The Sharper Image Laser Tag is a 100-feet shooting range toy gun.
That’s a decent range, but not comparable to some blasters with 200+ feet ranges. But its popularity and efficient use of smaller and fewer batteries compared to several other blasters means it’s likely good value for your money.
We analyzed the features of this blaster and compared it with three brands to see what it has to offer.
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What Makes Sharper Image Laser Tag Stand Out?
The Sharper Image Two-Player Toy Laser Tag Gun & Vest has many features similar to most decent blasters and only a few shortfalls.
However, what makes it stand out from the rest are the blaster’s 1,000+ ratings on Amazon, showing just how popular it is, as well as the fact that it uses 2 “AAA” batteries per laser cannon which is one less battery needed per blaster compared to some models.
Here is a detailed evaluation of what to expect from the blaster.
Sharper Image Two-Player Toy Laser Tag Gun & Vest
range
100 feet range. Long range capabilities – A decent range, but not comparable to some blasters with 200+ feet ranges
indoor/ outdoor
Indoor & Outdoor Battle Games – Valuable for multiple uses
age
Manufacturer recommended age: 5 years and up. Armor Set for Kids. Safe for Children and Adults. Not for children under 3 yrs – Great for nearly anyone
team/ individual
Combine Multiple Sets for Multiplayer Free-for-All. Multiple sets are compatible with each other. Add sets for infinite players – Easy to add new blasters
receiver
WEARABLE VESTS – A more realistic target than a gun receiver
ratings
1,000+ ratings – Quite popular
price
–
warranty
–
weight
Item Weight: 2.4 pounds – Comparable to most blasters
dimensions
Package Dimensions: 16.57 x 11.81 x 3.11 inches – Comparable to most blasters
lighting
The lights enable nighttime or lights off play – Comparable to most blasters
batteries
Uses 2 “AAA” batteries per laser cannon (not included). 3 “AAA” batteries per vest (not included) – One less battery needed per blaster compared to some models
sound
SOUND EFFECTS. Sound cues indicate when you need to reload – Comparable to most blasters
vibration
VIBRATION EFFECTS – An extra feature compared to some blasters
weapon modes
–
reloading
Simply pull back the slider to reload! – Comparable to most blasters
infrared emitter type
Infrared technology – Comparable to most blasters
day/ night
The lights and infrared technology enable nighttime or lights off play – Comparable to most blasters
manufacturer
Manufacturer: MerchSource
material
–
display screen
–
package includes
Batteries not included. Package Includes: 2 laser guns, 2 wearable armor vests, plus game and operating instructions – Comparable to most blasters
voice guide
–
player lives
A successful shot depletes one life, indicated by triangle lights on vest. Each player starts with six lives – Six lives are a bit lower than some blasters that have 10 or more lives
preloaded shots
–
One user indicated that it can trigger its own chest plate, because the controller for the infrared also controls the speaker which emits a low frequency soundwave triggering the chest plate – A little drawback that can be sorted by cutting the white wire leading to the speaker
The guns track ammo – Comparable to most blasters
Lights on each vest indicate remaining lives – Comparable to most blasters
Integrated point system – Comparable to most blasters
Unisex toy – Comparable to most blasters
Sharper Image Two-Player Toy Laser Tag Gun & Vest
But to find out if this model is truly valuable compared to the countless options available. Let’s compare it to other well-known and reputable models.
Sharper Image Laser Tag vs. Laser X
The Sharper Image Two-Player Toy Laser Tag Gun & Vest has many similarities with the Laser X – 88016 ORIGINAL with just a few instances where the Laser X offers more than the Sharper Image.
However, two key features can make Sharper Image more preferable than Laser X. One feature is the VIBRATION EFFECTS that Laser X doesn’t have. The second feature is the reloading mechanism that is simply pulling back the slider to reload, unlike Laser X’s reload by tilting the blaster through a 90 degree angle while holding the trigger.
Here’s a more detailed comparison of the two models.
Sharper Image Two-Player Toy Laser Tag Gun & Vest
range
100 feet range. Long range capabilities
indoor/ outdoor
Indoor & Outdoor Battle Games
age
Manufacturer recommended age: 5 years and up. Armor Set for Kids. Safe for Children and Adults. Not for children under 3 yrs.
team/ individual
Combine Multiple Sets for Multiplayer Free-for-All. Multiple sets are compatible with each other. Add sets for infinite players
receiver
WEARABLE VESTS
ratings
1,000+ ratings
price
.
warranty
.
weight
Item Weight: 2.4 pounds
dimensions
Package Dimensions: 16.57 x 11.81 x 3.11 inches
lighting
The lights enable nighttime or lights off play
batteries
Uses 2 “AAA” batteries per laser cannon (not included). 3 “AAA” batteries per vest (not included)
sound
SOUND EFFECTS. Sound cues indicate when you need to reload
vibration
VIBRATION EFFECTS
weapon modes
.
reloading
Simply pull back the slider to reload!
infrared emitter type
Infrared technology
day/ night
The lights and infrared technology enable nighttime or lights off play
manufacturer
Manufacturer: MerchSource
material
…
display screen
…
package includes
Batteries not included. Package Includes: 2 laser guns, 2 wearable armor vests, plus game and operating instructions
voice guide
.
player lives
A successful shot depletes one life, indicated by triangle lights on vest. Each player starts with six lives
preloaded shots
.
