Best bang for my buck 5W+ handheld.

[AaronT]

I hope this is the right place to post this as I'm looking for a production/semi-production unit.

I want to add something over 5 Watts (more is better) to my handheld collection.

Features I'm looking for
-Adjustable Focus
-Key Lockout
-Side activation button

I would also consider paying a forum member to do a custom build.

Thanks guys.

 

[BowtieGuy]

Hi Aaron, since you mentioned production lasers, take a look at something like THIS PLE-Pro model from Jetlasers. They are one of the best laser companies, with the best customer support in the business IMO.
They have all the features that you are looking for, plus the availability of an optional 10X beam expander. :yh:
It is probably not the most powerful laser that you can obtain, but other a top notch custom build I believe it's one of the best that you can get!

 

[AaronT]

Hi Aaron, since you mentioned production lasers, take a look at something like THIS PLE-Pro model from Jetlasers. They are one of the best laser companies, with the best customer support in the business IMO.
They have all the features that you are looking for, plus the availability of an optional 10X beam expander.
It is probably not the most powerful laser that you can obtain, but other a top notch custom build I believe it's one of the best.

That is one of the units on my short list, but I don't like the added weight and size of the charger being on board.

I am also considering the Spiker by Sanwu. I have read the reviews on it. It lacks the key lock feature but a tail cap switch is much safer than a side switch.

I'm just wondering if there is something out there I haven't thought of, or if the market is just this narrow.

I like the host my 2W is in.

I'm considering contacting the seller and finding out if he would sell me a dead host or two than build my own from that.

I've never "built" a laser before.

 

[Sta]

The Sanwu Spiker actually has an electronic code lock if you choose the multi mode driver. IMO it is much safer than a key lock, as a child or an idiot can find a key but not a code. :beer:

 

[AaronT]

The Sanwu Spiker actually has an electronic code lock if you choose the multi mode driver. IMO it is much safer than a key lock, as a child or an idiot can find a key but not a code. :beer:

That's good to know but I simply store my lasers like I store my firearms. (Those not "ready for use" are locked up separate from ammo/batteries)

The key lock is mostly personal pref but it is a mechanical lock out and IMHO makes it slightly safer to leave batteries in, for that "ready to use" status.

After some research I think I'll build one on that host and use a NUBM06 Diode.

 

[tuskiomi]

Nearly all lasers from laserBTB have keylocks in them!

 

[Pman]

I just noticed in the link to that Jetlasers unit they offer either a mechanical lock or code switch now. My bet is that 4W is Cloe to or over 5W.
Why choose the 06? I would pick the 07E over any of the other diodes unless you are looking for burn capability over wavelength and brightness,

As a side note, those batteries look to be the terrible (and dangerous in my opinion) ultrafire cells that come for free from some sellers. They not only have an actual terrible capacity but also can have all kinds of different guts inside which also means that if you have to use them you shouldn't use them together. There is no reason to use cheap dangerous cells when so much is spent on a laser. If they also came with a charger the charger likely needs to be replaced also

 

[AaronT]

I just noticed in the link to that Jetlasers unit they offer either a mechanical lock or code switch now. My bet is that 4W is Cloe to or over 5W.
Why choose the 06? I would pick the 07E over any of the other diodes unless you are looking for burn capability over wavelength and brightness,

As a side note, those batteries look to be the terrible (and dangerous in my opinion) ultrafire cells that come for free from some sellers. They not only have an actual terrible capacity but also can have all kinds of different guts inside which also means that if you have to use them you shouldn't use them together. There is no reason to use cheap dangerous cells when so much is spent on a laser. If they also came with a charger the charger likely needs to be replaced also

Yes, I am indeed going for "burn" over brightness in that I'm wanting to put as many watts on a small spot as possible. I like the 06 over the 44 as it has better divergence that makes up for the lower overall power.

I may still decide to go with the NUBM44.



Yes I am aware of the issues with cheap cells. That is the first thing I replace when I get a new laser.

I'm currently using E-Fest IMR 16340s or Panasonic Protected 18650s in all my lasers.