RECON
0
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2010
- Messages
- 43
- Points
- 8
What's up guys. I finally received my Spartan 1W 447nm and I am so pleased with it I just want to tell you about it. Keep in my mind, this is not my attempt at a formal review...just a little a show and tell.
I ordered the unit on 11/16/2010 and it was dispatched to my location on 11/24/2010. I received the package on 12/11/2010 with a total cost of $279.99. Shipping seems like a long time, but Frank kept me updated during the whole process. The integrity of the box was maintained and I am sure the package was not opened or inspected at any time. The packaging inside was impressive. Multiple rolls of bubble wrap were used to secure the laser and protect it from shock. Furthermore, the unit itself came in a sealed bag.
Once out of the bag, the spartan appeared flawless. The host is machined perfectly with not a single ding or scratch evident. The threads on the tail cap are smooth and screw with little effort. No squeeking or grinding here. The tail cap makes a definitive clicking sound when activated and requires a moderate amount of pressure to depress, which in my opinion is a good thing. This will alleviate the possibility of accidental activations. The lense appears spotless and the unit came with a protective sticker over the aperature during transport. Inside the host, the spring which leads into the laser module itself is shiny and sits straight. It has a good amount of recoil ensuring a positive battery connection. There is also a white plastic insert fit snugly (possibly glued) into the host which travels the length of the host and adheres to the inner walls. This makes the batteries fit snugly. The laser has some serious weight to it and feels great in my hands. I have heard many people disliking the host style of this unit, but I find it refined and attractive. It is portable and "sleek" looking. The host is 20 cm long and 3 cm wide at the widest point near the aperature. The aperature opening itself is 1 cm in diameter.
For the first activation, I utilized duracell lithium photo batteries, CR123A, rated at 3.0V per cell. This is the recommendation for powering this device and I know there are other voltage/rechargeable options for this unit, but so far I stuck with the lower voltage disposables. (Don't want to chance anything!) Upon activation, I literally laughed out loud. When I say bright, it is ridiculously bright. The beam is actually tighter than I thought it would be with no apparent changes in brightness during a straight two minute activation cycle. The color of the beam is a deep blue. I would be lying if I said I could see a slight violet color. Maybe on a side by side comparison with a true blue 473nm there would be some violet evident, but as far as I can tell, its as blue as it gets. The beam exits the aperature perfectly straight from what I can tell. Definitely a change from my greenies.
The beam width upon exiting the aperature is approximately 4mm. When projecting on a wall approximately 30 feet away, the end result is a tight rectangular "dot" just under 1 inch long. The height of the rectangular projection is approximately 1/4 inch, or 1/4 inch thick. The most I have cycled this unit for has been 2 minutes at a time, and during those activation periods, the host only became a little warm. It was never hot to touch and as I previously stated, there were no visible changes in brightness. As far as burning, BE CAREFUL. This unit can burn so well its scary. Paper, cardboard, and matches of any color do not stand a chance. Black rubber and leather starts smoking in about 2 seconds at a distance of 12 inches from the aperature. I apologize but I do not have a meter to formally test the output. Overall, for the price, I still cannot believe the quality and output of the laser. I am actually thinking about buying another one as a backup. I hope this may help any of you guys who are thinking about picking up this unit. If so, don't think it on it anymore. Just go for it! Honestly I am a very very picky person and I am completely satisfied. Sorry there are no pictures, but my digital camera is not currently working and cell phone shots are not even worth posting here. Thanks!!
I ordered the unit on 11/16/2010 and it was dispatched to my location on 11/24/2010. I received the package on 12/11/2010 with a total cost of $279.99. Shipping seems like a long time, but Frank kept me updated during the whole process. The integrity of the box was maintained and I am sure the package was not opened or inspected at any time. The packaging inside was impressive. Multiple rolls of bubble wrap were used to secure the laser and protect it from shock. Furthermore, the unit itself came in a sealed bag.
Once out of the bag, the spartan appeared flawless. The host is machined perfectly with not a single ding or scratch evident. The threads on the tail cap are smooth and screw with little effort. No squeeking or grinding here. The tail cap makes a definitive clicking sound when activated and requires a moderate amount of pressure to depress, which in my opinion is a good thing. This will alleviate the possibility of accidental activations. The lense appears spotless and the unit came with a protective sticker over the aperature during transport. Inside the host, the spring which leads into the laser module itself is shiny and sits straight. It has a good amount of recoil ensuring a positive battery connection. There is also a white plastic insert fit snugly (possibly glued) into the host which travels the length of the host and adheres to the inner walls. This makes the batteries fit snugly. The laser has some serious weight to it and feels great in my hands. I have heard many people disliking the host style of this unit, but I find it refined and attractive. It is portable and "sleek" looking. The host is 20 cm long and 3 cm wide at the widest point near the aperature. The aperature opening itself is 1 cm in diameter.
For the first activation, I utilized duracell lithium photo batteries, CR123A, rated at 3.0V per cell. This is the recommendation for powering this device and I know there are other voltage/rechargeable options for this unit, but so far I stuck with the lower voltage disposables. (Don't want to chance anything!) Upon activation, I literally laughed out loud. When I say bright, it is ridiculously bright. The beam is actually tighter than I thought it would be with no apparent changes in brightness during a straight two minute activation cycle. The color of the beam is a deep blue. I would be lying if I said I could see a slight violet color. Maybe on a side by side comparison with a true blue 473nm there would be some violet evident, but as far as I can tell, its as blue as it gets. The beam exits the aperature perfectly straight from what I can tell. Definitely a change from my greenies.
The beam width upon exiting the aperature is approximately 4mm. When projecting on a wall approximately 30 feet away, the end result is a tight rectangular "dot" just under 1 inch long. The height of the rectangular projection is approximately 1/4 inch, or 1/4 inch thick. The most I have cycled this unit for has been 2 minutes at a time, and during those activation periods, the host only became a little warm. It was never hot to touch and as I previously stated, there were no visible changes in brightness. As far as burning, BE CAREFUL. This unit can burn so well its scary. Paper, cardboard, and matches of any color do not stand a chance. Black rubber and leather starts smoking in about 2 seconds at a distance of 12 inches from the aperature. I apologize but I do not have a meter to formally test the output. Overall, for the price, I still cannot believe the quality and output of the laser. I am actually thinking about buying another one as a backup. I hope this may help any of you guys who are thinking about picking up this unit. If so, don't think it on it anymore. Just go for it! Honestly I am a very very picky person and I am completely satisfied. Sorry there are no pictures, but my digital camera is not currently working and cell phone shots are not even worth posting here. Thanks!!
