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Review time! :yh: So here's my review of the 445nm, 7 Watt, Arcane 2.0 by Sci Fi Lasers.
Arrival and assembly
After some deliberation I decided something more powerful with more class was required in my collection. So I looked into this laser, the Arcane 2.0 is the refined, improved version of the original Arcane, and is an attractive host. I was left to salivate over pictures for 2 weeks before it got to me, packaged securely as per usual with Sci Fi Lasers.
The host is supplied in 3 separate pieces which simply screw together. The copper heat sink on mine was loose on arrival, the threads simply tighten back up with a gentle twist, and if needed it can be held into place by a hex headed screw which is there for adjustment/further disassembly. The quality of the heat sink was immediately apparent. It has heft to it, and looks well machined. The threads are on my laser, all in all, of a good quality.
My only criticism regarding the threads and other parts which were machined, is that they arrived a bit grubby, and I'm really trying to find fault here. Being a bit of a pedant I grabbed a brush and cleaned them thoroughly prior to assembly.
The focus adapter/ring is nicely machined and the lens sits inside it, adjustment of focus is made by twisting the ring, so that the lens either sits higher or lower in relation to the diode.
It's effective, more obviously up close though as this laser has a massive divergence due to it being a powerful multi-mode (unmeasured divergence as of yet I apologise).
One thing to note is that the focus ring and heat-sink are counter threaded, so that should you tighten the focus ring up all the way, it will undo the heat sink. This is solved by tightening the heat-sink and being gentle with the focus ring. Another note, is that on my laser, originally I couldn't make the focus ring sit flush with the body, this was solved by popping the heat-sink in slightly further, Eitan told me what to do, and it literally took me about 1 minute. Again excellent customer service.
Beefy copper heat-sink
Gap when focused
Fit between parts isn't 100% seamless at first, but remember this is a small company, dealing with a lot of customers, not a factory driven multi-national operation. The fit and finish is far from lacking. Overall the host fits together nicely, and feels solid. There's a noticeable weight with it in your hand compared to a lot of other lasers. I'm very happy with the overall quality, and the nickel plating is superb. I have enjoyed using the laser to date, with no issues to report after my first couple of months :beer:
Operation
The two 16430 batteries are inserted negative to tailcap. Then the tailcap is screwed into place firmly, it's threads are spot on. There is no movement inside the battery compartment, it's all snug and correct.
Tailcap
There is a simple on off switch located on the top of the unit, it's a clicky button affair and is rubberised. Soft to the touch, and boasts plenty of grip. It works as should, a no thrills switch... however... it's when you press the switch that the fun begins.
Performance
The beam does end up wide at long range, that's due to the nature of the diode and it's output. Eitan assured me it was normal, his communication as always, spot on. Luckily, up close you can get it to collimate really reasonably. It lights almost anything you point it at, I've even started to burn images onto wood for entertainment, I sketch them first, then go over them with the laser. The result is amusing. Obviously extreme caution is advised when enjoying this laser. I put my glasses on before I insert the batteries with my lasers as a matter of practice, and observe with diligence where the laser is pointing at all times.
Here's an LPM reading, not sure what it peaks at, but here's the laser running.
I've been told 2 minutes on and a minute off will be sufficient, though I've been running a duty cycle of 30s on and 45s to a minute off to be safe. Some heat builds after a minute of being on, nothing abnormal, but I like to play it safe.
Here it is zapping it's way out of a church tower deep in a forest, the area around the church glows blue :evil:
I've no idea as to the maximum visible range but it seems to paint a huge blue splash zone at a mile away, and a friend of mine assures me he can see the beam at over a mile in the night sky. It always gives me a strange adrenaline surge when I use this laser, and demonstrating it in front of friends always results in comments and exclamations. The beam is seemingly endless, a clear vibrant blue, rectangular at longer ranges, and thankfully is totally straight upon exiting the host. If you get angry at poor divergence then this laser isn't one for you, personally I love the beam's shape, so it doesn't bother me. Overall I find it very satisfying to use.
Summing up
Overall it's a cracking laser with a huge output. The host is very satisfying from an aesthetic perspective, and it's a crowd pleaser. I've no regret in buying it, and I'd recommend it 100% to anyone interested :beer:
Sci Fi Lasers made this beast very well, and in my mind it's an enjoyable addition to anyone's collection. Thank you for reading this review, hoping to post again soon!
