David,
Off the top of my head, here’s a few things to consider in your comparison-
Reliability- what is the machine’s history of needing repairs, some are better than others
Service- how many techs and what is average wait time
Continued warranty cost- after initial warranty-2500-5500?
Cost and durability of tips and fiber- some types of tips seem to hold up better than others
Financial stability of the company- will they be around for support?how many lasers are they selling now?
Included training- CD/in office/ at a well know facility?
Special needs to include in op e.g 110 vs 220 power?
Portability- can you move this op to op- look at size and weight

I think each of us has an opinion on ‘what’s best’ but it is predicated on many of the things above and some may not make any difference to you.
I’m sure there may be some that come on and post saying Brand X is best. Be sure they aren’t compensated by any laser company and be assured there are many that won’t say brand X sucks because they don’t want to be sued.

I hope that helps.

Hi there, I have sent you a private email with some of my thoughts. Hope you got it.

Thanks

Glenn van As

I would like to chime in on this topic with some fatherly advice. I’ll start with a question…Did you ever go into a golf store and look at some top of the line clubs? How about tennis, look at the best of the best raquets? Or with regard to dentistry, every try to find a handpiece that cut the perfect prep or would allow you to do the perfect prep? You probably said yes to at least one or two of those questions. The reason you looked at those items was that you wanted optimum performance from the product. The answer to what is the best lies in you and not in the product. Your ability to master laser knowledge on any of the lasers that you querried about will allow you to achieve your goal. Just as there are no majic golf clubs or dental handpieces so are there no majic lasers. It’s all in the knowledge that you apply to the machine that you choose. You can’t buy experience, or knowledge for that matter, you must earn it, one day at a time. So look, feel and touch the lasers that you have mentioned and at least one of them will talk to you. Pick it and start your journey. All the ones you mentioned are good. It’s like talking to someone about the ‘best’ car or boat or anything. They all work the best or the worst depending on whoes driving them. Good luck on you decision. Nick Luizzi

Sadly, Nick’s right. To one degree or another, they’re all good — depending on how well you get to know your own abilities and those of the particular laser brand.

The sad part is that, for most docs, there’s no way to know which will work best for you until you’ve used it for a while — something you can’t do in an exhibition hall sales booth or even a demo in your own office.

I’ve been using my Hoya for a few years now, and am only now beginning to feel like I have a clue. Done lots and lots of restorations with it and have changed my technique and working parameters many times, with the guidance of others’ advice.

Good luck with your quest. There is no right answer.

Nick:
You are right!

dmd92east:
Service in your region (very, very very important), cost and durability of tips and fiber, it marks well-known.
I have a Fotona (Er), and Waterlase MD, are diferents. Each one has its advantages and cons.
Good Luck!