Just ordered an X125 from Nova, what to expect?

As the title states, I just ordered an X125 from Nova and I'm curious about a few things.

Well, for starters I should preface that I am also curious about shipping, seeing as how Nova Lasers has a free non-trackable shipping option to the US and since I chose it I am now apprehensive about it...do they at least have delivery confirmation if not tracking (a la the US Post Office ?) I did try to call them (got the machine both time) and I also emailed them about it...haven't heard back yet though.

Shipping aside, I used to be the owner of a Wicked Laser Fusion model about 2 years ago, the 125 mw model. After about 2 months of use I sold it on Ebay.
I always felt that it was somewhat underpowered and the divergence was somewhat off too, seeing as how i could never light a match, and that the spot would grow larger and larger at relatively short distances. At night time it looked good, but that was about it.

I believe I did my research this time around and based on what I've read mostly here and a couple of other sites, I avoided Wicked this time around as well as TechLasers....not that there's necessarily anything majorly wrong with them, just that there are better values to be had, right?

So, what can I expect from the Nova X125?

Re: Just ordered an X125 from Nova, what to expect

Oh yeah, and what batteries do you guys prefer to use?

I seriously would prefer not to use anything but rechargables, and I understand that I am therefore limiting my options somewhat, but in terms of rechargable batteries, any that you guys recommend over others?

Are Energizers good enough?

Re: Just ordered an X125 from Nova, what to expect

you should expect a overpowered unit >130mW. it should light matches fairly easily the divergence should be much better than your WL.

it should come in a few days. mine came in 4 days via free shipping.

rechargeable batteries are actually very good in NOVAlasers. there is virtually no power drop VS alkalines.

if you really don't want rechargeable batteries then Duracell and energizers are pretty much the same use energizer e^2 batteries for best results

Re: Just ordered an X125 from Nova, what to expect

maxkillz said:

you should expect a overpowered unit >130mW. it should light matches fairly easily the divergence should be much better than your WL.

it should come in a few days. mine came in 4 days via free shipping.

rechargeable batteries are actually very good in NOVAlasers. there is virtually no power drop VS alkalines.

if you really don't want rechargeable batteries then Duracell and energizers are pretty much the same use energizer e^2 batteries for best results  

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Thanks for the reassuring post, more and more eager now to get back into this hobby.

So, I should feel perfectly safe about the free, non-trackable shipping method then?
And if I could get mine within 4 days, that would really sweeten the deal, considering that my total cost came out to be $265 (used the 5% off coupon as well, and they also have that $50 off sale, seemingly indefinitely ).

Re: Just ordered an X125 from Nova, what to expect

I'm currently waiting for my free-shipped Alpha 65 from them, so I am feeling the same "black hole" feeling as I wait. Mine was shipped on the 29th of December and hasn't arrived yet.

As for batteries, I hear good things about the Sanyo Eneloops. (rechargable) I'll probably grab a set if I see them for sale...

Re: Just ordered an X125 from Nova, what to expect

I just got my X100 that I ordered around 8 days ago with the free shipping. Overall I'm very satisfied with it. Good divergence, lights matches easily, no scratches and it peaks at 135mw with 109mw average.

Re: Just ordered an X125 from Nova, what to expect

darmom said:

I'm currently waiting for my free-shipped Alpha 65 from them, so I am feeling the same "black hole" feeling as I wait.  Mine was shipped on the 29th of December and hasn't arrived yet.  

As for batteries, I hear good things about the Sanyo Eneloops.  (rechargable)  I'll probably grab a set if I see them for sale...

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Yeah, the anticipation is killing me now.  :-/
I should have gone with that 1-2 day TNT shipping method (I believe it was called) for $30 bucks, instead of checking and rechecking email and website and mailbox with eager anticipation day to day.

Oh, I also ordered some Eneloops via Amazon. I just now checked my order page and they have it scheduled to ship next week, and are expected to arrive sometime after the 20th.
Oh well, guess I'll have to head out to Wal-mart and pick up some Energizer 900 mah E2 rechargables in the meantime.

Coherent said:

I just got my X100 that I ordered around 8 days ago with the free shipping.  Overall I'm very satisfied with it.  Good divergence, lights matches easily, no scratches and it peaks at 135mw with 109mw average.

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Nice.
Sending out higher spec'd lasers than what we order seems to be par for the course with Nova.  Got to respect that -- the individual testing and cherry picking that goes into each unit.
What state do you live in by the way...just trying to gauge how long it might take for it to get here to TN.

Re: Just ordered an X125 from Nova, what to expect

You will be very pleased with the x125. I just recently got one and it averages 138.3 and peaks at 140.2 according to them, no power meter.

For the shipping, it depends, recently CanadaPost went on strike. I ordered on Dec. 2 and payed and extra $20 for faster shipping but didn't get until Dec. 24 but demanded a refund of shipping cost and got it no problem.

Back to the laser, it will light red tipped matches almost instantly. It is spectacular all around, have fun!

Lance