Jayrob vs. LikeitBright: Green Host

So I am stuck in another pickle... between two amazing hosts: Jayrob's DIY Green Build Kits and LikeitBright's Sink&host combos for green laser modules (o-like).

Jayrob: http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/fs-diy-green-kit-host-heatsink-easy-assembly-22520.html

LikeitBright:
http://laserpointerforums.com/f39/sink-host-combos-green-laser-modules-o-like-22616.html

--Both of them are around the same price, around $80 (LikeitBright's build without module is $85 shipped).
--Both need an O-Like module.

I like both of the lasers, LikeitBright's for its amazing heatsink and Jayrobs for its quality and look. Although LikeitBright's design is sweet, it just looks a little weird to me sometimes because the heatsink is added right in the front while the host plain (Jayrob's) looks a little more clean. If I were to go withLikeitBright's I would still have to decide between black and gray (Prefer these over all "chrome"...just me).

I would just like to hear some input from everyone (especially buyers of each build) to see if any accounts/ideas/beliefs/arguments can help me make my decision. Also, any more pictures and especially reviews would help.

Side Question: Is the divergence of the O-like module that different than a higher quality one? Has anyone ever tested the o-like module divergence, if so what is it cause I can't find it?

I'll tell you what...

That polished stainless one of his is awesome! I know that it is a little longer than my host, but it looks really cool and I must admit that I like it. (secretly wants one)

I didn't see too much detail on how the mounting of the module is, but I'm sure it is very simple to do, and well designed.
Jay

well i guess if im going to look for a small hosts.. i go for jayrob, if im going to look for a big host, (that looks like a lightsaber hilt) i go with likeitbright

both have awesome features...

I must admit I would choose likeitbright's host. I am not that bothered about it being a bit longer, and I simply cannot resist a custom made finned heatsink like the one he has.. it's like a shiny force which draws me in. If I had the money I would not be able to make up my mind and probably buy both the romisen and the stainless host.

That's just me though.. I really like custom made, shiny lasers.

btw how much is the price of likeitbright's host?

I've read all around the forum whether it is necessary to have an IR filter on these modules but I never really found a definite answer. I'm thinkin its better just to use one, this laser is more for beam rather than burning so the decrease in about 30 mW doesnt matter.

Likeitbright sells the host without the module for $85 IIRC, but check for yourself you lazy dog.

Whether or not to use an IR filter is up to you, pesonally I would not bother at this power. The IR should not make up more than 15-25mW so the green beam is what you have to be worried about. When you put on red goggles to protect against green, you still shouldn't shine the laser directly towards your eyes, IR or not, so with a bit of common sense you should not need the filter, IMO.

Seb

The decision of which one to get is quite simple...............

Get one of each.....

The choice is ultimately yours... I would be happy with either one...


Jerry

Haha I have to agree with Jerry.
Both are incredibly awesome options.

Seb

Can anyone confirm the divergence of the o-like modules? Probabaly around 1.3? I'm asking just because I'm thinking maybe it would be better to get a lower power laser from a website with better divergence than the host with o-like module. I'll be using this laser for the beam, not burning. Any suggestions/answers?

I have not measured exactly but I would say the divergence is somewhat lower on mine, around 1.15 or 1.2 which is quite good.
If you are getting the laser for the beam and not burning I would get the o-like. It is quite simply the cheapest option for that amount of power, reasonably high quality and great customer support. If you want to see the beam you will often want to have a wider beam too as they are much more visible.

wwslubs said:

I've read all around the forum whether it is necessary to have an IR filter on these modules but I never really found a definite answer. I'm thinkin its better just to use one, this laser is more for beam rather than burning so the decrease in about 30 mW doesnt matter.

Click to expand...

The way my DIY Green kit's custom front piece is set up, you could put an IR filter on the inside, glued to the inside of the front piece. Between the module, and the exit aperture hole...

But as was mentioned, it is really not needed. (IMO)
Jay

I'm starting to think that maybe I should just purchase an optotronics laser (100mW or 120 mW)...cheaper when it really comes down to it, IR filter, better divergence, and backed by Jack. However I have heard that these get pretty warm after some use while LikeitBrights aluminum host will allow extremely long duty cycles. I like the idea of building my own laser but if I I can just buy it for cheaper...

That polished stainless is sooo.....................SHINY! :drool:

This would be the first time for me not backing Opto, but really think about this.. a pen laser is completely different to a custom laser IMO.
Pen lasers have very bad heatsinking, only have a momentary on/off, don't look even close to as cool as jayrob or likeitbright's hosts..
The price for a 100mW green Opto pen is even exactly the same as likeitbright's host + a 90-100mW o-like module, and here you have the option of buying the 130-150mW module instead.

I would never buy a pen laser instead of likeitbright or jayrob's work unless the pen laser was half the price for guaranteed same output.

But maybe that's just me.

Seb

What effects will the poor heatsinking on the opto have on the laser? Shorter duty cycle, etc.?