This is a review of Sanwu Challenger II 465nm/2W
(will be updated in the near future)
The Wait
I placed my order on November 11 with Fedex/DHL shipping option ($40). The laser was shipped on December 8 and arrived on December 11.
Since I wanted to have a tritium slot on the on/off button, I asked Francis to put a Sanwu RGB button cap instead of the regular one (for no additional cost, thanks Francis!). I asked about this a few weeks ahead of my actual order.
Surprise surprise, Francis actually sent a fully assembled Sanwu RGB tailcap in addition to the laser itself. Sadly, the RGB tailcap doesn't fit -- it uses a different-sized thread.
I'm going to swap the button cap once I manage to disassemble the RGB tailcap assembly. I managed to disassemble both tailcaps and put the RGB button cap on the Challenger II
The Host
The Sanwu Challenger II host is made of solid cupronickel alloy and measures 24x140mm. When arrived, there are a few tiny metal shavings sticking here and there. Spent a few minutes to clean it, no big deal.
With batteries inserted it is quite hefty for its size, but well-balanced and pleasant to handle.
Being made of cupronickel, it has a yellowish tinge and has started to darken/ tarnish a bit (I have particularly sweaty hands and the weather is humid here).
The Guts
I ordered the 465nm/2W option with single-mode driver powered by 2 18350 batteries. Francis confirms that the 465nm/2W option runs a NDB7675 diode.
NDB7675 is an interesting diode since the emitted wavelength gets longer as it gets supplied with more current (graph by @Cyparagon). Since this correlation holds up from practically zero amp 'til beyond the power foldback, the laser should be shifting wavelength during soft start. (I need to get a diffraction grating to be certain though!)
Visually, it starts with a deep blue (a tad lighter than RGB-blue) and changes to a sky blue color in the first second. In the next 2-3 seconds it gets slightly brighter until reaching full power.
But what makes me believe it does shift wavelength is the beam's interference pattern. The pattern changes during soft-start and then stays put when reaching full power. (I will try to get this on camera)
The Beam
Challenger II 465nm & Pocket 492nm, both photos are 4-second long exposure with ISO 50. Taken with Samsung Galaxy S9+.
The Conclusion
Is the laser worth the $350 price tag? In my opinion, yes! The host is very well-built and has decent duty cycle for its small size. Also, NDB7675's beautiful, bright sky blue color is a worthy addition to any wavelength collector.
The laser beam isn't perfectly aligned with the host, but it isn't that noticeable. Also it's kind of disappointing that Sanwu doesn't make screw-on lens cap for their products (are there any machinist out there?
)
(will be updated in the near future)
The Wait
I placed my order on November 11 with Fedex/DHL shipping option ($40). The laser was shipped on December 8 and arrived on December 11.
Since I wanted to have a tritium slot on the on/off button, I asked Francis to put a Sanwu RGB button cap instead of the regular one (for no additional cost, thanks Francis!). I asked about this a few weeks ahead of my actual order.
Surprise surprise, Francis actually sent a fully assembled Sanwu RGB tailcap in addition to the laser itself. Sadly, the RGB tailcap doesn't fit -- it uses a different-sized thread.
The Host
The Sanwu Challenger II host is made of solid cupronickel alloy and measures 24x140mm. When arrived, there are a few tiny metal shavings sticking here and there. Spent a few minutes to clean it, no big deal.
With batteries inserted it is quite hefty for its size, but well-balanced and pleasant to handle.
Being made of cupronickel, it has a yellowish tinge and has started to darken/ tarnish a bit (I have particularly sweaty hands and the weather is humid here).
The Guts
I ordered the 465nm/2W option with single-mode driver powered by 2 18350 batteries. Francis confirms that the 465nm/2W option runs a NDB7675 diode.
NDB7675 is an interesting diode since the emitted wavelength gets longer as it gets supplied with more current (graph by @Cyparagon). Since this correlation holds up from practically zero amp 'til beyond the power foldback, the laser should be shifting wavelength during soft start. (I need to get a diffraction grating to be certain though!)
Visually, it starts with a deep blue (a tad lighter than RGB-blue) and changes to a sky blue color in the first second. In the next 2-3 seconds it gets slightly brighter until reaching full power.
But what makes me believe it does shift wavelength is the beam's interference pattern. The pattern changes during soft-start and then stays put when reaching full power. (I will try to get this on camera)
The Beam
Challenger II 465nm & Pocket 492nm, both photos are 4-second long exposure with ISO 50. Taken with Samsung Galaxy S9+.
The Conclusion
Is the laser worth the $350 price tag? In my opinion, yes! The host is very well-built and has decent duty cycle for its small size. Also, NDB7675's beautiful, bright sky blue color is a worthy addition to any wavelength collector.
The laser beam isn't perfectly aligned with the host, but it isn't that noticeable. Also it's kind of disappointing that Sanwu doesn't make screw-on lens cap for their products (are there any machinist out there?
)
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