How to Choose the Best Vestless Blaster: Phoenix Laser Tag Guns vs. 4 Brands

Laser tag guns without vests can be more enjoyable and less expensive than laser tag guns with vests.

The vest is sometimes an annoying part of a Laser Tag game. It can get in the way, it can be hot, and it can be cumbersome. But when you don’t have to worry about wearing a vest, you can focus more on having fun.

Here are the detailed benefits of vestless phasers.

How Phoenix Laser Tag Guns Compare to 4 Other Brands

Nerf Official: Laser Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-pack

✔ 10 or 25 hits

✕ hidden team mode

Phoenix vs. Kolegend

✔ More ratings

✕ Higher price

Phoenix vs. Kidzlane

✔ More infrared emitters

✕ heavier

Phoenix vs. Play 22

✔ Fewer batteries

✕ No charging station

Phoenix vs. Squad Hero

✔ Lighter

✕ Fewer ratings

We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from links on this site.

Cost Difference

Laser tag guns without vests typically cost less than laser tag guns with vests.

This makes sense considering the cheaper construction of the gun and lack of a vest, which can be purchased separately if desired.

However, this does not mean that the experience is any less enjoyable. In fact, some may find it more fun without the restriction of a vest.

Additionally, users who are not as physically fit or younger may find wearing a vest cumbersome and hot, which can take away from the overall experience.

Mobility and Ease of Storage

Laser tag guns without vests are much smaller and lighter, making them more portable. This makes it easier to take them with you on the go, whether you’re going to a friend’s house for a game or taking them with you on vacation.

In addition, since they’re smaller and lighter, they’re also easier to store when you’re not using them. If you have a small apartment or house, this can be an invaluable benefit – especially if you live with other people who need to use the limited space as well.

Ease of Use

When playing laser tag without vests, you can move more freely and dodge shots more easily. You can use the extra mobility to your advantage and sneak up on your opponents.

If you are playing with children, using laser tag guns without vests is a safer option, as they will not be as likely to get injured if they fall or collide with something.

Battery Life

Phasers without vests typically have a longer battery life. This doesn’t matter too much if you play laser tag on occasion, but it might be an issue for competitive players.

Laser tag guns with vests typically require more batteries, which can get expensive quickly. If you’re looking to play a lot of laser tag, it’s worth considering getting a phaser without a vest.

Weight

Phasers without vests also tend to be lighter than their counterparts with vests.

This is because the vest portion of the gun adds to the weight of the package. This isn’t an issue for casual players who won’t mind the extra weight, but it matters for competitive laser tag players.

Maintenance

Laser tag guns without vests are easier to clean than laser tag guns with vests.

Phasers with vests can be difficult to maintain because the vest may have an intimidating, bulky design. Also, the extra equipment for the game is easy to lose track of. And if you drop your vest or it gets scratched or dirty, it can cause significant problems for the game.

Extra Benefits

Here are even more benefits of laser tag guns without vests compared to laser tag guns with vests:

  • There is no lump from the physical weight of a vest impacting your motion as you run and play. This gives players more natural movements and allows them to dodge shots more easily.
  • There is no fear of being “shot” in the back by an opponent if you’re not wearing a vest. This increases the level of fair play in the game.
  • You do not have to worry about the vest being too tight or too loose. This allows players to focus on the game, rather than adjusting the vest.
  • Vests can get caught on obstacles in the environment, such as bushes.

Key Features of a Vestless Phaser: the Phoenix Laser Tag Gun

The Phoenix Laser Tag Gun was released in the year 2008 and has been gaining popularity among users. The manufacturer is Hasbro, and the blaster can be used by both adults and kids above 8 years.

An interesting feature is that you can set laser tag blasters for as many as 25 hits before they are out.

Two key features that stand out are that it registers hits with lights, sounds and vibrations; and you can set it for 10 or 25 hits. Also, the tagger can choose between “Solo”, “Team 1” and “Team 2.

Strangely, a hidden “Team 3” is only selectable when the power switch is held carefully in place between the “Team 1” and “Team 2” positions.

Here are the detailed features of the Phoenix Laser tag gun.

