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FrozenGate by Avery

Is the Galileo worth it?

What's a PM?

Yes, that's right, I've never owned a laser before... or built one...
 





What's a PM?

Yes, that's right, I've never owned a laser before... or built one...

PM is private messages.
In the top right corner of the forum web page there is a little box that shows your username and a link to Private Messages.
Click that. ;)
 
Pierce,

I'm also looking into the Galileo-5. It would be my first real laser. However, I have also been looking at a Rayfoss 100mW-FLX. Obviously the Rayfoss is much more powerful, but do you think that the Galileo will be such higher quality that it would be worth it? I'd really like to be able to see the beam in the dark outdoors/indoors. Would this be possible? Thanks.

Mike
 
@ Mike Green:
Welcome.

IMO, the Galileo is a great, solid laser. It makes a great pointer and is very reliable.
However, if you want something for a bright, visible beam, you might want to go with more power.

The beam of a 5mW green laser is definitely visible in dark conditions and outside at night, but it's really only visible if you are within ~15 feet of the source.

100mW will be much brighter than 5mW.
I can't say much about Rayfoss since I have never done business with them, but I have tried out similar (or the same) products they sell from other sites and after owning high quality stuff like Leadlight & CNI products its too hard to step down to the cheapies. The construction can be flimsy and the power is never consistent with the advertised specs. DPSS lasers like these green lasers are very variable in their beam characteristics by their "nature," so you never really know what you might get without the stringent quality control the higher end companies offer.

Don't get me wrong... for the price they can be great... but I like to save up a little more money and get something worth the cash.

The thing that makes me most apprehensive about buying lasers from budget Chinese sites is that... well... they are located in China.
If it turns out to be a dud (as they often do) the refund/replacement process can take weeks on top of what time it took to finally arrive. In the long run, a single RMA for what was a great deal may end up costing as much as the product that was "too expensive" a month and a half (and a couple paychecks) ago. ;)

The best advice I can give you is to get the best you can afford. Because what is "worth it" to me may not be "worth it" to you.
Take a look at the "reviews" and "companies" sections. If nothing interests you, look through the "buy, sell, trade" section and see if you can't find something that meets your requirements and your budget.

And one more thing... it is important to consider what you feel "safe" with.
Lasers can be a hazard in the wrong conditions. The potential damages they can cause if misused or misunderstood are great, so don't go all out and get a "slash and burn" laser without considering safety first!
Hope this helps some. :)
 


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