Size15's
Flashaholic
There are basically two 12xM Models.
Both are now discontinued however the Lamp Modules are still available.
The 12PM is the straigh-bodied version, and the 12ZM is the version with a SureFire CombatGrip. The 12xM comes in Black with a 2.5" diameter non-Shock Isolated Reflector Bezel. Both do not have LockOut TailCaps, and only the 12ZM comes with a Lanyard.
The 12xM comes with one N62 500Lu Lamp Module. If used continously for about 3 minutes, the heat produced by overdriving the four DL123A Duracell Ultras [currently the best batteries for this flashlight] will cause the batteries to go into "thermal fuse shutdown" and the flashlight will remain off until the batteries have cooled. I've found that two Thermal shutdowns uses the batteries. This is about 6 minutes. I do not suggest you run the N62 Lamp after the beam begins to yellow because it can shorten the bulb life.
However, the 12xM is not designed for Constant-on use. Rather, momentary flashing or short 5-20sec bursts. Used like this, the batteries will last far longer. For me, maybe 10 minutes, but this is very hard to judge.
The Z41 and a Lanyard kit (I suggest Z34) are "must haves" for the 12PM.
The SureFire M4 is the Millennium "Version". It differs in several very important ways.
Firstly, it comes standard in Millennium Grey Military Level III Hard Anodising with a straight body with 2.5" diameter Shock Isolated Reflector Bezel.
In the future, the M4 will come standard with both the MN60 & MN61 Lamp Modules and AR coated tempered Pyrex Lens. Currently, it comes with two MN61 Lamp Modules and a Lexan Lens because the MN60 and Pyrex Lens version is not yet ready.
The MN61 Lamp Module is 350Lu for about 20 minutes runtime. It does not suffer from "thermal shutdown".
The MN61 Lamp will work in the 12xM, and the N62 Lamp will work in the M4, but it will still suffer from thermal shutdown.
Okay,
From my experience, the M6 MN21 500Lu Lamp beam is not only brighter and whiter, but also bigger then the N62 beam. The MN21 Beam also holds it's brilliance for far longer than the N62 beam.
For it's size, the 12xM can not be beaten in terms of output, but the runtime is very short. The M6 is a larger flashlight, but still awesome in terms of output for it's size. Staggering infact. Runtime is more effective - especially with the 250Lu Lamp.
The 12xM was designed for a very specific task - to use as a "force option" - a blinding wall of light to aid LEO etc to take control of certain situations and confrontations. The illumination tool had to be very small, light-weight and as bright as possible for use in seconds to minutes rather then minutes to hours of runtime. The 12xM performs.
Al
Both are now discontinued however the Lamp Modules are still available.
The 12PM is the straigh-bodied version, and the 12ZM is the version with a SureFire CombatGrip. The 12xM comes in Black with a 2.5" diameter non-Shock Isolated Reflector Bezel. Both do not have LockOut TailCaps, and only the 12ZM comes with a Lanyard.
The 12xM comes with one N62 500Lu Lamp Module. If used continously for about 3 minutes, the heat produced by overdriving the four DL123A Duracell Ultras [currently the best batteries for this flashlight] will cause the batteries to go into "thermal fuse shutdown" and the flashlight will remain off until the batteries have cooled. I've found that two Thermal shutdowns uses the batteries. This is about 6 minutes. I do not suggest you run the N62 Lamp after the beam begins to yellow because it can shorten the bulb life.
However, the 12xM is not designed for Constant-on use. Rather, momentary flashing or short 5-20sec bursts. Used like this, the batteries will last far longer. For me, maybe 10 minutes, but this is very hard to judge.
The Z41 and a Lanyard kit (I suggest Z34) are "must haves" for the 12PM.
The SureFire M4 is the Millennium "Version". It differs in several very important ways.
Firstly, it comes standard in Millennium Grey Military Level III Hard Anodising with a straight body with 2.5" diameter Shock Isolated Reflector Bezel.
In the future, the M4 will come standard with both the MN60 & MN61 Lamp Modules and AR coated tempered Pyrex Lens. Currently, it comes with two MN61 Lamp Modules and a Lexan Lens because the MN60 and Pyrex Lens version is not yet ready.
The MN61 Lamp Module is 350Lu for about 20 minutes runtime. It does not suffer from "thermal shutdown".
The MN61 Lamp will work in the 12xM, and the N62 Lamp will work in the M4, but it will still suffer from thermal shutdown.
Okay,
From my experience, the M6 MN21 500Lu Lamp beam is not only brighter and whiter, but also bigger then the N62 beam. The MN21 Beam also holds it's brilliance for far longer than the N62 beam.
For it's size, the 12xM can not be beaten in terms of output, but the runtime is very short. The M6 is a larger flashlight, but still awesome in terms of output for it's size. Staggering infact. Runtime is more effective - especially with the 250Lu Lamp.
The 12xM was designed for a very specific task - to use as a "force option" - a blinding wall of light to aid LEO etc to take control of certain situations and confrontations. The illumination tool had to be very small, light-weight and as bright as possible for use in seconds to minutes rather then minutes to hours of runtime. The 12xM performs.
Al
