Where's the best source to get them? I'm looking for good quality, something that will last years. Also, how powerful? Main use would be on construction walkdowns, to point out stuff in the ceiling, following conduit runs, etc. I don't need to pop balloons or light matches. Although it would be pretty cool to have that ability.... (grunt grunt grunt....)

I have a green laser pointer by Z-Bolt. I purchased it several years ago and am happy with it. The company claims that although maximum power output is limited by law, their technology ensures that it produces maximum brightness with that power. I can’t comment one way or another about that, but I do know it’s visible at least three times as far as a red laser pointer I have.

http://www.z-bolt.com/

Once you step up in power to popping balloons and such, you really need to be wearing protective eye wear at all times.

I would suggest ebay or amazon. I had a green one that did fairly well during the day. Can't see it in outside sunlight on a sunny day, but pretty much anytime else.

Mine broke (my fault, not the laser, it got trampled on) and I don't do presentations much anymore so I didn't see the need to replace it.

James in Denver

I looked on Amazon, didn't see anything I liked. Also, I can't have RF or Bluetooth in it, needs to be just a laser "flashlight". Security reasons.

I have a 5mW green laser pointer that has been quite dependable and would serve your purposes. Mine is a GPA 5 model from Beta Electronics, Columbus OHClick on Green Laser Pointer in the sidebar. $70 They claim a range of 10,000 feet. I have never tested it beyond 100'.

... handyman contractor friend uses a Designers Edge light/laser pointer/spot. No idea as to the laser output though. Runs on 3 x AAA

https://www.jbtoolsales.com/de...t-magnet-combo-tool/

Around the home I use a Cen-Tech IR/ Thermometer.
Red laser is <5 mW, wavelength 630-660 nm. Uses a 9v battery;
I think it was $20 or so from HomeDepot/Lowes.

I bought a green wicked laser years ago. I don't recall what power level I ordered, but the test sheet that came with said it was 80mW. Higher than what I paid for. Damn bright. It's like a light saber at night. Can pop dark colored balloons.

quote:

Originally posted by 46and2:
wickedlasers.com

Yeah, I found the wicked laser website. Looks like good stuff, but a little pricey. On the other hand, I have decent flashlights and don't mind paying for quality there. Their website says they aren't accepting orders for lasers >5mw to the US. Is that a legal maximum? And what sort of wattage do I want? Does it vary by color?

quote:

Originally posted by IntrepidTraveler:
Yeah, I found the wicked laser website. Looks like good stuff, but a little pricey. On the other hand, I have decent flashlights and don't mind paying for quality there. Their website says they aren't accepting orders for lasers >5mw to the US. Is that a legal maximum? And what sort of wattage do I want? Does it vary by color?

Yeah, the power varies by color. A friend has a 1w model from them. They used to ship here, but perhaps it's changed.

quote:

Originally posted by IntrepidTraveler:
Their website says they aren't accepting orders for lasers >5mw to the US. Is that a legal maximum?

Yes.

quote:

Originally posted by 46and2:
wickedlasers.com

Should be called Wicked Priced Lasers....

quote:

Originally posted by downtownv:

quote:

Originally posted by 46and2:
wickedlasers.com

Should be called Wicked Priced Lasers....

Have another, lesser expensive, source for equally powered, similar quality, units?

I've not seen one, myself, but would like to.

I happened to be in Fry's Electronics tonight, and walked past their laser pointer display. They have several models there.

http://www.alpec.com/

One had both red and green lasers, and the company also makes blue lasers!

[/QUOTE]
Have another, lesser expensive, source for equally powered, similar quality, units?

I've not seen one, myself, but would like to.[/QUOTE]

well here you go..You ca buy 20 and throw these away and be way ahead of the game

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kimber...ageName=STRK:MESE:IT


5 of these and throw away the rail:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VISM-b...ageName=STRK:MESE:IT

quote:

Originally posted by IntrepidTraveler:
Yeah, I found the wicked laser website. Looks like good stuff, but a little pricey. On the other hand, I have decent flashlights and don't mind paying for quality there. Their website says they aren't accepting orders for lasers >5mw to the US. Is that a legal maximum? And what sort of wattage do I want? Does it vary by color?

The wattage is limited due to eye safety. You CAN get higher wattage lasers, but for use in industrial settings or labs. Anything below the 5mW (for lasers in the visible frequency range) rating is safe for eyes due to the 'aversion response' being quicker than what is needed to cause eye damage. Anything above 5mW is not a consumer item. If you want one, you have to have an laser safety program in place. The green lasers aren't 'brighter', it's just that they throw light in a range that's better detected by human eyes.

I have one of these.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Milita...9:g:H4UAAOSwWnFV966X

Not high end, but is really bright and works. Even came with an 18650 lithium battery and charger. It comes with this disco ball thing that you can attach that makes patterns on walls for fun.

For $10 shipped, you can at least have something that you can use, then decide if you want to step it up to a high quality unit.