Laser tag game is an exciting shooting game that gives children starring roles where they can simulate their favorite video games in real life. It is played with laser guns which use infrared technology to fire at laser-sensitive vests worn by the players, or other laser guns with sensors. The utilization of laser beams instead of physical missiles makes it a perfectly safe game. Our review will guide you on acquiring the best laser tag set for this indoor and outdoor game that is popular with kids, but also suitable for people of all ages.
Among the factors we focused on are the number of guns and vests included, shooting range, recommended age, performance, user friendliness, number of settings and power source. The number of guns and vests will determine the number of players in a single game, and multiple settings will give you more control. The power source has an impact on play duration while user friendly kits are easy to navigate and use. We also reviewed various designs and their construction material as well as inclusion of sound because it adds to the thrill of this adventurous game.
Our comprehensive guide is well-structured with various sections presented in a table and sub-headings that are easy to follow. There is a comparison table featuring our top models, with in-depth reviews, their pros and cons, and a ranking of how they fared against each other. The next section is a buying guide which covers essential features in detail to help you pick out the best laser tag set, and provides additional information on the game; basic rules, who can play it, and playing tips. Finally, our review ends with an FAQ section and an overview of our top three choices.
More features: built-in voice prompts, night vision flashlight
This laser tag set has received several high ratings from buyers, and it’s easy to see why. It comes as a complete set, with multiple player and weaponry settings, audio guides and a wide shooting range.
Laser tag sets no longer include vests since recent blasters have integrated sensors that enable them to double up as targets, but this model includes vests and blasters that both have the ability to receive hits. This provides more options and fulfills the nostalgic feeling of the old times when vests were a permanent fixture of the game.
The blasters have a long shooting range of up to 150 feet, making easy to fire at your opponents from a distance, whether indoors or outdoors.
There is a button that you can easily press to access a variety of ammunition which includes a gun, pistol, shotgun, and rocket. The different weaponry modes feature real shooting sounds and palpable vibrations when hit, giving you a real life battle experience instead of living it through video characters.
Invisibility mode allows you to turn off your blaster light so you can move stealthily and make it harder for your opponent to find you while night vision LED flashlight enables you to locate your opponents in the dark. The built-in voices prompts act as an extra ally by directing you through every step of the game.
This laser tag set is suitable for people aged eight years and above. The package includes four guns and four vests which can accommodate up to four teams, and there is a money back guarantee in case you don’t find this laser tag set impressive. Batteries for the blasters and vests are purchased separately. Three AAA batteries are required for each blaster and each vest, totaling the number to 24 AAA batteries for all the guns and vests.
A couple of customers found this set fairly loud in indoor settings.
More features: infrared signal emission 0.9mw
A long shooting range of up to 130 feet, multi-player capability, lighting and realistic sound effects, and a variety of ammunition that gives you the option to tailor your armory makes this one of the best laser tag set models for both indoor and outdoor settings.
The package comes with four differently-colored guns for multiple players but no vests because integrated sensors enable the blaster to also act as a receiver. You can fire at your opponent with an array of weaponry consisting of shotgun, pistol, rocket and submachine gun. Each of the four firing modes varies from the others in shooting sound and number of hits and lives. Light, sound effects and vibrations are generated every time you shoot or get hit for a realistic gaming experience. Pressing a button at the bottom of the gun reloads the gun.
Unlike physical projectiles that can cause pain and untidy mess, the guns in this set utilize safe infrared beams with a 0.9-milliwatt output power. This makes the set suitable for any player from the age of eight years.
Each gun uses four AA batteries that are bought separately.
This laser tag set has overwhelmingly positive reviews with only few buyers complaining of malfunctioning guns with inaccurate responses.
More features: non-toxic ABS plastic
This is another laser tag set that comes with four vests and four guns that can double up as targets, giving you a myriad of options. Using the gun and vest provides you with more targets that are easier to hit and also gives you more life because you can still use the gun as a target once the life in vests is depleted.
The guns, which are made of non-toxic ABS plastic, have a long shooting range of up to 130 feet. Their compact size provides an easy grip.
Four weaponry alternatives are available; pistol, shotgun, machine gun, and a rocket launcher. There are shooting sounds and tactile vibrations whenever you shoot or get shot.
Although the package indicates age suitability from 12 years, the guns can be safely used by children from eight years, as customers have testified.
The entire set requires 28 AA batteries which are bought separately. A couple of customers wished the light and volume could be adjusted in indoor settings. Another buyer found a gun that could not fire though the lights were flashing. He fixed it by turning the gun off then on again.
