Recommendations for a laser

[tech]

I am a flashaholic, and know nothing about lasers.
However, upon seeing my ArcAAA on my belt, a colleague asked if I can recommend a laser for him to carry.
Can you all recommend red and green lasers to me in price ranges of:
0-$20
$20-40
$40-80

Thanks,

T.

 

[FlashlightOCD]

You can get Red lasers dirt cheap, however a Green laser is going to be $70 and up.

They both can be found in abundance on eBay.

 

[tech]

So, red or green lasers, what should I look for in terms of power and quality?

T,

 

[The_LED_Museum]

For an "eye safe" laser, you *definitely* want way less than a milliwatt. I forgot what the Class I (eye-safe) power level is, but it's in the microwatt range. I'm guessing the max for a Class I laser is around 0.4µW (0.4 microwatts) at visible wavelengths, but don't take that to the bank. I do know it's way less than 1mW (milliwatt), and finding a laser pointer of any type or color with that low a power output might be difficult.

You're more likely to find laser pointers in the Class IIA range, which is 1-5mW.

 

[INRETECH]

Its very easy to underestimate the power coming out of a laser pointer, all it takes is one child pointing it into their eyes, someone elses eyes - or even pointing it at a shiny surface and someone will get hurt - thats why they have those wonderfull WARNING or DANGER Stickers on them

I am worried about these new >5mw "turbo" Green laser pointers that are coming out, these are NOT TOYS - as Craig has said over and over, you only get one set of eyes - and you can't run down to your local 7-11 and get another set in a can

We don't someone's eyes damaged for life because of a neat "toy", I have a 3mw Green Laser Pointer, and its PLENTY Bright for all my uses

The eyes are one of the most delicate organs we have, and to lose ones sight would be devasting