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New Sanwu Challenger 700mw 405nm

Razako

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This is just a little mini-review and some pics/video of the challengers and beam expander from my recent Sanwu order. Shipping was reasonably fast, taking only around 2 weeks from the time of my order. With all the drama surrounding sci-fi it's refreshing to see that there are quality/reliable laser companies out there.

First impressions:
The challengers are pretty small lasers, but they feel sturdy and well built overall. They take 14500 batteries and are case negative. Focusing is smooth and easily done by rotating the front part of the laser.

I got the multi-mode 700mw challenger 405nm. It has a <10mw safety mode you can lock it into by tapping a combination into the tailcap switch. This could be useful for presentations or demonstrations. It also has a strobe mode which can be unlocked. This laser can very easily burn most things when focused. Won't light paper on fire, but will easily do everything else.

The 515nm 50mw challenger is single mode. Haven't tried burning anything with it, but I'm sure it could pop a balloon when focused.

I also got a beam expander which works with all of my sanwu lasers(Requires the adapters for use with Spiker Series). The picture shows what it looks like mounted to my 520NM 1 watt Spiker.

Challenger 700mw demonstration video
Power Reading
405nm_zpsp15ems7u.png

Pictures
IMG_0758_zpsndt7hkqm.jpg

IMG_0756_zps8nbbtefw.jpg
 
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Razako

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Nice.
Is that expander threaded the same as our 9mm lenses?
It basically just screws in in-front of the lens. I would assume so. The beam expander also has its own independent focus adjustment. Tonight I might play around with it a bit if there aren't helicopters in the sky.
 
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Nice! Got yourself some awesome hardware there, nice pics and vid also. Seems Sanwu is the king of ready to lase right now, great purchase.
 

Razako

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Nice! Got yourself some awesome hardware there, nice pics and vid also. Seems Sanwu is the king of ready to lase right now, great purchase.
Indeed. The top companies I'd recommend right now are Sanwu, Jetlasers, O-like, Skytech/Laserbtb or Dragonlasers.
 
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Pretty nice beam profile for a multimode. I have the same power in a single mode, but I built that one. Thanks for showing it.
 

Pman

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Those are pretty nice looking although the beam expander looks odd on that big one. Doesn't matter if it works;)
 

Sta

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Nice review Razako, I would rep you but I must spread it around first.
How bright is the beam?

Doesn't matter if it works;)

Careful, Pman, your words might get taken out of context! :)
 
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I got the same one, except with a G2. POWAH!!!:gun: (900mw)
I love how they are compact, but heavy, indicating that they are made with quality parts.
My diode did die after a little bit of use, but Podo sent a whole new module for no extra charge!!!:bowdown: Unbelievable!
It lights matches at 30ft with ease.
The best buying experience I have had so far!:wave:
 

Razako

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I don't have major battery runtime issues with these, and the batteries are rechargeable anyway.
 




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