More features: LED, infrared light
The low pricing of this laser tag set might make you think there is something wrong with it, but it not only has everything you need to start playing as soon as you add batteries, but also has some capabilities, such as the impressive 300-feet long shooting range, that is superior to costlier models.
Another unique feature is its ability to customize the number of lives to accommodate players with different skill levels in a single game, with 25 lives for amateurs and kids and 10 lives for advanced players. Whenever you power on the gun, it triggers a 10-second countdown with a beeping sound before you can commence shooting.
It also has a switch that you can alternate between indoor and outdoor settings to optimize the infrared light and a shield activator gives you a few seconds of invincibility to escape when surrounded.
Every shot taken or received is reflected with light, sounds and vibrations which provide feedback and add fun to the game. Some owners had issues with malfunctioning guns which would record non-existent hits or non-responsive ones which ignore true hits with the red light at the top not showing. The gold gun seems particularly vulnerable.
This set is packaged in eco-friendly material, and is suitable for anyone aged at least eight years. The package includes two guns which also serve as targets. Unfortunately, you cannot choose different weapons. No vests are included either, but you do not require them with this set.
Each of the two guns requires 6 AA batteries which are bought separately.
More features: can be combined with multiple sets, point tracking, built-in speaker
Adults and kids alike enjoy a game of laser tag. There are many laser tag sets on the market, but from our reviews and research, the SHARPER IMAGE Two-Player Toy Laser Tag Gun Blaster & Vest Armor Set is the best option right now. It comes with several nice features that will ensure a great time for the kids as they play.
This model is highly rated by many users and parents. It comes as a set, with the ability to choose different weapons and enjoy multiplayer modes. It also comes complete with audio guides and a long shooting range. While many models have jettisoned the use of vests, this model still includes vests and blasters to receive hits.
With a shooting range of more than 100 feet, it is easy for your kids to fire from a distance. Therefore, it is cool for indoor and outdoor use.
Settings found on this model includes real shooting sounds, vibrations, and an interesting invisibility mode that brings out the creative side of the user.
The package contains a quarter of guns and vests, so your kids can have their friends over and play in different teams.
Many users have remarked on how loud these are, especially when used indoors. If you aren’t a fan of noisy okay, then you might take umbrage with this set.
More features: storage bag included, compatible with headphones
Featuring two guns attached with cords to two wearable receiver vests with sensors, this laser tag set allows you to convert any indoor or outdoor space into a laser arena. You can buy more sets to accommodate unlimited number of players from the age of six years and above.
The guns can fire accurately up to a maximum of 200 feet, and the interactive voice guide will arm you with the tips and tricks you need to obliterate your opponents.
You can select any of the three available lighting effects, or opt to plug in headphones for sound effects.
Holding the trigger and tilting the gun downwards will reload the gun. Regrettably, you do not get a variety of ammunition to choose from.
The laser beams can be fired through windows and bounced off walls. A player is eliminated after getting hit 10 times, with the vest flashing red each time it is hit.
The package includes six AAA batteries and a storage bag so you can start playing right away.
Now that we have reviewed the top models, the following buying guide will provide you with everything you need to identify the best laser tag set that will suit you, based on features. It also explains the basic techniques and useful tips of the game so you can dominate your opponents once you acquire your gaming set. Additionally, it answers some of the frequently asked questions.
Laser tag is a popular, fun and competitive role-playing game that is suitable for all ages and can be played both indoors and outdoors, with outdoors providing more playing space.
Injury is greatly reduced because no physical projectiles are used. Instead, blasters fire infrared beams at infrared-sensitive targets to simulate combat.
The playing equipment is easy to operate and several players can be incorporated, making it an exciting addition for the entire family or for any social event.
When you pull the trigger, you activate the laser for the plastic gun-shaped blasters with built-in data recorders to fire out safe infrared beams at sensor-sensitive guns, vests and chest plates which detect hits.
Firing is accompanied with realistic sound effects and vibrations but if you receive a hit, your gun and vest illuminates.
Every shot that hits you costs you a life. Once your lives run out, you are eliminated from the game. Shooting range varies, with majority of the guns featuring long ranges of hundreds of feet. Some models provide a variety of weapons to choose from.
Due to their portability, both guns and vests use batteries for power. Home laser tag sets mostly use AA or AAA batteries while laser tag arena sets prefer rechargeable batteries.
The laser tag set is safe enough to be used for people of any age, although most sets recommend a minimum age of eight years. Older children and adults will enjoy exploring sophisticated features and capabilities, but young kids would do well with minimalistic features that are simple to use and easy to operate.
