wow... I don't even want to think about 90% of the idiot kids around here with one of these things. These are just not toys, and I have to agree that there are far more effective and cheap solutions without as much risk to bystanders (and rescuers!).

Blinding an animal is akin to torturing it - I'm no PETA guy, but damn, if that poor coon was actually blinded, and it's possible he was, he'll be torn apart alive, dehydrate or starve to death.

I think at least the major airliners have some shielding on their windows now for criminal conduct with lasers. Wait until kids start using these on a freeway overpass.... Some things just shouldn't be available. In fact, a terrorist cell could use these to cause instant panic and gridlock in major cities with regard to transportation and they would be almost impossible to catch, allowing them to do it all over the place, blinding drivers and bringing commerce to a stand still. Why hijack a gas truck or one with dangerous chemicals when you can simply blind the driver at 70MPH?

Ugh... they needs these things OFF the market.

No... they need to crucify anybody caught using them for such purposes... literally. And yes, I'll volunteer to drive the nails.

Troy

Yeah, a little bit of a knee jerk reaction... I don't want anyone confiscating my guns or taking them off the market. I suppose these lasers could be used in that capacity as could many other items that aren't regulated. Just chaps my hide thinking about it. Catching them is going to be the tough part, though. I'll be right next to you with my hammer. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I'm learning. Being a collector of Acronyms I was about to ask.
But..... IOW It came to me in a flash... Thanks for the new item.

I own a 5mW green laser for astronomy. It is very powerful. The beam is a thin visible line for 9000' - 2 miles. As for using it for in an emergency I would rather use my photon freedom on SOS mode pointed skyward. The nightvision goggles would see that more clearly than the laser.

I've been thinking about this all day at work.

Around here, one of the main hobbies is dropping rocks off overpasses. They can't catch those guys, so how would they catch a terrorist aiming at the drivers of gasoline or chlorine tankers?

Are the people who buy them (esp after China gets the mfg details) going to lock them up when not in use? NOPE! Their brain-dead kids will be on the streets aiming them at drivers, cats, dogs, birds, livestock and anything else that moves. If they insist on making these things available, anyone seeing someone using them for damaging a live creature should be legally able to knock them down, sit on them, and burn out THEIR retinas, on the spot!

It's obvious to see that America's technology has WAAAAAY exceeded it's sense of responsibility.

Oh.... sorry.... I mentioned the R-word. Politically incorrect, I know.

And it doesn't make any difference that they post "This is not a toy" fifteen hundred times on their website. It will be considered a toy and used as one.

You can buy a lot of USEFUL kit for a grand.

Sue

And remember this tidbit of practical information...
Do not look into laser with OTHER eye.
<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

...but does it have "enough juice to... drive off a grizzly bear (if you're lucky, or at least blind him completely)"?

<img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The lasers are a tool. It is the responsibiltiy of informed people to teach their friends and family not to play with tools; just like knives, guns, and even lasers. My laser is kept out of the reach of my kid, just like a firearm would be. When I go out stargazing my friends and I have a safety talk with the kids about the dangers of the laser.

Less regulation more personal accountablity.

100% AAAHgreed... less legislation and more accountability.

Troy