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Well, with the change to true LOS, I think I need to reinvest in a laser pointer. I have an old one I used in 2 Edition that I now use to play with my dog, but I figure I should have a new, better one dedicated to gaming. Any suggestions? I found the website below, which has some options.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.91

A few questions:

1) What power is best suited to our wargaming needs? 5 mW? 10mW? 30mW?!

2) What color laser is better - red or green?

Thanks!

Mez

Mezmaron wrote:Well, with the change to true LOS, I think I need to reinvest in a laser pointer. I have an old one I used in 2 Edition that I now use to play with my dog, but I figure I should have a new, better one dedicated to gaming. Any suggestions? I found the website below, which has some options.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.91

A few questions:

1) What power is best suited to our wargaming needs? 5 mW? 10mW? 30mW?!

2) What color laser is better - red or green?

Thanks!

Mez

1) Well given the general distance you're going to be pointing at, I'd say stick with the lower power pointer mainly as a safety issue. The last thing you want is zapping some por sod in the eye with that thing. You may also want to get a Lazer "mold" as it were that will shape the lazer into a shape when it stretches out, like the GW lazer will have a crosshair built into it.

2) Overall, red is much more easily identifiable on most surfaces, plus it's much more safe. Green lazers can actually set things on fire at higher powerbands since they function differently than red lazers (different focusing mechanism and crystal if I recall), so unless you're playing a blazing bright and glossy Blood Angels army, you should be ok with a low power red lazer.

Hope this helps!

edit:

and here's a good solid sight for higher end models if you're interested:

http://www.wickedlasers.com/

Web Laser Deal wrote:
READ second item in OVERVIEW
Great for pointing objects from long distance, such as stars...

WTF?

That's a chuffin' powerful laser! Of course you have to sit and wait for a thousand years before you can see the dot...

This conversation on laser pointers is kinda wierd.

You don't need to use Preperation H for your pointer. All you need is a basic laser pointer and use it for general pointing. Anything else and you start putting holes in eyes or getting people nervious about getting tagged with a red dot.

I'm really finding it kind of ironic that people want to dump cash on stuff like laser pointers when a nice clear plastic stick will do just the same job. Its bad enough that we are going to have yet another stealth price increase. Things like laser pointers are going to just !@#$ me off.

I plan on making a statement when 5th edition starts out by going out and buying one of those plastic light sabers and set it on the game table.

Grot 6 wrote:I plan on making a statement when 5th edition starts out by going out and buying one of those plastic light sabers and set it on the game table.

what kind of statement is that?

You should be able to find something suitable, though without the fancy crosshairs, at any pet store. Look in the cat toys section.

Grot 6 wrote:
I'm really finding it kind of ironic that people want to dump cash on stuff like laser pointers when a nice clear plastic stick will do just the same job.

How long of a plastic stick do you use and how do you deal with long ranged weapons? I'd hate to carry along a rod that is more than 12". The laser is good for anything from 6" to 72" (and beyond). Back in 2nd edition we used lasers all the time - I'm looking forward to it again.

Mezmaron

Just make sure you avoid the high-powered green lasers. They are toys for only the most serious of the geeky, able to start fires, sear flesh, and burn out optical devices. Cool, but very dangerous.

( In fact, I recommend that no one own or use a green laser. Except me.)


Most red laser pointers are reasonably safe, as long as they are not aimed at the eyes.

fellblade wrote:Just make sure you avoid the high-powered green lasers. They are toys for only the most serious of the geeky, able to start fires, sear flesh, and burn out optical devices. Cool, but very dangerous.

( In fact, I recommend that no one own or use a green laser. Except me.)


Most red laser pointers are reasonably safe, as long as they are not aimed at the eyes.

aye 2nd'ing this again, do not use any green lasers for general pointing purposes on a game table, they really are dangerous and excessive exposure to them will start burning thing that they're focused on even at low powerbands.