Laser tag arenas have all the playing equipment with several skill levels, sophisticated setups, and a lifelike battle backdrop. Home sets are less versatile.
Although hitting your opponent remains the goal of the game, the number of players, rules and scoring system can be as varied as you want.
Tips on gaming
The following features will guide you on getting the best performance out of your laser tag set on any budget.
Most, if not all, of laser tag sets, include guns, also known as blasters, as a standard feature. The number varies according to the brand and model. Multiple guns are better because they allow multi-player capability.
Vests used to be a permanent fixture in laser tag games, but recent technology has seen them continue to be phased out. Current models have guns that can both fire and act as targets through their built-in infrared sensors. However, a number of prominent models still feature wearable vests that can be strapped on as infrared-sensitive targets. Models, such as ArmoGear Infrared Laser Battle Mega Pack Set and Play22 Laser Tag Set come with both guns and vests while the Nerf Official Lazer Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-pack has blasters that can take damage signals with the guns’ sensors.
Majority of blasters are made of reinforced plastic for an extended lifespan, although the quality of the material varies according to the gun style, manufacturing brand and pricing. Plastic is an ideal choice because it is durable and light enough for prolonged play by children.
Settings refer to the features that are included in the gun and vest. They enable us to operate the equipment and provide more playing options. A simple low-budget blaster will consist of a trigger, a power button, an integrated speaker, a reloading feature, and a target area for guns with infrared receivers.
A life meter displays available life and ammunition either on the side of the gun or on the vest. Some models feature multiple weapon setting, LED flashlight for night vision, and invisibility mode that turns off the light for better hiding, and shield time which gives you a few seconds of invincibility.
Gain control of your armoury and tailor your weapon for your opponent with laser tag sets that provide multiple ammunition modes. The common weaponry options are pistols, shotguns, machine guns, and rocket launchers. Kidzlane Infrared Laser Tag and Play22 Laser Tag Set have these four types of weaponry. Each of the weapons has a different number of lives with different shot impacts.
Since most laser tag sets can be used both indoors and outdoors, they feature long-range infrared beams which provide precise shots over hundreds of feet. For instance, Nerf Official Lazer Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-pack has a long range of up to 300 feet.
Sound effects and tactile vibrations are generated every time you fire your gun for a more realistic gaming experience. When you receive a shot, the sensor-sensitive gun or vest illuminates in the red LED light.
Some models include pre-installed music, or built-in interactive voice guides that direct you on how to annihilate your opponent, prompt you to reload, and provide feedback on remaining life, among others.
Sets like Laser X Gaming Experience 2 Player Set can be used with headphones.
User-friendliness means the set and equipment is easy to operate and use. It can refer to an ergonomic design which provides a firm grip and is light in the hand, or user settings that can be easily accessed, selected, or switched. It may also refer to displays that give feedback on useful information.
A great example of a user-friendly set is Nerf Official Lazer Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-pack which eliminates the need for mobility-hindering vests by using guns that act as both blasters and receivers. This keeps you light for faster movement and quicker reactions. In case you still can’t figure out the set, the Quick-Start guide will direct you.
Tag sets come in various colors and designs which can be both aesthetic and functional. The different colors help in identification of various teams. Guns are designed in lightweight plastic that will not tire children out as they play, with a firm grip that prevents slippage.
Due to their portability nature, laser guns and vests are powered by batteries. Add that to children’s love for prolonged play and their tendency to constantly fidget with the trigger which causes quicker drainage of power, and you will find yourself accumulating battery replacement bills. To avoid this, it is advisable to invest in rechargeable batteries which last longer and save you money.
Paying attention to warranty terms and scopes will give you a better understanding of the manufacture’s confidence and expected lifespan of the laser tag set.
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ArmoGear Infrared Laser Battle Mega Pack Set was our best all-round laser tag set because it is equipped with tons of features and technology that will give you the best gaming experience to convert your virtual world into reality. Long laser shooting range, four guns and four vests, voice guides, night vision, and invisibility mode will make you invincible and give you total dominance over your opponents.
SHARPER IMAGE Two-Player Toy Laser Tag Gun Blaster & Vest Armor Set came second for its ability to be combined with other sets, so that you can have almost unlimited nuber of players. The set has two guns, adjustable vests suitable for adults, built-in speakers and long shooting range, among others.
Kidzlane Infrared Laser Tag Long has multiple players and ammunition, long laser range, and realistic sound, light and vibrations which bring your video game fantasy to life, making it the best laser tag set for kids.
