questions about "301" and "303" lasers

[ixfd64]

I know that these lasers are pretty popular among some members. They're made by a number of different companies but typically have "301" or "303" in their name. From what I could tell, these lasers are considered crap, but many people still buy them because of their low price. The hosts also look really nice in my opinion. With that said, I have a few questions:

1. Does anyone know the OEM of these lasers?
2. Are certain brands of "301" and "303" lasers better than others?
3. I've been told that the green "303" lasers have a glass lens while the others have acrylic ones. Can anyone confirm this?
4. Is it true that the "303" is easier to modify than the "301" one?

 

[Emialias]

well i can answer question 2
sanwu sells the cheap 303s and 301 style pointers in 100mw 532, 150mw 405, and 200mw 650 for under $30 each and they are what they say they are and arent unpredictable like the ebay ones.

 

[paul1598419]

That may be true, but you spend 3X+ what you normally would and don't necessarily get a higher power one. As far as I know, they all use acrylic lenses. I'm pretty sure these are being assembled in China by many different suppliers, but the parts are all the same.

 

[Razako]

It's hard to say what you'll get with the super generic 303/301 lasers. I assume they all use acrylic lenses at such low power levels. I've heard that the YL brand is the best one, but nobody really knows for sure. They seem to be produced by a variety of different manufacturers as far as I can tell. I have no idea if the 303 or 301 is easier to modify.

Sanwu sell their own version which are supposedly tested and slightly higher quality, but they also cost 3-4x more. The ones on ebay are generally just random chance. I'd recommend buying 2-3 in case one is a dud.

 

[ixfd64]

Thanks for all the information. I must admit that the Sanwu hosts look especially nice. I really hope they'll make more powerful lasers in that form factor.

 

[paul1598419]

Only way to know is buy a bunch from a lot of different suppliers and test them all. Chances are you'll find one that sticks out and it may not be the one you paid the most for. IMO, all 301s and 303s are pretty much the same, except that some are better than others. No one here has done the requisite testing of all of them to know. Almost always it is the luck of the draw.

 

[Podo]

If you look close enough, the only difference between 301 and 303 is the capability to use pattern caps while the 301 can't.

Except that, they are pretty much the same.

301:


303:


Our red and violet laser pointer use full copper heatsink, they have stabler performance compare to most laser pointers you found on ebay:


Ebay heatsink:


We just uploaded some power test videos of the laser pointers on our store:
100mw 405nm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVf0ZlRk6yw
100mw 532nm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT1TdcST4oc
200mw 650nm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkmGGkQz8Qs

 

[hakzaw1]

of the two 301s I got (cheap)=lowest price a eekbay;;NOT Podo


pros--18650-key in tailcap. focusable 1 532 and 1 405,,,, iirc 9$ w/ free $hip.

cons =key/-it bends /breaks/falls out ..easily -and is removeable in both on & off (wrong). the focus knob fell off of one. its glued or compression fitted. the sidebutton is only momentary--and feels cheap --flimsy-- I like on or off- machining is low quality- sloppy threads-beam is not quite 'square' w/ housing--off centered.

________
I only purchased to see/use it as a host..

I pass.