Are laser tag guns safe?
Despite the rumors you may have heard, laser tag guns are really safe. We evaluated the features of 20+ blasters and found that they emit low frequency, low energy (less than 1 mW) infrared rays that are generally harmless. Phasers are also free of radiation and do not shoot out real lasers.
Here is an evaluation of the various infrared emission ratings of the 20+ blasters and other features that impact safety.
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How Safe are the Infrared Emissions of Specific Laser Tag Guns?
Basically, nearly every blaster has an infrared emission rating of 0.9mW.
Here is a detailed evaluation of the infrared emissions of various blasters:
ArmoGear Infrared Guns and Vests – Game Pack Set of 2
Infrared Emission of 0.9mW.
ArmoGear – four pack
Infrared Signal Emission of 0.9mW.
ArmoGear Rechargeable Guns & Vests Set of 4
Infrared Signal Emission of 0.9mW.
Laser X – 88016 ORIGINAL Four Player Gaming Set
Invisible infrared beam.
Nerf Official: Lazer Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger – 2-pack
Class 1 LED, infrared light.
Kolegend Set
Infrared Signal Emission of less than 1mW.
Kidzlane Blaster
Infrared Signal Emission of 0.9mW.
Squad Hero – Rechargeable Set + Innovative LCDs and Sync – 4 Infrared Guns & Vests.
Child-safe infrared emission.
Kidpal – Upgraded Blasters Gun with Vest (Set of 4)
Infrared signal emission less than 1mw.
Best Choice Products Set of 4
Non-visible infrared lights with less than 1mw power output.
HISTOYE Gun and Vest (set of 4)
Infrared signal emission is 0.9mW.
MESIXI Guns with Vests (Set of 4)
Infrared signal emission of only 0.9mW.
USA Toyz Multiplayer Shooting Game Set with 2 Guns (Black and Red)
Infrared emission of less than 1mW.
VATOS Infrared Set for 4 Players
Infrared Signal Emission of less than 1mW.
Falcon F1 Tactical
The blaster emits a safe infrared signal that is harmless even if it is pointed into an eye.
TINOTEEN Guns with Vests (Set of 4).
It has outstanding infrared signal technology.
ComTec Sets with Gun and Vest (2 Pack).
Infrared Signal Emission of 0.9mW.
LUKAT Guns with Vests (Set of 4) with upgraded spray function.
It has infrared signal emission of 0.9mW.
Soyee – Pack of 4 Infrared Blasters & Vests with Innovative Fog Effect.
It uses infrared technology like TV remote.
Liberty Imports – with Carrying Case (set of 4).
With a Child Safety Infrared Signal Emission that of 0.0496mW. The toys emit a safe and non-visible infrared light.
YASITY Guns with Vests Upgraded New Version (4 Pack).
Infrared Signal Emission of 0.9mW.
COFUNX Gun Vests (set of 4)
Child-safe infrared signal emission of 0.9mW and it will not hurt the children’s eyes.
JOYMOR Set of 4 Blasters and Vests
It has a child-safe infrared signal emission less than 1mW.
YOFIT Set of 4 Guns with Vests.
The phaser set has child-safe infrared signal emission of 0.9mW.
Check Out This Blaster We Reviewed Recently.
Laser X - 88016 ORIGINAL Reviewed | ||
  | Pros: - Still good as new after 5+ years of heavy commercial use Cons: - no screws to open it up | |
To read the full Laser X Review, click here.
Other Safety Features of Blasters
Various blasters also have other safety features to ensure users don’t get hurt when using them.
Here are some features you’ll find in various brands:
ArmoGear Rechargeable Guns & Vests Set of 4
100% safety tested & certified.
Kidzlane Blaster
Certified safe for children of all ages.
POKONBOY Guns with Vests and Carry Case (Set of 4).
Infrared guns and vests are made from safe and durable ABS plastic.
Best Choice Products Set of 4
The blasters are tested by a 3rd party product safety facility.
