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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Review of the '$9 Ebay Laser'

Joined
Jul 2, 2010
Messages
60
Points
8
I've been reading about all the good things that people have been saying about these 405nm lasers that are sold on Ebay, all for about 10 dollars, and I decided to buy two of them and test them out.

The laser: 5mw Blue Laser Pointer US Quick Shipping 405nm Business - eBay (item 120580166420 end time Oct-04-10 22:04:23 PDT)

Shipping:
These particular package was sent from some guy named Alvin. The lasers were shipped in the all too common brown, bubble envelope. The two lasers were both individually packed in thin, plastic, bubble wrap sleeves. Shipping took three days. Umm....that's pretty much it.

First Impressions:
I was expecting a less than average quality build, but was surprised to find a really nice host. The outer aluminum has a rubberized grip, and the button clicks nicely. Unfortunately, there is a rattle coming from the switch when you shake the laser. Also, when the batteries are inserted, you can feel them moving around a bit. The threads for the battery cap are not bad, but they could be better. I could improve them with some teflon tape. The laser has a warning label stating that it is <50mW, which is also a pretty cool sticker. The clips has the *LASER POINTER* stamp too.
3559-100-3448.jpg

3558-100-3449.jpg

Beam & Dot:
....Yeah.... this thing is so not bright. :yabbmad: Well, that is what I expected from a 405nm laser, but I didn't know it was that much! A few nights ago, it was very dark outside, and the beam was faintly visible. When it is shined on things like tonic water or highlighters, it fluoresces very brightly. :drool:
I measured the beam diameter on the lasers to both be at around 3.5mm at aperture, and with an mRad of 0.59!!
3560-100-3444.jpg


Battery Life:
These lasers use 2xAAA batteries. Since I got them about a week ago, I inserted two non-rechargeable batteries, and used them constantly; they have not run out.

Power:
On my friend's lpm, one laser measured at 41.3 mW, while the other measured at 52.7 mW. The lasers feel warm when shined on the back of your hand for a few seconds, but never get hot or burning. I then decided to modify the one that was at 52.7mW by moving the focal point to about four inches from the aperture. (It was extremely easy) This laser can now smoke almost any material if it's not a light colour. I tried to light a match, but that is not possible; it just makes a lot of smoke. I'm sure it will pop some balloons. This modified laser now has a divergence of 45.9 mRad, by the way. :p

Pros: :yh:
  • Nice build quality
  • Great button switch
  • Amazing divergence
  • Fast shipping
  • EXTREMELY cheap price
  • Over 9 times the advertised power
  • Long battery life
  • Cool warning labels

Cons: :(
  • For this price, I wouldn't dare say anything bad.

Overview:
All in all, this is a great laser. You couldn't ask more for this price. The power will be usually be around 40mW on these lasers, and they're pretty well built. They're perfect for having fun and collecting at a good price.

 
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Joined
Aug 1, 2010
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Very nice review, you should post a link to exactly where you bought them, as there are may sellers for these. I would assume it was from wlaser, shipped from La. site is either laserquickship or itemquickship, both the same guy.
 
Joined
Nov 21, 2009
Messages
318
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Very nice review, you should post a link to exactly where you bought them, as there are may sellers for these. I would assume it was from wlaser, shipped from La. site is either laserquickship or itemquickship, both the same guy.

That is where I got mine from.I can only agree totally with this review....good lasers at a screaming low price.I also agree at how badly I see the beam, pretty weak looking...until you hit some paper and then yikes bright.I am being very careful with mine given the eye hazard.

Great review + rep
 
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Joined
Jul 2, 2010
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Good review :)

They are a nice little laser, I have one as well - it's a good buy for the money.
 

VERGiL

0
Joined
Apr 19, 2010
Messages
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Unfortunately, there is a rattle coming from the switch when you shake the laser. Also, when the batteries are inserted, you can feel them moving around a bit.


This is EXACTLY why I hate those NewWish hosts! My cheap "100mW" DX greenie got that host and the output was very influenced by those moving batteries. Now I'm happy with my Rayfoss laser :)

For $9 anyway not a bad buy ;)
 
Joined
Jul 2, 2010
Messages
60
Points
8
Very nice review, you should post a link to exactly where you bought them, as there are may sellers for these. I would assume it was from wlaser, shipped from La. site is either laserquickship or itemquickship, both the same guy.

:thanks: Yeah, they were from itemquickship. 5mw Blue Laser Pointer US Quick Shipping 405nm Business - eBay (item 120580166420 end time Oct-04-10 22:04:23 PDT)

I also agree at how badly I see the beam, pretty weak looking...until you hit some paper and then yikes bright.I am being very careful with mine given the eye hazard.

Great review + rep

I know, I sit there like an idiot with a piece of paper and a highlighter shining it back and forth. :whistle:

No offense, but why didn't you add this to the existing thread for these pens?

Don't worry about it.
 
Joined
Nov 21, 2009
Messages
318
Points
28
:thanks: Yeah, they were from itemquickship. 5mw Blue Laser Pointer US Quick Shipping 405nm Business - eBay (item 120580166420 end time Oct-04-10 22:04:23 PDT)



I know, I sit there like an idiot with a piece of paper and a highlighter shining it back and forth. :whistle:



Don't worry about it.

I took one of mine to work today.At a print shop I scored 3 pieces of day glow cardstock, pink, green, and orange.The green is just hilarious in it's intensity...epicness ensues!
Next time I get some tonic water.....
 
Joined
Aug 24, 2010
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I bought one of these in July but it was $14 then. I like it, but my dog and cat both love it! I think I am going to buy 4 more.
 
Joined
Nov 21, 2009
Messages
318
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28
I bought one of these in July but it was $14 then. I like it, but my dog and cat both love it! I think I am going to buy 4 more.

My cat was going after mine tonight.I also noted I could see the beam(barely) from the side, which was cool.Here is the best though.I noticed my shirt glowing from the scatter so I went in and pointed it at the ceiling while looking around at stuff glowing...it was like a portable party, quite fun and stuff glowed just like under a blacklight.Hilarious for 9 bucks.The divergence is amazing for a diode laser too...I was checking the spot on distant trees(dim, oh yes but there).A completely different head than zooming out with the 120mw 532nm and carving up the sky!
Still, a great laser....now if I could see it well......
 




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