Inova X5 or T1?

[Donut]

I happen to have $35 credit at the local "upscale" mall, which might buy me lunch, or I could blow it on something. So I decided I want a "carry" light and the only option is Sport Chalet. Since they dont carry SureFire (the G2 would be my first choice) I think I've narrowed it down to the Inova X5 or T1. They are the same price, $45, so effectively $15 after tax out of my pocket.

Or I could get a Streamlight Scorpion or Inova XO for an extra $10, and put the Brinkmann Maxfire LX in the car.

I basically want one, more powerful light for the nightstand, and then another one for travel carry and occasional pyro duty (needs to be bright, have decent signaling range, and the ability to ruin someone's night vision would be a big plus - you'd be surprised how many folks don't think the danger tape applies to them, especially after dark.)

I'm so confused... Lumens and Lux and Candle Power, OH MY! Why can't Sport Chalet just carry the SureFire G2?

Thanks for shedding some light on the subject.
Oh man, that's a really bad pun. I'm going to bed now.

 

[woolfam]

This place should have answers to your questions:

Flashlight Reviews

 

[Donut]

I spent HOURS on that site last night, and it's a big part of my confusion... I was hoping for some first-hand opinions, kinda.

 

[woolfam]

The X5 is more of an around the house / general use light. The T1 is more of a focused light and about twice as bright as the X5. The X0 is a little brighter than the T1, but has a longer runtime.

Did you find the Comparison charts on the Reviews site? LOOK HERE

You have to understand that the Throw / Output numbers themselves might not mean much to you, but you can use them to compare different lights.

Of the options you posted, your Brinkman is your best "really bright" light. The T1 and the X0 are less bright, but more durable and regulated so you get pretty consistant brightness over the life of the batteries. The X5 is more of a general purpose / around the house / leave it in the car for emergencies type light.

As far as "carry" goes. The T1 and X5 will fit in your pocket, but they're a little on the long side for pocket carry. The X0 will have to be carried in a holster.

If you don't mind carrying in a holster, I would suggest the X0. It's a good balance between run-time / brightness / durability / regulation. But, I know you would not be disappointed with any of the Inova products.

 

[Donut]

Very cool. Thanks for the input. I totally missed that comparo chart!


I actually have hatched a scheme, that I think may work... If I can get someone at work to buy the gift card for $30, I can go to Target and get the XO3 for $25 out of pocket (they sell it for 54.99, IIRC). Since I'd really only carry it on my person after dark during pyro shows, and probably in the car the rest of the time.

The ratings of the XO3 look great, but do you, or anyone else have any experience with the XO3?

 

[Donut]

Well, Sport Chalet only had the X5 in stock, so I ended up getting a SureFire G2 from some knife store in the mall.

 

[Market Garden]

The ratings of the XO3 look great, but do you, or anyone else have any experience with the XO3?

i have 3 XO3's, and they are great. light output is awesome, runtime is great and it has a good design. i like the switch, so you can use the light in bursts instead of on/off. if you want it to be on for a longer period of time you can tighten the cap and you no longer need to apply pressure to the end cap.

last week i purchased another one, and noticed that the lens design has been changed. the originally had a lens that if you looked into the light you saw a series of circles, but no LED. with the new design you see the LED and the reflector. i havent yet decided which one i like better but both are great. the new design give a larger "spot" or beam (still has a good throw) and the older one holds a stronger beam, both are great designs though, and i would buy them again.

im really happy with inova, in total i have 5 of their flashlights and would buy all of them again. considering the pricing of comparable lights, they are hard to beat.

as far as the X5 and T1 go, i own the X5 and a X1 (non-tac version). the X5 is a close range light, its the one i use the least. the X1 is a great light, it just doesnt produce the output the XO3 does. hope this helps


***sorry, i missed the last post.