Depot or Lowe's nylon washer using a drill-tree
bit.
What I Liked: Well engineered, Tough light,
Bright output!, Gorgeous beam. Lots of extras like the
stainless steel bezel ring, coated optics and flat output
regulation circuitry.
What I Didn't Like: Included belt sheath requres
2 hands to stow the light.
Other Things I Noticed: The internal TIROS lens
rattles a little bit inside the head of the light. After
testing 2 of them, I found this to be the case in both,
so don't be surprised if yours has a little lens rattle.
This has only a minor impact on the beam which is not
noticable at all in practical use.
Conclusions: A well engineered light with top
quality components, great regulation and great light
output. Has beam intensity and overall output of a professional
quality 4AA 6 Volt light, and some "tactical"
lights. The use of the Luxeon LED means never having
to worry about the bulb failing like an incandescent
bulb. Flat regulation circuitry and an expected 1 to
2 hours runtime makes for a a great light. 5 Stars!
UPDATE April 2007 from reader Kevin D.:
Just
an FYI. I was at target yesterday and realized that
INOVA seems to have pulled the TRIOS lens out of the
XO3 just as they did on the current generation XO.
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