Is This a Good Start Laser?

[Cuthroat]

Sorry guys, complete noob here but I was just glancing around at some lasers just for fun and I came across something. Just through some quick forum browsing I say o-like mentioned a few times. Then I came across this...

New Special Cute Burning 50mW green laser torch/focusable/ [OL-CG-50] - $16.90 : Zen Cart!, The Art of E-commerce

Looks like a ridiculous price, to me but I'm guessing theres something I'm missing? I saw that the product was just listed yesterday January 16th, 2014 but it seems like an insane price.

Few questions though...

What is a "Cute" laser? Is that just the model or does that actually mean something?

With this being focusable I can do things like pop balloons and light matches and simple things correct? I don't expect to like cook a steak or anything but just simple things should be good right?

Do I need safety googles for this because really the googles would be as much as the laser, are they a necessity with this power?

 

[Photonz]

The reason it's so cheap is because the host is cheap(ebay cheap ) and there's a good chance that it will be spewing out some IR too. You will only be able to burn things (light matches, pop balloons) when focused. Yes, you need goggles for this laser. I'm pretty sure O-like is an okay store but you will get much better lasers from laserbtb

Edit: the "cute" thing is just O-like describing it because it's small.

 

[NightExplorer96]

Yes you need goggles, anything above 5mW will cause permanent damage. Here are some good glasses that will last you awhile:
Link:Eagle Pair® 190-540nm Standard Laser Safety Goggles

I wouldn't recommend purchasing from o-like since their laser are either a hit-or-miss deal(as seen by multiple reviews). You can find much better lasers for a little more $ at laserbtb.com(as mentioned by Photonz)

 

[Npglaserer]

First off, safety glasses are needed for lasers over 5mW. Most members would recommend the eagle pair glasses. The "cute" part is just the model. You might want to check if the batteries come with the laser, otherwise you will need to get them (not ultrafires).

Also, welcome to the forum! It would be good if you add your location to your profile so people can help you with stuff relating with distance. You might want to make a introductory thread in the welcome section to get to know some people.

As to the burning part, 50mW should be able to pop balloons and cut tape, but 532 is best for visibility. If you like o-like and burning power, they have a 250mW red "cute" laser as well. (Glasses a must for this as well)

Edit: you guys are fast!

 

[NightExplorer96]

First off, safety glasses are needed for lasers over 5mW. Most members would recommend the eagle pair glasses. The "cute" part is just the model. You might want to check if the batteries come with the laser, otherwise you will need to get them (not ultrafires).

Also, welcome to the forum! It would be good if you add your location to your profile so people can help you with stuff relating with distance. You might want to make a introductory thread in the welcome section to get to know some people.

As to the burning part, 50mW should be able to pop balloons and cut tape, but 532 is best for visibility. If you like o-like and burning power, they have a 250mW red "cute" laser as well. (Glasses a must for this as well)

Edit: you guys are fast!

Not entirely true. If your eye is light-adapted then a 556nm(laser) would be the most visible if you could somehow get any output power out of it.

If your eye is dark-adapted, 515nm will appear brighter then 532nm since the peak wavelength for the human eye shifts from 555nm to 507nm

 

[Photonz]

First off, safety glasses are needed for lasers over 5mW. Most members would recommend the eagle pair glasses. The "cute" part is just the model. You might want to check if the batteries come with the laser, otherwise you will need to get them (not ultrafires).

Also, welcome to the forum! It would be good if you add your location to your profile so people can help you with stuff relating with distance. You might want to make a introductory thread in the welcome section to get to know some people.

As to the burning part, 50mW should be able to pop balloons and cut tape, but 532 is best for visibility. If you like o-like and burning power, they have a 250mW red "cute" laser as well. (Glasses a must for this as well)

Edit: you guys are fast!

^ I try my best

 

[Npglaserer]

Not entirely true. If your eye is light-adapted then a 556nm(laser) would be the most visible if you could somehow get any output power out of it.

If your eye is dark-adapted, 515nm will appear brighter then 532nm since the peak wavelength for the human eye shifts from 555nm to 507nm

Sorry, I meant best visibility for the money :yh:

EDIT: also, the reason most people get 532 is for visibility, not burning power