Just starting

Total newbie. Thanks for any help.
Are there any general rules on laser power rating vs price vs advertising bs?
Started with a 5mw green. Just got a 130 mw. It is significantly brighter but no way I feel it is any where near that from what I have seen. Won't light match, pop balloon, no fun. I just ordered a 250 mw. Price was only $40.
I don't have access to a meter to check them.
Seller is Laserpointerpro.

Welcome to the LPF forum

130mW should be enough for popping balloons. You need to focus the beam to a point. Most cheap green laser are fixed focus.

For cheap Chinese lasers there are basically only 2 sellers who sell lasers within their advertised specs.

Welcome to O-like,the source of good quality laser products at unbeatable price and perfect service !

==LAZERER== Leading Laser Pointer Retailer - We Offer Power Certificate for Green Red Blue Laser Pointer | Laser Module |

Listen to this guy^^ he knows what he's talking about