best laser 1w or more for 250USD?

I'm assuming hardly any of the lasers that aren't $600+/a wicked laser have a infinate/long duty cycle then?

The general rule is the more power, the shorter the cycle. Obviously the host, heat sink combination play into how long the cycles are at any given power. Its not a money factor, its a science factor. There are not that many high power 100% duty cycle lasers out there at any price.

Paddy said:

I'm assuming hardly any of the lasers that aren't $600+/a wicked laser have a infinate/long duty cycle then?

Click to expand...

Excuse me, why would you put a Wicked Laser in the same category--or sentence--as a $600+ quality laser? The only thing that makes a WL 445nm laser possibly even worth buying over some other is the cool looking case, and that's it. Otherwise it's just an overpriced 445nm laser.

306man:

A custom 445nm laser build will be the best choice. Maybe PM Yobreal, or just wait until he has a sale. However, if you want a manufactured laser, see if you can get a 445nm laser via Scopeguy's Group Buy.

Infinite duty cycle is more problem of portability .. it's no problem to make lab build with infinite cycle, and it can be even cheaper then portable build.