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This page will answer the majority of questions all new laser users need to ask. It is brief yet concise and focuses on the Wicked Laser series of high powered green lasers, widely regarded as the most reliable and effective consumer lasers. These lasers are excellent for use in astronomy, museums, general entertainment and educational situations.
Lasers are serious fun but if you're new to the scene you'll have some questions that need to be answered.
♦ Check out the FAQ section below for the most important Questions that need to be answered & also FIND OUT which laser is the BEST VALUE FOR MONEY! ♦
♦ The VIDEO section displays the intense power of Wicked Lasers. I've compiled a collection of clips to really show off what they can do! ♦ Updated!
♦ See the PHOTO section for some awe-inspiring Wicked Laser photos! ♦ Updated!
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Save 5% on any Wicked Laser Purchase!! Simply use the Promotional Code 4451 when making your purchase! (Click "Add to Cart" not "Buy Now" to get your discount + if you do you use my code drop me an email at vinsm@hotmail.com or pm me, 'vinsm' on the WL forums... Cheers!)
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Here are some of my experiences. Read over them and the process of buying one of these awesome Lasers will go smoothly and as expected for you. I had a lot of questions when I first started looking into the Laser scene, I’ll try to address most of these for you below.
I refer to seven different green laser models for comparisons on strength/ability. Each is outlined below:
Classic - 15mW - 6miles
Classic II - 35mW - 14miles
Advanced - 55mW - 25miles
Phoenix - 75mW - 26miles
Nexus - 95mW - 38miles
Fusion - 125mW - 50miles
Spyder - 300mW - 120miles & Waterproof!
How powerful are the lasers?
All the laser modules that are linked to below are class IIIb. This category includes lasers with power ratings between 5mW and 500mW. In low light conditions the beam should be visible in all of these models whils the mid-range models and up have the ability to perform certain "tricks" (see below).
In relation to power output and cost you must consider what you want from your laser.
Visibility - Most people agree that the in terms of visibility the Phoenix and the Nexus are quite close. In daylight outside the beam is sometimes visible, it is variable on humidity, brightness etc. Imagine a green kite-string and you’re getting close. On some bright clear sky days you might be out of luck. Inside the beam is clearly visible and at night… WOW! In terms of how far the dot goes, you definitely will not be disappointed. The Phoenix is rated for 26miles and the Nexus for 38miles. Pointing towards the night sky at night or across the city is so choice.
Visually the Nexus and Fusion will look very similar, the beam of the Fusion will look slightly more solid in lit and semi-lit conditions. In the dark or outside at night, they will both look near to identical. As a general rule of thumb, with the higher powered lasers, with FOUR times the power you get TWICE the brightness.
“Tricks” – With the Phoenix you can pop balloons with relative ease. It is also possible to light matches however this may prove more difficult and the beam may have to be focused (using a magnifying glass). You’ll also be able to punch holes through black plastic bags and smoke through paper. If you use coloured paper (red or black) the energy from the laser will be better absorbed and these tricks will all work better.
The Nexus will be a step up. Things will happen faster and distance will increase a little. The same can be said for the Fusion, it can perform these tricks very well.
Goggles… how necessary are they and how much are they going to cost?
If you’re inside (especially if you’re doing "tricks") goggles are HIGHLY recommended. The reflection off bright/shiny surfaces (specular) can be quite bright and can cause headaches if you’re exposed to it for to long. If you get an accidental flash of the beam across your naked eye for a split second with one of the lower powered models you’re not going to be permanently blinded. You may however see black spots and have a headache. However with the higher powered lasers a direct hit to the naked eye can cause permanant damage. Outside when you’re pointing the laser away from you, and not at anything in close proximity, goggles are generally not required.
Goggles can be picked up relatively cheaply.
ebay offers some cheap alternatives (search “Barr & Stroud Laser goggles” - $20 odd) and WL offer a discount if you purchase them at the same time as your laser.
How do the lasers work?
