Laser Newbie, couple questions and advice.

First off, I know high power lasers are illegal in some places. So does that mean it is illegal to point them in the sky? If I start doing my own personal light show in the sky, how far away can it be seen? The main reason I want one.
What is the difference between wicked lasers and dx lasers? dx is far cheaper obviously. Are they cheaply made and die faster? Are the other things from dx decent quality like their toys and gadgets?

on the overview on dx, it states
"important EMS Notice: Do not use EMS shipping if your country does not allow importing green lasers, or if you're unsure of whether your country allows these kinds of products. We will not be responsible for losses due to customs confiscation. "
Has anyone had their laser confiscated when shipping to the U.S.?
Also, is it dangerous to look at the beam, or just dangerous when you point it in your eye? do you need an ir filter?

So help me decide on one to buy. I want green. I want to be able to see it in a lit room. I dont want to spend much. So obviously there are the 100, 150, and 200mW from DX. Splurge for the 200 or is the 100 better quality?

sorry im not in the US nor do i own a dx but i havent heard of anyone in the US having their dx laser confiscated. from what i know dx is a gamble.
WL have ridiculous prices and kinda have a reputation for false advertising/poor customer service and mainly sending out under-performing lasers.
save yourself the hassle and buy an X-50 from novalasers, proven quality for $119 and be sure to buy a pair of goggles.
as for the lightshow, the more mw the brighter it will seem, at night it could be seen from quiet a distance, depending on angle viewed from.

i would buy from nova lasers, if you had to buy from dx, the most powerful that i would get without worrying about their ir filters not working 100%, is a 50mw, if you wanted a powerful one, i would go with the 100mw true at dx, but from nova, maybe a x100, you can not easily get a green laser that you can see the beam outside during the day, in a lit room though, as long as your not in direct sunlight, an x100 should do the trick, you could see the beam, it just wouldnt be extremely bright, now in the dark, thats a different story, and if you are getting a 50mw plus laser, safety goggles are a must, good luck and have fun with this hobby ;D

oh, and dont buy from wicked lasers, most of their stuff is crap (speaking from experience)

DX is ok, but remember they seem to sell things that have become "overstocked" and thats why its so cheap.

If you find stuff there you like, jump on it as its decent but just outdated most likely,

anyway, sky shows are cool, but you may need to get a permit for such

I do not know the law but lasers in the sky may need a permit where you live

SN

do i sense a new way of attracting people to a grand opening of a store? ;D

It's legal so long as you are 110% sure you're not lasering any flight paths and have the paperwork to prove it.

i say just go to your local county office and talk to the people there about it. it may sound weird to them but im sure they will help you out. most likely they will give you an area in which you can use your setup.

do nova lasers have IR filter? I don't want to spend more than $150. I would rather have a quality product that will last me. So I would want to stick with nova lasers? maybe a 75mW?

are goggles a must have? $50 is kinda expensive. any accessories that are cool to get?

NOVA have the BEST IR filters around. you don't need to worry about IR at all. and if you don't purchase goggles, only use your laser outside to avoid your laser reflecting off walls at you. by the way, even a white wall will reflect light back at you.

i have ordered a true 50mW From dx and it is a piece of shit !!
it got threw u.s customs really fast.
my laser has been used for under 5 hours, and its all ready mode hopping :'(

What is mode hopping?
Cant wait to burn me some ants and shine it at people that tailgate me ;D

how old are you? lasers are not toys and should not be used in-car or near traffic they attract alot of attention and in doing so will get you arrested.