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Alright guys, after reading a lot on companies, I have decided to compile various companies together and put them into ONE thread so that both new and veteran members can keep track of whats up and down, based on the opinions and viewpoints of the general laser community. Ill try decently hard to keep track of where this thread is headed, as in our time, things are always in flux. Ill try to Update this thread every week or so depending on how busy I get. LPF is bookmarked for me... :beer: I mean, I still am a student in school.
I will add more companies as this year goes along, I have not looked upon every company... yet. Each blurb that describes a company is WHAT I have known so far. I will continuously read and edit forum posts to make this as useful as possible.
I would also like to note that I am a relatively seasoned member of this forum for quite a while, but I usually do research until now, where I start paying back to the community and posting things I know. Open to opinions!
Alright then. Keep me updated lads by posting YOUR thoughts in this thread.
Ill start off with companies I know fairly well and their reputation as a whole, also considering other members imput. Ill keep adding companies when I get more ideas from other people. Trolls, minors, idiots :na: out of here please.
Reputation of Various Laser Companies
Updated 9-8-11
Aixiz Lasers
Probably the company that is the most well known in all of laser communities for their Aixiz housings in laser module building. Considerably good workmanship on many of their lab lasers, low or high power. Also sells glass AR coated lenses that can be suitable for higher power portable laser builds. Good customer service according to a variety of members. I strongly recommend buying not only parts, but some of their lasers from this company.
CNI Lasers
An extremely good laser manufacturing company, they also advertise here on the forums. They produce very high quality lasers that range from DPSS to diode-only laser systems, available in lab lasers and pointers. China-based company that sells modules to other companies, but you must email to have a quote on purchasing a laser. A very specific and wide spectrum of colors in DPSS. Recommended, but may be a bit pricey, small degree of uncertainty. Accurate LPMing on most of their lasers, although several shipped units were inoperable upon arrival.
DealExtreme
Generally known as a well rounded laser site, only for buying low powered lasers. One of the cheapest laser selling sites with free shipping, even from China. Shipping time takes from 1.5 weeks in new 'nearby warehouses' to up to 2.5-3 weeks. US buyers cannot purchase any laser that is stronger than 5mW of output power. Also notable for selling fairly good medium capacity batteries, although they tend to be underspec, but thats okay. Does not sell laser safety glasses at an affordable price. Consistent in manufacturing. Generally recommended for members who are new to the LPF/laser community.
O-Like
Also another quality company, sells DIY modules, several complete lasers. Most lasers are LPM'd to a decent degree, may be off on the readings sometimes, but still reliable in stated power. Sells many different types of lasers ranging from 405nm-IR lasers. Very affordable safety devices also sold here covering all of its laser line. Reliable in some of its aspects. Recommended for more knowledgeable people, and requires a bit more knowledge on electronics to use modules and other tools they have there. Relatively nicely priced for buyers, for decent quality, however in recent times, the integrity of the company has been in slight doubt.
Wicked Lasers
Although one of the most famous companies in the laser community as a whole (not just LPF), it has a questionable reputation overall. The customer service is at times below average, however the forums are relatively active, and the lasers may be underspec from time to time. Older and lower power models such as the E series are significantly more reliable in terms of power ratings. The recent release of 1W lasers degraded its overall integrity as a company, specifically the Arctic and Krypton with some shipping issues and payment problems. May occasionally send out a lower quality laser with noticeable workmanship on some batches in manufacturing. Its FDA approval may still be in debate in LPF. Buying from Wicked may almost sometimes be a gamble whether or not you receive a laser that is on spec, although it is more likely that you will in the lower power ranges. Does not sell anything DIY, and may be a bit pricey.
I will add more companies as this year goes along, I have not looked upon every company... yet. Each blurb that describes a company is WHAT I have known so far. I will continuously read and edit forum posts to make this as useful as possible.
I would also like to note that I am a relatively seasoned member of this forum for quite a while, but I usually do research until now, where I start paying back to the community and posting things I know. Open to opinions!
Alright then. Keep me updated lads by posting YOUR thoughts in this thread.
Ill start off with companies I know fairly well and their reputation as a whole, also considering other members imput. Ill keep adding companies when I get more ideas from other people. Trolls, minors, idiots :na: out of here please.
Reputation of Various Laser Companies
Updated 9-8-11
Aixiz Lasers
Probably the company that is the most well known in all of laser communities for their Aixiz housings in laser module building. Considerably good workmanship on many of their lab lasers, low or high power. Also sells glass AR coated lenses that can be suitable for higher power portable laser builds. Good customer service according to a variety of members. I strongly recommend buying not only parts, but some of their lasers from this company.
CNI Lasers
An extremely good laser manufacturing company, they also advertise here on the forums. They produce very high quality lasers that range from DPSS to diode-only laser systems, available in lab lasers and pointers. China-based company that sells modules to other companies, but you must email to have a quote on purchasing a laser. A very specific and wide spectrum of colors in DPSS. Recommended, but may be a bit pricey, small degree of uncertainty. Accurate LPMing on most of their lasers, although several shipped units were inoperable upon arrival.
DealExtreme
Generally known as a well rounded laser site, only for buying low powered lasers. One of the cheapest laser selling sites with free shipping, even from China. Shipping time takes from 1.5 weeks in new 'nearby warehouses' to up to 2.5-3 weeks. US buyers cannot purchase any laser that is stronger than 5mW of output power. Also notable for selling fairly good medium capacity batteries, although they tend to be underspec, but thats okay. Does not sell laser safety glasses at an affordable price. Consistent in manufacturing. Generally recommended for members who are new to the LPF/laser community.
O-Like
Also another quality company, sells DIY modules, several complete lasers. Most lasers are LPM'd to a decent degree, may be off on the readings sometimes, but still reliable in stated power. Sells many different types of lasers ranging from 405nm-IR lasers. Very affordable safety devices also sold here covering all of its laser line. Reliable in some of its aspects. Recommended for more knowledgeable people, and requires a bit more knowledge on electronics to use modules and other tools they have there. Relatively nicely priced for buyers, for decent quality, however in recent times, the integrity of the company has been in slight doubt.
Wicked Lasers
Although one of the most famous companies in the laser community as a whole (not just LPF), it has a questionable reputation overall. The customer service is at times below average, however the forums are relatively active, and the lasers may be underspec from time to time. Older and lower power models such as the E series are significantly more reliable in terms of power ratings. The recent release of 1W lasers degraded its overall integrity as a company, specifically the Arctic and Krypton with some shipping issues and payment problems. May occasionally send out a lower quality laser with noticeable workmanship on some batches in manufacturing. Its FDA approval may still be in debate in LPF. Buying from Wicked may almost sometimes be a gamble whether or not you receive a laser that is on spec, although it is more likely that you will in the lower power ranges. Does not sell anything DIY, and may be a bit pricey.
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