Falcon F1 Tactical
There are no protruding or sharp parts and this makes the blaster as safe as possible for children to use.
TINOTEEN Guns with Vests (Set of 4).
It is made of 100% safe and environmentally friendly materials.
ComTec Sets with Gun and Vest (2 Pack).
While safe for 3-year-olds, it is recommended for kids from 5 years and above.
LUKAT Guns with Vests (Set of 4) with upgraded spray function.
Certified safe for kids by FDA and CPSC.
Liberty Imports – with Carrying Case (set of 4).
This toy conforms to ASTM F963-16 and is a certified class I laser toy product – safe for children of all ages. No eye-protection needed.
YOFIT Set of 4 Guns with Vests.
This is made of durable and sturdy material with smooth surface, edges and curves to ensure children’s safety.
So, Do Laser Tag Guns Hurt?
Laser tag guns don’t hurt at all.
They just shoot out a beam that earns points on the other player’s “tagger.” Tagging is the act of hitting an opponent’s sensor with an infrared beam. Getting tagged does not hurt or cause bruising; it just registers how many points you lost. The only thing that you need to worry about is the fact that you may get a bit sweaty after playing!
Harmless fun, right?
What is an Infrared Beam Used in Laser Tag?
An infrared beam is used in laser tag to “disable” opponents playing against you.
Infra-red beams are fired at an opponent’s sensors which will eventually “sap” their “energy” (reduce their player lives) and make them unable to play on. Lasers are not used in this game — only an infrared emission of 1mW or less.
Is an Infrared Emission of 1mW Safe?
Yes.
The emission of infrared radiation by lasers is almost inconsequential, though it does heat the skin very slightly.
Lasers that emit in the infrared spectrum are highly unlikely to cause permanent eye damage because they are not focused enough to produce a localized effect. They are also minimal enough with respect to intensity levels so as not to induce thermal effects. It’s just like natural sources like sunlight and fluorescent bulbs.
Therefore, contrary to popular belief, the only “damage” that can be done with an infrared emission is heating the skin very slightly during exposure.
Who Should Not Play with Laser Tag Guns and Why?
Laser Tag Guns don’t hurt, but there are other things you should watch out for when playing with them. Make sure you understand the game rules and objectives, know how to handle lasers, and be aware of your surroundings.
Kids under eight may not effectively play with laser tag guns. This is because they may not be able to understand the game rules and objectives, which can lead to frustration. They also may not have the hand-eye coordination required to use the gun properly.
Additionally, people with epilepsy should not play laser tag because flashing lights can trigger a seizure in some people. If you have a heart condition, you should also avoid playing.
Also, older players should avoid playing laser tag in close quarters. This is because there is a risk of collision with other players, which could cause bodily harm.
Players with heart conditions or pregnant women should also avoid playing laser tag due to the increase in heart rate that may occur. Very old players should also avoid playing laser tag due to the increased risk of falls or collisions.
Also note that the magnets in some laser tag gear can damage a pacemaker.
How to Stay Safe When Playing Laser Tag
First of all, you need to know the general game rules and objectives.
As for safety, try not to play in close quarters since there is a higher risk of bodily collision. This goes for both younger players and older ones.
General rules to follow when playing laser tag:
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times during play, especially if there are other people around you.
- As with any activity, make sure to stretch before playing and drink plenty of water during and after the game to stay hydrated.
- If you’re wearing glasses, remove them before playing.
- If you are carrying any type of valuable equipment (like a phone or camera), make sure to keep it in a safe place where it will not be damaged if you fall or collide with another player.
Additional Resources That can Help You
You may also be interested in the following useful resources.
Do You Need a Vest for Laser Tag? (20+ Blasters Evaluated)
Can You Play Laser Tag at Home? (10+ Blasters Evaluated)
Does Laser Tag Work Outside?
What is Laser Tag? Everything You Need to Know
If you’re new to laser tag, here’s an introduction video to it and you can also check out our ultimate guide on our homepage.