That helps me. Sorry if i'm threadjacking, but i think me and the OP have the same thing in mind. I already have had some 405s, 50mW max though. I was wondering what the advantages of each were in comparison with eachother. Price, power, burning ability per mW, beam quality, ability to flouresce stuff, how long it lasts, visibility, etc. is what it comes down to.
SpyderFire are you saying an 850mW 405 is better at burning than a 445 at 1.5W? Wow... didn't see that coming. And laser_freak, how powerful do the $60 diodes go comfortably? Am i right in thinking 600mW? That'd be what i'd be comparing the 445s with.