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Recommend a Blue Laser for a noob

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silverphoenix

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I'm new to lasers and am looking to learn more about them and purchase my first blue laser.

My intended purpose would mostly be for burning (i.e. starting a camp fire) and for visibility in case of an emergency. I go hiking a lot and thought a laser might be a great tool for fire starting, emergency signaling, and pointing out distant objects while hiking.

It has to be Tough, Reliable and Durable--not something super fragile that's going to break when dropped from 2". It also needs to be pretty compact.

I don't have a huge budget, but I don't want to limit myself on quality because I know you get what you pay for. Please also recommend a good pair of goggles to use in conjunction with the laser--price doesn't matter on these; I want the best for the money and don't care to risk my eyesight over a few $$$.

I know people have probably asked similar questions before too, so if you just want to post a link, that would be great!

Thanks!
 
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Hey man, I too am new to lasers and could use one for similar purposes. So far i think this might be the best as far as quality and bang for your buck goes.. They are an american company so you don't need to deal with ridiculous shipping and also I've heard people say some good things about them. Survival Laser I 445nm Parts Bundle w/Accessories & Rechargeable Batteries

This is the one I was looking at in particular... won't break the bank to bad and I'm sure could do some pretty nice burning. The one thing is you have to assemble it when you get it, which from what I've read can be done in about 4 minutes :)..

As for the goggles i think those are on the website as well
 
i can make you a blue laser by $200 send me a PM if you are interested
also you need laser goggles


silverphoenix said:
I'm new to lasers and am looking to learn more about them and purchase my first blue laser.

My intended purpose would mostly be for burning (i.e. starting a camp fire) and for visibility in case of an emergency. I go hiking a lot and thought a laser might be a great tool for fire starting, emergency signaling, and pointing out distant objects while hiking.

It has to be Tough, Reliable and Durable--not something super fragile that's going to break when dropped from 2". It also needs to be pretty compact.

I don't have a huge budget, but I don't want to limit myself on quality because I know you get what you pay for. Please also recommend a good pair of goggles to use in conjunction with the laser--price doesn't matter on these; I want the best for the money and don't care to risk my eyesight over a few $$$.

I know people have probably asked similar questions before too, so if you just want to post a link, that would be great!

Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
I may just being a little paranoid, but if you don't have a lot of experience with lasers should you start with something that's a little lower powered?
 
Don't worry, I build AR-15's in my spare time and shoot everything from 5.56 to .308 to .50 BEO every week...I can safely handle firearms and can make the same relation towards lasers. They're not toys, they're tools that can be dangerous when used improperly-- I realize that.
 
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It's highly recommended. Just to get used to having the lasers & what to do/not to do with them. Safety is the #1 concern.

You started out at a strange time for some of us, with all these 1W+ lasers out there... blue was pretty unheard of over 100mW back when I joined. Soon enough green's gonna be the same case. [/rant]
 
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Your intended purposes for this laser are a bit weird. The phrase "The right tool for the job" comes to mind. I mean, you wouldn't use Vise-Grip pliers to install a AR barrel, would you?

If you want to signal, carry a little mirror. A small green laser is a much better pointer. To light a fire carry a Zippo or a block of magnesium w/flint.

If you want a big scary blue laser for fun, then by all means get one... just be safe.
Definitely buy good glasses specifically for 445nm. You should also be aware that it is not just the beam that can/will blind you, the 445nm wavelength can also cause photochemical damage to your eyes.

some good info in these links:
Information for Therapists on Light Therapy and Retinal Damage
Blue Light Therapy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration - AMD
( thank you rpaloalto for bringing this to my attention )

Check the Buy, Sell, Trade section. Better yet build one yourself. It is very easy and nothing beats the satisfaction of clicking the switch the first time and seeing that blinding blue beam.
 
silverphoenix said:
Don't worry, I build AR-15's in my spare time and shoot everything from 5.56 to .308 to .50 BEO every week...I can safely handle firearms and can make the same relation towards lasers. They're not toys, they're tools that can be dangerous when used improperly-- I realize that.
Click to expand...

Sorry bud, no meaning to questioning your ability.
I was just saying that's where i started hehe
 
Hey silver

I am also new to this and was drawn by the WL arctic 1W and wanted one with all i had, i even saved up for it, but luckily I got to this site before i did as I now know not to buy from them. I also got a 5mW greenie locally for an okay price and that keeps me Happy now. i am planning to order a stronger one soon and blue as well, but the more i read about these things the more I realize that 1W is insane. I am going for 300-500mW for safety and peace of mind. I hope you get the answers you are looking for here.
 
A 300-500mW laser isn't much safer than a 1W laser. Both will still fry your eyes equally well. If you want real peace of mind, you better buy some protection goggles first.
 
sunshine said:
So far i think this might be the best as far as quality and bang for your buck goes.. They are an american company so you don't need to deal with ridiculous shipping and also I've heard people say some good things about them. Survival Laser Home
Click to expand...

+1 Survival Lasers has what you are looking for.

Go for a kit with goggles included. I have a 660 nm model and it has been through hell. Long duty cycles and generally treated like dirt. Not even a hiccup, and the battery life is holding up supremely well.

And I have a 1.4 watt blue in the mail from them.

also, OP, It's super cool you build ARs. that is one of my favorite weapons platforms. you don't live in Texas by chance do you?
 
Oops :banghead:

I recently read about him online, and forgot to change my recommendation. He beith the bringer of laser evil.

-One does not simply.... listen to Kipkay- :)

I RESCIND MY ENDORSEMENT, AND ADVISE YOU NOT TO TRUST HIM

Thanks for the reminder, Mr. Badger
 
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