Deciding between Sanwu and JetLasers

Raiden Gekkou · Jul 20, 2018

I'm looking to get a green laser that's smaller than the standard PL-E Pro, so i'm looking at the PL-E Mini in 700mW 532nm or 1W 520nm. However, i'm also looking into Sanwu's stuff for the first time since I hear it's a good company and the Challenger 2 seems like a good pick as well. The main thing i'm wondering is how the models compare in terms of size, battery life, and heat. Any info?

BowtieGuy · Jul 20, 2018

Yes, to what Alaskan stated ^^^^^ above, they're both great companies with top notch high quality products.
I also don't own a Sanwu pointer yet, but I've got their 3X BE, and other accesories like their light saber attachment, and they're high quality products.

It really just comes down to personal preferences, like which look do you prefer, and duty cycles; how long do you want to run it.
The Sanwu Challenger ll is 24mm x 140mm, and the Jetlasers Mini is 34mm x 230mm, so I've got to imagine that you'll get a bit longer run times with the J/L.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one of these choices! :yh:

BobMc · Jul 20, 2018

I own both, JL and Sanwu. Very satisfied with both. JL will be longer and make’s it difficult to carry in your pocket. Sanwu’s got a leg up if you prefer a laser you can carry in your pocket. But Sanwu doesn’t make a 532nm, if you were looking at that wavelength. Either way you should be most happy.

Ps, after your purchase, beamshots work quite well. (hint,hint)

Raiden Gekkou · Jul 20, 2018

Thanks for the replies. I had a PL-E Pro 1W 520nm in the past and I was happy with it, so I think i'm gonna go with the Mini 1W 520nm and get a Challenger 2 in 1W 635nm since I haven't had a red in ages.

Gazen · Jul 20, 2018

As others have said, both companies have high quality products. Sanwu is better for portability, but if say jetlasers is better in terms of value and heat sinking. They also offer 532nm dpss lasers, which sanwu does not. These will have better divergence than diode alternatives.

Hope you enjoy whatever you decide on :beer:

BowtieGuy · Jul 20, 2018

Sounds like a plan, get one from each company. :yh:
The 635nm will be a nice change of pace, you just don't see reds getting much attention these days.

Be sure and share with pics when you get these beauties!

paul1598419 · Jul 20, 2018

That 1 watt 635nm laser will likely have very bad divergence specs as it probably use either the Mitsubishi P73 or the Oclaro diode. Both look more like a line than a dot. If I were going to buy either the Jetlaser or Sanwu, I would pick the Jetlaser as it has better heat sinking and more battery room for longer run times.

RedCowboy · Jul 21, 2018

Alaskan said:
I like Jetlasers myself, but have never owned a Sanwu pointer, however judging their 3.3x beam expander, I am impressed with its quality.However, you can’t go wrong with a Jetlaser quality either, and their DPSS pointer divergence for 532 nm is great. For the same divergence from a 520 nm direct to wavelength diode, you need a 3 x beam expander, but then the beam is fatter. I don’t mind that myself, 3x isn’t so much.

I wish either company would make or source a 5X 6X or 7X beam expander with an 8mm input and 40 to 50mm output AR400-700 for our favorite MM beams, quality like the Jet 10X would be worth 200.00 each and I would buy many.

The 3.3X is a favorite but the threads can develop some play, the Jet 10X adjuster is proper, if the input and output were just wider I would buy many and happily at twice the current price.

RedCowboy · Jul 21, 2018

Yea sometimes the beam is off center from the module, other times it's just fine, you can tell by looking at the print on the output lens, this one is a NDB7A75 I pressed into a 12mm module myself with a G7 lens then the 3.3XBE, it looks good. The 2nd pic is a NUBM44 in a 12mm module with a 3 element lens then the 3.3XBE.

These are both centered, but I have seen the print end up off center all because of how the diode seats.

paul1598419 · Jul 21, 2018

This gives me hope that the 12 mm modules will work out for the single 44 build. I never have trouble seating a diode into one. I have pressed many, many diodes over the years. There was a short period when the modules from DTR weren't seating properly, but I brought this to Jordan's attention and he made good on all of them.

RedCowboy · Jul 21, 2018

Yes, the heat sink Rich will be making us will have only 4mm of wall thickness so it will need a short set screw, I have some short 4-40 set screws that BowtieGuy sent me that I was thinking about using if I drilled out a 20mm aluminum back half with a 12mm drill but I want to use the driver shelf the heat sink will have, or a 20mm with the driver cavity in the back half.....if possible.

hakzaw1 · Jul 21, 2018

both are good choices.. I see that JL no longer offers any EQ except whats left-but they are nice- 1.4W 462 sky blue-its focus is set (well imho) grey host 3mm at ap. 2mRad. 'Not B.E. ready.' uses 2pcs 16350s afaik JL still ships for $38 DHL crazy fast express..
$189.99..

otherwise-- Mini Pro Pl-E 520 1W $270 2.5mm at ap-2mRad-1W--
Mini Pro PL-E 532 700 mW 2.5mm at ap 2mRad $400. (600mW $330.--500mW $290.
^^ both are B.E. Ready add only $90 for matching color BE
I would search around for any members selling (WTB) and for any coupons/codes/ etc-- afaik the $15 off is over--sry.

hakzaw1 · May 31, 2020

update on this 'oldish' thread.
JL has only offered BEs for a relatively short time.
The first ones came in 3 power choices -
They were hard to get them 'right' ... the way of attaching was a bad choice . The new versions are a big improvement.
VERY soon the best chance of getting one or two at a discount will end.
For CONUS buyers I can save you ~$30 in shipping as well as a GB discount. The $90 JL BE is on sale at just $70. Find my feeler in GB section and see post #2-- PM me today-

ALSO adding a BE to the mini series is a smart move-- you will like it. You will not to remove it. I plan to get a very few extra BEs for Pro Pl-E and several for the Mini JLs
I will offer them at discount BUT more spendy than the BE by Group Buy.
These are IMO a good 'investment' easy to sell later and break even. (at least)''

hakzaw1 · May 31, 2020

looking like black is the only option for JL mini BEs.
this space saved for list.

Deciding between Sanwu and JetLasers

Raiden Gekkou

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BowtieGuy

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BobMc

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Raiden Gekkou

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Gazen

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BowtieGuy

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paul1598419

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RedCowboy

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RedCowboy

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paul1598419

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RedCowboy

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hakzaw1

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hakzaw1

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hakzaw1

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