Nerf Official: Laser Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-pack

– Product Packaging: Frustration-Free Packaged

– 2 laser tag blasters

– Product Dimensions: 12.13 x 14.88 x 4.37 inches

– Item Weight: 2.89 pounds

– Batteries Required: 12 AA

– Recommended Age:  8 – 99 years

– Manufacturer: Hasbro – Import

– Set Laser Tag Blasters for 10 or 25 hits before they are out

– Has Class 1 LED –Infrared Light

– Has no Vests, Pennies or Amo

– Suitable for Kids & Adults, Ages 8 & Up

– All Nerf Laser Tag Phoenix LTX blasters are compatible and interchangeable

– It registers hits with lights, sounds and vibrations

– Has a red receiver dome on top, flashes red when it is tagged

– It does not have lock-on or detection indicators

– Above the handle a light and built-in rumble pack flashes and shakes when the tagger is fired or tagged

– Matches are started by pulling the trigger, which activates a ten second countdown before the game begins

– The Phoenix LTX is able to join custom matches hosted by a Tiger Electronics tagger

– It is able to scan and search for nearby matches when turned on – The Phoenix LTX automatically starts a pick-up game when the trigger is pulled and fails to find a match

So, let’s see how it stacks up against five other blasters in this product feature showdown before the full review.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Phoenix Compared to Other Laser Tag Guns

Now, let’s compare The Phoenix with four other Laser Tag Guns namely: The Kolegend 4- Pack Laser, The Kidzlane Laser Tag Gun, The Play22 Laser Tag Gun, and The Squad-Hero Laser Tag Gun.

Phoenix vs. Kolegend

The Phoenix LTX Tagger 2 appears to be a good option compared to The Kolegend 4- Pack Laser Tag Set. Especially since it has thousands of ratings compared to several hundred for the Kolegend.

But the Kolegend is cheaper than the Phoenix.

Here’s a more detailed Kolegend vs.Phoenix feature comparison.

Nerf Official: Laser Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-pack

– Suitable for both adults and kids from ages 8 & Up

– 2,000+ Ratings

– Price: less than USD 80

– Each Laser Tag uses 6 AA batteries

– Manufacturer: Hasbro – Import

– Item Weight: 2.89 pounds

– Mfg. Recommended Age 8 – 99 years

– Product Dimensions: 12.13 x 14.88 x 4.37 inches

– Above the handle is a light and built-in rumble pack.It flashes and shakes when the tagger is fired or tagged.

– Turning on a Phoenix LTX tagger activates a scan that searches for nearby Tiger Electronics tagger-hosted matches.

– The Shot Blast is a large attachment placed on the front of the Phoenix LTX that features two infrared emitters.

– Infrared Signal Emission: 1 LED

– No vests

– Does not have a menu screen

– Does not have lock-on or detection indicators

Kolegend 4- pack Laser Tag Set

– Suitable for adults and teenagers

– 300+ Ratings

– Price: less than USD 50

– Each Laser Tag uses 4 AA batteries

– Manufacturer: Kolegend

– Item Weight: 2.84 pounds

– Mfg. Recommended Age: 3 years and up

– Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 7.5 x 6 inches

– Does not detect nearby matches

– Better infrared sensing. You can aim at the muzzle or shoot at the team button

– Infrared Signal Emission: Less than 1mW.

– No Vests

– Has a menu screen

– Team Colors: Blue, Red, White, Green – Each gun has 9 lives points. Each light of life indicator represents 3 live points

Phoenix vs. Kidzlane

The Kidzlane has a ‘thundering sounding effect’ which may be important if ‘sound’ is a feature you look closely into.

But the Phoenix stands out with the Shot Blast, a large attachment placed on the front of the Phoenix LTX that features two infrared emitters.

Here’s a more detailed Kidzlane vs. Phoenix feature comparison.

Nerf Official: Laser Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-pack

– Brand: NERF

– Ratings: 2,000+ ratings

– Price: less than USD 80

– Batteries Required: 6 AA batteries

– No Vests

– Packaging: Frustration-Free Packaging

– Suitable for kids above 8 years

– Product Dimensions: 12.13 x 14.88 x 4.37 inches

– Item Weight: 2.89 pounds

– Released in: 2008

– Mfg. Recommended age 8 – 99 years

– All Nerf Laser Tag Phoenix LTX blasters are compatible and interchangeable

– Indoor and outdoor

– set Laser tag blasters for 10 or 25 hits before they’re out

– class 1 LED, infrared light

– No Vest, Pinnies, or Ammo

– Does not have lock-on or detection indicators

– register hits with lights, sounds and vibrations

– Red receiver dome on top, flashes red when it is tagged

– Above the handle a light and built-in rumble pack, flashes and shakes when the tagger is fired or tagged.