One user indicated that it can trigger its own chest plate, because the controller for the infrared also controls the speaker which emits a low frequency soundwave triggering the chest plate.
The guns track ammo
Lights on each vest indicate remaining lives
Integrated point system
Unisex toy
range
200’ range
indoor/ outdoor
Inside or outside
age
.
team/ individual
Teams or as individuals. Compatible with all other laser X
receiver
2 vest receivers
ratings
1,000+ ratings
price
.
warranty
.
weight
Item Weight 1 pound
dimensions
Product Dimensions – 3 x 18 x 10 inches
lighting
Full-color lighting effects track of shots and Hits
batteries
6 AAA batteries (Duracell included). Three batteries per gun but no batteries needed for vests
sound
Sound effects
vibration
No vibration
weapon modes
No weapon modes
reloading
Tilt blaster through a 90 degree angle while holding trigger
infrared emitter type
Infrared beam invisible
day/ night
day or night play
manufacturer
.
material
.
display screen
No display screen
package includes
6 AAA Duracell batteries included plus two blasters with vests
voice guide
Voice coach
player lives
.
preloaded shots
10 preloaded shots
The guns track ammo
Lights on each vest indicate remaining lives
Integrated point system
Unisex toy
Sharper Image Laser Tag vs. Kidpal
Compared to kidpal Infrared Laser Tag, Sharper Image Two-Player Toy Laser Tag Gun & Vest seems to have many similar features.
One area that Sharper Image beats Kidpal is the batteries. Sharper Image uses 2 “AAA” batteries per laser cannon and 3 “AAA” batteries per vest. Those are smaller batteries and fewer than Kidpal where each blaster uses 4 AA batteries and each vest uses 3 AA batteries. For a set of 4, you end up buying 28 AA batteries.
Here’s a more detailed comparison of the two models.
Sharper Image Two-Player Toy Laser Tag Gun & Vest
range
100 feet range. Long range capabilities
indoor/ outdoor
Indoor & Outdoor Battle Games
age
Manufacturer recommended age: 5 years and up. Armor Set for Kids. Safe for Children and Adults. Not for children under 3 yrs.
team/ individual
Combine Multiple Sets for Multiplayer Free-for-All. Multiple sets are compatible with each other. Add sets for infinite players
receiver
WEARABLE VESTS
ratings
1,000+ ratings
price
.
warranty
.
weight
Item Weight: 2.4 pounds
dimensions
Package Dimensions: 16.57 x 11.81 x 3.11 inches
lighting
The lights enable nighttime or lights off play
batteries
Uses 2 “AAA” batteries per laser cannon (not included). 3 “AAA” batteries per vest (not included)
sound
SOUND EFFECTS. Sound cues indicate when you need to reload
vibration
VIBRATION EFFECTS
weapon modes
.
reloading
Simply pull back the slider to reload!
infrared emitter type
Infrared technology
day/ night
The lights and infrared technology enable nighttime or lights off play
manufacturer
Manufacturer: MerchSource
material
…
display screen
…
package includes
Batteries not included. Package Includes: 2 laser guns, 2 wearable armor vests, plus game and operating instructions
voice guide
.
player lives
A successful shot depletes one life, indicated by triangle lights on vest. Each player starts with six lives
preloaded shots
.
One user indicated that it can trigger its own chest plate, because the controller for the infrared also controls the speaker which emits a low frequency soundwave triggering the chest plate.
The guns track ammo
Lights on each vest indicate remaining lives
Integrated point system
Unisex toy
range
Blaster range- 130 FT
indoor/ outdoor
Indoor and Outdoor
age
Recommended age- 3 years and above
team/ individual
To use more than one kit at a time, match the laser tag gun and vest one by one. Up to 4 teams can play in this battle
receiver
With Vest
ratings
…
price
…
warranty
…
weight
Weight – 4.51 Pounds
dimensions
Dimensions- 12.17 x 10 x 7.4 inches
lighting
The flashing lights on the laser blaster and vests can help determine where the enemy is
batteries
Batteries not included. Each blaster uses 4 AA batteries and each vest uses 3 AA batteries. Set of 4 totals to 28*AA batteries
sound
Lifelike shooting sounds make for deeply immersive gameplay
vibration
Tactile vibrations make for deeply immersive gameplay
weapon modes
Pistol, shotgun, machine gun, and rocket gun
reloading
…
infrared emitter type
With a child safety infrared signal emission that is less than 1mw . The laser tag is completely harmless. It is certified safe for children of all ages
day/ night
Day and night
manufacturer
Manufacturer- Kidpal
material
Made of environmental friendly materials
display screen
.
package includes
Batteries not included, Upgraded Blasters Gun Toys with Vest Infrared Battle Mega Pack Set of 4. Plus screwdriver * 1. Adjustable Straps * 8
voice guide
…
player lives
…
preloaded shots
.
