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Why is Dealextreme so cheap?

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gius

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Hey guys, I just bought my first 5mw laser off ebay for like $13 (I know it's not good, but I just wanted to try a cheap one out). I'm searching around different sites and from what i've seen Deal-Extreme has the best prices by far, but won't ship to me in the US.

- Why are their prices so cheap?

- Is there anyone else as cheap or almost as cheap that will ship to the US?

- What damage can a 50mw laser do if it flashes in your eyes breifly (wondering if I need goggles)?


Thanks
 





diachi

diachi

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gius said:
Hey guys, I just bought my first 5mw laser off ebay for like $13 (I know it's not good, but I just wanted to try a cheap one out). I'm searching around different sites and from what i've seen Deal-Extreme has the best prices by far, but won't ship to me in the US.

- Why are their prices so cheap?

- Is there anyone else as cheap or almost as cheap that will ship to the US?

- What damage can a 50mw laser do if it flashes in your eyes breifly (wondering if I need goggles)?


Thanks
Click to expand...


The prices are so cheap because the quality is generally so poor and the lasers generally don't perform up to spec. although there are a few exceptions, such as the 200mW DX red.

www.ledshoppe.com ship to the US

You should have goggles for anything over 5mW, although generally speaking you should be safe for viewing the dot and beam up to 30mW as long as you are careful around reflective surfaces.

-Adam
 
N

New_Reverie

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1. DX is so cheap because they are Chinese and are a bulk style retailer. Think of it like going to Sams/Walmart in the USA.
2. There are a few group buys around here that are buying lasers from DX and sending them to Canada and then remailing them to US people.
But you should know that a 50mW laser from DX won't be a real 50mW laser. Their 200mW red is a good buy but most other lasers from them are over rated.

If you are looking to get green laser pointers for a good price check out Sandstone11 website here. She ships to the USA.
Here is the link: http://www.o-like.com/

3. Don't shine lasers in your eyes (duh). Even with goggles. You should always be careful with lasers. Definitely consider goggles if you plan on using lasers in doors. If you are just using it for outdoor astronomy and such it should not be a problem. If you get into lasers with more than 100mW you should consider getting goggles. Responsible use is more important to you safety than any goggles.
 
G

gius

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Just ordered the 50mw pen from LEDshoppe.....it's fine if it's not exactly 50mw. Thanks guys
 
diachi

diachi

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The ledshoppe lasers seem quite good actually, the 5mW lasers have been found to be mostly more powerful than advertised, sometimes by 8-9 times the rated output. I expect the same from the 50mW.

-Adam

EDIT: well maybe not 8-9 times more powerful than stated for the 50mW, but somewhat higher output than stated. ;D
 
LRMNmeyer

LRMNmeyer

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Diachi said:
The ledshoppe lasers seem quite good actually, the 5mW lasers have been found to be mostly more powerful than advertised, sometimes by 8-9 times the rated output. I expect the same from the 50mW.

-Adam

EDIT: well maybe not 8-9 times more powerful than stated for the 50mW, but somewhat higher output than stated.  ;D
Click to expand...
Not good at all. :eek: Unless it's anticipated and the buyer has access to a LPM.
 
LRMNmeyer

LRMNmeyer

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travislikescoolstuff said:
[quote author=New_Reverie link=1228171496/0#5 date=1228173707]heh, a 450mW green for $30 would make this a very dangerous world...
Click to expand...

i bet we have those in less than 10 years![/quote]
Hmm, I wonder what we could buy for $200 then... ;) *Travels to future* *Orders laser* *Blasts hole in wall*
 
G

gius

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LEDshoppe.com is very nice, are there any other similar sites with great prices like that?
 
Jimmymcjimthejim

Jimmymcjimthejim

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StrictlyBudget said:
[quote author=New_Reverie link=1228171496/0#2 date=1228172195]
If you are looking to get green laser pointers for a good price check out Sandstone11 website here.  She ships to the USA.
Here is the link: http://www.o-like.com/
Click to expand...
has anyone ordered from her before?[/quote]
Lots of people have, including me. Although there are cheaper sources, Sandstone11 is very trusted on the forums. Check out her For Sale thread here.
 
N

nolan93405

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for one is that NONE OF THEIR GREEN LASER HAVE AN IR FILTER and two is that they wont sell to USA anymore if the laser is over 5mW, stupid china lasers.
 
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StrictlyBudget

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nolan93405 said:
for one is that NONE OF THEIR GREEN LASER HAVE AN IR FILTER and two is that they wont sell to USA anymore if the laser is over 5mW, stupid china lasers.
Click to expand...
very harsh don't you think? most lasers you buy are made in china. Optotronics, LaserGlow, NOVALasers and DragonLasers all use laser diodes made in china. not that we have many choices...
 
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jwc

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Diachi said:
The ledshoppe lasers seem quite good actually, the 5mW lasers have been found to be mostly more powerful than advertised, sometimes by 8-9 times the rated output. I expect the same from the 50mW.

-Adam

EDIT: well maybe not 8-9 times more powerful than stated for the 50mW, but somewhat higher output than stated.  ;D
Click to expand...

I tested my "5mW" from DX a while ago and it was 55mW green and IR. The IR leakage is probably small so I would venture to guess that this laser was about 9-10 times overspec.
 
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