The Nite Ize INOVA STS Headlamp is so well thought-out and designed that you will wonder how your previous headlamps managed to help you get the job done. The heart of the Nite Ize INOVA STS Headlamp is the company‘s STS (Swipe-To-Shine) technology.
Inova’s Swipe-To-Shine design replaces the typical one to three position switch for a swipe type of switch, similar to using a touch screen phone. The INOVA STS Headlamp allows for either one white high power LED to be used or two red LEDs to be used. Each color can operate in one of three brightness settings (high, medium, variable dim), as well as a flashing strobe mode and lockout. So far, so good. But what really sets the Nite Ize INOVA STS Headlamp apart from the rest is that the STS technology also allows the swipe switch to operate in a variable brightness setting, just like using a dimmer switch on a light inside a room.
Make no mistake, the Nite IZE INOVA STS Headlamp can be very, very bright (142 lumens on high for the white LED, 8 lumens for the red) and the variable dim is a very nice feature for when your eyes are fatigued or when using the INOVA STS Headlamp through times of differing light (dusk-to-dawn events, changing weather conditions, etc).
The Nite Ize INOVA STS Headlamp has an elastic headband that is just wide enough to fit well around helmets but is not bulky when worn without a helmet or hat. And the headlamp can be rotated down in to several detent positions to place the light exactly where you need it.
I can personally attest to the usefulness of the Nite Ize INOVA STS Headlamp as it quite literally saved me during an event that started before sunrise and ended after sunset. I managed to not have a fully charged battery for my lighting system and was able to save electricity by using the INOVA STS Headlamp as my primary means of illumination to the front. The light spread was nice and wide with even distribution without any “hot” spots or dim edges. I was able to see the side of the road which was nice in case any animals tried to dart out in front of me. The red LEDs were great for cue sheet and map reading, and the variable dim was very useful for saving my night vision.
When the sun came up, I switch the headlamp over to the white “strobe” mode for extra daytime visibility. Several other participants remarked at how bright the headlamp was and had thought it was a bicycle light that I attached my helmet.
As the event progressed, I used the INOVA STS Headlamp as my rear light. I had the sun behind me and was able to see ahead without a problem, but rear visibility was going to be a problem with other motorists. I simply placed the INOVA STS Headlamp on to the rear of my helmet, set the red LEDs to flash and I was good to go. As it became darker, I just switched the red LEDs from flash to high, and arrived without incident.
The Nite Ize STS Headlamp is a practical and useful gift that serves many functions. Hiking, camping, cycling, walking the dog, and even roadside car or bike repairs in the dark are all made easier due to the well thought-out design of the Nite Ize STS Headlamp.
The STS Headlamp is available in blue, orange and charcoal colored bodies. For more information please visit www.niteize.com.
– Alex (Dos)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the Inova STS Headlamp for free from Nite Ize in consideration for review publication.