IR wavelengths

[Dazzler]

Well I have to ask.... why do you want to pop baloos at a distance?
I have seen that video and it is amazing, but, first that laser is well over 1W in green, that is just an amazing number (mine comes close but not close enough), also the laser module is over $600 at the moment, plus all the rest so even if not incredibly expensive for a green laser, it isn't cheap ether.
As for your needs, I would suggest you get a blue 445nm focusable laser. Powers go from 1 to 3.5W depending on the diode.
I am quite sure that with more than 3W you will be able to pop baloons as you like.

Also take a look at my review on the rick trents laser, he makes some great lasers at reasonable prices.

I do archery and crossbow shooting, would be fun to pop ballons at similar distances but using a laser instead...

Will take a look at rick trents laser. Thanks.

 

[norbyx]

I do archery myself, even if lately I have been out of it.... It is a very nice sport, much more expensive than lasers...

 

[Sigurthr]

You're telling me! I'm selling my Rigel so I can afford archery, lol. Just gotta track down some 600 spine 26" arrows that are fletched, nocked, and tipped (or inserts installed at least).

 

[Shakenawake]

Lasers can become more expensive than archery, depending on some factors, like how often you miss and snap a carbon arrow, or how many lasers you get. I shoot a darton pro 3000. As I am 6'4", I shoot full length arrows. mattews bows are great too.

 

[norbyx]

Well if you get some Easton x10 than you will have to sell it, I use ace but the acg are quite good as well.

 

[norbyx]

I am a compound archer, I got a Hoyt pro elite, with HTM sight. I was quite good at it but its almost 2 years I don't use it.

 

[Sigurthr]

enter the archery thread: http://laserpointerforums.com/f57/archery-bowhunting-thread-82251.html#post1182384

for topic rerailment: Look in to the "12X" S0J6 405nm builds. They can be made with 405nm 3 element lenses which will allow for better infinity focusing than the high power transmission G2 lenses. 500mW is easily achievable and since they aren't a multimode diode range shouldn't be too much of an issue. The beam and dot will still be visible and most materials absorb 405nm very well so it will be easier to pop balloons.

Many materials that look dark or black to our eyes are clear or reflective to NIR and IR light, so keep that in mind.

 

[DrSid]

There is some difference with danger between 1W 808 and i@ 445nm. IR is not so well absorbed by human tissue, including blood - major color of your retina. So with same power, same focus - blue will do a lot more damage, especially to the first layer it hits - which is bad news to your retina. IR will spread the damage more into the depth, and will primarily focus on darker parts .. that's why it's used for hair removing.
Anyway .. it's both bad news .. and this only applies with direct hit. With 'dot starring' IR is more dangerous, as it looks harmless, where it is not.