Welcome to Laser Pointer Forums - discuss green laser pointers, blue laser pointers, and all types of lasers

LPF Donation via Stripe | LPF Donation - Other Methods

Links below open in new window

ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Groomsman gifts. Alternative to ebay 5mw ?

C

CudaVert

0
Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
24
Points
0
Looking for some groomsman gifts. Figured I'd get them some lasers, because who doesnt like a nice greenie right?

I would really like to get some in the price and power range as the overspec ebay ones. But, most of my guys either have one or seen mine.

So i was hoping someone here could point me towards an alternative with maybe a better looking host (not so cheap looking) for around the same price.

I understand you get what you pay for so im willing to spend a little more but dont want to break the bank either. I still have a wedding to pay for too. Haha.

I need to buy 10 of them.
 
Last edited:





NightExplorer96

NightExplorer96

0
Joined
Sep 5, 2013
Messages
8,549
Points
113
eBay is definitely going to be the only source for what you are looking for with both value/power. There are many other retailers which sell higher powered 532 units with decent looking host but those will run you $30+ a piece so that's $300 for 10 of them.

I would stick to eBay. Have they seen both the 301's and typical "laser pointer pen" hosts? :yh:

-Alex
 
C

CudaVert

0
Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
24
Points
0
I had actually never seen the 301s until i just did an ebay search. So i can definitely assume they haven't either. Awesome!

They look way better quality of a host than the typical pointers.

Are they overspec like the others?

Nice Carl Sagan tribute in the signature BTW. :)
 
NightExplorer96

NightExplorer96

0
Joined
Sep 5, 2013
Messages
8,549
Points
113
CudaVert said:
I had actually never seen the 301s until i just did an ebay search. So i can definitely assume they haven't either. Awesome!

They look way better quality of a host than the typical pointers.

Are they overspec like the others?

Nice Carl Sagan tribute in the signature BTW. :)
Click to expand...

Thank you, first person to mention it! :D

The 301's are generally to be typical mass-produced laser pointers so their quality will be on par with those other eBay pens. They might break on you within a minute, or last you years it's all chance with these. Then again, for a couple $'s can't complain :yh:

-Alex
 
BowtieGuy

BowtieGuy

0
LPF Site Supporter
Joined
Oct 14, 2012
Messages
6,090
Points
113
As Hap said, the quality can be hit or miss, so if you are ordering 10 or so of these, you may want to add a couple of extras in to the order for any possible DOA's. :D

Edit: You mentioned that many of the guys either already have one, or have seen yours, so I hope everyone is aware of the safety aspects of these.

PS - Congratulations! :beer:
 
Last edited:
C

CudaVert

0
Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
24
Points
0
Thanks!

Yeah, i am big on safety with lasers and they are well aware of the concerns.

I noticed on several of the ebay listings for the 301s that they are all similare except for the engraving on the host itself. So i have to assume they are manufactured at many different places.

Are there any recommendations on what to look for before i make a purchase?

As far as DOAs are concerned. I had already taken that into account. I actually only need 8 but im kinda selfish and want one for myself too. Haha. But atleast i will have 2 spares incase one or two are bad.
The good thing is that I am really close to alot of the US shippers on ebay so i can get a replacement quickly.
That and my wedding is still a month and a half away.

Also, i noticed these take the 18650s, so i will probably be buying the ones that come with batteries and chargers.

Any opinions on the ones that come with these?
 
BowtieGuy

BowtieGuy

0
LPF Site Supporter
Joined
Oct 14, 2012
Messages
6,090
Points
113
If you are buying one from a U.S. seller, getting the batteries with it will be ok, just don't order with li-ion batteries if you are getting them from overseas.
Unfortunately it looks as if most of these 301's come with *****fire batteries which can be of real questionable quality and safety.
The chargers probably aren't much better, but as you say, you get what you pay for. I wouldn't leave those chargers unattended while charging a battery.
Hopefully you'll get lucky and they'll all be keepers. :)

Edit: Here is a thread detailing what is inside some *****fire batteries.
 
Last edited:
C

CudaVert

0
Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
24
Points
0
Ok well I just placed an order for a lot of 10.
Hopefully it's not a disappointment.

Thanks for the advice and well wishes.

I love how cool this community is. You guys are always so helpful and nice. Much appreciated!

Cheers!
 
C

CudaVert

0
Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
24
Points
0
BowtieGuy said:
If you are buying one from a U.S. seller, getting the batteries with it will be ok, just don't order with li-ion batteries if you are getting them from overseas.
Unfortunately it looks as if most of these 301's come with *****fire batteries which can be of real questionable quality and safety.
The chargers probably aren't much better, but as you say, you get what you pay for. I wouldn't leave those chargers unattended while charging a battery.
Hopefully you'll get lucky and they'll all be keepers. :)

Edit: Here is a thread detailing what is inside some *****fire batteries.
Click to expand...



Awww crap! I just saw that part about the batteries! LOL.

Ohh well. I guess if need be i can order a 10pack of good 18650s. :(

Thanks for the help.
 
Crazlaser

Crazlaser

0
Joined
Oct 11, 2016
Messages
807
Points
43
You'll also need cheap chargers. I once had a crapfire charger that was internally wired to use the power from the battery to run the led and was in no way connected to any transformer or circuit. In fact the wall plug was just covered in silicone on the other side. Complete bull.
 
C

CudaVert

0
Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
24
Points
0
Crazlaser said:
You'll also need cheap chargers. I once had a crapfire charger that was internally wired to use the power from the battery to run the led and was in no way connected to any transformer or circuit. In fact the wall plug was just covered in silicone on the other side. Complete bull.
Click to expand...

Man. Talk about the quickest experience of buyers remorse I've ever had!

So I've got 10 chargers and batteries headed towards me that belong in the recycle bin. :(

Thanks for the heads up.

What is the lowest cost, but reliable 18650?

I know i should be doing my own research and i will as soon as i post this i swear. But if anybidy feels like helping a brother out with a quick response, im not going to deny it. :)
 
S

Sta

0
Joined
Jan 27, 2014
Messages
1,737
Points
83
CudaVert said:
What is the lowest cost, but reliable 18650?
Click to expand...

I have way too many spare 18650s, I might be able to sell you some at a pretty low price, just have to test them to see that they still work. I won't send you any UltraFires. :D
 
Crazlaser

Crazlaser

0
Joined
Oct 11, 2016
Messages
807
Points
43
buy them from sta or look up efest 18650's on ebay. Sometimes 2 for $10. Sometimes for $8. Sometimes less. Many of the 301 lasers have tube extensions and can be cut down to use cheaper 16340 batteries.
 
C

CudaVert

0
Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
24
Points
0
Sta said:
I have way too many spare 18650s, I might be able to sell you some at a pretty low price, just have to test them to see that they still work. I won't send you any UltraFires. :D
Click to expand...

Right on. Thank you!

Let me know what you come up with.
 
C

CudaVert

0
Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
24
Points
0
Crazlaser said:
buy them from sta or look up efest 18650's on ebay. Sometimes 2 for $10. Sometimes for $8. Sometimes less. Many of the 301 lasers have tube extensions and can be cut down to use cheaper 16340 batteries.
Click to expand...

I see the efest have flat tops, is that going to be an issue with the 301s?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.




Top