A neat idea: Need your help forum!

[enigmahack]

RA_ - All VERY valuable information. Totally makes sense.

So Opto basically just buys a bunch from Viasho, and checks them all over, and returns the ones that don't meet the Opto standard? The rest go back to Viasho and get sold as "regular" lasers?

I can see how this works.

Also, I didn't know about the 80-100$ shipping costs also associated - DEFINITELY something to factor in there.

I appreciate all your help.

I tried to +rep you but it wouldn't let me. I'll try again later after I've "spread the love" a little more lol

 

[RA_pierce]

RA_ - All VERY valuable information. Totally makes sense.

So Opto basically just buys a bunch from Viasho, and checks them all over, and returns the ones that don't meet the Opto standard? The rest go back to Viasho and get sold as "regular" lasers?

Yes, but there is more to it than that.
Jack at Opto makes "special requests" for Viasho. For example, some time ago he was offering his RPLs with a 2.5W nLight diode rather than the 1.2W pump that is "standard." I'm not sure what diode is used currently.
Another example is Laserglow's "Hercules." It is literally the biggest, most powerful DPSS portable in the world - nobody else sells them. Also, if you pay close attention to detail, the Aries series is built differently than the standard CNI PGL-IIIs and they are rated for 100% duty cycle.
So not only are they "cherry picked" but they are constructed to be the best of the best (of the portable laser world).

 

[enigmahack]

Wow - crazyness. That totally explains the price differences then as well.

Hrmm... I'm interested to see what I can come up with. It almost sounds like a possible worthwhile investment to get something like a higher-powered Aries. (I couldn't possibly afford a Herc of reasonable power)

Well, I'll see how the rest of the voting goes. If I could increase my budget a little bit, it would be fantastic to see what other options open up but I think it's going to be simply higher quality/power the more money you throw at it.

I would LOVE a Hercules, but they're just so darn expensive. I understand why though.

 

[Arshus]

Go for the $800 CNI, or throw in another $400 and get the RPL-450. Bonus is that if Jack ever starts selling an RPL 500, you can trade In your 450 + Cash for the new one.

-Sal

 

[enigmahack]

Oh, Jack does an upgrade program hey?

Jeez. Something to seriously think about provided I can get my oil tank paid off soon LOL

Dang oil company and their strict standards for safety ;-)

 

[Pilgor]

I would jump in the CNI group buy. Glenn can probably meter it for you also.

 

[enigmahack]

Well I might have the money as soon as this weekend so it's possible... Still waiting on the buyer for the server. If I get that money through soon, I might actually look at a CNI group buy (provided it's still open anyway)

And I just bought my first LPM!! Hopefully will be here soon, we will see how fast it comes in

 

[Prototype]

I post this in support of going Viasho

http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/wow-500mw-viasho-532nm-green-laser-60309.html

 

[enigmahack]

Wow prototype...

That is **crazy**

580$ shipping included, and he gets over 600mw.

I would be really interested in hearing about things like divergence, but the IR filtering is just incredible. 600mw and only 3-4mw is IR.

THAT is well worth the money. Makes me also curious... If I paid say 600-700, it would leave another 1-200$ for... Some other laser. I heard that the 400mw 405 from o-like is quite impressive too for 90$

Anyway I digress... Viasho sounds like a very good possibility of bang/buck. Maybe won't be as strict in terms of quality, but compared to the junk boblasers produces... It sounds completely amazing.

I will consider