Mini-review of JetLasers PL-C 250mW+ 532nm handheld laser (w/ Pix)

This is my first review of a laser product and my first portable 532nm laser. So a first for both! Also, I’m more interested in the beam of this laser than in burning capabilities (in fact I could care less about burning). However, I have some sample burns described further on in this review for those who are interested. And one more thing, I do not own or have access to an LPM - so no power measurements.

The purchase of the JetLasers PL-C 250mW+ laser was through a group buy on LPF and led by Hakzaw1 who did a fantastic job in keeping this GB moving along and responding to PMs and posts. Additionally, Gray from JetLasers was actively involved in posting information and replies quickly – his English was very good and understandable. Overall this GB was fun and informative. As an added bonus for being part of this GB, JetLasers threw in laser glasses and a laser tripod. You gotta love that!

Because of a commitment for a Halloween party with “lasers”, I requested getting my laser rushed shipped to me so it would arrive on time. Gray did an outstanding job in having the laser assembled and shipped UPS in two (2) days. Unbelievable - and without and snags with customs! Thanks Gray!

Additionally, I requested my tripod and glasses be sent early as well. Since these items had already been shipped to Hakzaw1 in the US, he sent these items separately via USPS and arrived in three (3) days. Now, Hakzaw1 was kind enough to include a small plug for the tail cap defeat that works great – no wires hanging out the back of the laser host. Nice job and thanks Hakzaw! These items came in handy.

The packaging for the laser showed a little rough handling in transit but overall the product was well protected. Received with the laser was a battery charger, keys for laser ignition, an external plug (for safety) and lanyard.

The packaging for tripod and glasses from JetLasers (via Hakzaw1) were well protected and in very good shape.

Now, for portable lasers, all I had before this purchase was a WL Arctic G1 and I thought the Arctic was amazing. However, I think the overall build, built in safety features and quality of the JetLasers PL-C is way superior. The fit and finish is top quality, the aperture mechanism smooth, key fits snug and the tail cap screws in tightly and firmly. The 18650 battery is a very tight fit (using Tenergy - protected) and takes a little coaxing to pull the battery back out.

The power switch is in the middle of the host and takes very little pressure to turn on and off the laser. Be careful, the laser could turn on without your knowledge if you have the safety key removal option (and on the “on” position) and the tail plug in. Also, the ignition light indicator is very bright; I cover the light with my thumb when I’m using the laser since that LED is somewhat distracting.

This laser is very bright and compares nicely to the Arctic beam-wise. The PL-C has a much tighter beam divergence and “cleaner” beam. A very nice circular dot upon beam termination.

Now for the requisite burning stats:

- Black balloon – 3 seconds 5 inches away from the laser;
- Black balloon – 5 seconds 20 feet away from laser;
- Black electrical tape – about 10 seconds to work its way through cutting the tape in half;
- Wood matches – about 6 seconds 3 inches away from laser.

As I stated before, I could care less about burning but there seems to be a group of folks on this forum who like this stuff. Frankly, if I wanted to burn and cut materials, I would use another laser suitable for this purpose; say an 800 W C02 that I use to operate.

Also, my Arctic performed much better in the burning category that the laser in this review, but what do you expect: 250mW vs. about 780mw Arctic.

The laser glasses that were provided by JetLasers seem to work very well. When the glasses are worn I could hardly see the beam dot and could not see the beam as well. Very little 532nm light made it through these glasses. The construction is solid and theylook stylish.

The tripod provided by JetLasers works just fine. It’s a simple device and holds my PL-C and Arctic securely. The construction is very solid and the quality top notch for this tripod. It’s a handy device to have around.

Pictures are below with brief captions.

I hope you enjoyed my brief review. I highly recommend JetLasers as a source for lasers. Great customer service and quality products.

Eric (FrontStone).

PS. Note about the pictures: some of the shots were done on my Blackberry and some on an old digital camera. I’m new to shooting low light pictures so these are the best I could assemble.




The box with the laser and accessories from JetLasers.


Opened box showing the laser, tail cap, battery charger, tail cap plug and lanyard.


Tripod, laser glasses and case from JetLasers (via Hakzaw1).


Night beam shot.


Another night beam shot.


Beam shot with camera flash going off.


Night beam shot with laser pointed to the sky. Please notice the blue LED ignition indicator reflection to the right. The laser has a bright LED when the laser is on.

Mine is at home. Can't wait!!!

Thanks for the review.

Great first review, I enjoyed reading it!
Popping a balloon from 20feet distance with a greenie is insane! Must be overspec!!

And btw, you just earned your first +rep

Good job-

-My Ken-o-Lite LPM showed yours IIRC at 320mWs-- they were all about the same-- which IMO is a good thing- consistancy.

The only con I found, if you can call it that, was it is too heavy and large to carry about in your pocket-- we need to find a 'holster' that attaches to the belt.

Gray recommended a duty/ rest cycle of 3 to 5 MIN on and 1 Min off but said that it MAY be OK to push it a lot farther-- I am staying with max 3min on and 2min off.

I also put a little sticker over the Blue LED 'on' light and it toned it down nicely. IMHO tho, better to know for sure that it is on than maybe knowing it is on.

FrontStone--+ rep for the good job reviewing.

TY also for the kind words--Len

Thanks all for the nice words!

Does anyone know how to edit a post? I've read the FAQs and they mention it but I cannot seem to find the "Edit" button. I have a few things to change (title and order of pictures).

Thanks!

Yeah

Thanks DJNY! I had to look at the bottom of my original post. Got it straightened out now.

Good review! and thanks a lot for the kind words.

Though the pics are not in HD, it's nice enough out of the blackberry.

Don't forget to leave the key switch to the "off" condition when you put it aside, given that we might forget that it's already turned on next time we use it. Just for the sake of safety.

Have a nice day, you guys! I'm gonna dream a good night.

Hey FrontStone, any good burning vids of this PL-C 250mw?
I just borrowed a Sony video cam from a friend and was going to take some videos but it seems i couldnot come up with any burning idea that is 'creative'.

When I get mine I will put up a big review with lots of creative videos and pictures.

Unfortunately I didn't get any burning pictures. It was a challenge for me just to setup the burning tests.

Hopefully DTR and/or some of the other GB#1 brethren will post up some.

Don't worry about it. You worked with what you have and did a good job.

This is a neat trick-- pop a dark colored balloon that is inside of a clear one-- a condom can be used for this!

OR inflate three balloons all inside of one another- also inflating the balloons with smoke/or powder(like talc or baby powder) inside adds a nice touch when it pops.

At my LEM this weekend I plan a POP-OFF -- each participant will pop three balloons as fast as they can w/ thier lasers-- first on to pop all three WINS!!

The prize??? more balloons of course.

Len

Not problem! It's been also a challenge for me to shoot videos except via my cellphone but the quality is very not-good. That's why i borrowed a DV for a try.

Thanks DTR. Cool. I believe you'll set a good example for burning and shooting burning lasers.

Great. The guy who's either a balloon hater or obsessed with more balloons will sure win. I bet my money on him.