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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

New toy for a boy

Joined
May 3, 2012
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Hi there. I have been browsing on the forum for some time now and I decided that i am not a stalker so it is time to join and be a part of this. I live in South Africa :can: and we do have power here. I am interested in lasers and want to buy one and then later try and build one with my brother who is an electronic engineer.

Where will be a good place to buy an already build laser from to import and what is a good size (mW wise) to start with. I am drawn to the Arctic 1W but for the looks and power. As I know that is powerful I am not sure it is the right way to start.

Ant help would be appreciated.
 





Joined
Mar 29, 2012
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Hey, welcome to the forums!

Right away, people are probably going to be telling you not to get the arctic, or any laser from Wicked Lasers for this reason: They are very overpriced. Though I agree, I really like the host design and the smartswitch.

Here's a 1.2W blue laser for much cheaper, and the host looks very similar to the Arctic:
RIFLE 445nm - Full 1.2W Focusable Blue Laser Pointer

Or you could find people on this forum selling 445s (the nm wavelength of these very strong blue lasers) for cheaper.

I personally don't recommend getting a 1W 445 laser as a first laser, because they are extremely dangerous, and do more damage to your eyes than you think. (The human eye percieves green light far brighter than blue of the same power, so blue 1W looks about as bright as a green ~200mW or so, but is much worse for your eyes).

I recommend going for a 100-200mW greenie first. They are very impressive, and you can clearly see the beam at night, and it is capable of doing a bit of burning too.

Here is a good choice. (I like pointing people to lazerer.com because the hosts look pretty nice in my opinion, and people that like WL a lot will be probably drawn to these, rather than less attractive looking lasers)
 
Joined
Jan 8, 2009
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If you have no powa how are you able to use the internet:undecided: regardless of your answer welcome and enjoy your stay.

I would recommend for you to start off with a small 50mW greenie, then when you learn the dangers of handheld lasers move up to suit your fancy.
 
Joined
May 3, 2012
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Thanks for the feedback guys. Yes you are correct about the stereotyping :D it is just not easy importing things here as they get "lost" in the mail. I was thinking I might go for a 300mW laser.
 
Joined
Mar 29, 2012
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300mW is a bit much for a first laser, but if you think you can handle it, by all means go ahead. But you definitely need to get goggles with that too.
 
Joined
May 3, 2012
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YES! I want to get goggles better than the cheap ones they send with the lasers. I am well aware of the dangers of these things and do not want to cause any harm to myself or anyone else. I am also a pilot so wont be stupid and shine this thing into a plane.
 
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Thanks Dominic

Maybe you can help me, out of the 4 lasers listed which one is you favorite and why?
 




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