How We Test Our Laser Pointers!

Our testing is done through a combination of techniques. First we really do cat test. With six cats, there's almost always one around to give his or her approval to the current laser pointer.

However, on the less subjective side, we have built a special test stand that provides power to the laser pointer, and measures the output. Because lasers tend to vary in intensity, we accept a range on our meter from 50% to 100% scale. most pointers fall in the 75%. - 90% range. The level is not calibrated to a particular wattage or lumen output, though full scale is approximately 100k lux (noon day sun) based on a comparable light meter reading.

We then test the original batteries that come with the pointer. We usually have to first retrieve them from the bottom of the case, as they get bounced around on their trip from China. A battery must test from between 1.5v and 1.6v with no load. Our digital meter helps us do that. Any batteries that don't measure up are tossed into a bag for later recycling, and we replace them with fresh batteries. This is the bag of batteries that we've replaced since the first of the year 2002.

On the inside of each laser pointer is a thin insulating film. We check the film to be sure it covers the entire inside. Sometimes the film can slip down, and it causes to top one or two batteries to short out, giving a weaker beam, or dead batteries. If we see it's off, we reposition it.

 The screw on battery cover can also cause problems. We check each one to make sure that it can be screwed on easily, without cross threading. If we find one that's loose or stripped, it gets pulled and put in the seconds bin.

 With everything checked, we put the batteries so you can use your Laser Pointer Cat toy right out of the box.

 We check it one more time before we close the box.

 Here we repack the laser, with a second set of batteries, packing to keep to heads from rattling around. We even put a little note in reminding you that the batteries are already installed.

 Ready to go!

 We pack each pointer into a bubble wrap padded envelope, along with a sheet of tips for getting the most out of your Laser Pointer.