First powerful laser, red 660nm or blue 445nm

[Zeby]

Hello, since a couple of months I started to look around in the lasers world.
While I'm writing I own some red and green 5 mw and 1 mw lasers, pretty cool stuff, but I'm considering to buy a more powerful laser and see what it's capable of.
Considering the price and the reputation, blord's lasers seem to be good, in particular those 2:

1+ Watt 445nm laser in 501B casing
300mW 660nm laser in C6 casing

My biggest concern is the safety of the two different wavelenghts, I know that both lasers should never be considered a completely safe device, but I have read something about the risks added by the exposure to a violet laser due to the "Blue light effect".
I already know the safety measures, and I know goggles are not optional when using powerful lasers.
What I want from a laser is a clear beam visibility and a discrete burning capacity, at least igniting a match in a time around one second.
Can someone of you suggest me which is the best laser for a beginner like me?

 

[Shakenawake]

both would likely please you greatly. the blue light thing is not a huge safety difference, you are blind with direct exposure to either of those. 1W of 445nm will burn much better (up close), but the 660nm has a tighter beam that has superb divergence. I say get both, but note that different safety glasses are needed for each one.

consider doing an intro thread

 

[Blarg King]

The blue will have a much more visible beam than the red, and being of a higher wattage will be able to burn more effectively. The red however, will keep a cleaner, smaller dot at longer distances, so for longer range targets the red may be superior.

Personally, I think you will have more fun with the blue laser, since its a lot different than the typical red color, and you will likely get more of a "wow" factor from it.

 

[Zeby]

Thanks to both of you for your opinions, appreciated that
Think I'll go for a 1W violet laser for my first buy.

 

[Shakenawake]

if the diode of the 1W 405nm you speak of is the pioneer BDR 209DBK 16X, you may want to get it made to be 800mW instead. I had one that could have been pushed to 1W, I had it made to 900mW, it still died after a relatively short period, though I have not heard yet of too many other deaths. I have it's replacement doing closer to 800mW now with hopes of a nice long life. it should live longer if it's driven lower. 405 is a good choice too, I might go with that over either of the others

 

[Blarg King]

800 mW of 405 should be neat. You can make a lot of things fluoresce with a violet laser.

 

[xirrious]

He referred to 445nm. The lower the wavelength is the better it induces heat per mw of power assuming same surface area of the Dot. 445 is cheapest for high powers basically and is visible clearly at 1w. And will light a match instantly if focused from A couple ft away. Also for good beam specs you want an acrylic or 3 element glass lens .. 1w is hot for acrylic though.