Considering getting an RPL laser.

Recently I got an Aries-35 with the 25% discount. Works great for star pointing but it doesn't even have enough power to pop balloons. The RPL lasers seem to give more Mw output per dollar than the higher-end Aries and Herc Series lasers. Would an RPL-225 or higher be better overall than an aries-225? I'm just Looking for some opinions.

"Better overall" is a matter of opinion . The RPL units offer amazing beam specs. For ranged burning they will beat out your typical Aries at the same mW spec, and as you say, they're cheaper. On the other hand, the Aries units have no duty cycle and can be left on as long as they have battery power, and have a somewhat better build quality (not that the RPLs are bad at all). Also keep in mind that the Aries has "safety features" that make it a bit of a nuisance to use the laser - for better or for worse.

PS: I've sent you a PM

pseudonomen137 said:

the Aries has "safety features"

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I still think that that delay is more of a "danger feature" Some poor unknowing person could get zapped right in the eye because of that....

Switch said:

[quote author=pseudonomen137 link=1200302376/0#1 date=1200304999]the Aries has "safety features"

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I still think that that delay is more of a "danger feature" Some poor unknowing person could get zapped right in the eye because of that....
[/quote]

I can honestly say I almost did that once during my fledgling days in the hobby. Got a PGL style unit and pressed the button. Nothing happened. After a bit of fiddling around it seemed to randomly turn on - whilst the aperture was pointed relatively near my face. Scary situation.

Just my opinion - but I reckon an RPL beats all the competition out of the room.

Thanks for the replies and PMs.  I will probably buy an RPL+goggles from optotronics in a couple of weeks.