150mw laser is not 150mw

I bought this 150mw laser diode from ebay and powered it at max voltage and current at 6.25 volts and 170ma. I also bought these "5mw" lasers. So I powered both up and the "5mw" laser pen is brigher then the 150mw LD.
So my question is why is the 150mw LD not outputting at full power?

You can really judge how strong the laser by looking at it. Look at this.

^ Unfortunately, a lasers beam is NEVER a good way to estimate power and should never been seen as a way to determine if the laser is safe or not.

What it can burn will give you a more precise estimate of it's output but you really need to have yourself/another member LPM your laser so you can be sure what it outputs

-Alex

Unfortunately, 120-150mw 405nm laser diodes cannot reliably be bought from anywhere anymore. The PHR-805t blue ray sleds from back in the day have gone extinct. I found it out the hard way when I was pressed to make a couple lasers for a client before Christmas. So definitely do not order those from Techhood.
My issues with Techhood
edit: if you would need one, the only good way to get it is from the members on LPF or as a last resort from a company like CNI
edit 2: This statement is only valid from March 2015, and your experience will vary depending on if you can find a reliable source.