Icon Logo Gun Mart

Inovatech Tiablo T9R2

Inovatech Tiablo T9R2

Editor Pete Moore has already given his verdict on similar product (and he knows his stuff), on various InovaTech lamping kit, so my brief is to specifically look at this unit from the airgun hunter’s perspective in respect of its usefulness for air rifle use. Sent over for test was a bit a mix ‘n’ match of kit comprising the recently launched and up-graded A9 R2 Tiablo, yellow and red filters, remote switch, anti-spill tube, collimator head, the nifty ‘MS1’ scope mount. Also included were a re-chargeable Li-ion battery, cradle and mains charging kit.

Tiablo
 
First thing to make clear is these lights are made by Tiablo; they’re imported and distributed in this country by Inovatech. I’ve noticed various models being put through their paces since 2010 in the magazine, yes by the Editor and read with interest.

The so termed Special Edition torch is based on the 257-lumen A9 R2, this variant whacks out a mighty 280-lumen thanks to a CREE XP-G R5 LED! A two-stage output torch with a step down constant current driver, the A9 R2 gives 3-hours continuous run time on high beam (280-lumen) and on low 60-lumen for about 4hrs. After that, it drops slightly to give a run time of over 20-hours usable but slightly lower light.

The 42mm diameter x 36mm deep reflector provides greater efficient illumination over longer distances. A clever touch is power can be taken from three battery sizes: one 18650 Li-ion battery, 2 X CR123A, or RCR123A battery. The casing is manufactured from Type-III, hard-anodized, aerospace grade T7075 aluminium. It’s waterproof to 5m/15ft and has a toughened, ultra clear glass lens with anti-reflective (AR) coating. Operation is by a tail-mounted press button that gives High/Low beam and ON/OFF functions. It weighs less than 5.5 ounces excluding the battery and measures 158mm in overall length. Time to get rigged up and see how it goes.

story continues below...

Mount Up

Thanks to the MS1 mount I had it sorted in a matter of minutes. This fig-8, two-piece design fits scopes with a body tube of 25mm (1”), 30mm or 34mm thanks to a selection of spacers, which are supplied and will hold a removable flashlight, with body sizes from 21.4mm to 25.4 mm, so the once standard size 1” bodied tactical torches aren’t forgotten.

It provides a secure, tough and flexible mounting solution that allows the angle of the beam to be adjusted precisely where needed due to its hinged’ design. It is also possible to rotate the unit around the scope so you can position it nearer to the rifle, here you get at least 180° of movement. It’s also quick to take off as by removing the thumb screw in the centre of the mount, it will allow you to detach the torch in seconds from the lower half of the mount which remains fixed to the scope. This then offers more compact storage in a gun bag and also the ability to use the torch as a standalone, hand-held item for chores like picking up quarry at night or general use, clever…

Choose a Torch

This is very much, choose a torch then build your lamping kit up around it. So, if wanting the most versatile set up you’d either purchase the Collimator Head which increases the brightness at the centre of the beam allowing increased operational distance. Or the Anti-Spill Tube to reduce overspill of light and concentrate the beam. I found, adding a filter to the Anti-Spill made a huge difference, the diffused beam was one of the tightest I’ve experienced and I’d recommend this for pinpoint placement. Likewise the manual tail cap switch can be removed and a remote unit fitted, this offers a length of cable and a finger-operated pressure pad that can be attached to the stock with Velcro pads.

Overall this is a robust, powerful and versatile gun torch system and I would certainly like one in my kit, though the price mounts up as you add optional extras! However, InovaTech offer a kit that includes the A9 R2 LED Torch, Remote switch, Anti-spill tube, Red Filter, MS1 scope mount, battery and charger making this a very tempting proposition.

  • Inovatech Tiablo T9R2 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Inovatech Tiablo T9R2 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Inovatech Tiablo T9R2 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Inovatech Tiablo T9R2 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Inovatech Tiablo T9R2 - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

Arrow