If you are reading this, you probably already have a certain interest in laser pointers. However, if you are like most beginners to laser pointers, you find the gadgets to be cool but of little use. This is why I decided to put together a quick yet comprehensive guide to the various uses laser pointers have. It is concise, informative, and hopefully inspiring. To further help you to become a full-time beamer, I also added the best products for each category.
So, if you are interested in purchasing your first beam yet find it difficult to justify the cost, skim through this article. You will see that laser pointers are so much more than silly little toys.
Without further ado, allow me to to show you the 7 creative ways you can use laser pointers:
Stargazing
Recommended laser pointer: “PL-E Mini 532nm Green Laser” from Jet Lasers
Using a powerful laser pointer in an astronomy context is a great idea. A good sturdy laser pointer will provide a beam that will illuminate objects thousands of meters away. Want to hold a smartypants talk on the Milky Way for your kids WHILE showing exactly where it lies? Well, a good laser pointer is easily the most compatible device for doing such activities. But, using laser pointers is not only limited to amateur astronomers. Many acclaimed professors use a laser pointer to show their students the “secrets of the galaxy”.
But, a word of caution here, your run-of-the-mill keychain laser won’t do the trick. You will need a laser pointer of considerable magnitude for it to reach your desired distance. And, as you probably know by now, handling powerful laser pointers also acquires considerable safety measures. Wear safety goggles and always keep the beam at a solid distance from the human eye. Oh, and never aim the beam at any kind of aircraft. Under any circumstances! This is a highly illegal practice that could potentially result in jail time for you. And, needless to say, you won’t be stargazing out of a prison cell!
Cat Toys
Recommended laser pointer: “KONG Laser Cat Toy” from KONG
When I got my fat slob of a cat a laser pointer for weight loss, I was somewhat stunned by the controversy of the subject. Many pet owners state that using a laser beam as stimulation might be harmful to the mental health of the pet. So, before I bought my cat Sufjan a laser pointer, I did my homework. The results?
Well, lucky for me, as far as cats are concerned, lasers are go-go! The beam awakens the natural predator in a cat and he/she finds chasing the dot a very rewarding activity. And, even without ever catching the dot, the cat will grow tired of chasing and go back to whatever feline stuff he/she was doing. Having fun and getting in shape at the same time. A win-win for cats!
When it comes to dogs, however, the issue is a bit more complex. Apparently, the brain of a canine does not accept chasing an object and getting zero closure from the chase. And, this sort of nonclosure might trigger future unhealthy obsessions with chasing various lights. In extreme cases, it can even lead to obsessive-compulsive disorders.
In a nutshell, laser pointers are great toys for cats. For dogs, not so much. For further reading, check out this article from Rau Animal Hospital. In the article, veterinarians go a bit more in-depth on this fascinating subject.
Party Tricks
Recommended laser pointer: “PL-E Pro 465nm Blue Laser” from Jet Lasers
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. You wouldn’t believe how effective a powerful laser pointer is for lighting up a party. No, not literally lighting it up you maniac! But, trust me on this, cool laser pointers with rare beam colors are not popular items. And, if you have one, you will be the star of the party.
Let me give you some concrete examples of fun stuff you can do with powerful beams. Lighting a cigarette with a lightsaber-like blue beam? Done it a hundred times. Popping a series of balloons with an impressive red beam? Regular activity at the birthday parties of my kids. How about melting a hole through the ice with a toxic-green laser? Easy as a cake with the right device.
As you see, the options are nearly limitless. As long as all the safety precautions are taken care of, there is loads of fun to be had with powerful lasers. Yes, these kinds of activities have little to no practical use. But, who cares? After all, the entertainment value my beastly lasers have given me is immense. And, who says that entertainment is not practical?
Presentations
Recommended laser pointer: “20mW 405nm Power Mid-open Blue-violet Laser Pointer” from Laserpointerpro
Using a laser pointer for presentations is seemingly boring and not worthy of a mention. But, as an enthusiast, I know that there is a difference between a “presentation laser pointer” and “THE presentation laser pointer”.
Yes, you can certainly opt for a boring red dot that bores your audience out of their mind.
But, you can also throw a little sneaky in there and use a cool laser pointer to your advantage. I wrote this section because of one specific product.
Just take a look at the beam-color of this blue-violet bad boy from Laserpointerpro. For those of you who often hold meetings or presentations in front of your audience, make the investment and purchase this pointer. Why? Because a simple detail such as the color of the dot will make a huge difference in the engagement-level of your audience. Even the most unreceptive crowds will be drawn to this unique color. And, after you get their attention, they are all yours. Put your best foot forward and give a Steve jobs worthy presentation to your hypnotized audience.
Emergency Situations
Recommended laser pointer: “PL-E Pro 520nm Diode Green Laser” from Jet Lasers
Of course, I sincerely hope that none of our readers will ever find themselves in an SOS-situation. But, should worse come to worse, a laser pointer is an extremely useful tool to have in your arsenal.
Why? Well, mainly because laser pointers make for fantastic signaling devices. A powerful laser pointer is much more effective in signaling your location than, say, a fire or a flashlight.
As you might already know, most elite-level laser pointers come with different adjustable strobing modes. SOS-mode being one of the most common of them.
So, if you are an adventurer at heart, make sure to pick a laser pointer with SOS-capabilities. You never know, a laser pointer just might save your life one day.
Hiking Trips
Recommended laser pointer: “Zeus Ocean” from Zeus Lasers
Laser pointers make for amazing companions for camping trips. Why? Well, mainly for pointing things. Duh! No, seriously. Say you noticed some unidentified moving object just at the edge of the forest. A good beam can easily point out the object to your fellow travelers. And, as they say, it is rude to point at stuff with your finger. Plus, elite-level beams are simply stunning to look at during the pitch-black night.
Then, of course, there is the issue of emergencies. I won’t dwell on this subject for too long because I already dedicated the previous section to it. A laser pointer can save your life, remember?
To sum it up, laser pointers are generally very compatible. So, it is easy to take an elite-level device along with you. You never know when it might come handy during your treks in the wild.
Hunting
Recommended laser pointer: “Green Laser Sight With Adjustable Mount” from Pinty
Laser pointers are often used by professional and amateur hunters for targeting accuracy. This is also a somewhat controversial subject, as many countries and US states prohibit the use of hunting lasers for targeting big game such as deer. So, before you start looking for a pointer for your hunting firearm, acquaint yourself with all the local hunting laws.
But, the legality of using laser pointers for hunting is a complex subject that we will not dwell on for now.
Let’s take a look at the practical benefits hunters gain from using a laser pointer. Well, the main advantage is that it improves your accuracy by a country mile. Especially in darker conditions. In such circumstances, a laser pointer on your rifle can be a nearly invaluable tool. Just make sure not to break the law, ok!
