Optotronics 200mw vs DL 200mw Spartan

I currently have a 200mw O-Like transformable greenie and unfortunately it is burning out. I'm in the process of trying to get it replaced, and while waiting I have decided that I want another 532nm but this time from a more reputable dealer. I have 4 lasers that I am looking at currently the 200mw Spartan Series 200mW Green Handheld Laser :: Green Handheld Laser --- 532nm Laser ----- Spartan Series Lasers :: Handheld Lasers :: Dragon Lasers and 150mw Spartan Series 150mW Green Handheld Laser :: Green Handheld Laser --- 532nm Laser ----- Spartan Series Lasers :: Handheld Lasers :: Dragon Lasers Spartan Series lasers and a 200mw from Optotronics Optotronics RPL Portable Green Lasers. and a 150mw also from Optotronics Optotronics Green Pen Pointers

I need some peoples opinions on which laser would be best. How much difference is there REALLY between a 200mw and 150mw green laser as far as burning and brightness goes? Should I even worry about that +/- 50mw, or is beam brightness and burning more based on beam diameter and divergence?

Is the 200mw Spartan really worth the extra $200+ USD compared to the 150mw? Will the 200mw really be that much brighter and burn that much better than the 150mw spartan? Also, will any of these lasers come with batteries or will i need to buy (disregarding the 150mw optotronics which uses 2 AAA)?

Most Important Factors:
-Beam brightness
-Host durability (it will actually last...)
-Decent ability to burn
-Rechargeable battery
-Longer duty cycle

Which of these 4 lasers would be the best, longest lasting laser for the price? Currently I am leaning towards the 200mw Optotronics. I must admit, I am a bit hesitant of spending $500+ USD for a laser.

Thanks for your help!

When you go for the Optotronics RPL 200, you get a great laser with a very solid host and a super bright beam with top divergence. One battery and charger are included.
I think you'll get some discount (3% ?), if you order while logged in the Optotronics page:beer:

If you don't have savety goggles, I would recommend to order some - especially if you want to burn with your laser!

Don't spend $500+ on a laser for the sole purpose of burning things...

-Trevor

Thanks for the heads up on the discount donprado! I think I will have to go with optotronics then because when comparing the specs between the 2, I think opto has dl beat on the 200mw. And you gotta love that 12 month warranty! And yes I have glasses, 2 pairs actually and a third on the way... don't ask.

And I know what you mean twhite and burning is actually towards the bottom of my "important" list. I'm just making sure that if I do buy a laser for $500 it will at least have some burning capabilities.

Thanks again guys!

Oh and one more question. Optotronics allows you to chose between a normal tailcap with key or a tailcap with multiple setting to adjust the beam strength. They are both the same price so why wouldn't anyone want the added feature? Is there a downfall to having it?

Take the adjustabe - its the standard tailcap.
With the adjustable, you can choose a power level, where you get max. green, without too much heating the laser (you will get the optimum level with your RPL).
With the key, you only have max. diode current (IR 808nm), which doesn't mean that you get max. green. There is a saturation effect, which limits the conversion to green. The rest of the IR power just heats the laser, which limits the duty cycle.
For detailed questions, I recommend asking Jack from Optotronics directly. You can contact him here in the forum: bootleg2go

Thanks donprado that info helped a lot. I may have to take your advice and ask Jack a few questions.