New High Powered Greenie

sup guys. So I recently got into high powered lasers. or at least i thought i did. I went and bought a "200mW" pen-style laser off DinoDirect, thinking it would burn things and everything. well, the shit was terrible. had an awful beam divergence, and it always looked like there was debris on the laser/lens. Anywa,s the POS died and so im looking at getting a new one. Namely, a good one, to replace it. I've been looking at replacements, all the various companies that are reviewed on this site, and i've narrowed it down pretty much to two possibilities. They are as follows: the Spyder III Pro 100mW, and the Optotronics +150 laser pen.

Green Laser Pointer from Wicked Lasers - Spyder III Pro
Optotronics Product Details

Now, I like the host of the Spyder quite a bit more than the Opto, simply because it looks so badass, and i hear the things are solid as a rock. That being said, I like the higher ouput paired with the lower price of the Opto, especially considering that they are always overspec. Any help in helping me make this decision would be greatly appreciated, and If i DO get the Spyder, I'll be happy to upload a review of it, since the only current reviews for the spyder III are for the 400mW models.

Opto is good, or look into the CNI made lasers, you can get them direct from CNI, or from online resellers like dragonlasers.com laserglow.com novalasers.com to name a few, and there are regular CNI group buys conducted on the forum, check group buy section. CNI is the number one laser manufactuer, their quality cant be beat.....

alright then, I've checked out the group buy and the new comparison would be
Green Handheld Laser --- 532nm Laser ----- Spartan Series Lasers :: Handheld Lasers :: Dragon Lasers or at least, the CNI direct version
still against
Green Laser Pointer from Wicked Lasers - Spyder III Pro

I want to lean towards the CNI but the host on that WL is just sooo sick

You can get a 200mW Spartan style in a CNI groupbuy for $325.

I know, thats what I'm referring to. My other question is, what kind of difference in visibility and burning power would i be looking at between a 100mW WL and the 200mW CNI? sorry I'm not as knowledgeable as you guys

No worries, as for visibility, not much, it takes roughly four times the power (I think) for double the visibility. As for burning, the chart on WL's home page is roughly accurate, I wouldn't expect it to light bonfires, but matches and balloons won't stand a chance.

So I could either get a host I love for 25 less, or get more well reviewed laser with not much discernible difference in the actual laser aspect?

WL normally gets a lot of crap on this site for being over-priced and not as great of quality as you'd expect, I'm suprised noone has said anything to that effect yet. However the decision is yours to make, but I would guess that paying a little more for a lot more power might be worthwhile. Another thing to consider: Which option has a guarantee/better return policy?

well im now finding out that the CNI version that glenn is ordering has to be ordered with a key switch and a momentary on button. ugh, decisions, decisions

CNI CNI CNI CNI GB Glenn is a very pleasant guy! u won't regret it

you can go with PGL-M no switch!

http://laserpointerforums.com/f55/cni-gb-10-june-planned-delivery-50501.html

Nah, he doesn't order the illegal ones for US import

He doesn't ship them anymore, but you can order them, you just have to pay shipping direct from CNI in China, which is around $80, and it's shipped direct to you, you take your chances with customs.

Lol I'd rather just take the key

wait i thought that only apply to GLP not PGL-M?

CNI doesn't want to send any non-FDA/CDRH compliant lasers to USA as there c/b trouble for the importer and CNI

Click to expand...

according to Glenn, it was CNI... not him~ so you're out of luck even if you want GLP pens.. but the PGL-M is very much like the Spider!

Therein again lies the question of what kind of difference would I be looking at between 100mW spyder and the CNI's