New Solarforce M6

[GeoBruin]

I just saw that there is a new light on the Solarforce sales site... the M6. It's a completely new body with a forward clicky, a finned head (that is adjustable for high/low) and it's sporting an XML.

Has anyone seen one in person? From looking at the head, it looks like it might screw apart just above the grip ring for mode selection. It's also roughly p60 sized. I'm sure you see where I'm going here... can we put other drop ins in it? It looks like it might be a great host.

 

[phantom23]

It's so new that noone got it yet. I don't think it's P60 host - i've never seen one with twisty modes. Looks like nice, simple and solid flashlight. I hope it has bigger reflector than P60 drop-ins (and not as floody beam), otherwise L2P with XM-L is better (cheaper) option. M6 is $78 shipped from "black" online store.

 

[thospress]

M6 is $78 shipped from "black" online store.

Gosh, some of the Solarforce lights have gotten remarkably pricey of late. Still, at least in photos, this is one of the handsomest lights going.

 

[Skyraider59]

SOLARFORCE M6 CREE XM-L (T6) Review (photo heavy)

This was received yesterday morning from Solarforce-sales.com, and I had to take some photos to share the M6 with everyone :-).
Must admit that it was love at first sight when I saw the new M6 photos, this did look like a compact but well balanced flashlight with a tactical look and highly detailed with a stainless steel front and rear bezel, but would it live up to my expectations?

Before I go into my review, I have listed the Manufacturer technical data sheet

Features:
- Uses CREE XM-L (T6) high power output LED
- Body made of T6061 T6 aluminum alloy in HAIII (dull black) finish with strengthened anti-wearing and corrosion features
- Aluminum alloy reflector with mirror-like reflective surface for maximal reflectivity and focusing power
- Strengthened glass lens with anti-reflective coating for ultra high transparency and light transmittance
- Forward click tail-cap switch
- Water-proof (Standard IPX-8)
- Current-regulated and stable output with input voltage range of 2.7- 9V
- Battery type: 18650 x 1 or 2 or CR123A x 2 (Note: the flashlight will become hot with CR123A batteries)
- Special head-controlled 2-level output (and strobe mode) design
n Head in tightened position: high output (100%)
n Head in loosen position: low output - strobe - repeat (press slightly the tail-cap switch or re-activate the flashlight to switch between the two modes)
n When the flashlight is turned off for ?? 3 sec, it will remember the lastly used output mode and go to that mode direct when being turned on again
- Lumen rating and runtime (with 18650 x 1)
n 100%: 550 lumens, 110 minutes
n 10%: 55 lumens, 20 hours
- Low battery voltage alert function: when the overall input voltage drops to 2.8V, the light will automatically switch to the candle-mode (8 lumens)
- Built-in reversed battery polarity circuit protection
- Length x diameter (head, battery tube, tail-cap): 142 x 36 x 25.4 x 29 mm
- Weight (without batteries): 142 g

Overall first impression:
The M6 come in a box with a magnetic lid similar to many other Chinese manufacturer, inside the box is a foam insert with cut out for the M6 and an other one for a small bag containing spares: "o" rings, a GDI switch boot and a high quality paracord lanyard with a clip and a small split ring. The light purchased was flawless, with nice sharp white logo and writing on the head which has a rear cooling fins. These are well made with no sharp edges and due to the relatively short size of the light assist in your grip. The light is a fraction bigger and longer that my most loved L2P and sit very nicely in my hand. This is my first light with the square knurling and must admit is very pleasing and has a positive feel. The rear stainless steel bezel is beautifully manufactured and engraved with www.solarforce.hk. The rear bezel has very smooth edges and allow ample room to operate the forward clicky switch. It is also wider than the body giving a very firm base when you tail stand the light.
Looking good so far, but I soon as I put the flashlight down, it started rolling away from me! After more study of the M6 I realised that they was no Anti Rolling Device incorporated into the flashlight. Not a major problem as the addition of Solarforce SS Lanyard Ring, will stop it rolling away, but I do think that this type of flashlight should have one build into it. (the easiest way to rectify this omission would be to include the SS Lanyard Ring in the accessory pack). The light was taken apart, and the single o ring on either side of the body will need lubing. The rear stainless bezel can be unscrewed living the tail switch with an exposed thread, but with a protruding switch which could be appreciated by gun owners when the light is used as a weapon light. All my 18650 including flat top AW batteries fitted without any problems in the battery tube.
Then the light was switch on, again here no disappointment, nice wide beam of light coming out with a very large central hot spot, the throw is also good for an XML, see the photos taken in my garden.
The lower mode about 55 lumens was achieved by rotating the head about 1 /8 of a turn towards the right. This level still give you plenty of workable light and according to Solarforce has a run time of 20 hours. From this setting you can access the strobe mode via the cliky. I think like many of you, I will ask the question WHY? I do not know many flashlight enthusiast who like to have a strobe on their Flashlight! A low setting 10 lumen, would have been much more useful to everyone!. A feature that I like, but have not experienced is the low battery alert function. It will be interesting to see how long, the flashlight will run on it's candle-mode before turning off.

As they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so enjoy!

In conclusion:

For: Stunning look and design, quality feel, compact, good output and run time, low battery warning, tail stand, removable rear stainless steel bezel, circuit protection, broad voltage.

