Reviving the M6

[walterr839]

I've had a Surefire M6 for the past 10 or 12 years and always get a kick out it. It was my first serious light. I was discouraged with short
run times using CR 123 cells and recently looked into a rechargable solution. that was the begining. A year and 15 lights later I am still fond of it.
I started using the PMD M6 pack and that led me to trying different lamps. I wound up acquiring another M6 so I could complare beams more easily.
then I overdrove an MN21 somehow and it exploded in the head. I enquired about cleaning the head and CPF suggested calling Surefire. They cleaned/replaced the head but not before I had acquired a tool to remove the lens. That led to a smooth reflector that I got from Addrew Mettee on the list. Well I just installed it
and it is a new light. It now throws better than anything I have except a TK70 and and Fire Foxes III HID (all from some 500 lumens).

So now I am wondering if I could change to lens to an aspheric to increase the throw. I don't know enough about the physics of it top know it is (A) possible or (B) feasible so I am posing the question to the more experienced members of the list.
Again I don't need to do this but would do it if it's possible - just for the hell of it.

your thoughts and comments would be appreciated

Thanks

WalterR839
Rhode Island

 

[fivemega]

In general you can not use aspherical lens with reflector unless your flashlight designed for this. I have not seen anybody done this with good result.
There are few ways to improve throw.
1- SMO reflector.
2- Larger diameter reflector.
3- Deeper reflector.
4- Aftermarket large/deep head/reflector.
You already have first choice which is not enough for you. Second and third choice is impossible with stock head.
Last choice is 2.5" head, 3" head or even 4.5" big head.