1 - 1.3 watt 445nm Survival Laser review-ish

[randomkid]

I'm not all that great at making reviews, but at least I can tell what it can do and what it cant do. Here it goes.

Here is the 1 - 1.3 watt Survival laser from Garoq:

It came nicely packed in a small box. I paid a total of $209 for the laser, including shipping, and the copper heatsink upgrade. The package came with everything needed to put it together, instructions, warnings and extra information, batteries, and charger. It was very simple. Even I could do it, which means anyone else could. The package also came with an extra "clicky" that glows in the dark. I switched it to that one 'cause it's cooler than the black one.


Visibility:
This laser is a little bit brighter than my 200mW green laser, and has an extremely visible night beam and a visible beam indoors in a moderately lit room. Also, it makes glow in the dark things glow.

Burning:
Obviously, this laser is a beast at burning. I have lit candles, burned matches quickly even unfocused, engraved wood, engraved leather, set a match on fire "the hard way" (just from the wood), burned through black plastic bags extremely quickly, etc. Of course, I wear the proper safety goggles while burning and doing anything upclose. And so do the people around me, if there are people...

Feeling/design:
I love the heavy feeling of this laser, and how it's not too big but not too small. the shape and design is also very nice. It's easy to focus and looks awesome; the logo is also very stylish... I can tell the copper heat sink works great because the laser heats up very quickly. The only problem I had was the sticker, which didn't fit properly onto the laser. I only had to cut a couple of mm off to get it to fit though.

Pics!

first mistake... oops

Sorry if the pics take a while to load, I had to switch to photobucket. (ran out of space on picasa)

Let me know if there is anything else I can provide!

 

[randomkid]

I just realized I posted this in the wrong section. :/

if someone could move it to the "review" section that would be great.

 

[flyinzx10r]

I have one also. Its a top notch piece of work.

 

[JBTexas]

Thanks for that review; I find it VERY useful. Good pictures; clear explanations suitable for a newbie (like me).

I just ordered his 660nm ~300mw red kit. It is supposed to arrive tomorrow.

Sure, I could probably order a ~ comparable red from O-Like for only ~ 50 dollars. But I figure it will serve as a nice "bridge" to eventually doing a DIY project. My problem is (a) Lack of machining tools; I have soldering skillz and soldering stuff (b) Lack of machining experience (c) Lack of machining facilities. I live in an apartment. I don't even have a vise.

So the Survival Laser kits seem like a nice compromise between buying something already-built and a DIY kit or a DIY-from-scratch project.

Next I will *probably* get his 405 kit (unless by then I think I can be more DIY), and IF I feel I can brave out a 445, I might get this one.

*Cutting the laser sticker: noted.

*Sorry about your carpet.
:angel:
:crackup:

 

[randomkid]

Thanks for that review; I find it VERY useful. Good pictures; clear explanations suitable for a newbie (like me).

I just ordered his 660nm ~300mw red kit. It is supposed to arrive tomorrow.

Sure, I could probably order a ~ comparable red from O-Like for only ~ 50 dollars. But I figure it will serve as a nice "bridge" to eventually doing a DIY project. My problem is (a) Lack of machining tools; I have soldering skillz and soldering stuff (b) Lack of machining experience (c) Lack of machining facilities. I live in an apartment. I don't even have a vise.

So the Survival Laser kits seem like a nice compromise between buying something already-built and a DIY kit or a DIY-from-scratch project.

Next I will *probably* get his 405 kit (unless by then I think I can be more DIY), and IF I feel I can brave out a 445, I might get this one.

*Cutting the laser sticker: noted.

*Sorry about your carpet.
:angel:
:crackup:

Thanks!

Nice, my first laser was also red. Garoq's lasers really are of high quality...

I actually really suck at most things having to do with technology, but this kit was really easy. So I'm sure it won't be a challenge for you if you've had soldiering experience.

Remember to wear the blue goggles for the red laser, and be careful!

 

[Fenzir]

sorry to hijack, but do you remember where you bought that green laser?

 

[randomkid]

sorry to hijack, but do you remember where you bought that green laser?

I bought it as 200mW, but they don't have them at O-like anymore.

New cute pocket Green laser 150mW /adjustable [OLCGL150] - $99.99 : Welcome to O-Like.com, Your source for laser products

The tail cap on mine broke, so I have to use the tail cap from my red laser. It' not really very high quality...

 

[lovellaser]

hey nice review!
you said that blue laser is brighter than green one..is that for dot or for the beam? oh and is that green laser really 200mw or it just says it is 200mw ? because i am deciding what to get.i am deciding beetween the around 1w blue laser or 200mw green laser. which one do you like more and which one would you recommend? which one is cooler to you ?

 

[eytyxhs]

Very good review my Friend!

+1:beer:

 

[randomkid]

hey nice review!
you said that blue laser is brighter than green one..is that for dot or for the beam? oh and is that green laser really 200mw or it just says it is 200mw ? because i am deciding what to get.i am deciding between the around 1w blue laser or 200mw green laser. which one do you like more and which one would you recommend? which one is cooler to you ?

Lol, how deep did you have to go to find this thread?

The dot and the beam of the blue one is brighter than the green.

I don't know if is actually 200mW, but it seems like it. Styropyro has a good review of the green one on YouTube... although this one is not from O-like.

Like everyone seems to say, I recommend that you get the green laser first, and then move to the higher powered blue one.

I can't decide on which one I like better... I really like the colour green and the thin beam diameter, but the blue is so much more powerful. the blue one also has a thick beam that is just as bright (or more) as the green one, which is cool.

@eytyxhs: Thanks!

 

[regalis]

Nice review..nice pictures!
The new clicky looks realy nice, but i think it should be the dust cap for the AixiZ lens
The good thing: You can use the black one also as dustcap

 

[Foshizzle45]

Great review, I plan on getting one sometime soon