Surefire M6, worth buying?

[jgdawes]

Having looked around I haven't found any comprehensive M6 reviews or run-time plots. Any idea on time to 50% with 250 lumen bulb? I'm trying to convince myself that it's worth buying, so any help in this matter would be much appreciated.

[greenLED]

I'm going to be stoned for the sacrilege, but the M6 is not a light that I'd consider buying. Sure, it's bright as... well, an M6 , but the short runtime, the heat issues (assuming you kept it on constantly, which I understand it's not part of the optimal use), the lack of simple rechargeable solutions, and the price kicks it out of *my* list.

[offroadcmpr]

You do get what you pay for though. I don't think there is a light that is that bright, and has the quality and durabilty, and size that the M6 has. The only light that is around the same brightness and size might be the ROP LE in a 2C mag. But the M6 would be much more durable and such. I also think that the 250 lumen bulb is really around 400 lumens due to surefires light out put measuring system.

But it is way out of my price range.

[bwaites]

The Tigerlight FBOP with the premium battery and 375 lumen lamp assembly would be on my short list, before the M6, but the M6 really is a great light!

(I have both.)

Bill

[hburner]

I had an M6 but sold it mainly because of the batts it used with the MN21, YIKES it would eat you out of house and home just to run it the way that I like to run it. I did however replace it with a light of equal output and runtime but totally rechargeable!

My bored out C3 w/ extender and KT2 head and MN21. I actully like it better than the M6 that I had. I just wish that I could find a good MN20 to put in it. I use the MN16 on occasion but still want the MN20. I am SF's waiting list but who know when that will be.

[glockboy]

The M6 ia not worth buying but it's a must have light.

[wquiles]

Yes, I do feel is worth buying.

Do a search on the B/S/T sub-forum for the available-at-any-moment-now rechargeable solution for the M6 from member AWR. Once this is available, then pretty much the only real drawback of the M6 is gone - cost of using the light.

I personally feel that the MN20 (LOLA) bulb, which is more like 300Lumens (not the conservative 250 rating), is the ideal bulb for long running and for "practical" or real use by us flashoholics. Yes, the HOLA is a sight not easily forgoten, but if you can't see your way in the dark with a 300 lumen light, you are not in any place that I want to be in . I am one of those few forum members that consider the HOLA an overkill

Will

[JasonC8301]

I think its worth it. For its size, the output is tremendous (for me anyway.)

The Tigerlight with Gen4 lamp (either battery pack, regular or premium) will out throw the M6 with HOLA (I keep the LOLA in a SC2, once you go HOLA you can't go LOLA, lol) but the premium pack offers similar whiteness.

I don't intend to keep the M6 on for long. Just short burts of light when I need it (keep in my coat pocket when I'm out at night or in my back pack other times.) I have a CR2 Ion on my keychain and a HDS U60 for utility lighting. M6 is more of a show off/look down a dark street/corner for me.

I use my Tigerlights (yes I did say multiple, I have a 11 inch OC and 8" one) more because of guilt free lumens.

I predict once rechargable batteries for the M6 come available/more common, more people will use them. I am tempted to buy an M4 and have someone bore it out so I can run a MN21 with 2 X 18650's.

[Size15's]

The TigerLight's beam is powerful but it's not pure and there is an obvious difference in use - you may be able to see a bit further with a TigerLight but you can see a lot more, more quickly with an M6.

I'd buy an M6 if I didn't have one before any other flashlight after the L2 (my EDC) if I didn't have any flashlights and had to start over.

Al

[Kiessling]

It is worth it. It makes me grin like an idiot each time I turn it on, and it makes the jaws of other drop to the floor with a satisfying "thump". Nothing can beat that. Pure flashaholic lust.
This is worth some battery and bulb cost. This is worth a lot, at least to me.
bernie

P.S.: this comment comes from a person (me) that really does not "need" this light at all. Pure fun factor.

[dizzy]

I have an M6 and I think it is worth having just for the peace of mind you get when you are out at night and don't know what or who is lurking in the dark that you just couldn't see with a lesser light.
If the cost of cr123's is a concern, which it is if you intend on using it alot, the link below is for AWR's rechargable kit for the M6, which is described in full detail in the thread.
It is definetly a high quality light that could probably withstand just about anything short of a lightning strike. If you have the means to buy it , I would go for it. It will last for many generations.......

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=114948

[Moorcroft]

My money goes on the Tigerlight with 375 lumens lamp and the premium battery pack. It is a great light (long throw) and the rechargeability makes for real cost effectiveness. I bought one and I love it.

