Sometimes the responsible and careful progression of technology just has to take a backset to the “what the hell” approach of developing things just because you can. Such seems to be the case with the WickedLaser S3 Spyder Arctic laser, a blue light laser that might be just a few years (and a couple million dollars of research money) away from becoming a long-overdue laser rifle that many of us have been waiting for ever since we were kids. Possible Jedi applications could be a realistic goal as well. It even kind of looks like a lightsaber.
The S3 Spyder uses the world’s first 445nm direct blue diode portable laser, with an ultra high power 1W beam. If those words mean nothing to you, to put it in perspective, this laser can easily generate more than 1000-times the light that sunlight delivers to your skin. In other words, if you held it on someone for long enough, they would probably catch fire. Seriously. It would take some time, but it is doable. If they were lucky, the victim/test subject might just escape with a nasty burn and a potential battle with cancer waiting for them down the road. This laser is powerful enough that it could instantly blind you if you looked right at it. Even wearing protective glasses and just glimpsing the direct beam could cost you the color green for 4-6 months.
The S3 Spyder is 4000-percent brighter than WikedLaser’s previous model, the Sonar, and it costs a mere $200 once you sign the lengthy and spine chilling form that confirms that you have read the company’s page long warnings. According to the website, “This laser possesses the most burning capabilities of any portable laser in existence. That’s why it’s also the most dangerous laser ever created.”
So what is this beast for? What highly technical procedures is this laser recommended for- a laser so powerful that given the right circumstances it could literally kill someone?
Fun.
After all, who can’t think of a few awesome things to do with a laser that is 1000-times more powerful than sunlight. It is recommended for people with product familiarity in using Class 4 lasers, although anyone can purchase one online.
But before you run off to buy your prototype imperial blaster though, be sure to read the warnings page, which offers such helpful tips as not to point it at an aircraft, and never use it to play with your pets. Because you might make them explode (the explode part wasn’t actually in the warnings, but it was inferred).
The laser might not be ready for the Death Star just yet, but proceed with caution, and for the love of God, keep your kids away from this at all costs. Unless of course they are super villains, then this will make the perfect Christmas gift!
im using this at my next power point presentation
Why……..would someone even make something this dangerous ? That’s asking for trouble.
Err..you’re right, Stephan. That was a typo on my part; my bad.
@ Chris: 1000 milliwatts is equal to one watt. Etching lasers are at or around 50 watts and cutting lasers are usually above 100 watts. 1 Watt is not really much but for a toy its way off target.
They claim it’s not a toy on their website. If that’s the case, why the heck did they make it look like one? It’s one of, if not the most powerful consumer laser you can buy. Scary stuff.
now THATs funny…what kind of disclaimer is that? this is not a toy! it’s a REAL light saber! bad, bad idea…but i still want one…
no shit….
cool laser, but it sure should not have been that strong for a light saber toy…
I still can’t believe someone thought it would be a good idea to create a “toy” (and that’s what it is, disclaimer or not) but what the hell else are you going to do with it other than cut shit? A typical laser pointer puts out five Milli Watts and when you figure one Milli Watt = one Watt, that’s a lot of power and making it more than just a basic laser. Currently, there are tons of videos of people burning paper, plastic and wood with something this powerful so giving it to a child who wants to play Jedi is beyond stupid.
If Lucas Arts had brain one in that huge melon on top of their neck (my first Ghostbusters 2 reference) they would have stayed far away from this product. If my child got hurt I would go after both the company and Lucas Arts and don’t think for a second I couldn’t find a lawyer who wouldn’t get on board with that idea.
The real problem is that evil doers (dumb ass morons) will most likely get a chuckle by pointing it in peoples eyes @ a safe distance from which they won’t get caught therefore causing harm to others.
Advancement in Technology is great, I am all for it but keep it away from the general public when it can be potentially dangerous…..
a famous quote
“If your 20 and not a liberal, you’ve got no heart. But if your 40 and not a conservitive, you’ve got no brains!”
stupid liberals!
NANCYS
Whatever you do, Don't point it at Alderan!
These lasers are lethal and the sell are purely irresponsible. Non-lethal laser dazzlers are not designed to hurt or blind, coz the power density can be adjusted and controlled within certain distances. I would rather spend more dollars on a portable laser dazzlers at JETLASERS for illuminating purposes.
I own a 125mW green laser, I realize that it is much less powerful than a 1W laser. Regardless, the laser is going to be safe if properly used. I set up my telescope and use my laser briefly to point out stars with friends.