Need info on TOPCON ALE 5000 patternless

[Jim Freeman]

My employer is considering buying a new patternless edger for his office. Looking for a 'bang for the buck' edger without all the bells and whistles. The Dr. is considering the TOPCON ALE 5000. Any info good or bad is appreciated. Ease of use,support, reliability issues,etc. Any and all info is appreciated. Thanks.

[Jacqui]

Tell your boss to also check AIT

[culland]

I've used Essilor Gamma and Gerber Coburn's Kappa as well as an edger from National Optronics and tried one from AIT. My last employer a couple of years ago had a Topcon ALE system. I hated it compared to the other ones I've run. I just wasn't impressed compared to other systems I've run. I know that like Jacqui said AIT does have a couple reasonable systems out there right now, they just release a new improved Practica and Maxima at Vision Expo. I believe the Practica is pretty reasonable. Just my opinion but out of all the edgers I've used over the years the Topcon was the one I disliked the most.