So purchase price and running costs outway the somewhat better quality of the M6 light IMHO.

[nc987]

Worth buying, no.......worth owning, hell yes....

[lebox97]

It is worth it. It makes me grin like an idiot each time I turn it on, and it makes the jaws of other drop to the floor with a satisfying "thump". Nothing can beat that. Pure flashaholic lust. ...
P.S.: this comment comes from a person (me) that really does not "need" this light at all. Pure fun factor.

What Bernie said!
Even the disbelievers react with a "holy sh*t" when you switch it on with fresh cells.

PS: has anyone calculated what the HOLA bulb lumen output is/will be with the soft start and overdrive of AWR's HD pack? 700-800?

[dizzy]

PS: has anyone calculated what the HOLA bulb lumen output is/will be with the soft start and overdrive of AWR's HD pack? 700-800?

One can only hope it will be more than stock! I have the HD-M6 on order and can hardly wait till it arrives.

[amlim]

It is worth it. It makes me grin like an idiot each time I turn it on, and it makes the jaws of other drop to the floor with a satisfying "thump". Nothing can beat that. Pure flashaholic lust.
This is worth some battery and bulb cost. This is worth a lot, at least to me.
bernie

P.S.: this comment comes from a person (me) that really does not "need" this light at all. Pure fun factor.

hmmmm..... the jaw dropped when the rest of the guy was vaporised by the photons, right ?

[CLHC]

To me, the SureFire M6 is worth getting. Have never regretted my purchase. There's also the different configurations for the said light in question that others here on CPF are working on for "longer" runtime, regulation and such. Of course, Your Methods May Vary accordingly with the use of the SF.M6. I saw two (2) NIB SureFire M6 on the B/S/T forums going for three hundred.

Enjoy!

[petrev]

To me, the SureFire M6 is worth getting. Have never regretted my purchase. There's also the different configurations for the said light in question that others here on CPF are working on for "longer" runtime, regulation and such. Of course, Your Methods May Vary accordingly with the use of the SF.M6. I saw two (2) NIB SureFire M6 on the B/S/T forums going for three hundred.

Enjoy!

Hi jgdawes

Must first confess an interest - I am making available M6-XTN 4800mAh extension tube for use with the AWR HD-M6 Rechargeable solution.

That aside the M6 is just a brilliant torch, solidly robust, weather resistant, pocketable and really bright. With the advent of serious rechargeable options runtime with a HOLA can be 40 - 60 minutes. I have also modded mine to take an Osram-64275AX for even more output. My Favourite torch.

Where to buy - New from www.OpticsHQ.com for ~ $308 with special CPF discount - Here's how to buy with discount -
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/show...70&postcount=8

AWR HD-M6 . . . here

Petrev M6-XTN . . . here

Cheers Pete
Hope to see you in the M6 club soon.

[Kipper]

I just ordered a brand new M6 CB on eBay for $337 shipped to my door. Not a bad price considering it goes for around 4 beans plus shipping. I always wanted to pick up this light. I think it's the DIESEL of all lights. Of course I had to search eBay again for a BlackHawk case to protect this fine masterpiece which I got for $25. I didn't see any good deals on eBay for the spare carrier so I just ordered that from Surefire directly. Looking forward to getting all my goodies this week.

[lebox97]

$308 with special CPF discount

$337?
you musta missed the posting before yours...

the $308 price includes shipping! (so far no one has beat opticsHQ CPF price - unless you buy used)

[Outdoors Fanatic]

The M6 is an useless light cost-wise IMHO, CR123's don't grow on trees where I live, and I really need longer runtime than that. If I had to pick a bright incan, I'd probably just grab an Ultra-Stinger or a Magcharger and upgrade it. Or better yet: I'd buy a Mini-HID which will put the M6 to total shame when it comes to throw and runtime. Make no mistake, I do believe the M6 is a fantastic and very powerful light, it is just not the best option for most folks though, considering the fact that the market offers plenty of options with better 'bang for the buck' value.

[rikvee]

I have also modded mine to take an Osram-64275AX for even more output.

What did you do to make a light that takes a Surefire module to accept a bi-pin....?

Great post, Pete!

[nuggett]

Not many people would consider buying an M6. I can wow a lot of friends, but none will understand the cost.
In the arena of industrial art, the M6 is a masterpiece. While I cant own a Ferrari or Porsche, owning the M6 gives the same pride of ownership.
Now, we have the HD-M6, which I think will rekindle the interest in this great light
To me, its worth it.

