Boyscout Laser Recomendations

[VVaI2LoCk]

My son is planning a boy scout trip out in the wilderness. I was planning on getting a decent laser for several reasons but don't really know what I need so I'm looking for recommendations: Below is what I want to do.

1) I would need something bright possibly to light up a path.
2) I would need something to burn perhaps start a fire.
3) I would need something very visible in case I get lost and would need to possibly put up some sort of distress signal.

What's the best possible selection for under a couple hundred bucks.

NOTE: I will not be letting him handle the laser as he's too small. I will be handling the laser under very strict conditions. I wont be able to get everyone goggles. There are about 9 of us going.

 

[InfinitusEquitas]

For 1&2 you are much better off getting a nice flashlight, and a lighter.

Lasers are not flashlights, and really don't work all that well to provide illumination outside.

For fire starting, you can get a mini torch for $45 that will beat out ANY handheld laser out there, last longer, and do a whole lot more.

For the last part, signaling, considering you will be in the woods, 50-100mW of green is more than enough.

Most likely though you would prefer a blue 1W laser... only major problem is at 1W+ it is quite dangerous, and you will absolutely need goggles if you intent to show the kids burning stuff with it.

You can get goggles that would work, not idea, but sufficient, for about $9 a piece. See my signature - the last link.

 

[TheDukeAnumber1]

I agree, you can do all that better and cheaper with a flashlight and a lighter. But if your set on the "laser" factor go for a 445nm +1W blue laser, it will be able to do everything you've described and since your going to handle it responsibly you'd really only need goggles for burning and could get away with only a few pairs. My $0.02

Also, look out for a good duty cycle if that's important to you. Driving an M140 diode at only 1.25amps and using a copper heat sink will give you nice longer run-times. GL

 

[VVaI2LoCk]

Thanks for the info. And yes I agree that there are much better tools out there to do the job but their not nearly as cool. :yh: I do have a quick question though why blue over green or red? What properties does a blue laser have or a green or red? And what could I expect to pay for one.

For 1&2 you are much better off getting a nice flashlight, and a lighter.

Lasers are not flashlights, and really don't work all that well to provide illumination outside.

For fire starting, you can get a mini torch for $45 that will beat out ANY handheld laser out there, last longer, and do a whole lot more.

For the last part, signaling, considering you will be in the woods, 50-100mW of green is more than enough.

Most likely though you would prefer a blue 1W laser... only major problem is at 1W+ it is quite dangerous, and you will absolutely need goggles if you intent to show the kids burning stuff with it.

You can get goggles that would work, not idea, but sufficient, for about $9 a piece. See my signature - the last link.

 

[InfinitusEquitas]

Mainly price, and power. You can get a nice blue laser starting for about $150, and up, and can go up in power to over 3W.

Red and green lasers are basically limited to around 1W. A green laser around 1W can easily cost you thousands.

 

[placebo]

If there's going to be minors other than your son under your supervision, consider your liabilities when it comes to eyewear. Better make sure it's ANSI Z136 certified.

You guys are gonna have a blast, you'll love lasers at night in the woods.

 

[JLM]

My son is planning a boy scout trip out in the wilderness. I was planning on getting a decent laser for several reasons but don't really know what I need so I'm looking for recommendations: Below is what I want to do.

1) I would need something bright possibly to light up a path.
2) I would need something to burn perhaps start a fire.
3) I would need something very visible in case I get lost and would need to possibly put up some sort of distress signal.

What's the best possible selection for under a couple hundred bucks.

NOTE: I will not be letting him handle the laser as he's too small. I will be handling the laser under very strict conditions. I wont be able to get everyone goggles. There are about 9 of us going.

I have this one and is waterproof and come with a laser pointer, IMO is a good quality laser-flashlight.
3000LM 2X CREE XM L U2 LED Flashlight Torch Green Laser Light Pointer 18650 CH | eBay

 

[InfinitusEquitas]

I'm not sure anyone has metered that laser... I'm kind of tempted to grab that light, but not quite willing to spend that much on a novelty, and IIRC I read somewhere the laser is only 20mW. In the dark that enough to produce a beam, especially in a forest setting, but it's not exactly dramatic.

Having laser and light controlled by the same switch is a downside as well... you don't want to turn on the laser when you need the light.