Against: no anti roll system, unable to upgrade the drop-in (?), interface lacking a low setting, (from personal preference, I would have preferred 3 modes 100%, 55%, 10% or maybe a 4 mode, ie high/medium on first setting and may be low/ flash on second setting), a bit on the expensive side for two modes and a strobe XML from Solarforce.

So Am I still loving it? Yes!
This feels and looks quality with a good output and run time!

I will be posting some runtimes and Lux outputs ASAP,
best to all of you
JLD (Skyraider59)

 

[houtex]

Wonderful pics. I'm waaayyyy interested in this light.
Not too crazy about the white lettering.

Would love to see some beam shots,esp. compared to a Solarforce XM-l p60 drop-in.

 

[thospress]

Wonderful pics. I'm waaayyyy interested in this light.
Not too crazy about the white lettering.

Would love to see some beam shots,esp. compared to a Solarforce XM-l p60 drop-in.

I agree on all counts. It also looks a bid head heavy. Along with the strobe (useful for LEOs but not for me), I have yet to change out the switch boot on any of my lights and would probably omit that item as well. None of this is going to stop me from getting one, however.

 

[Skyraider59]

I did some quickly shots yesterday night as I was intrigued to see the difference.
The L2P is fitted with a XM-L T6 3 mode purchased from Jo from www.solarforce-sales.com , only a solarforce label was on the unit, no data, I presume the specs are the same as their 5 mode (ie 3-6v with factory quoted output of 820 lumen :-) ) the L2P was running on a 2600 pink Ultrafire battery.

next photo is the M6

Next photo is the L2P with the XML T6

Unfortunatly I did not managed to line up the beam exactly after the light change, but I let you judge the difference!

I am planning to take more outside shots as well as inside later on.
Now what will be very interesting is the claimed of 110mn on high and to see what discharge line is like!
I never got more than about 50mn to 70mn out of my L2P XML.

Another plus factor for the M6 is the ability to take the L2 extension which will allow you to run the M6 on two
18650, more runtime and output testing will be required in this configuration

Now for a bit of fun, the M6 fitted with L2P standard switch!

I am realy liking this flashlight!
Skyraider59

 

[Craig K]

Why have they named this light the M6 that is the same name as the very famous Surefire M6 I think its a bit silly to name it the M6 what do you think?

 

[Skyraider59]

Why have they named this light the M6 that is the same name as the very famous Surefire M6 I think its a bit silly to name it the M6 what do you think?

Who knows why, maybe because it is the little brother of their M8??????

Regarding the size of the head, it is only 4mm bigger on the OD, still looked balanced for me as the tail switch is also wider than the body.

Skyraider59

 

[thospress]

I did some quickly shots yesterday night as I was intrigued to see the difference.


Unfortunately I did not managed to line up the beam exactly after the light change, but I let you judge the difference!


Skyraider59

Thanks, Skyraider. Very interesting review and great pics. Frankly, I can't see the difference between the beam shots, but there is no doubt that this is one very bright light! And yes, I'm convinced that I need to get one.

 

[candle lamp]

Thank you for your excellent review & beamshots!

M6 looks well made & sturdy flashlight.
To my eyes, M6 has brighter spot beam than L2P.

 

[swtws6]

I would love to see what the output and runtime tests on 2 x Cr123 primaries would be, as this is the configuration I would use. The website only lists info for 18650. I'm even more curious due to the website also mentions using 2 x cr123 will cause the light to run hot fairly quickly and to use caution, to me this possibly means its being driven somewhat harder with the higher voltage and will hopefully also be brighter on high?? Also more likely will there be more or less runtime on both high and low???? I really want to buy this light but need to justify it over my solarforce L2i xml. :devil:

 

[phantom23]

I'm suprised how good it throws, I thought it was going to be similar to P60 drop in. Does it have donut hole?

I would love to see what the output and runtime tests on 2 x Cr123 primaries would be, as this is the configuration I would use. The website only lists info for 18650. I'm even more curious due to the website also mentions using 2 x cr123 will cause the light to run hot fairly quickly and to use caution, to me this possibly means its being driven somewhat harder with the higher voltage and will hopefully also be brighter on high??

Output with 2xCR123 should be the same, it would get hot because of driver losses and batteries heating up at high current.

 

[thospress]

Thank you for your excellent review & beamshots!

M6 looks well made & sturdy flashlight.
To my eyes, M6 has brighter spot beam than L2P.

I think you're correct on both points. I would love to see a photo of the M6 and L2P side by side for size comparison.

 

[phantom23]

Price dropped to $68.

 

[thospress]

The price drop finally pushed me over the line and mine arrived today. I'm very glad I pulled the trigger. Skyraider59's review is dead on - this is a very nice light indeed. Much nicer, in fact, in person than in photos. Ergonomics and balance are also much better than I expected. Interestingly (and surprisingly), Skyraider's serial number is A0217 - mine is A0487 so a reasonable conclusion is that popular response has not been overwhelming in the intervening 5 months since we each received out lights.

 

[naked2]

Now $53; my trigger finger is itchy! Can anyone confirm if the bezel ring is L2 compatible?

 

[Hrvoje]

Now $53; my trigger finger is itchy! Can anyone confirm if the bezel ring is L2 compatible?

I doubt that, L2 head diameter is 33 mm, M6 head is 36 mm.

 

[Sakuul]

tried two 18650 in my m6, died in minutes.

 

[naked2]

I bought one and use 2x 18350 @ 750mA everyday; 2x 18650 shouldn't be much different. :thinking: