Lasers?

[RavenFeather]

I'm not completely sure if this is the correct forum, however it does have to do with pre-climb inspections.

I've noticed a little problem. My professors say "prune this branch" for an exam, however "this branch" could be one of hundreds. Fortunately one of my professors wised up and bought a little green laser pointer (I think it's the smaller of the two on Sherrill). Which turned awkward directions on which branch to remove to "Do you see the green dot? How about now? no? Well here, follow it from my feet."

I was trying to come up with a way to take out the middle man. I want a laser which is VERY obvious, or one that you can physically see the beam in broad daylight. Due to my interest in chemistry and physics, I've already learned that the most powerful legal-to-own laser is a 1W which will burn through 20+ balloons, light a match, or give you instantaneous and permanent eye damage . I found this beast which claims to be 8,000X brighter than the sun (I failed to mention that price, if under $400 isn't too big of a deal). However I wouldn't want to buy it, accidentally shine it onto a nail, and blind a customer or student. I've also considered some of the "mid range" models (under the arctic) like these.

Now for the TL;DR,
Have you ever used a laser pointer to point out limbs, defects, etc? And if so, was it instantly obvious? And if so what sort of power was it?

 

[VA-Sawyer]

I have one from Sherrills and find it works pretty well in daylight with fresh batteries. It is very useful when discussing prune bids with customer.
Might try taking 2 fresh AA Duracells to your next class and see if the laser works better.
I think your concerns about using too much laser are valid, I am very careful about using laser to guide a climber in tree on prune job.

BTW, the 300mw laser is $299 and the full watt unit is $899 , you have to click on the correct 'power select box' to see price of different units.

Rick