| First Impressions: I have always thought the Inova x5t’s design was very well thought out. Straight out of the package it just looks tough, sturdy, and able to take a beating. I really like the way this light looks. I tend to like a light that actually looks like metal, rather than plastic, or even a metal light, with black coating. The x5t is made of top grade aircraft aluminum, with Type III anodizing. The momentary push button tail switch makes it very easy to deploy and operate. Fit & Finish: The Inova is a very well made light. With no rough edges, or major machining marks. The stainless steel bezel surrounding the LEDs adds a very nice touch. The bezel fits perfectly onto the body and is almost seamless. The rubber tail switch button is very well made, and sits in the tail cap nice and smooth. There is also a stainless steel ring around the button, I think this is how the button is actually held in place, this also adds a nice touch. The knurling on the tail cap pretty soft, but provides enough grip to turn the tail cap for constant on. Also, the x5t has a 2,000 lbs. crush rating!
Functionality: I find the x5t very functional. The momentary tail cap button is very easy to press, allowing you to hold the light on for long periods of time, without your thumb getting too tired. Twisting the tail cap turns the light to constant on. I usually prefer a tail button that clicks, allowing constant on, but I dont mind this too much on the x5t. The tail is easy to turn even with one hand. Turning the tail cap counter clockwise until the switch no longer makes contact is a great function for storing the x5t in your pocket or back pack. My only problem with the tail assembly is the fact that you can NOT stand the light on its tail. The rubber button sticks out just enough to make the light wobble and fall over. Light Output: The Inova x5t has 5 – 5mm nichia LED’s. They are recessed in the stainless steel bezel with no lens. The x5t does not throw light very well due to the lack of a focusing lens. Inova states it’s effective range at 12 feet. I would say its closer to 50 – 60 feet. For having no lens, the x5t does have a decent hotspot, which is on the violet side. Surrounded by a corona of white light. This is perfectly normal for 5mm LED’s. The light is very smooth, with no rings or artifacts. This makes the x5t an excellent light for close up work. Size & Weight: At 4.75 inch (12 cm) x 13/16 inch (2 cm) wide, the x5t fits very nicely in your hand. It can even be carried in a pants pocket without much discomfort at all. For some people, it might even be small enough for EDC (every day carry). I can’t seem to find a weight rating for the x5t right now. To my hands, the x5t is Slightly lighter than a MiniMag. (both including batteries) Water Resistance: The x5t is rated to 150 feet. Mine has only seen rain, and is fine so far. Runtime: The x5t is rated at 20 hours of good usable light from its 2 supplied CR123 batteries. Pros: Excellent construction. Great looks. Very smooth light with no artifacts. Easy to press momentary tail button. Ability to disable button. Cons: Can not be stood on tail. No focusing lens. No lens to protect LED’s. Not meant to throw light long distances. Conclusion: I really like this light. Very functional, and produces a nice smooth flood of light. Great for an close up work. You really get a good, strong, reliable, functional light for the price. ~$35 The light also comes with the option of black anodizing, and the choice of red, blue, green and UV LED’s. I have the white LED version.
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