SF M4 vs. M6

[Rich]

[ QUOTE ]
cy said:
Here's a new twist, valid for my small sample of one.

M6 reflector has a tighter hotspot than my M4 which has a wider beam. Since turbohead interchanges, it's easy to switch reflectors and compare.

[/ QUOTE ]

A few posts above, Larryk said that the M4 has better throw than the M6. If in your experience the M6 has a tighter spot does the M6 have better throw than the M4?

Thanks,
Rich

 

[Size15's]

In my experience (I have three M6's and six* M4's) I see no difference in beam throw. I do see wider beams of brighter light from the M6.

* I have two M4's and the ability to build four more Millennium Series "M4's" from WeaponLight components.

 

[Rich]

Thanks very much, Size15's!

Several years ago I frequently went out alone doing amateur astronomy from remote sites. I wanted a bright flashlight to light things up when I would hear something go bump in the night. I found a store having a going out of business sale and bought a Surefire Model 12PM. It works great. I guess it is an early version of the M4. It uses 4, CR123 batteries and per the paper that came with the light it uses a N62 lamp. There is no writing on the lamp. The Surefire paper (users manual) claims it gives 500 lumens. This users manual says "Revison N/C 4-1-98". Apprently Surefire was then part of Laser Products.

I compared my 12PM to a M4 and the M4 was a little brighter, with its lower brightness lamp, but I may not have had fresh batteries in my 12PM. I would like to try both again but with fresh batteries in both flashlights. If my Surefire dealer gets a M6 back in stock I'll try it too.

I have been thinking of getting the M4 or M6 because I would like a second bright flashlight and one that is a little more rugged. The 12PM is fine but the metal on the head doesn't look too beefy. I'm not sure how well it would hold up if I dropped it.

Thanks again,
Rich

 

[Rich]

I just did a search on the 12PM and I noticed Size15's comment about the 12PM's N62 lamp getting a little dark inside. My N62 lamp is a little haze inside, so maybe that is part of the reason for it not being brighter than the M4 "when I compared them. But, it still throws a heck of a lot of light. It really lights things up.

I see from Size15"s post on turboheads, my 12PM has the "SRTH" head.

Below is a picture of my L2 (top), 12PM (middle), M2 (bottom).



Rich
Thanks to ImageShack for hosting

 

[Size15's]

The N62 sucks the life out off batteries to say the least!

Unless it has fresh batteries you are not getting the best from it. It is a true flashlight - designed and intended for extremely short duration use as a "tactical entry light".

The N62 lamps I have are significantly brighter than the M4's lamps but only during the first few minutes.

More later...

Al

 

[Rich]

Thank you Size15's. I really appreciate all the info. I'm sure the not so fresh batteries in the 12PM was the problem.

Rich

 

[PhantomZ]

i got the M6 just for its power. plus IMO it looks way better then the M4. even the M3 looks better then the M4, again IMO.

 

[arewethereyetdad]

[ QUOTE ]
PhantomZ said:
i got the M6 just for its power. plus IMO it looks way better then the M4. even the M3 looks better then the M4, again IMO.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, it's all personal preference, of course, but I think the M6 is way better-looking than the M4, but the M4 is better-looking than the M3. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Topper]

I pick the M4 at this point. That might change when js gets his M6-R for sale as whats better. That stated the M4 fits my hand much better I can use 123's (MN60 MN61) I can use 168s Pila's (MN15 MN16) I can add 2 A19's and run 3 168s Pila's with the MN60 MN61 lamp. Yes I have 2 M4's yes I have the M6. I like all of them but if I could just have one the M4 wins; more options and fits hand better A no brainer for me.
Topper /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Rich]

Thanks guys. One M4 is on the way. I may also get the M6 but I want to try one first.

Rich

 

[Kipper]

Looking to pick up a M6. Thanxs for all the info guys.