200mw laser at o-like for 130$ 150mw laser at Nova for 490$ ???

[beachbumbora]

Why are their prices so different ? I can't understand ? Quality ? Real mw value ? Or what ? Please tell me.

http://www.o-like.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=3 and http://www.novalasers.com/NOVAstore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=3&idproduct=17

 

[enigmahack]

Basically everything you just mentioned.

O-like is pretty good, they're usually pretty close if not on par with their specs. Novalasers, Optotronics are examples of "Best of the best of the best".

Where o-like might have a laser that's running at 80% capacity, NovaLasers will have the same power but the laser is only actually running at around 15% capacity, and has better optics, build, beam quality, runtime, etc.

Just overall a better product.

 

[beachbumbora]

thanks so much enigma, and what do you think ? is it worth to pay so much money for Nova ? and is that olike laser real 200 mw ?

 

[Flugufrelsarinn]

If you are just a hobbyist who wants to safely (get good goggles) marvel at the beautiful beam, burn stuff, etc. Than the o-like should be fine.

 

[drevil]

thanks so much enigma, and what do you think ? is it worth to pay so much money for Nova ? and is that olike laser real 200 mw ?

I think Nova is a little overpriced considering I bought an X-50 for $70 on sale. That is half price and I am pretty sure they are still making money.

 

[enigmahack]

I think it depends on what you're looking for honestly. I would suggest going with O-like or Rayfoss FIRST, and if you get into lasers enough, then maybe work up to CNI and eventually do something like Optotronics. It's not a "first laser" type buy. You need to appreciate the quality and build first. Eventually you can get there but for now, I would say go with O-like. They'll do what you need

 

[Exerd]

Get yourself a better deal and quality than both of them by building your own laser.

We hobbyists build the nicest lasers of all. Better than those mass produced things with jacked up prices.

Remember, high prices don't always mean quality. I've got a Laserglow Aries. The machining quality is on par with cheap chinese stuff, and the drivers they use are absolute junk. Yet look at their prices. High prices can be fooling at times.

 

[enigmahack]

Yeah, unless you're talking about a 532... I have yet to see a user built 532dpss come close to a nice rpl by sky lasers, rayfoss, etc.

I don't see many custom greenies anyway in general...

 

[Arshus]

I will say this about O-like, theyre prices are more than reasonable and their lasers are very good if you judge it by the two units I just received from them. For example, I bought a green laser from them that turned out to be a 500mW Green, with excellent beam specs and only 5% IR.

http://laserpointerforums.com/f52/o-like-400mw-532nm-very-overspec-60413.html

-Sal

 

[weidmark]

Go with o-like for your first laser then decide if you want a higher quality laser next time.