Looking to buy a Green laser

Hey guys, I'm new on the forums I did indeed read all the stickied topics. I saw the videos of the mW comparisons and the thread on "The goods" and the "Bads" and "The Cheaps". This will be my first laser over 5mW. I've owned multiple 5mW cheapies before. I understand the precautions and safeties to never point it at anybody and to not point it in ones eyes. So enough rambling onto my questions..

Question #1.) How much Mw's would you require Laser goggles for?

Question #2.) For a first laser I would like to get a quality one that has a visibile beam in the day light, which company would be the best? Optitronic LaserNova or Laserglow? I was thinking of getting a 50mW laser.

Question #3.) Do you still need goggles if you're just looking at the beam? And is it only needed indoors due to reflective items such as mirrors door knobs and other shiny objects being potent inside? If I was outside with a 500mW laser would I not need the goggles?

Question #4.) If I'm careful would you suggest I get a higher than 50mW? Heres some of the options I was looking at.

Viper 55mW -http://www.dragonlasers.com/catalog/Viper-Series-55mW-Green-Laser-Pointer-p-16160.html

X50 Novalasers- X50 Compact Portable >50mW Laser - X-Series - Novalasers Inc.

Optotronic 55mW-http://www.optotronics.com/proddetail.php?prod=Opto55
(They support a upgrade deal if the lasers are in great condition for up to 85-90% off if you trade up. Which I think would be ideal if I want to upgrade!)

Any suggestions? Thanks ahead!

1. Anything above 5mW , ~10mW is also not safe if you have any doubts
2. 50mW will be very bright if this is your first laser it is the best way to go..
3. Yes and No, and YES!
4. You should get anything less than 50mW for now as i think you are trying to escape from the safety goggles! You only get a pair of eyes n balls.. you dont want to lose them,and if you do any damage to yourself.. that would only make you a dumb laser enthusiast.. okay?

sinner said:

1. Anything above 5mW , ~10mW is also not safe if you have any doubts
2. 50mW will be very bright if this is your first laser it is the best way to go..
3. Yes and No, and YES!
4. You should get anything less than 50mW for now as i think you are trying to escape from the safety goggles! You only get a pair of eyes n balls.. you dont want to lose them,and if you do any damage to yourself.. that would only make you a dumb laser enthusiast.. okay?

Click to expand...

So even a 50mW laser you need goggles Indoor and outdoors?

Yes. You have to be sure you are safe from possible stray reflections.

Sw1tch: just some pointers...

First of all, NovaLaser IS Laserglow (well, they're... 'strongly related companies') - you can't go wrong with either.

Laserglow, Dragonlasers and Novalasers ALL source their lasers from CNI, so you'll likely get a similar product.

Where are you? If you're in the US, Optotronics or Laserglow/Novalasers might be your best choice; I'm extremely leery of ordering from China lately.

Optotronics is good, too; I just personally don't like the NewWish (pen) style hosts; Ordering an RPL from them, if that's the kind of money you were in for, I'd say go for it. I just have a personal distaste for the pen style hosts they use.

But with the choices you put up there you're unlikely to make a real mistake. I'd just stay away from China if you can go with Opto/LG/Nova instead.