The guns track ammo
Integrated point system
Unisex toy
Reassuring after-sales service
Sharper Image Laser Tag vs. Vatos
Finally, comparing Sharper Image Two-Player Toy Laser Tag Gun & Vest with VATOS Infrared Laser Tag Guns, we find quite a number of similarities between the two models.
But in this case, Sharper Image has many more benefits. One such benefit is the weight, which might seem counterintuitive, since a pair of Sharper Image blasters has an Item Weight of 2.4 pounds, and the Vatos 4-pack has a weight of 3.72 pounds. However, the Sharper Image blaster will end up being lighter due to fewer and smaller batteries, since it uses 2 “AAA” batteries per laser cannon and 3 “AAA” batteries per vest. The Vatos’ Battery Type is 3 X 1.5V AA batteries per gun and 3 X 1.5V AA batteries per vest.
Here’s a more detailed comparison of the two models:
Sharper Image Two-Player Toy Laser Tag Gun & Vest
range
100 feet range. Long range capabilities
indoor/ outdoor
Indoor & Outdoor Battle Games
age
Manufacturer recommended age: 5 years and up. Armor Set for Kids. Safe for Children and Adults. Not for children under 3 yrs.
team/ individual
Combine Multiple Sets for Multiplayer Free-for-All. Multiple sets are compatible with each other. Add sets for infinite players
receiver
WEARABLE VESTS
ratings
1,000+ ratings
price
.
warranty
.
weight
Item Weight: 2.4 pounds
dimensions
Package Dimensions: 16.57 x 11.81 x 3.11 inches
lighting
The lights enable nighttime or lights off play
batteries
Uses 2 “AAA” batteries per laser cannon (not included). 3 “AAA” batteries per vest (not included)
sound
SOUND EFFECTS. Sound cues indicate when you need to reload
vibration
VIBRATION EFFECTS
weapon modes
.
reloading
Simply pull back the slider to reload!
infrared emitter type
Infrared technology
day/ night
The lights and infrared technology enable nighttime or lights off play
manufacturer
Manufacturer: MerchSource
material
…
display screen
…
package includes
Batteries not included. Package Includes: 2 laser guns, 2 wearable armor vests, plus game and operating instructions
voice guide
.
player lives
A successful shot depletes one life, indicated by triangle lights on vest. Each player starts with six lives
preloaded shots
.
One user indicated that it can trigger its own chest plate, because the controller for the infrared also controls the speaker which emits a low frequency soundwave triggering the chest plate.
The guns track ammo
Lights on each vest indicate remaining lives
Integrated point system
Unisex toy
range
Maximum Range – 100 Feet
indoor/ outdoor
Indoor and Outdoor. You can begin a battle game in the room, yard, garden
age
Manufacturer recommended – 6-14 years
team/ individual
Multi-player makes team work important in the game. You can add multiple players by purchasing another set
receiver
With Vests (4 Pack)
ratings
800+ ratings
price
.
warranty
.
weight
Weight – 3.72 pounds
dimensions
Item Dimensions LxWxH- 10.3 x 9.3 x 7.2 inches. Product dimensions- 10.3 x 9.3 x 7.2 inches
lighting
To sync to your gun select your team or personal color on gun and then shoot vest and it will change to matching color. RED, GREEN, BLUE, WHITE, form the team according the team indicator
batteries
Battery Type: 3 X 1.5V AA batteries for each gun and 3 X 1.5V AA batteries for each vest. Total of 24 batteries are required (NOT INCLUDED)
sound
Highly simulated shooting sounds
vibration
Tactile vibration
weapon modes
4 FIRING MODES. Switch the firing modes: PISTOL, SHOTGUN, MACHINE GUN, and ROCKET
reloading
Vest detects hits and after 3 or 5 shots has to be turned off and back on
infrared emitter type
Less than 1mW, won’t harm eyes. 100% safe, using Child Safety Infrared Signal Emission
day/ night
Day and night
manufacturer
Manufacturer- VATOS
material
Material: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
display screen
.
package includes
The Laser Tag Guns Set includes 4 guns and 4 vests
voice guide
.
player lives
.
preloaded shots
3 or 5
The guns track ammo
Unisex toy
Integrated point system
Fashion, lightweight, comfortable feel and durable design is attractive for both kids and parents
Ergonomically designed with a solid grip, easy to handle even for young kids
Release Date- November 1, 2019
Is Sharper Image Worth It?
Evidently, the Sharper Image Two-Player Toy Laser Tag Gun & Vest has several unique features that you may not find in the VATOS Infrared Laser Tag Guns, kidpal Infrared Laser Tag, and Laser X – 88016 ORIGINAL.
If you prefer a lighter blaster using fewer and smaller batteries or a simpler reloading mechanism, then Sharper Image Two-Player Toy Laser Tag Gun & Vest stands out from the other three in at least one of those features.
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.
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.