– The ammo indicator on the Phoenix LTX will indicate which player number it is assigned to.

– The Shot Blast is a large attachment placed on the front of the Phoenix LTX that features two infrared emitters.

Kidzlane Laser Tag Gun

– Brand: Kidzlane

– Ratings: 4,000+ ratings

– Price: less than USD 100

– Batteries Required: 4 AA batteries

– Has 4 interactive target vest

– Packaging:

–  100% CHILD-SAFE. All Ages

– Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 7.5 x 7.25 inches

– Item Weight: 0.77 Pounds

– Indoor and outdoor

– GREEN, RED, BLUE  and WHITE colors

– Infrared Signal Emission less than 1mW

– Lives and team data are automatically synced

– Ultra-realistic shooting sounds i.e. thundering sounding effects

– Laser Blasters light up and vibrate

– Modes :Pistol, Shotgun, Submachine gun, and Rocket

– 9 lives per game

– Unlimited player

– Able to see the light indicators.

Phoenix vs. Play 22

The Play 22 Laser Tag Gun is a bit cheaper than Phoenix LTX Tagger 2- Pack Laser Tag Gun. Plus, the gadget is equipped with a full charging station which includes a USB cable and wall adapter to fuel 2 action- packed hours of game time.

However, the Play 22 requires a higher number of batteries (28) for its operation, compared to the Phoenix (12).

Here’s a more detailed Play 22 vs. Phoenix feature comparison.

Nerf Official: Laser Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-pack

– Manufacturer: Hasbro – Import

– Ratings: 2,000+

– Product Price: less than USD 80

– No Vests

– Product Dimensions: 12.13 x 14.88 x 4.37 inches

– Mfg. Recommended Age: 8 – 99 years

– Country of Origin: China

– Item Weight: 2.89 pounds

– Batteries Requirement: 12 AA batteries

– Frustration-Free Packaging

– Safe for kids above 8+ years. 100% safe

– Settings available for more than 2 players

– Indoor & outdoor

– set Laser tag blasters for 10 or 25 hits before they’re out

– Can be used both indoors and outdoors

– Register hits with lights, sounds and vibrations

– Ammo reload

– red receiver dome on top, flashes red when it is tagged

– no lock-on or detection indicators

– Above the handle a light and built-in rumble pack, flashes and shakes when the tagger is fired or tagged.

– Does not have a menu screen

– Matches are started by pulling the trigger, which activates a ten second countdown before the game begins.

– The Phoenix LTX is able to join custom matches hosted by a Tiger Electronics tagger through the hidden means.

– Turning on a Phoenix LTX tagger activates a scan that searches for nearby Tiger Electronics tagger-hosted matches.

– If the trigger is pulled before the tagger can find a match, it will start a normal Phoenix LTX pick-up game.

– To join any match, the tagger must be aimed directly at the host’s receiving dome.

– The ammo indicator on the Phoenix LTX will indicate which player number it is assigned to.

– The Shot Blast is a large attachment placed on the front of the Phoenix LTX that features two infrared emitters.

– The Phoenix LTX pinpoint sight. Attaches on the top back rail of the tagger and emits a green laser sight.

Play22 Laser Tag Gun

– Manufacturer: Play22

– Ratings: 1,000+

– Product Price: less than USD 60

– Has 4 Vets

– Has Four models

– Batteries Requirement: 28 AA batteries

– Purchase another set to accommodate multiple players. Per set can accommodate up to 4 teams

– 4-Pack placed 6th edition

– Can be used both indoors and outdoors

– You can pick your teams in 4 colors: Blue, Red, Green, White

– Rocket launcher: with 1 missile

– Infrared Laser Tag

– PISTOL, SHOTGUN, MACHINE GUN, and ROCKET weapon modes

– Signals are 100% SAFE with Child Safety

– FULLY RECHARGEABLE

– Comes With 4 Gun Types

– Display: On invisibility mode

– Has flashlights that enable night vision

– Has voice-guided directions

– Tactile vibrations,

– lifelike shooting sounds,

– LED vests that indicate your numerical score

– The gadget is equipped with a full charging station which includes a USB cable and wall adapter to fuel 2 action-packed hours of game time.