[carrot]

What it sounds like to me is, the M6 is not your ordinary light. If you're looking for a light to actually use, and you're not one of those people who absolutely need a tactical light, then this is not the light for you. That said, if you're looking for a light that will absolutley knock the socks off an unenlightened person... this is *the* light. No other light I can think of comes in such a small and durable package as the M6 and puts out so much light.

Now... I think the M6 is on my "to buy" list, right after I get an M3 or M3T.

[petrev]

What did you do to make a light that takes a Surefire module to accept a bi-pin....?

Great post, Pete!

Hi Rikvee,

This is the method from XTN - Thread page 3

. . .
Bulb first - this is my MN21-64275



How 2
Take one used (blown) MN21
1. Un-solder the springs from MN21
2. Break off bulb (mind your eyes)
3. Drill / Dremmel out centre potting and stuff.
4. Cut slot - my Leatherman saw was just the right width
5. File edges so that bumps on side of bulb slide down but locate bulb nicely centred
6. Dremmel tiny bit off each side of bulb sides near bottom until goes through M6 mirror hole
6. Push 2 pieces of heat resistant wire - KIU Orange is perfect - over legs
7. Solder orange wires to springs - channels to the springs have to be slightly opened out - Dremmel
8. Done

AWR will soon be making MN21->WA Bi-Pin sockets I believe ( when he gets a moment )
. . .

Hope this helps

Pete

[bole64]

Well, i love my M6. I was so convinced I wanted one after I became enlightened, it did not take long. I started out with inova x5s and then it was SF 6P. After the 6P, I said screw it and got the M6. I skipped all the BS up to that and went for the gold. I saved up for months and I do not regret it to this day. I was not even thinking rechargeable yet. I got JS’s recharge pack, and now it is probably my second most used light behind my EDC. Would defiantly say the M6 is worth it. I enjoy it every time I even look at it. There are plenty of lights that can out shine the M6, but they cannot be dropped, get wet, be as small as, durable, cool looking, light weight, as the M6. Not a second thought about buying that light.

[CLHC]

Would defiantly say the M6 is worth it. I enjoy it every time I even look at it. . .Not a second thought about buying that light.

My sentiments exactly!

[Mags]

I would say that if you have the money and you can afford it and you like bright lights, then its definitely worth it. One thing you should keep in mind is that it is one of the only lights of its class. The only one Ive seen often mentioned in comparison is the Tigerlight but its larger and bulkier and of lesser quality. The M6 is of Surefire quality, extremely bright, and a unique battery carrier that I know nothing about. Perhaps someone will shed some light on the battery carrier. I believe it has to do with the voltage. Something about the lamp not being made for actual (18?) volts and there being a buck converter or s/th in the carrier.

[Delvance]

The battery carrier is a parallel setup. 2 stacks of 3xCR123s iirc.

[cue003]

I would say that if you have the money and you can afford it and you like bright lights, then its definitely worth it. One thing you should keep in mind is that it is one of the only lights of its class. The only one Ive seen often mentioned in comparison is the Tigerlight but its larger and bulkier and of lesser quality. The M6 is of Surefire quality, extremely bright, and a unique battery carrier that I know nothing about. Perhaps someone will shed some light on the battery carrier. I believe it has to do with the voltage. Something about the lamp not being made for actual (18?) volts and there being a buck converter or s/th in the carrier.

The 8" Tigerlight is only .25" inches bigger than the M6. 7.75 vs 8. The TL takes a solid beating as well as seen in the TigerLight videos. The new Tigerlight with the 375 lumen bulb and supreme battery pack should be considered in between the 250/500 lumen output of the SF. The TL is also much much cheaper and rechargeable (not to mention it runs longer as well ... NOTE: talking stock for stock here.)

At this point in time I own neither light but will probably pick up an M6 with then add-on the beam shaper, the XTN (increasing size to approx 9") and the 4800 battery pack (taking runtime to approx 60 min on high output)...... from what I understand it will then be bigger than a TL with close to the same runtime....however the SF will be regulated to stay at constant brightness throughout its runtime.

The hurtful part is the total price for the SF solution works out to approx $550. It is still a struggle for me to justify when there are so many mag mods that although not as durable (I don't plan on throwing my light around etc) produce more usable light (especially in the spill) for overall lighting an area. This to me has a lot of merit when it comes to the mag mods. That is why I think I will need the beam shaper for the M6. I am hoping to achieve the same spill characteristics that can be found in the mag mods with the FM2 reflector or even the HS reflectors.

Am I crazy? Any input here from M6 owners with the filter will be appreciated.

Can the M6 stand on its tail...ala candlemode (with lower 250 lumen for longer runtime of course )

Curtis