I decided I am going to buy a new green laser. I already have a 5mw. I want to get the most powerful laser without having to use safety goggles. I have heard that the max is 30mw. Is this true? And how visible is a 30mw beam? Also, do Wickedlasers and Novalasers use IR filters? THANKS!
LPF Donation via Stripe | LPF Donation - Other Methods
Links below open in new window
ArcticMyst Security by Avery
Purchasing a green laser, Please Help!
- Thread starter MACHEW
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2007
- Messages
- 2,494
- Points
- 0
1. No, anything more than 5mW is not considered eye safe. You could get away with 30mW without goggles if you were smart (not pointing at shiny or white things) But I generally say if you have to ask, you need goggles.
2. A 30mW beam would be a little more than twice as bright as a 5mW. A general rule is 4 times the power is twice the brightness though there are other important factors such as beam size and divergence.
3. I believe wicked lasers uses IR filters, but you probably wouldn't get a laser from them for a while. They're likely still backed up with arctics orders. I would go with a Nova, they resell CNI lasers and all CNI greens will have a IR filter. However CNI lasers have a tendency to be overpowered which could be an issue if you don't want to use goggles.
Hope this helps!
2. A 30mW beam would be a little more than twice as bright as a 5mW. A general rule is 4 times the power is twice the brightness though there are other important factors such as beam size and divergence.
3. I believe wicked lasers uses IR filters, but you probably wouldn't get a laser from them for a while. They're likely still backed up with arctics orders. I would go with a Nova, they resell CNI lasers and all CNI greens will have a IR filter. However CNI lasers have a tendency to be overpowered which could be an issue if you don't want to use goggles.
Hope this helps!
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2009
- Messages
- 2,710
- Points
- 0
The Evolution Pro series from Wicked use CNI modules, so they would be IR filtered, they are shipping those relatively fast, it seems.
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2008
- Messages
- 1,807
- Points
- 0
I wouldn't recommend Wicked. They're lasers seem sort of hit or miss... A Novalaser is pretty much the best thing you could buy, and they have amazing customer service. The X-25 will probably be closer to 30mW, so I'd get that one. Honestly I don't see the point in getting goggles for a 30mW lasers, unless you're messing with reflections (in which case, definitely get them!). They can't burn, so you'd mostly be using the laser outside. If you're really careful, you won't need goggles. You'd pretty much have to shine a 30mW at a mirror to get eye damage.
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2007
- Messages
- 2,494
- Points
- 0
With a lens and a black balloon it stands a pretty good chance, but I wouldn't bet on it.
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2009
- Messages
- 2,710
- Points
- 0
The sale ends...uh...October 8th I believe, but as it's a clearance sale, it will be full price when it does return.
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2007
- Messages
- 3,658
- Points
- 113
^ Yeah.
The X25 will probably average between 28-35mW typically and peak in the 40s or 50s.
It would be a good choice, IMO, if you are looking for casual use or star-pointing.
15-20mW isn't very impressive.
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2010
- Messages
- 66
- Points
- 0
Nova is worth the price. If you get a clearance item you may have a beam that is slightly off center and a divergence a little more than 1.2 as stated.
I've seen a few reviews now about this, and my x150 that arrived a few days ago had a beam off center by a few degrees, and a divergence of about 1.5, but that is a rough estimate as I am still putting together a review for it.
Still worth the 70% off though so I'm pretty happy.
I've seen a few reviews now about this, and my x150 that arrived a few days ago had a beam off center by a few degrees, and a divergence of about 1.5, but that is a rough estimate as I am still putting together a review for it.
Still worth the 70% off though so I'm pretty happy.
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2007
- Messages
- 2,494
- Points
- 0
Way to settle for less!
