M4 vs M6 LOLA runtimes

[batman]

So after reading a lot on the stock M4 and M6 LOLAs, I see some folks commenting over the years that the M4 LOLA has a longer runtime than the M6 LOLA. Others claim the M6 LOLA has a longer runtime than the M4. Is there any imperical evidence to show one lamp's runtime in favor of the other?
(And by M6 LOLA I mean the newer version, not the old school purple one that was driven extremely hard)
Brad

 

[kelmo]

Greetings Caped Crusader,

I remember someone doing a runtime graph on the M6. The output was flat for about 45 minutes before sagging. I don't ever recall seeing an M4 output curve but if it matches other SF LA profiles it will have an initial peak then a long decent.

Sorry, more anecdotal info.

kelmo

 

[batman]

Yes, i also remember seeing runtime graphs of various surefire incans long ago, but I can no longer find them in search. Perhaps they've just been losts to the ravages of time.

 

[mdocod]

When running on relatively fresh CR123s...
The MN60 is about a 14W bulb, drawing from 4 x CR123s.
The MN20 is about a 19W bulb, drawing from 6 x CR123s.

The M6 MN20 LOLA carries with it a lower per cell power draw. The M6 LOLA should have a slightly longer runtime; However, it will still have a higher operating cost on CR123s than the M4 LOLA.

The MN20 on a pair of modern 18650s will run longer still, and be rechargeable 🙂

Eric

 

[batman]

Interesting. Power per cell draw with the M6 HOLA on the other hand, from what I understand, pushes the CR123s right to the edge of their design envelope. I assume that power per cell draw with the M6 HOLA would be even higher thatn the M4 HOLA?

 

[mdocod]

Hi batman,

The per cell drain rate is about the same for most SF HOLAs. ~2.5A.

Eric