"XNOVA" 1xAAA 3xLED FLASHLIGHT

"Xnova" 1xAAA 3xLED Flashlight, retail $6 (URL not known)
Manufactured by (Unknown)
Last updated 06-07-04




The "Xnova" 1xAAA 3xLED flashlight doesn't have an official name yet - at least not one I'm aware of, and not that other users of Candlepower Forums are aware of either. So we've called it the "Xnova", and that's what it'll be called on this web page too.

The Xnova comes in an almost all-aluminum case, with the very front of the bezel being made out of what appears to be a chrome-plated styrene compound. O wait, it's not styrene, it's metal of some kind. It isn't steel, because it isn't magnetic. Maybe aluminum, though the texture and color is different from the aluminum on the rest of the body.

The Xnova features three white LEDs, powered by a built-in inverter which in turn is powered by a single AAA cell.


SIZE



To use the Xnova, feed it first (see directly below), and then you'll be ready to rock.

Twist the tailcap clockwise (as if tightening it) to turn the Xnova on. Turn the tailcap counterclockwise (as if loosening it) to turn the flashlight off. This is continuous mode.

With the tailcap unscrewed about 1/8th of a turn from constant on, press the tailcap and hold it to get light for as long as you hold the tailcap down; release the tailcap to turn the flashlight back off. This is momentary or signalling mode.

If the tailcap is unscrewed more than 1/4 of a turn, this engages the LOTC (Lock Out TailCap), in which the light will not accidentally activate regardless of what pushes up against the tailcap.



To change the battery in your Xnova, unscrew and remove the tailcap, and throw it in the commode...O WAIT, YOU'LL NEED THAT!!! So just set it aside instead. ;-)

Tip the barrel into your hand, and dispose of or recycle the used AAA cell that comes out as you see fit.

Insert one new AAA cell into the barrel, button-end (+) positive first. Screw the tailcap back on, and back it off slightly when your Xnova springs to life.
Aren't you glad you didn't throw that tailcap in the john now? ;-)

Measures 236mA using my DMM's 2A scale. This includes both LED drive current and current consumed by the DC-DC inverter in the flashlight.





Photograph of the business-end of this flashlight, showing the three LEDs in there.

The Xnova appears to be durable, in that it withstood my whack test with no damage. Five whacks against the bezel, and five more whacks against the tailcap switch. It also withstood several intentional throws with no damage, and it continues to work properly.


Picture comparing the Xnova with the Inova X1; the closest in size flashlight I could readily find.
The Inova X1 is on the left, the Xnova is on the right.
Both flashlights are bezel down in this photograph.

I cut a small notch into the bezel (head) with a Swiss army knife blade, and it appears to be made of metal, not plastic. Would I really cut up a brand spanken new flashlight? You bet your sweet patootie I would, if it's in the name of science.

It is not waterproof or submersible though. When the tailcap was removed, the battery was removed, and the flashlight was suctioned, air had no problems whatsoever getting in. Maybe not quite as much as the X8 I evaluated not long ago, but it still leaks rather well.

Knowing it is not submersible at all, please try to keep the flashlight out of creeks, rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, docks, oceansides, puddles of cat pee, snowbanks, mud puddles, tubs, toilets, sinks, fishtanks, dog water dishes, or other places where water or water-like liquids might be found. If you know or suspect it fell into water, remove the tailcap and battery, and set the parts in a warm dry place for a day or so, and you ought to be alright. If it fell in seawater or if something peed on it, douche the parts out with fresh water before setting them out to dry.

The beam is smooth, with a cool, icy bluish white color to it, and a greenish outer corona. The overall color appears cooler white than the white LED Inova X5.



Beam photo at ~12".
Measures 24,300mcd on a Meterman LM631 light meter.



TEST NOTES:
Test unit was purchased from a Candlepower Forums member, and was received on 06-07-04.


UPDATE: 00-00-00



PROS:



CONS:



    MANUFACTURER: Unknown
    PRODUCT TYPE: Small handheld/tactical flashlight
    LAMP TYPE: 5mm white LED
    No. OF LAMPS: 3
    BEAM TYPE: Wide spot with dimmer corona
    SWITCH TYPE: Press tailcap momentary on/off, twist tailcap continuous on/off
    BEZEL: Metal; LEDs very slightly recessed into cells for them
    BATTERY: 1x AAA cell
    CURRENT CONSUMPTION: 236mA
    WATER RESISTANT: Light splash-resistance only
    SUBMERSIBLE: No
    ACCESSORIES: None
    WARRANTY: Unknown/not stated

    PRODUCT RATING:

    Star Rating





Xnova 1xAAA 3xLED Flashlight *






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