a few questions..

I was thinking about getting this laser from NovaLasers: http://novalasers.com/NOVAstore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=10&idproduct=46
Its the cheapest decent one I've found, since I read that dealextreme lasers are cheaply made. Its only <5mw, would I be able to see the beam at night? Would it pop a balloon? Is novalasers a good company?

I was also looking at this 15mw one: dragonlasers.com/viper
Is DragonLasers a good company? That site claims you need a 75mw laser to pop balloons, is that true? Also, would I need any kind of protective glasses for under 20mw lasers? Both sites say they have IR filters in the lasers, so would that be enough?

I know these are pretty newbish questions, but I'd appreciate it if someone could answer

Link fixed

the been will be visible at night, but it will be very dim, it wont be like a light saber, but still will be visible.

it wont pop a balloon

i have ordered of of nova lasers and me and most of the people on here think that nova is a great company. they have a great reputation, just read around the forum.

i cant tell you anything about dragon lasers, but if you want to order that type of laser, check out the x-series lasers at Nova lasers. nova always sends their lasers over-specked.

nova says at least 45mw. my x-65 has no trouble poping balloons.

eye protection wise, you should have the special glasses for anything over 5 mw, unless you just plan on using it for astronomy. in that case, eye protection is not really needed. if you are going to be burning stuff, then get the glasses. the IR filters are nice to have. if a laser doesn't have a IR filter, then be very carefull or just dont buy it. the glasses are ment to filter out the 532nm green light to keep you from going from blind.

I hope this answers some questions, if you have more, pm me or some else.