Just got my RPL 400 from Optotronics!

[Kaboom]

I upgraded from my RPL300 to an RPL400. WOW! 444mw peak, 421mw average, .903mrad divergence and BRIGHT! Anyone thinking about going to a more powerful laser (250mw and up) should seriously consider an Optotronics unit. Not only is their product of the highest quality, but Jacks customer service is second to none.

I sent in my unit and promptly received my upgrade.Also bought an adjustable tail cap so I can set it on a lower output and "lase" targets for night shoots at a machinegun shoot I attend in Oklahoma in June. It will help me direct my tracer fire to the target. They load them up with binary explosive charges for a truly spectacular finale to the shoot.

When I get some time I'll do some tests with matches at various distances to see how far it will light one, as well as the good ol' balloon thing!
Kaboom

 

[Milos]

good to see you on this forum Kaboom. welcome.

I can imagine your first impressions of RPL400. Its a beast even comparing to 300. Plus it has a much better and more powerful pump diode!
Make sure you post a review with pics in review section.

 

[darklandz]

i also upgraded my old RPL-225 to the RPL-400. as mentioned above, Jacks customer service was excellent and the delivery time for the unit was under a week!!
i know my unit averages 419mw but if i remember correctly it peaked at 488mw. i have popped 10 balloons in a line with ease (only had 10 balloons, this would definitely do more than that) and also lit matches from over 2 meters away from the aperture.
i lit a cigarette from just under 2 meters away and took no more than 10-15 secs.

 

[Kaboom]

I'm anxious to do the balloon tests. My RPL300 would light a match from about a good 10ft away and pop balloons from at least 20ft, so I'm expecting great things with this one.
Steve

 

[darklandz]

correct me if im wrong but for the balloons, i believe it depends on what kinda balloons r used. for example - i bought some black latex balloons from a market stall in huddersfield - these balloons blow up ALOT bigger than normal black balloons and the latex has a soft/thin touch to it.
some black balloons have a strong/thick feel to them and dont blow up as much - making it bit harder for the laser to focus through it. remember to stretch the balloon quiet a bit before blowing it to loosen the material and help blow to its capability.
matches r real fun, ive been burning them for fun from one side to the other of me bedroom and i dont have any proper mounts. its alot harder to focus the beam by placing the unit somewhere and directing by hand.