Well I find it hard to believe that the average output only varies by 4mw or so with Nimh vs lithiums, that sounds fishy to me.
Jase
copied and pasted by request.
Output:
Label <160mW @532nm
Getting down to business, most people want to know about the raw output power. As with previous reviews I try to include a detailed breakdown of the output over time, including the figures produced through the use of different battery types.
*30 second test period ignoring peak output for average values.
Power Source: 2xAAA Batteries
Alkalines:
Min:168.4mW
Max: 176.3mW
Average: 172.35mW
Peak:225.4mW(not included in average rating)
NiMH
Min:164.3mW
Max:174.6mW
Average: 169.45mW
Peak:207.4mW(not included in average rating)
Lithium
Min: 168.6mW
Max: 178.2mW
Average: 173.4mW
Peak:224.5mW(not included in average rating)
Testing:
Numbers are one thing, but actual results can sometimes tell a different story. Below are some tests/experiments I have done with the laser. It should give a good indication of what an “Elite Series” laser is capable of.
Cutting Black electrical tape
-To be added
Lighting Matches
-To be added
Burning through paper
-To be added
Beam Quality (this unit):
Near flawless beam characteristics are a rare thing among pen lasers. Taking a closer look at the gaussian dot profile reveals very few if any artifacts. A mode of TEM00 is maintained throughout the entire testing period. In fact the beam and dot profile are on par with the best I’ve seen in pen-style lasers.
Divergence:
Official divergence figures are currently unknown, however this unit has a measured divergence of ~0.9mRad.
Stability (this unit):
This particular unit ranks among the most stable pen laser units I have tested to date. Over a 30 second test period, allowing for a 5 second warm phase the output stability was an amazing ~5-6% fluctuation of the average observed figure. The crystal efficiency in these models is outstanding and far superior to many pen lasers that I have tested to date, easily on par with “freak unit crystal sets” that have appeared now and then.
Price: Unknown
Release Date: Unknown
Conclusion:
Over the past few years Wicked has strived to develop lasers of extraordinary quality. We have seen them go right back to the drawing board now and then in order to perfect their product. In my opinion, the “Elite Series” represents all the hard work Wicked has put into developing a truly superior pen-style laser device.
These units contain high quality IR filters and as such are the only laser in this class that I have tested to actually meet the output rating claim of over 150mW (which were not freak units). Simply put, this laser is of the highest quality I have seen in the pen-style laser class to date.
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Cheers,
Sean.
Sounds like an amazing laser, if the facts are to be believed. I for one would love to see an independant review of this
Jase.