O-Like 405nm 100mW for $10?

[link2thepast]

I'm considering buying this laser from O-Like, it's a 405nm 100mW pen. However, the price is only $10. I've bought from O-Like before, and the 100mW 532nm laser I got was around $50, a fair bit more than this pen.

To me, $10 seems like a very low price in comparison to other similar-spec lasers, which makes me a tad worried about low quality diodes or a drastic under-spec (though O-Like seems to be known for over-spec lasers). I also don't have an LPM, so I can't measure the laser's power myself.

All this to say, has anyone bought one of these O-Like 405nm 100mW pens before? Were you satisfied with your purchase? If you haven't bought one, what are your thoughts about the cost and possibility of getting an under-spec laser?

 

[Laser Chick]

They are ah okay company. With that many units in stock they may have landed a great mass quantity price. Pocket clip and 5 caps also. Just check out their return policy if it seems under spec. Remember that 100mW 405nm will be very dim compared to your 100mW 532nm from them. I would go for it. It has a rubber coated copper host, copper, interesting.
Where are you from?
BTW, welcome to the forum. You should do a nice intro first on the welcome page.

 

[olympus mons]

Hi think you are being smart in your skepticism. I own 4 lasers from Olike. My supposed 500mW 405 only meters at 370mW peak and avg 275mW. Those pens are a dime a dozen on eBay, allied express and others.
For 10$ I'd risk it if all you wanted was close to 100mW though. I have an 80mW 405 and can tell you it's barely visible. So not sure what you want to for but if it's for a bright spot or beam, 100mW may not really be all that even if it's in spec.
Good luck mate and welcome

 

[mortuus]

u should buy a 301 laser host from ebay or aliexpress if u want a powerful but cheap 405 laser better chance they are closer to 100mw then smaller pens which is harder, i doubt those pens really peak 100mw but u never know u might get lucky but also u might get something thats very dim i wouldnt buy those pens even for the price.

 

[diachi]

u should buy a 301 laser host from ebay or aliexpress if u want a powerful but cheap 405 laser better chance they are closer to 100mw then smaller pens which is harder, i doubt those pens really peak 100mw but u never know u might get lucky but also u might get something thats very dim i wouldnt buy those pens even for the price.

I don't know about the 301 405nm pens - I've had two, the first was DOA and the replacement died after no more than 5 minutes (NOT CONTINUOUS) use. They are also hit or miss.

 

[Trendkilla254]

I bought a 638nm 5mw for 7.99 from them. I'm pretty happy with it. I have seen some issues with O-Like from other members but Susie seems to be easy to work with. I mean for the cost of a lunch/dinner, I don't feel you can really go wrong. If it lasts you a week or two... you got your monies worth. JMO though.

 

[link2thepast]

They are ah okay company. With that many units in stock they may have landed a great mass quantity price. Pocket clip and 5 caps also. Just check out their return policy if it seems under spec. Remember that 100mW 405nm will be very dim compared to your 100mW 532nm from them. I would go for it. It has a rubber coated copper host, copper, interesting.

Yep, I am aware that 405nm (and any other wavelength, really) will be dimmer than my 532nm. Seeing the beam would be awesome, but even just owning a purple laser is pretty neat on its own.

u should buy a 301 laser host from ebay or aliexpress if u want a powerful but cheap 405 laser better chance they are closer to 100mw then smaller pens which is harder, i doubt those pens really peak 100mw but u never know u might get lucky but also u might get something thats very dim i wouldnt buy those pens even for the price.

I don't know about the 301 405nm pens - I've had two, the first was DOA and the replacement died after no more than 5 minutes (NOT CONTINUOUS) use. They are also hit or miss.

I'm a bit hesitant to buy lasers (or anything else I want to last) off eBay. However, I have heard that their 5mW lasers are often actually >100mW, so perhaps I'll take a gamble one of these days.

I bought a 638nm 5mw for 7.99 from them. I'm pretty happy with it. I have seen some issues with O-Like from other members but Susie seems to be easy to work with. I mean for the cost of a lunch/dinner, I don't feel you can really go wrong. If it lasts you a week or two... you got your monies worth. JMO though.

True, $10 is pretty inexpensive. And even if it breaks quickly, I could probably reuse the host for a DVD burning laser or something of that nature.

Thanks for all your input, it's given me some good things to consider before making a decision about buying.