:thanks:
Arrival and assembly
After some deliberation I decided something more powerful with more class was required in my collection. So I looked into this laser, the Arcane 2.0 is the refined, improved version of the original Arcane, and is an attractive host. I was left to salivate over pictures for 2 weeks before it got to me, packaged securely as per usual with Sci Fi Lasers.
The host is supplied in 3 separate pieces which simply screw together. The copper heat sink on mine was loose on arrival, the threads simply tighten back up with a gentle twist, and if needed it can be held into place by a hex headed screw which is there for adjustment/further disassembly. The quality of the heat sink was immediately apparent. It has heft to it, and looks well machined. The threads are on my laser, all in all, of a good quality.
My only criticism regarding the threads and other parts which were machined, is that they arrived a bit grubby, and I'm really trying to find fault here. Being a bit of a pedant I grabbed a brush and cleaned them thoroughly prior to assembly.
The focus adapter/ring is nicely machined and the lens sits inside it, adjustment of focus is made by twisting the ring, so that the lens either sits higher or lower in relation to the diode.
It's effective, more obviously up close though as this laser has a massive divergence due to it being a powerful multi-mode (unmeasured divergence as of yet I apologise).
One thing to note is that the focus ring and heat-sink are counter threaded, so that should you tighten the focus ring up all the way, it will undo the heat sink. This is solved by tightening the heat-sink and being gentle with the focus ring. Another note, is that on my laser, originally I couldn't make the focus ring sit flush with the body, this was solved by popping the heat-sink in slightly further, Eitan told me what to do, and it literally took me about 1 minute. Again excellent customer service.
Beefy copper heat-sink
Gap when focused
Fit between parts isn't 100% seamless at first, but remember this is a small company, dealing with a lot of customers, not a factory driven multi-national operation. The fit and finish is far from lacking. Overall the host fits together nicely, and feels solid. There's a noticeable weight with it in your hand compared to a lot of other lasers. I'm very happy with the overall quality, and the nickel plating is superb. I have enjoyed using the laser to date, with no issues to report after my first couple of months :beer:
Operation
The two 16430 batteries are inserted negative to tailcap. Then the tailcap is screwed into place firmly, it's threads are spot on. There is no movement inside the battery compartment, it's all snug and correct.
Tailcap
There is a simple on off switch located on the top of the unit, it's a clicky button affair and is rubberised. Soft to the touch, and boasts plenty of grip. It works as should, a no thrills switch... however... it's when you press the switch that the fun begins.
Performance
The beam does end up wide at long range, that's due to the nature of the diode and it's output. Eitan assured me it was normal, his communication as always, spot on. Luckily, up close you can get it to collimate really reasonably. It lights almost anything you point it at, I've even started to burn images onto wood for entertainment, I sketch them first, then go over them with the laser. The result is amusing. Obviously extreme caution is advised when enjoying this laser. I put my glasses on before I insert the batteries with my lasers as a matter of practice, and observe with diligence where the laser is pointing at all times.
Here's an LPM reading, not sure what it peaks at, but here's the laser running.
I've been told 2 minutes on and a minute off will be sufficient, though I've been running a duty cycle of 30s on and 45s to a minute off to be safe. Some heat builds after a minute of being on, nothing abnormal, but I like to play it safe.
Here it is zapping it's way out of a church tower deep in a forest, the area around the church glows blue :evil:
I've no idea as to the maximum visible range but it seems to paint a huge blue splash zone at a mile away, and a friend of mine assures me he can see the beam at over a mile in the night sky. It always gives me a strange adrenaline surge when I use this laser, and demonstrating it in front of friends always results in comments and exclamations. The beam is seemingly endless, a clear vibrant blue, rectangular at longer ranges, and thankfully is totally straight upon exiting the host. If you get angry at poor divergence then this laser isn't one for you, personally I love the beam's shape, so it doesn't bother me. Overall I find it very satisfying to use.
Summing up
Overall it's a cracking laser with a huge output. The host is very satisfying from an aesthetic perspective, and it's a crowd pleaser. I've no regret in buying it, and I'd recommend it 100% to anyone interested :beer:
Sci Fi Lasers made this beast very well, and in my mind it's an enjoyable addition to anyone's collection. Thank you for reading this review, hoping to post again soon!
:thanks:
You'll enjoy it, they are really bright as blues go.
