Last year, I wrote a review for Wicked Lasers' "Advanced" laser and I gave it a pretty good score. However, I soon discovered a bunch of problems that greatly affected the quality of this laser. Clearly, it did not deserve the original score of 86%. I usually don't take away points when I do re-evaluations, but I made an exception in this case. The original version of this review is now considered void.
The green text means that new information was added.
Word version: http://ixfd64.homestead.com/files/exec-35.doc
Product: Executive Series 35 mW "Advanced" laser
Manufacturer: Wicked Lasers
Price: $159.99 + shipping (w/ optional extended warranty)
Required: AAA batteries
Recommended: High-quality batteries
These lasers are called "Wicked" for a reason.
When most people hear the word "laser," they will most likely think of those exciting battles from Star Wars or that famous scene in the James Bond film Goldfinger. Unfortunately, lasers do not work that way in the real world, but Shanghai-based Wicked Lasers sells lasers that would certainly make people drool.
I first learned about Wicked Lasers in the summer of 2006 and I was really impressed at its products. I mean, how could laser "pointers" pop balloons and ignite matches? In August 2007, I was lucky enough to win an "Advanced" (35 mW) unit from Spectra Forum, an online forum for laser enthusiasts. I had wanted one of those lasers for more than a year, and I finally got my wish! Although this laser was designed to output 35 mW, the awesome guy who ran the contest told me that it actually emitted 75 mW of raw power! Brand new lasers often output much more than they are rated before "burning in" towards their designated output. I popped in some Duracell Coppertop batteries, and the laser was indeed able to sting my finger, pop balloons, and light matches! This was consistent with the abilities of a 75 mW laser, and this laser was what I would definitely call a "wicked" laser!Oh, and it comes with some spiffy goggles for free! (Wicked used to include free laser goggles with every purchase, but not anymore.)
I brought my laser to college, and nighttime was when the fun really began. I began aiming at the clouds and people immediately started asking me where I got my laser. This was happening even before I switched to the more powerful Duracell Ultra batteries! With fresh batteries, this laser emits a visible beam that can be seen even in urban areas!
Unfortunately, my laser soon started to exhibit some problems. It started to grow dimmer and eventually became only slightly brighter than my 5 mW "Core" pointer. I initially suspected that my laser had "burned in" too much and had become defective. It seemed unfortunate that my laser had "died" before I even had the chance to really enjoy it at all. Although it still emitted a visible beam and made a dot on the clouds, its output did not appear to be anywhere close to 35 mW. However, after I switched to Duracell Ultra M3 batteries, the laser became very bright again! It was not able to sting my finger as quickly as when I first got it, so I figured that it must have started "burning in" already.
Despite this laser's amazing abilities, its many problems should be pointed out. For a 35 mW laser, $159.99 is rather expensive compared to other companies’ products. Companies like Starphaser and NOVAlasers offer similar but cheaper models. For example, NOVAlasers' "X-75" laser costs $169 (slightly more than the "Advanced") but offers a guaranteed output of 75 mW. Another problem, as noted in this review, is that the laser may perform below its rated power unless high-performance batteries are used. Those who do not have such batteries may incorrectly assume that their laser is defective. This is certainly not a good thing! Also, this laser has none of the five standard safety features (key switch, safety interlock, power indicator, aperture shutter, and emission delay) that are required by the FDA. This could cause problems if an inexperienced person tries to use the laser. Some of Wicked's products also suffer from cosmetic issues. When my laser arrived, it already had some signs of abrasion. Even the IR filter had scratches on it. Although my laser has had less than one hour of use, a lot of the paint has fallen off the laser body. The silver paint on the storage case also comes off too easily. These cosmetic problems do not affect the laser’s performance in any way, but they will most likely give consumers a bad image, and I feel that this is an issue that Wicked Lasers should address. Finally, I have noticed that my laser is misaligned by a few degrees. From what I hear, high-end lasers should not be having this problem!
Aside from pointing out stars in the night sky, this laser does not have many practical uses. However, this thing is insanely fun and will allow you to unleash your inner child. If you brought one of these things to a party, you would probably have a bunch of people wanting to be your friend. Just remember, green lasers are becoming more and more popular, so buy one before they become too common! However, due to this laser's many problems, I am reluctant to recommend it to other people.
For those of you who want to know the technical mumbo jumbo, here are the specifications of the "Advanced" model:
Dimensions: 13 x 150 mm
Output: >35 mW
Laser class: IIIb
Laser type: Nd:YVO[sub]4[/sub]/KTP diode-pumped solid state
Pump diode: 500 mW
Wavelength: 532 nm
Transverse mode: TEM[sub]00[/sub]
Operation mode: continuous wave
Divergence: <1 mrad
Beam diameter: <1.6 mm
Power consumption: 600 mA
Power supply: 2 1.5V AAA batteries
Suggested duty cycle: 100 seconds on / 10 seconds off
Expected lifetime: >5,000 hours
Finally, please remember to use lasers responsibly. Do not point them at or near people, occupied buildings, airplanes, or reflective surfaces. Always use safety goggles when necessary.
