If you are contemplating buying a BFG Laser, think twice, and read the thread in GENERAL titled MAJOR RANT.
I bought mine before this thread started and received it today. I estimate it's power to be roughly half what is should be. I sent the following letter to BFG, and I will post their response. The third option, a partial refund, is being quite generous, as I can buy a 50mW DX for $50. But it's less hassle for the both of us.
-- Rev
Dear BFG Lasers,
I received my BFG Laser today. I am concerned about the power output. I fed it 2 new Energizer e2 Lithium batteries as recommended and experimented with it. I found that it will not cut through black electrical tape, even after 3 minutes fixed at one spot, from 2 to 3 inches. Pointing it at my skin for 30 seconds from 1 foot distance will not feel warm. It will ignite a black sharpied match from 4 inches after about 100 seconds.
I do not have an accurate power meter, but I would estimate based on this a power of around 50mW to 70mW. Clearly it is substantially below, probably about half, what I expected and below the advertised and demonstrated power.
I would like to return this for either a verified replacement (meaning tested to close to 150mW), or a refund. Another possibility would be I keep the laser after a 50% refund, since it at best has about 50% of the advertised power. What do you think is appropriate in this situation?
Regards
I bought mine before this thread started and received it today. I estimate it's power to be roughly half what is should be. I sent the following letter to BFG, and I will post their response. The third option, a partial refund, is being quite generous, as I can buy a 50mW DX for $50. But it's less hassle for the both of us.
-- Rev
Dear BFG Lasers,
I received my BFG Laser today. I am concerned about the power output. I fed it 2 new Energizer e2 Lithium batteries as recommended and experimented with it. I found that it will not cut through black electrical tape, even after 3 minutes fixed at one spot, from 2 to 3 inches. Pointing it at my skin for 30 seconds from 1 foot distance will not feel warm. It will ignite a black sharpied match from 4 inches after about 100 seconds.
I do not have an accurate power meter, but I would estimate based on this a power of around 50mW to 70mW. Clearly it is substantially below, probably about half, what I expected and below the advertised and demonstrated power.
I would like to return this for either a verified replacement (meaning tested to close to 150mW), or a refund. Another possibility would be I keep the laser after a 50% refund, since it at best has about 50% of the advertised power. What do you think is appropriate in this situation?
Regards