Hand held laser technology has made incredible advances over the past several decades, but no modern laser can outshine the incredible Spyder Arctic III. From the rugged tactical exterior to the absolutely stunning 1 Watt output power, the Arctic III leads the field in every category. I’m quite familiar with laser and illumination technology, from the IZLID I carried in Afghanistan to the Wicked Lasers line of ultra high-power personal lasers. This laser has a lot going for it: it’s highly dependable, shockingly powerful, and remarkably power-efficient considering its whopping output level and potential range. Any fan of high-powered laser equipment will immediately recognize what the Spyder Arctic III has to offer:
Portable Power
At only 9 inches long, the Spyder Arctic III may not seem like it is capable of delivering much power, but behind its understated size lurks an immensely powerful laser. The Arctic III comes with a carry case complete with clever magnetic latch to keep the laser safe for transport. Even inside its case (and with necessary safety goggles – more on that later,) the kit is easy to transport in a bag or backpack. I’ve found the quoted two hour battery life to be about accurate, which may not seem like much, but is more than sufficient for this type of device. Due to its power level, most users will not run the laser for long periods of time anyway, as it is extremely destructive to its target.
Talk About Intensity!
The Arctic III’s most talked-about feature is of course its extreme output range, which hovers around 1 Watt. By consumer laser standards, this is the most powerful hand-held laser device in the world. Because of this, users must be extremely responsible. Take it from me: the safety information for this laser is not an exaggeration. Always wear eye protection and treat the laser itself like a weapon; it is capable of nearly instant destruction if not properly utilized. The laser’s icy blue beam will quickly burn through nearly all materials, and superheat any it cannot penetrate. Extreme caution must be exercised. I would strongly recommend against any in-home use of this device; the potential for harm to property or bystanders is too great.
Safety First
The fact that safety equipment is required for use of this powerhouse is a testament to how serious a gadget it is. The Spyder Arctic III ships complete with a set of safety goggles that normally retail for about $100. The quality on these is excellent; the manufacturer didn’t cut any corners. Safety gear that feels well-made is certainly a confidence booster when making use of this type of technology. Additional pairs of safety glasses are available for order as well. I highly recommend them, after all, what’s the fun of a real lightsaber like this without friends?
So there you have it! The new Spyder Arctic III 1 Watt personal laser was without a doubt above and beyond my expectations. From its military / sci-fi exterior to its incredible beam to the completeness and attention to detail evident from the kit, the Arctic III sets the standard for consumer laser technology. I can’t wait to see the next designs in the series!