Lots of newb questions

Hi everyone, I'm a newb with lots of laser questions. I have been surfing these boards for a couple weeks and decided to post on the questions I still had. You all seem very helpful and thank you in advance for taking the time to read.

So I am looking into getting a laser. I have decided that I am going to get at least a 150MW. From what I can tell 100MW is where a laser starts burning at least decently and I want to leave a little room for just in case the laser is not up to spec.

I am not good at making stuff. I manage to always mess disassembled things up so I really just want to buy a new one. I have narrowed it down to Kaidomain.com and o-like. With the rep that o-like has on this site it is hard to think about anyone else. But kaidomains prices are really cheap.

I am also wondering what color. I don't really want a red, they are not nearly as cool as green or blue but they are cheap. And I cannot by from dx since I live in the US. dang.

So here is a few deals I have found.
First if I get a red, I know the o-like ones are good from what I have heard on the site. but for almost half the price here is one from kaidomain.

http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=5636

but what is a pancratic lens? I have searched but I can not find it. And are those adjustable?

now for the greenies
I'm not so much looking at the greenies that much because for the price increaseover red, id rather have a blue. but i did find one at a good price.


http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=9669

But not adjustable. How much does the adjusting matter? If I can find one for a steal that is not adjustable should I go for it or should I shell out a little more for one that is?

Now blues
I have seen a lot of good stuff about the o-like blues. Id go for the 150. This is what I really want but I am scared that I am going to pay 100 bucks for this thing and it would be cake for customs to check since it takes AAAs.
Also for 25 bucks cheaper

http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=9489

And that one even looks adjustable right?Which one of these would you guys get?

Also I think this is my last question but i have seen a lot of talk about goggles. Are the goggles needed to actually look at a laser this bright? Or are they just in case you shine it in your eye or something? Also are blue lasers not so bad for they eye because they do not look as bright or is it just the power that matters?

Thank you again for taking the time to look at this. And it is a lot of questions but I promise I have been checking this site out nonstop for weeks and this is what i still do not know. Please do not get mad at me for not doin my hw first.

Go make yourself a new member thread, people are quite welcoming here

To most of your questions: It's personal preference. This can answer most of your questions.

And for anything anywhere near 150mW, like you want, Goggles are pretty much required, unless you want to be blind.

ThanK you guys. That helpe a ton. Just one thing, I can't find anything about a pancratic lens. The one with that is 10 dollars cheaper. Thanks again.

"Pancratic Lens" simply means 'adjustable, zoomable, focusable'. Someone's trying to sound old-fashioned, scholarly or high tech over at Kaidomain. (That or it's what the CN->ENG translator came up with...)

Pan·crat·ic (Opt.) Having all or many degrees of power; having a great range of power; -- said of an eyepiece made adjustable so as to give a varying magnifying power.

So yes, "Adjustable" is exactly what it means.

As far as burning goes: If you want to burn, adjustable means everything. You want to be able to focus it to the smallest point you can to get the most power. So if you want to burn, get one with an adjustable lens.

(Interesting aside, I actually keep most of my high powered focusables 'defocused' when not in use, so that if someone somehow gets into them, there's less of a chance of long distance eye damage.)

That's basically the classic "Dilda" pointer, a high powered red starter for a lot of people here. Not a bad laser, but the lens usually needs some teflon tape around the threads to keep from wobbling after a bit of use.

O-Like sells the 'new style' with a better head for about $10 more.

Thank you so much. I almost was gonna buy the cheapy at kai domain just as a starter but I was looking at those batteries in the store and they are like $17 for 2. By the time I buy those it would be the same as the o-like one so I just went and put in an order at o-like lastnight. I can't wait for it to get here. And you guys are awesome!

GLASSES FO SURE! I sold my Optotronics 150mW greenie because the dot is so bright it gave me instant headaches and made my friend puke just from shining it in his office. It's not fun to play with and even though I'm not a burner, there would have been no way to line up anything to burn without eye protection. I'd say even at 100mW, the sun is easier to look at.

Gsquared18 said:

GLASSES FO SURE! I sold my Optotronics 150mW greenie because the dot is so bright it gave me instant headaches and made my friend puke just from shining it in his office. It's not fun to play with and even though I'm not a burner, there would have been no way to line up anything to burn without eye protection. I'd say even at 100mW, the sun is easier to look at.

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Lmfao! Dude, that's the funniest thing I've ever read on this forum! +1

That is way funny but dang it don't sound too good. lol. I can't wait for it to get here! Weird question but does anyone know if it will light a quicklight hookah coal?

cbeyta60 said:

That is way funny but dang it don't sound too good. lol. I can't wait for it to get here! Weird question but does anyone know if it will light a quicklight hookah coal?

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Probably not. If you try, safety glasses please.