SainSmart Genmitsu L8 20W vs OMTech Polar Lite 55W
Verdict
On our scores the SainSmart Genmitsu L8 20W comes out ahead, 76 to 75. The SainSmart Genmitsu L8 20W is a 20 W diode laser with a 400 × 400 mm work area; the OMTech Polar Lite 55W is a 55 W co2 laser with 510 × 300 mm. The SainSmart Genmitsu L8 20W costs about $1,501 less at list price.
The SainSmart Genmitsu L8 20W is best for
Home users who want a 20W diode in a real Class 1 enclosure with camera and air assist in the box.The OMTech Polar Lite 55W is best for
Small shops and serious hobbyists who want an all-in-one enclosed CO2 that runs LightBurn offline.Specs and scores side by side
| SainSmart Genmitsu L8 20W | OMTech Polar Lite 55W | |
|---|---|---|
| Laser type | Diode laser | CO2 laser |
| Form | Enclosed | Enclosed |
| Optical power | 20 W | 55 W |
| Work area | 400 × 400 mm | 510 × 300 mm |
| Max speed | 40,000 mm/min (about 667 mm/s) | 500 mm/s |
| Air assist | Included | Built in |
| Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Safety | Class 1 enclosure with door sensor, flame sensor, tilt protection, emergency stop and key switch | Fully enclosed, listed as an FDA Class 1 laser with lid interlock and emergency stop, plus a water temperature alarm |
| Weight | not published | 41 kg |
| Price | $699 | $2,200 |
| Overall score | 76 | 75 |
| Power score | 65 | 82 |
| Speed score | 72 | 65 |
| Ease score | 82 | 82 |
| Safety score | 90 | 88 |
| Value score | 80 | 78 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the SainSmart Genmitsu L8 20W or the OMTech Polar Lite 55W?
On our scores the SainSmart Genmitsu L8 20W comes out ahead, 76 to 75. The SainSmart Genmitsu L8 20W is a 20 W diode laser with a 400 × 400 mm work area; the OMTech Polar Lite 55W is a 55 W co2 laser with 510 × 300 mm. The SainSmart Genmitsu L8 20W costs about $1,501 less at list price.
Which is cheaper, the SainSmart Genmitsu L8 20W or the OMTech Polar Lite 55W?
At list price the SainSmart Genmitsu L8 20W ($699) costs less than the OMTech Polar Lite 55W ($2,200).
How we rank: by our own scores for power, speed, ease of use, safety and value, from the maker's published specs and independent tests where they exist. Some links earn us a commission (for example TwoTrees, SainSmart, Gweike and Amazon). That never changes a score or the order of a list (disclosure).