Suggestion for 1st laser? (green)

Hi guys!
I'm looking for a green laser which I would be able to see the beam well during the day. I'm not so bothered about burning things (thought that would be a bonus!) I'm pretty new to this stuff so I don't know the reputable sellers.

Unfortunately as I am only 17 I cannot get a paypal account. So visa is probably best for me.

I was thinking 50-100mw but I'd like to hear feedback from the experts!
Thanks very much

Horizon

What is your price range?

Hello, there!

If you want a treasure-trove of information about buying your first laser, try checking out this thread, perhaps you will find it useful. It has a lot of information and recommendations about buying a laser in general, not necessarily just your first, and includes a nice list of companies that are generally considered reputable.

Now, as for my personal recommendation, I would normally be quite conservative and say that one should probably stick to the <=5mW range, as far as power goes, for one's first laser. In this case, though, since you are looking primarily for beam visibility, I would say to perhaps shoot for 30-50mW or so. With a 532nm green laser, 30mW will get you decent beam visibility in a dimly lit room, and with 50mW you will generally be able to faintly see the beam even in a fairly well-lit room, and as a bonus, you should be able to pop balloons with it somewhat decently as well. Sadly, there is not really any reasonably attainable laser, that I know of, that will grant you good beam visibility in broad daylight without a healthy amount of dust, fog, or smoke, and if there were, it would be so insanely powerful that I, personally, would almost be afraid of using it. ^^"

In any case, if you do get any laser with a power greater than 5mW, please purchase an appropriate pair of laser safety goggles/glasses as well. You only get one pair of eyes, treat them kindly. For a bit of information about purchasing laser safety goggles, take a look here.

All in all, I hope this helps. At the end of the day, have fun, but first and foremost, be safe. :beer:

Cheers,
Dragon/Cody

I agree with the post above.... get a 50mw for starters. Learn to use it safely (i.e. like a loaded gun). Get the goggles. At that point you'll probably be good to move up to something like 100mw, or dive in to the hobby of higher powered ones.... FYI, be prepared to eat ramen for a while if you decide to take up this hobby! :beer:

Thanks for the response guys! All really helpful!
I'm certain I want to get one ~50mw. Can anyone suggest the best one for the money? Or any people selling one on the forum. I cannot find anyone
I'm in Scotland so shipping will come in. I'm looking at about £50 ($75.60) max if possible!
Thanks again

Lazerer.com is a very reputable site, and they have reasonably priced pen lasers.

You could get a 50mw laser on lazerer for less than that. Or get a JAD kit, a diode from o-like or fasttech, and a battery and you're in business....