An Infrared (808nm) laser diode produces light in the infrared (invisible to the human eye) spectrum, which is fired into a focusing lens that sends the laser beam through the ND (neodymium yttrium vanadium oxide) crystal. This increases the light's frequency to 1064nm, which is still in the infrared (IR) laser spectrum. taken from WL site
For more information check out Wikipedia's page on Laser Pointers and on Lasers in general
What Laser is the best value for money?
I believe Wicked Lasers provide the best lasers at the most reasonable prices. I struggled for a while trying to decide what laser was best for me, I did some sums and this is what I came up with:
Classic
$100 @ 15mw = $6.6 per mw of power
Classic
$160 @ 35mw = $4.6 per mw of power
Advanced
$210 @ 55mw = $3.8 per mw of power
Phoenix
$260 @ 75mw = $3.45 per mw of power
Nexus
$370 @ 95 mw = $3.9 per mw of power
Fusion
$500 @ 125mw = $4 per mw of power
As you can see economies of scale kicks in at the Phoenix . For $110 more you’ll only be getting an extra 20mw in power (the beam will be practically the same, the increase comes mainly in burning power. The Phoenix is my choice for this reason however if you're on a tighter budget the 50mW will also not let you down.
What are some specific uses for handheld lasers?
Animal Control - Laser technology can be used to chase animals away.
Astronomy - Lasers are unmatched in their ability to trace or pinpoint specific astral constellations. Mounted with velcro on a telescope, a laser can be an incredible tool for any astronomer.
Construction - Laser technology ensures proper, straight alignment for any measurement, as well as for long distance machine projection.
Education - College professors often use a low powered hand held laser diode to catch the attention of students.
Film Production - Laser technology has many uses in the entertainment industry. They are growing in popularity for special effects in films and music videos.
Forensic Science - Lasers have proven to be useful in the critical analysis of forensic evidence in retracing paths of fired objects from far away, or simply recreating a crime scene. In most models the beam is clearly visible during the day, so there is no need to spray the beam for visibility.
Medicine - Laser technology can be used in treating chronic pain and swelling under the safety measures that are applied for such cases.
Military - Mounted laser sights facilitate unequivocal accuracy in tactical military functionality. Lasers are used to help pinpoint targets for smart bombs. They can intimidate the enemy at long distance surveillance, as well as personal emergency pinpointing.
Research - Laser technologies have been employed in many scientific field experiments for research analysis.
Search & Rescue - Through water, or air, a laser beam can be seen from miles away. The laser can be utilized as an extremely efficient tool for flaring in search and rescue emergencies. Such as going astray in the ocean, or getting lost in the mountains while hiking or trail blazing, or even desert emergencies. The beam produced by some of our lasers can be seen from miles a way, up to and over 65 miles.
What about batteries?
Batteries aren’t that big of an issue. Most lasers get 2-3 hours from a set of AAAs. 900mAh NiMH rechargeables work well as do energiser e2's. Batteries aren’t going to cost you an arm or a leg.
I’m on a tighter budget, will the cheaper/lower mw Wicked Lasers be enough?
Yes and no. All the lasers, including the classic models, that WL offers are a significant step up from the lasers we are all use to. Check out this link for a comparison chart (about half way down the page).
Still can’t decide?
I suggest sleep on it, check out some more VIDEOS and PHOTOS in my gallery, and ask questions. (The site isn't letting me upload atm so in the mean time check out the pics and vids on the WL site).
Ready to order?
Good stuff! Go to Wicked Lasers and place your order. You’ll have your laser within a week!
If you use the Promotional Code (4451) you’ll also Save 5% (sometimes 7%!) ($13 - $20 depending on what model you choose). This pretty much means free shipping!
I’m sure, like me, you’ll be more than happy with your laser!
Cheers,
Vinsm
If you have any further Questions email me at vinsm@hotmail.com and thanks if you use my promo code because it's a small step towards helping to fund my WL addiction :)
Wicked Lasers... Save 5%... be fully informed...thanks for using my promo code!:)
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