Phoenix vs. Squad Hero

The Squad Hero appears to be a favorite to many compared to Phoenix LTX Laser Tag, having 3,000+ ratings compared to 2,000+ ratings for the Phoenix.

Although the Squad Hero has extra features like an innovative charging station to charge all the gear at once easily, the Phoenix still holds its own by offering simplicity and effective game play. No need for extra features that can potentially break down.

Here’s a more detailed Squad Hero vs. Phoenix feature comparison.

Nerf Official: Laser Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-pack

– Ratings: 2,000+

– Manufacturer: Hasbro – Import

– Suitable for kids & Adults. Kids should be 8+ years and up

– Brand: NERF

– Price: less than USD 80

– Product was released in 2008

– Product Weight: 2.89 pounds

– Product Dimensions: 12.13 x 14.88 x 4.37 inches

– Batteries Required: 12 AA

– Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 – 99 years

– Packaging method: Frustration-Free Packaging. Shipped in simple brown, recyclable package

– 2 Laser tag blasters

– All Nerf Laser Tag Phoenix LTX blasters are compatible and interchangeable

– Indoor & outdoor

– set Laser tag blasters for 10 or 25 hits before they’re out

– class 1 LED, infrared light

– no vest, pinnies, or ammo

– Register hits with lights, sounds, and vibrations

– ammo reload

– Red receiver dome on top, flashes red when it is tagged

– Does not have lock-on or detection indicators

– Does not have a menu screen

– Above the handle a light and built-in rumble pack, flashes and shakes when the tagger is fired or tagged.

– Matches are started by pulling the trigger, which activates a ten second countdown before the game begins.

– The Phoenix LTX is able to join custom matches hosted by a Tiger Electronics tagger through the hidden means.

– Turning on a Phoenix LTX tagger activates a scan that searches for nearby Tiger Electronics tagger-hosted matches.

– If the trigger is pulled before the tagger can find a match, it will start a normal Phoenix LTX pick-up game.

– To join any match, the tagger must be aimed directly at the host’s receiving dome.

– The Shot Blast is a large attachment placed on the front of the Phoenix LTX that features two infrared emitters.

– The Phoenix LTX pinpoint sight attaches on the top back rail of the tagger and emits a green laser sight.

Squad Hero – Rechargeable Laser Tag Set – 4 Infrared Guns & Vests

– Ratings: 3,000+

– Manufacturer: Squad Hero

– Suitable for both kids and adults. Kids should be ages 8+ years and up

– Product weight: 6.3 pounds

– Product Dimension: 16.93 x 13.46 x 5.67 inches

– Batteries Required: 8 lithium ion batteries

– Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 years and up

– Includes: 4 guns, 4 vests, and one charging station.

– Rechargeable gear

– Indoor & outdoor

– You never have to stop the game action to change a few dozen batteries.

– The guns and vests are fully rechargeable!

– The set includes an innovative charging station to charge all the gear at once easily.

– You can play approx 8 games per charge.

– Hero sync & LCD HUD technologies

– Lives and team data are automatically synced, and LCDs on the vests

– The guns allow you to check your status, even in the heat of battle without having to rely on lights or audio.

– Choose between four weapon modes (Pistol, Automatic, Laser, and Rocket), adjustable lives-per-game setting, Stealth Mode, night flashlight, and 150- foot reach

– The gadget has a menu screen

– Child-safe infrared emission and you can add unlimited guns and vests to all Squad Hero blasters.

– Customer Service: In case of anything, the Squad Hero customer service team is available.

Phoenix vs. Kolegend vs. Kidzlane vs. Play 22 vs. Squad Hero

Here’s a complete comparison table of the Phoenix blaster with all the other brands, just for easier comparison.

Nerf Official: Laser Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-pack

– Suitable for both adults and kids from ages 8 & Up

– 2,000+ Ratings

– Price: less than USD 80

– Each Laser Tag uses 6 AA batteries

– Manufacturer: Hasbro – Import

– Item Weight: 2.89 pounds

– Mfg. Recommended Age 8 – 99 years

– Product Dimensions: 12.13 x 14.88 x 4.37 inches

– Above the handle is a light and built-in rumble pack.It flashes and shakes when the tagger is fired or tagged.

– Turning on a Phoenix LTX tagger activates a scan that searches for nearby Tiger Electronics tagger-hosted matches.

