Indestructible? durable> you are having a lugh aren't you, see in the top picture the bolt that holds the cage onto the pedal, thats exactly where the pedal will break causing the cage to come loose, and eventually lever the pedal off the axle.
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 I was just about to say, I hope they've fixed that pivot. It's a really cr*ppy design on the 646. One of the key components is made of cheese (a technical engineering term, you understand) and haa extremely short and shallow splines. They've always been doomed to the pivot coming loose, the spring becoming disengaged, and the cage flapping around all over the place preventing you clipping in. Nice.
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 I'm thinking of getting some platform SPD's for more technical XC where I may want to be unclipped for some sections of the trail. I was planning on getting some Crank Brother's Mallet pedals, but these might be an alternative. I've used Crank Bros Candy's in the past and got on well with them. Any experience / advice would be appreciated.
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Personally I don't find the platforms much use for riding unclipped - the part that hooks the front of the cleat always sticks up, so i find it hard to get a good grip on the pedal without clipping in. However, they do provide a bit more general foot stability when clipped in, and give you more width to find with your foot in a tricky situation. My advice would be to learn to clip out fast enough that you don't need to ride things unclipped. 
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 Nog, I have used Mallets for years and I like them. The bearing arrangement, a nylon bush inside and sealed ball bearing outside, is a weakness and they sealing is poor too. As a result the bearings can wear out quickly. This will depend on how often you ride the conditions and probably your weight. As a precaution I change my bearing every year or so and I commute on mine.I never have problems clipping in and out, they never clog with mud and the float is kind on the knees. They’re easy to ride unclipped, but this can vary depending on the shoe. Probably not good with super stiff racey shoes. The nylon bush is a bugger to get out too.
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 New for 2007? I've been running some of these for donkeys? .... oh and they're good and the fears expressed above about 'em breaking are unfounded
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These are different from the M545s which have been around ages. Honestly, the design of the M646 is rubbish. Perhaps the 545 is better.
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 The M646 may be rubbish, but these are M647s. I had a pair of 636 for 7 years with no trouble, & replaced them about 6 months ago with M647s which are even better. Much better in mud, & give more underfoot support. On those occasions when you have an emergency or accidental unclip followed by a desperate stab at the pedal to stay on, the slight rubbery feel of the platform seems to help a little. Dave, which bit's made of cheese? I may get hungry on a ride...
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I take it back, i'm getting confused by all the numbers, it's the 545s I have, that have the bit made of cheese that is destined to die. It's the bottom right part in this diagram, one of the bits labelled with the number 5. You can see the weedy splines on it, and it's really soft metal (cheese.) You can also see the spline engagement depth with the main pedal boy is about 2mm. If you get hungry on a rider, i recommend taking offf the spd sticker on the end of the cap in question before tucking in. They don't taste too good. I have a pair of 747s that I bought 4rd hand. They're the best pedals i've used. Fine performers and very reliable too. All i've ever done to them is a bearing service once.
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The mechanism for the 646 is the same as the dumb one in the 545, however. I don't know if the choice of materials is any better tho. The mechanisam for the 647 is different but i can't tell from that how the spring connects to the body. Looks like it could be through some weird plastic bits though 
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 PDM647 pedals, I've had a pair for a couple of years and they are f###ing excellent. Still silky smooth, durable enough to survive rock strikes that had me off, still work when the trailrakers are struggling, never had any maintenance cos they don't need it beyond usual wash and lube after each ride. What more do you want? Don't understand why they are news though.
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 I've had these for a few months now and they are bullet proff. They've taken quite a beating and so far the only damage is scuff marks on the resin. there are no cracks and certainly no visible damage. They're very solid. They aren't loose at all.
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 Another vote for the success of the 647. However, they are not good if you ever intend to ride them unclipped. The mech sits proud of the cage and means you don't have much to grip onto if you unclip.
(I learnt this when I did 20 miles round Rivington Pike in my sparkly white Nike trainers when I forgot my SPD shoes!)
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 You a ned on the side Arry?
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My 545s have fallen apart again. This time it's terminal as the end cap bit went flying. Time to switch back to the old 747s!
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