Laser Genetics NDx Series

[Rugger_can]

Just wondering what peoples opinions of the NDx Series from BSA's Laser Genetics division, they seem very practical and quiet useful.

Anyone own one? Or just general opinions.

http://www.lasergenetics.com/nd3-laser-designator.aspx

[HKGhost]

So it's a laser beam but has a thicker (wider) beam? I'm still not seeing the benefit of this device. Why not just use a flash light or a laser?

[Kos-Mos]

I can see the benefits of it for hunting, a little less for airsoft.

It is basically a super-focused green flash-light, that can unfocus for wider beam to use it like a flash light.

Probably not powerfull enought to hurt the eyes, so that is a big plus for airsoft.
But the beam seems to be 1" wide... talk about a huge dot.

[Rugger_can]

Originally Posted by HKGhost

So it's a laser beam but has a thicker (wider) beam? I'm still not seeing the benefit of this device. Why not just use a flash light or a laser?

5 Mile range?

Just looking for opinions. I think its pretty cool tech, but Im not sold on its practicality over normal illumination.. Although in a SAR scenario its nice seeing as its so damn long range

[Wildlife]

Here, that looks useful; do want. Pricey though. And I doubt it's safe for the eyes; green lasers are dangerous for miles, 1" wide beam or no. As their own chart shows, the human eye is most sensitive to green light (550nm). Even at 5mw it has the potential for permanent eye damage.
Still... I want one.

[doc_pathfinders]

Originally Posted by Wildlife

Here, that looks useful; do want. Pricey though. And I doubt it's safe for the eyes; green lasers are dangerous for miles, 1" wide beam or no. As their own chart shows, the human eye is most sensitive to green light (550nm). Even at 5mw it has the potential for permanent eye damage.
Still... I want one.

you would be thinking of 5mW per mm squared (rough area of a laser 'dot)

this thing pumps out <18mW over a diameter of 26mm then the power per mm would be 0.033 mW... eye safe..

(diameter of the light is given as 26mm, area of a circle is defined as pi X r squared= 531mm, power is less then 18mW but i pegged it as 18mW)

maths, it's a living.

[Drake]

1. It appears to be rated Class 2M, so it would be safe unless you force yourself to stare at it/suppress blink reflex, and as long you aren't viewing it through magnified optics.

2. The beam is clearly visible, so while it may be good for signaling or hunting, in a tactical situation the second you turn it on you're creating a huge "fuck me, I'm right here" arrow pointing at yourself.

3. The price is unappealing considering there are now some quality Chinese high power lights for under $100, and will basically amount to the same. Many are getting good reviews (from serious light forums) with some people getting good light out to 200+ meters.

[doc_pathfinders]

drake, any links to the models you're talking about? i've been interested in these for a while and i'm looking for one in IR (as an illuminator/designator) any ideas?

[HKGhost]

I would agree that it does have a real cool factor but not practical in airsoft. But maybe it would work if you played night games.

Originally Posted by Rugger_can

5 Mile range?

Just looking for opinions. I think its pretty cool tech, but Im not sold on its practicality over normal illumination.. Although in a SAR scenario its nice seeing as its so damn long range

[FOX_111]

Like Drake pointed out, these are safe. But not tactically practical.
If they where IR and you had an IR scope, then it would be very usefull. Like a ANPEQ unit...

[Wildlife]

Originally Posted by doc_pathfinders

you would be thinking of 5mW per mm squared (rough area of a laser 'dot)

this thing pumps out <18mW over a diameter of 26mm then the power per mm would be 0.033 mW... eye safe..

(diameter of the light is given as 26mm, area of a circle is defined as pi X r squared= 531mm, power is less then 18mW but i pegged it as 18mW)

Aha, I didn't know that; and I've been messing with lasers since I was a kid. Always treated them like a firearm (i.e. don't point at things you don't want a hole in, like retinas ), even the cheap dollar-store diode lasers. Still got a suction-cup dart gun here somewhere with a $2 laser I built into the frame; zeroed in at 5ft, used it to hunt down flies around the house. (Yeah, I was a bit odd as a child. Perfectly normal now though. Hur hur)

That makes me want one of these even more. The idea of a flashlight whose area of illumination can be limited to my scope's FOV at any range intrigues me. And it would make an excellent signalling/marking device. Price is steep, unless I rationalize it as a survival tool. Hmmm, I could say the same about that '74 Pinzgauer I've been eyeballing on EBay too...

[GBear]

I would still take extra care when using such a laser. Green would mean high intensity and frequency. I'm extra extra cautious about lasers now. Last co-op work term, I worked extensively with a Class 4 200W IR laser. You can't see the beam and it burns through the most expensive mirrors (Well, $100 2" diameter mirrors). So yeah, lasers can be very scary. :P

[FOX_111]

No shit, I still have a blind spot in my left eye tanks to those replica green laser people used at games back before we banned them.

[Rugger_can]

Originally Posted by GBear

I would still take extra care when using such a laser. Green would mean high intensity and frequency. I'm extra extra cautious about lasers now. Last co-op work term, I worked extensively with a Class 4 200W IR laser. You can't see the beam and it burns through the most expensive mirrors (Well, $100 2" diameter mirrors). So yeah, lasers can be very scary. :P

Again as stated this light is considered safe. I think it would be a good addition to a bob or for boating or hunting/camping when your life could depend on your ability to signal sar.

In terms of airsoft I was thinking it would be practical for long range illumination. Considering that its range greatly exceeds any airsoft rifle and its tight beam you could theoretically "paint" targets for your team to attack from a point of safety.

But drake has put forth the best argument, the price compared to quality products available on the market makes it prohibitive.

[GBear]

Originally Posted by Rugger_can

Again as stated this light is considered safe. I think it would be a good addition to a bob or for boating or hunting/camping when your life could depend on your ability to signal sar.

In terms of airsoft I was thinking it would be practical for long range illumination. Considering that its range greatly exceeds any airsoft rifle and its tight beam you could theoretically "paint" targets for your team to attack from a point of safety.

But drake has put forth the best argument, the price compared to quality products available on the market makes it prohibitive.

"Safe" can be subjective. Personally, I would be VERY pissed if someone shined any type of laser in my eyes. I do NOT want any lasers pointed at my eyes, ever. And also, this isn't just any "light." I wouldn't want to be playing with people using these.