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nero_design
Wicked Lasers God
Joined: 02 Sep 2005
Posts: 1463
Picture(s): 98
Movie(s): 1
Location: Australia
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 Posted: 10/12/05, 9:04 AM Post subject: |
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Whoa Nesquikus! This is not a debate about Video Piracy, Copyright Infingement or Automatic Firearms. And none of these three subjects should be considered appropriate pursuits in general. Because such activities deprive people and creators of their due income or are a threat to the general public due to their popularity with criminals and, unfortunately, terrorists.
The issue raised was whether or not Wicked was doing the wrong thing by selling lasers in the Class 3B range. They are not. My last package was open and inspected by customs last week. There was even printed tape over the package identifying it as having been opened by Customs for individual inspection. No problem. Because my country (Australia), like so many others, has no restrictions for importing such devices for individual use. The US have restrictions which vary depending on the location and the recipient and they don't necessarily apply to the importing of goods, just the recipients. Because there are legitimate uses for Class 3B lasers. They are also freely available from a variety of manufacturers who sell directly to the US public.
The biggest current producer of green diode lasers is China. Most of the world uses diodes manufactured in China so it makes sense to buy from China if that's where the best deals can be had. ALL THE GLP III style lasers for sale in the USA (to the best of my well-researched knowledge) are made by Changchun in China. All the other Diodes are made in Taiwan. So Chinese Class 3B lasers are being imported to the US and are being sold to the general public by companies like Z-Bolt, Amazing.com, WickedLasers etc. And then there's people like Arnold at Atlasnova who will sell overclocked lasers through privately arranged sales made under the counter.... you have to phone him first and, after he asks you several 'magic questions', he gives you a password to his "special selection webpage". Arnold's lasers aren't OEM, they're overclocked by hand. Exactly the sort of thing the FDA is complaining about. They DON'T have a problem with OEM lasers but they DO have a problem with overclocked or "overpowered" lasers which have been boosted beyond their intended (and stated) output. Now I don't need to explain to you that this is the sort of thing you should be complaining about. But NO, you seem to want to point a finger at Wicked when in fact you yourself admit to buying a number of lasers from them already.
Just because the supplier or manufacturer of an electronics part is located overseas there's no reason to claim that they are 'hiding there to avoid the US legal system like a software pirate'. In fact, the second largest laser supplier is based in Europe. I don't see you complaining about them either. Wicked even sell safety glasses and do so at a reduced price. I don't see any US companies with similar products offering the same. You claim that Wicked's products are "Technically not legal" yet the FDA defines their product as being identical in nature to US sold versions. Both local and imported products are Class 3B portable lasers and BOTH are subject to the same 'purpose of use'. I call 'shennanigans'.
You have a choice:
* Buy from the US at a higher price and end up with an inferior product (due to Tard-features and bulkier sizes) ....or.... buy from Wicked and be sensible with your laser, same as you would need to be with a US sold Chinese/Taiwan manufactured diode laser.
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Regards,
Marco Nero
* Laser Gallery: http://www.pbase.com/nero_design/pro1wickedlasers
* Always use appropriate laser-safe eyewear when using higher powered lasers. |
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James
Modified 10mW Greenie
Joined: 10 Oct 2005
Posts: 15
Location: Somewhere in England
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| Posted: 10/12/05, 9:49 AM Post subject: |
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Well said 
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nestlequikus
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 29 Jun 2005
Posts: 34
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| Posted: 10/12/05, 2:03 PM Post subject: |
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Nero: I agree, the issue is whether or not Wicked wrong for selling 3B lasers. The firearm and piracy analogies were to make the point that they are skirting the law by being in another country (and to correct your mistake regarding our gun laws). This is probably why Wicked Lasers moved from the United States to China last year.
I don't know what the laws are in Australia. But when an object crosses the border, customs agents are focusing on finding weapons and .......N3ROWN3D!.......SPAMMER-ALERT........MODS-PLEASE-DELETE-THIS-ST UPID-POST........., not lasers over a certain mW. They probably did not even know what it was - or the laws that pertain to it - when they inspected it. Even though the FDA has apparently ordered Wicked Lasers shipments confiscated, I doubt a U.S. buyer faces much risk because there are SO many pieces of mail coming in every day.
Earlier this morning I called the FDA and asked how one would go about obtaining a 3B variance. I told the guy (Jerry something or other) I would be using it as an astronomy tool to point out stars and such. He said I wouldn't necessarily need the permit, but I'd want to check with my supplier to verify that they had a variance. He asked that I ask the supplier for their variance number and call FDA back to make sure it was valid. I told him I was considering a purchase from Wicked Lasers. He replied they were on customs detention because they do not have a variance.
I feel like Wicked Lasers does a decent job of discussing the laws on their /disclaimer.php page, but they should add to that that their shipments are on FDA detention in the U.S. because they do not have a variance. They could add that they assume all risk and will refund or reship any item that is confiscated. This would be the most upfront and honest thing to do. |
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LaserLight
Elite Laser
Joined: 21 Sep 2005
Posts: 128
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| Posted: 10/12/05, 2:30 PM Post subject: |
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"Quaranteed delivery for all worldwide locations within 7 business days or we'll give you 100$ back."
It's on their home page! I think this is a very fair offer. My dealings with Wicked Lasers have given me a lot of faith in their great customer service. Sure, I read through this topic before I got my lasers and wondered what all the fuss was about. It seemed to me like a bunch of nit-picking. The kind of stuff you hear old jealous town gossips sit around and talk about. The true facts are that I got my order and I got it very quickly. |
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barisseker
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 06 Oct 2005
Posts: 51
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| Posted: 10/12/05, 3:43 PM Post subject: |
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LaserLight are you in USA?
I ordered my greenie 2 days ago and it's on its way now Hope I get it soon. Whether it's against the law or not to order one or use one in this country, I don't really care. I trust myself and I'll handle this baby just fine and not hurt others. Wicked Lasers guaranteed that I'll get my laser, if not, I'll get my money back. So I guess there's nothing to lose. |
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LaserLight
Elite Laser
Joined: 21 Sep 2005
Posts: 128
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| Posted: 10/12/05, 3:54 PM Post subject: |
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| Yes, I'm here in the USA. You should get it soon. |
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chargerman
Wicked Lasers God
Joined: 08 Sep 2005
Posts: 1737
Movie(s): 2
Location: Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming
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| Posted: 10/12/05, 5:16 PM Post subject: RE: |
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Same here barisseker, I live in wyoming, Had my Nexus in less than 7 working days as promised. Cheers Dale 
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Best Regards Chargerman
Great divergence calculator 
http://www.pseudonomen.com/lasers/calculators/ |
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barisseker
25mW Classic Wicked Laser
Joined: 06 Oct 2005
Posts: 51
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| Posted: 10/12/05, 7:05 PM Post subject: |
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7 days? that's awesome. I ordered some e2 lithiums and aaa rechargebles, so that means they'll arrive around the same time.
I still gotta shop for dark color baloons and matches  |
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