Which Surefire?: M6 or 10x Dom.

[Monocrom]

After having owned a handful of smaller (2 cell) Surefire lights, I'd like something bigger. Having a bit of trouble choosing between the M6 and the 10x Dom. (Currently can only afford to get one or the other). I'm lucky in that I've had a chance to physically examine both. Here's what I've come up with....

M6

More compact than 10x.
More balanced feel than 10x.
Don't have to wait for light to charge up before using it.
Optional lamp gives increased runtime with still impressive 250 lumens.
Never heard a single negative comment about M6.
Strike-bezel equipped model available.

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10x

Rechargeable.
No battery-carrier to lose or damage.
Flat profile = can be carried in Surefire V84 holster.
No need to swap out lamp assembly to increase runtime.

On a personal level: The grip on the 10x is far better for my medium-sized hands w/ short fingers, than the thick grip of the M6. The barrel of the M6 has grooves and checkering. It feels secure in my fist. But when activating the tailcap button, and removing my thumb from around the barrel, the light feels as though it's about to fall out of my hand. (If I get an M6, the twist / constant-on is going to be used every time).

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Is there anything about these two lights that I've missed?

Anyone know how waterproof each one is?

If I run the 10x for a few minutes on high, can I "top-off" the battery to get back to a full 20 minutes at 500 lumens? Or will I need to buy a spare battery stick?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[iced_theater]

You can top it off, it's like other rechargeable duty lights in which you just put it back in the charger if you want. The only problem with it is if you are in fact a police officer and need the light instantly, because you have to halfway unscrew the head to put it in the charger.

I have the 100 lumen bulb in mine and it's fine for 95% of the time. It's only when you really want to see far away or light something up when you use both bulbs.

 

[LED61]

I believe you've skipped the optional X-LOLA for the M6. Though not an officially recommended lamp for the M6 (MN15), CPF's incan master JS discovered it would run very well with the stock batteries. It is a very nice focused brilliant white beam for 2.5 hours in the M6, with about 200 lumens output.

 

[NickDrak]

M6!!! Will go down as one of the greatest lights ever. Definately the best ever in its class. Plenty of bulb options, plenty of power, and just looks plain bad-***!

The rechargeble only requirement of the 10X kills it for me.

 

[NelsonFlashlites]

Also check out Lumens Factory's offerings, namely the HO-M6A. I've never used it, so I can't comment of the quality, but it states 700 lumens

http://www.lumensfactory.com/m_series_specification.htm

 

[Brozneo]

I had the same decision to make and I went for the M6 - more compact, more options (can be recharged if your lucky enough to get the parts) and it looks way cool!

 

[BSBG]

M6


Never heard a single negative comment about M6.

That should tell you something .

The M6 is an amazing piece of hardware. The MN20 is pretty darned bright and runs for an hour constantly. With intermittent use (backed up by something smaller for administrative tasks) it'll last a long time. I highly recommend one, if you have the means.

 

[EV_007]

I went with the M6 due to its looks and solid construction.

 

[AWGD8]

I prefer the M6-CB for factor!

and HID for :wow: factor !

 

[FlashKat]

Plus it allows you to use rechargeable batteries.:thumbsup: I have also heard the M6 is more durable.

Also check out Lumens Factory's offerings, namely the HO-M6A. I've never used it, so I can't comment of the quality, but it states 700 lumens

http://www.lumensfactory.com/m_series_specification.htm

 

[lightemup]

I've never tried a 10x, but I love my m6 on HOLA

 

[Lightraven]

After all these years and flashlights, I still carry the M6 on duty. When off duty, it can be shoved in a pocket--not so sure about the 10X. Also, Ni-Cads are not the most reliable batteries.

Only if I used the flashlight every night would I get a 10X so as not to waste batteries. But for infrequent use, the M6 is the better choice.

For negative comments--I've had two bad 250 lumen bulbs in the past, one died after 15 minutes, the other exploded after 15 minutes. Since running 500 lumen bulbs, no problems.

 

[dudemar]

Also check out Lumens Factory's offerings, namely the HO-M6A. I've never used it, so I can't comment of the quality, but it states 700 lumens

http://www.lumensfactory.com/m_series_specification.htm

That's actually 700 bulb lumens, which translates to about 450 torch lumens- which isn't bad at all for a rechargeable M6.:devil: The only question left is the beam quality/shape compared to the MN-21.

the Dudemar

 

[Monocrom]

Much thanks to everyone who posted.

I've just finished looking through older topics and posts on CPF, with regards to both lights.

(CPF remains the only forum I know where the search feature not only works, but can be described as far better than half-way decent).

Came across a couple of eye-opening posts. Based on those, and a realistic look at my needs and how I would use these lights, I've decided that the 10x Dom. would be a better fit, for me.

Thanks again for taking the time to post in my thread.

 

[mdocod]

I think if I were in the market with that much money I'd build up a leefbodied SF (probably 2x18650), with SF turbo and a FiveMega bi-pin MN assembly. I might consider running the 5761 on unprotected cells for that 500 lumen category, or the 5762 as a "LOLA."

 

[Monocrom]

I think if I were in the market with that much money I'd build up a leefbodied SF (probably 2x18650), with SF turbo and a FiveMega bi-pin MN assembly. I might consider running the 5761 on unprotected cells for that 500 lumen category, or the 5762 as a "LOLA."

I've always respected your opinion.

But I must admit that the thought of using unprotected cells makes me very uneasy.

Also, I know of a B&M store that sells both lights without even the slightest mark-up.

 

[DM51]

AW's P18650s might fire up a 5761 (I haven't tried this). It would be ~2.4C? I'm not sure what AW sets the discharge rate protection at, but 2x AW P18500s will fire up a WA1111 OK, and that is ~2.4C too.

 

[Size15's]

No battery-carrier to lose or damage.

I can honestly say that this has never, ever been an issue. I had never even contemplated this until you posted it. Personally I consider it irrelevant.

Flat profile = can be carried in Surefire V84 holster.

Even though I have two 10X's, I hardly use them. However, I use M6's all the time.

Al

 

[tino_ale]

This is the first time I read someone mentionning about this possible issue, and I'm glad you did because since the first time I saw a picture of an M6 in someone's hand, I've been wondering about this.

I personnally have large hands, so I don't think it'll be an issue, and I'm looking forward getting one. Also I don't intend to use it flashing or momentary, but more continuously with X-LOLA option (MN15). So I wouldn't use bush button that much.

Still, if your fingers are not so long, I believe the grip possible issue is a very valid point. While having thumb on the push button, as you say some people will have half of the M6 fat body out of their hand.

On a personal level: The grip on the 10x is far better for my medium-sized hands w/ short fingers, than the thick grip of the M6. The barrel of the M6 has grooves and checkering. It feels secure in my fist. But when activating the tailcap button, and removing my thumb from around the barrel, the light feels as though it's about to fall out of my hand.

 

[BSBG]

A
10x


No battery-carrier to lose or damage.

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Some might even consider having a pre-loaded carrier as a spare for quick swapping out an advantage of the M6 .