"Which tag systems are compatable?"

There are quite a few systems, and I have to admit that I don't have them all. I do know that Worlds of Wonder Lazer Tag can shoot the Photon sensor, but not the other way around.

There may be other systems that work together, but for the most part, different systems don't work together. I hope to put together a reference for this info in the future.

"Do you know where I can get the original Worlds of Wonder (WoW) Laser Tag equipment?"

If you don't require compatibilty with the WoW gear, try buying some of the new systems such as Laser Challenge. Look at stores like Wal-Mart, Toys 'R' Us, Target, etc.

If you don't like the look of them you can always put the electronics into your own gun cases or paint the cases.

Note that Tiger's Lazer Tag is NOT compatible with the original WoW system.

"Do you have the technical schematics to build a tag gun?"

No, BUT there are places on the web that do have them. We thought about posting some ourselves, but we don't have any experience, and would feel bad if we messed you up.

One place to go would be the Lafayette Lasertag Club website. They offer free plans. Dave Bodger has some plans and sells circuits too. See the Links Page for these two sites. Doug Ross' website has lens assemblies and cases for sale.

"Are the lasers in Lazer Tag dangerous to look at?"

Well, first of all, there are no lasers in Lazer Tag. It, as well as the other gun tag systems, uses infrared light. That is the same technology as a television's remote control, and is very safe. Lasers themselves can be dangerous if pointed in one's eye. Some people mount laser pointers on their guns for the effect or as a sight, though this can be dangerous.

"Which tag brand is the best?"

There are a few factors involved with answering this. For the most part there isn't one absolute best that stands clearly about the rest. Many of them have similar features and work equally well.

You have to consider compatibility, future compatability and features:

1. COMPATABILITY - If you are going to play with other people, you have to use the same kind of system. That means use Lazer Tag with Lazer Tag and use Laser Challenge with Laser Challenge.
2. FUTURE COMPATABILITY - Some brands are more established than others. Consider if you are going to need more in the future. If you will, you might want to buy a system that will still be in stores in a year. For example, Playmates "Lock-On" has recently been discontinued. You can get them cheap, but if you need more, you probably won't be able to find any.
3. FEATURES - Some systems are very simple, others more complex. Some offer front and back sensors, some offer sensor on the gun, some offer 360 degree head sensor. Look at the gear and figure out what will be most useful for you.

EDITOR'S NOTE: When looking at the different brands, remember the following: All the brands on the mass market right now (November 1999) are made as cheaply as possible and made with kids in mind. Plus, the systems that are made for rugged arena use (such as Qzar) are very expensive compared to the "home systems" such as Lazer Tag.