– The Shot Blast is a large attachment placed on the front of the Phoenix LTX that features two infrared emitters.

– Infrared Signal Emission: 1 LED

– No vests

– Does not have a menu screen

– Does not have lock-on or detection indicators

Kolegend 4- pack Laser Tag Set

– Suitable for adults and teenagers

– 300+ Ratings

– Price: less than USD 50

– Each Laser Tag uses 4 AA batteries

– Manufacturer: Kolegend

– Item Weight: 2.84 pounds

– Mfg. Recommended Age: 3 years and up

– Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 7.5 x 6 inches

– Does not detect nearby matches

– Better infrared sensing. You can aim at the muzzle or shoot at the team button

– Infrared Signal Emission: Less than 1mW.

– No Vests

– Has a menu screen

– Team Colors: Blue, Red, White, Green

– Each gun has 9 lives points. Each light of life indicator represents 3 live points

Kidzlane Laser Tag Gun

– Brand: Kidzlane

– Ratings: 4,000+ ratings

– Price: less than USD 100

– Batteries Required: 4 AA batteries

– Has 4 interactive target vest

– Packaging:

–  100% CHILD-SAFE. All Ages

– Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 7.5 x 7.25 inches

– Item Weight: 0.77 Pounds

– indoor and outdoor

GREEN, RED, BLUE  and WHITE colors

– Infrared Signal Emission less than 1mW

– Lives and team data are automatically synced,

Ultra-realistic shooting sounds i.e. thundering sounding effects

– Laser Blasters light up and vibrate

– Modes :Pistol, Shotgun, Submachine gun, and Rocket

– 9 lives per game

– Unlimited player

– Able to see the light indicators.

Play22 Laser Tag Gun

– Manufacturer: Play22

– Ratings: 1,000+

– Product Price: less than USD 60

– Has 4 Vets

– Has Four models

– Batteries Requirement: 28 AA batteries

– Purchase another set to accommodate multiple players. Per set can accommodate up to 4 teams

– 4-Pack placed 6th edition

– Can be used both indoors and outdoors

– You can pick your teams in 4 colors: Blue, Red, Green, White

– Rocket launcher: with 1 missile

– Infrared Laser Tag

– PISTOL, SHOTGUN, MACHINE GUN, and ROCKET weapon modes

– Signals are 100% SAFE with Child Safety

– FULLY RECHARGEABLE

– Comes With 4 Gun Types

– Display: On invisibility mode

– Has flashlights that enable night vision

– Has voice-guided directions

– Tactile vibrations,

– lifelike shooting sounds,

– LED vests that indicate your numerical score

– The gadget is equipped with a full charging station which includes a USB cable and wall adapter to fuel 2 action-packed hours of game time.

Squad Hero – Rechargeable Laser Tag Set – 4 Infrared Guns & Vests

– Ratings: 3,000+

– Manufacturer: Squad Hero

– Suitable for both kids and adults. Kids should be ages 8+ years and up

– Product weight: 6.3 pounds

– Product Dimension: 16.93 x 13.46 x 5.67 inches

– Batteries Required: 8 lithium ion batteries

– Manufacturer Recommended Age: 8 years and up

– Includes: 4 guns, 4 vests, and one charging station.

– Rechargeable gear

– indoor & outdoor

– You never have to stop the game action to change a few dozen batteries.

– The guns and vests are fully rechargeable!

– The set includes an innovative charging station to charge all the gear at once easily.

– You can play approx 8 games per charge.

– Hero sync & LCD HUD technologies

– Lives and team data are automatically synced, and LCDs on the vests

– The guns allow you to check your status, even in the heat of battle without having to rely on lights or audio.

– Choose between four weapon modes (Pistol, Automatic, Laser, and Rocket), adjustable lives-per-game setting, Stealth Mode, night flashlight, and 150- foot reach

– The gadget has a menu screen

– Child-safe infrared emission and you can add unlimited guns and vests to all Squad Hero blasters.

– Customer Service: In case of anything, the Squad Hero customer service team is available.

Conclusion

Although The Phoenix is a bit pricey compared to several options, it has several advantages: it uses minimal batteries (12 AA) thus saving costs, uses Class 1 LED infrared light, and has a large attachment placed on the front of the Phoenix LTX that features two infrared emitters for effective tagging.

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.

Leave a Comment