Buying a laser.

[kizza]

Hello, this is my first post on these forums (I should head over to the Welcome forum to introduce myself ^_^). I have one of those cheap little red laser pointers, and am looking to get something bigger. Right now I am looking at the 20mW UltraFire from DX (sku.5785).

What I would like to know is, how dangerous would a laser like this be?
Can it harm your eyes if it was pointed near (but not directly) into your eyes? For example pointed at your chest.
How dangerous is the IR in comparison to the green?
etc etc...

I saw timelords review on the laser, and he pointed out that his laser puts out 50mW, and 70mW without the IR filter. Which also leads me to believe that the laser does have an IR filter... correct me if I'm wrong.

To sum things up, I am basically looking for an idea on exactly how dangerous this laser could be, as I have seen varying opinions about the matter which confuses me . I do not ever plan to shine it in anyones eyes. But am just wondering if I should be concerned about reflections if used in a small room etc, and whether I will need to invest in a pair of goggles.

Anyways, thanks and hello




*hope I posted this in the right spot*

 

[spyrorocks]

It WILL damage your eyes if you look into the beam. I wouldn't be too worried about the IR (at over 5 feet away) because the IR is very unfocused. At 20mw, I wouldn't be too worried about diffused reflections of a wall or such at that power. Goggles are always something you will like to have, though.

The measurement of IR is misleading, a meter will not give you an accurate reading if it has both green and IR hitting it, thus the IR will throw the reading off.

I would personally recommend a DX true 30mw green because it is a very commonly boughten laser that has proven to be a decent buy off dx.

 

[kizza]

Thanks for the reply spyro