- Danny Chia
Final verdict:86% / Excellent 58% / Merely Okay
Highs: Slick design;free safety goggles; attracts members of the opposite gender
Lows: Price; too dependent on fresh batteries;minor major cosmetic issues; no safety features; hard to attach to sharks
Bottom line: These lasers are not that practical, but they are loads of fun. However, if you decide to get a high-powered green laser, consider buying from NOVAlasers instead.
The green text means that new information was added.
Word version: http://ixfd64.homestead.com/files/exec-35.doc
Product: Executive Series 35 mW "Advanced" laser
Manufacturer: Wicked Lasers
Price: $159.99 + shipping (w/ optional extended warranty)
Required: AAA batteries
Recommended: High-quality batteries
These lasers are called "Wicked" for a reason.
When most people hear the word "laser," they will most likely think of those exciting battles from Star Wars or that famous scene in the James Bond film Goldfinger. Unfortunately, lasers do not work that way in the real world, but Shanghai-based Wicked Lasers sells lasers that would certainly make people drool.
I first learned about Wicked Lasers in the summer of 2006 and I was really impressed at its products. I mean, how could laser "pointers" pop balloons and ignite matches? In August 2007, I was lucky enough to win an "Advanced" (35 mW) unit from Spectra Forum, an online forum for laser enthusiasts. I had wanted one of those lasers for more than a year, and I finally got my wish! Although this laser was designed to output 35 mW, the awesome guy who ran the contest told me that it actually emitted 75 mW of raw power! Brand new lasers often output much more than they are rated before "burning in" towards their designated output. I popped in some Duracell Coppertop batteries, and the laser was indeed able to sting my finger, pop balloons, and light matches! This was consistent with the abilities of a 75 mW laser, and this laser was what I would definitely call a "wicked" laser!
I brought my laser to college, and nighttime was when the fun really began. I began aiming at the clouds and people immediately started asking me where I got my laser. This was happening even before I switched to the more powerful Duracell Ultra batteries! With fresh batteries, this laser emits a visible beam that can be seen even in urban areas!
Unfortunately, my laser soon started to exhibit some problems. It started to grow dimmer and eventually became only slightly brighter than my 5 mW "Core" pointer. I initially suspected that my laser had "burned in" too much and had become defective. It seemed unfortunate that my laser had "died" before I even had the chance to really enjoy it at all. Although it still emitted a visible beam and made a dot on the clouds, its output did not appear to be anywhere close to 35 mW. However, after I switched to Duracell Ultra M3 batteries, the laser became very bright again! It was not able to sting my finger as quickly as when I first got it, so I figured that it must have started "burning in" already.
Despite this laser's amazing abilities, its many problems should be pointed out. For a 35 mW laser, $159.99 is rather expensive compared to other companies’ products. Companies like Starphaser and NOVAlasers offer similar but cheaper models. For example, NOVAlasers' "X-75" laser costs $169 (slightly more than the "Advanced") but offers a guaranteed output of 75 mW. Another problem, as noted in this review, is that the laser may perform below its rated power unless high-performance batteries are used. Those who do not have such batteries may incorrectly assume that their laser is defective. This is certainly not a good thing! Also, this laser has none of the five standard safety features (key switch, safety interlock, power indicator, aperture shutter, and emission delay) that are required by the FDA. This could cause problems if an inexperienced person tries to use the laser. Some of Wicked's products also suffer from cosmetic issues. When my laser arrived, it already had some signs of abrasion. Even the IR filter had scratches on it. Although my laser has had less than one hour of use, a lot of the paint has fallen off the laser body. The silver paint on the storage case also comes off too easily. These cosmetic problems do not affect the laser’s performance in any way, but they will most likely give consumers a bad image, and I feel that this is an issue that Wicked Lasers should address. Finally, I have noticed that my laser is misaligned by a few degrees. From what I hear, high-end lasers should not be having this problem!
Aside from pointing out stars in the night sky, this laser does not have many practical uses. However, this thing is insanely fun and will allow you to unleash your inner child. If you brought one of these things to a party, you would probably have a bunch of people wanting to be your friend. Just remember, green lasers are becoming more and more popular, so buy one before they become too common! However, due to this laser's many problems, I am reluctant to recommend it to other people.
For those of you who want to know the technical mumbo jumbo, here are the specifications of the "Advanced" model:
Dimensions: 13 x 150 mm
Output: >35 mW
Laser class: IIIb
Laser type: Nd:YVO[sub]4[/sub]/KTP diode-pumped solid state
Pump diode: 500 mW
Wavelength: 532 nm
Transverse mode: TEM[sub]00[/sub]
Operation mode: continuous wave
Divergence: <1 mrad
Beam diameter: <1.6 mm
Power consumption: 600 mA
Power supply: 2 1.5V AAA batteries
Suggested duty cycle: 100 seconds on / 10 seconds off
Expected lifetime: >5,000 hours
Finally, please remember to use lasers responsibly. Do not point them at or near people, occupied buildings, airplanes, or reflective surfaces. Always use safety goggles when necessary.
- Danny Chia
Final verdict:
Highs: Slick design;
Lows: Price; too dependent on fresh batteries;
Bottom line: These lasers are not that practical, but they are loads of fun. However, if you decide to get a high-powered green laser, consider buying from NOVAlasers instead.
(yet)
