35mW vs 55mW Viper Series

[Oker]

Hello. I'm quite new here. Googl'ed around a bit, but I feel you all can give me some better insight.

I'd like to purchase a green laser that has a fairly visible beam at night (might be foggy a lot where I'm using it).

I'd also like to use it for pointing into the sky (want to see the beam!) and using in the woods.

So my questions are:

• Will I accidentally start any fires with leaves or anything? (just aiming into woods?)
• Will I need safety glasses (yes?)
• Will I be able to light maybe a small bit of tinder on fire with one of those lasers?

Which laser would you pick to accomplish those tasks?

Thanks.

Edit: looks like it needs to be FDA approved to be imported into the US (but usually it is never seized?)
Edit2: Now I feel like I should just buy a nice 5mw..so confused..kinda scared for people's safety..might just go with a lyra

 

[John Capelo]

5mW will be visible at night, won't be starting any fires though. If you can light things on fire then you will need safety goggles. If just pointing at the sky then they are not AS needed but still recommended. Anything above 5mW should require safety goggles. ~100mW are needed for burning, give or take a few. A magnifying glass can lower that number, but you'll still need goggles for specular reflections. If you're new to lasers, just get a cheap 5mw, though they are sometimes more powerful than advertised so still be careful.

 

[kilter]

If you need a laser that has a visible beam, 5mw to 10mw.
smoking stuff 50mw
burning match 100mw
lighting fuse 200mw
steel wool 400mw
1000mw anything lol

hope this helps!

Kilter

 

[Jollyrajer73]

As far as eye safety goes especially with 532nm(Green) lasers you should have safety goggles or glasses. Anything more powerful than 5mW can be harmful to our eyes. Another note concerning 532nm lasers is the goggles NEED to protect against 532nm as well as 1064nm because many 532nm lasers leak the 1064nm light that is more dangerous because it can not been seen with the naked eye.
just my 2 cents

Have fun and be safe :yh:
- Raj