Regarding DX. They aren't leadlights, but they are not too bad. I wouldn't buy one to mod, and they can have lots of IR. If you know that going into the deal and know how to handle a laser safely, the IR shouldn't be a deal killer.
I have a DX 200 which is about 50% IR and averages about 150mW. For the money it is a great deal. (I sort of like the IR)