Squad Hero Laser Tag Review: The Battle-Tested Gamer’s Choice

“Dude, check out this cool stuff,” my clanmate Jeremy exclaimed as he unveiled his brand-new Squad Hero Light Force laser tag gun.

We had gathered at his place for a weekend LASER TAG PARTY, and he was proudly showcasing the latest addition to his arsenal. Indeed, his new gear seemed incredibly impressive, and although I also owned another model from the same brand, this one looked distinctly different.

While I still prefer my Squad Hero Battle Action for its digital displays and triple target zones, the overall experience of the other edition was also fantastic.

So, if you’re in the market for a new set of safe laser tag guns and checking whether Squad Hero is a worthy option, allow me to provide a detailed review of these shooting toys for you.

ThrilloGaming Verdict

While there are numerous laser tag manufacturers in the market, and I’ve had the opportunity to try out most of the top brands, Squad Hero truly stands out from the rest. The brand’s infrared laser tag gear boasts unique designs and cool features like sound effects, voice prompts, multiple weapon modes, customizable teams, and expandability, that ensure excellent value for money.

The features on my Battle Action model aren’t just eye-catching – they’re the reason it’s leading the list of the best laser tag sets out there for both kids and adults. Wondering why? Because it’s super user-friendly, safe, and loaded with advanced features that bring joy to every age group.

But wait, there’s more! The main digital display, paired with the mini LCD at the back of the gun, beats the usual LED health bars hands down, making the whole experience way smoother.

And hey, don’t think Jeremy’s new laser tag toy set is a subpar product. Striking a perfect balance between style and functionality, it’s an excellent choice for those in search of quality gaming sets at a relatively affordable price.

Squad Hero’s laser tag guns are readily available at both online and offline retailers. Here are the Amazon links where I personally purchased my own set:

Squad Hero Laser Tag: Design And Ergonomics

The brand has truly excelled in the field of DESIGN and ERGONOMICS. Seriously, the guns are not just cool-looking; they’re designed for a top-notch gaming experience. The handles are so comfy that you can play for ages without your hands feeling tired. Additionally, the under-barrel area offers a comfortable grip and support for my other hand.

And guess what? The Light Force laser tag set has this sweet feature where you can aim down the sights. My gun doesn’t have that, but my buddy Jeremy went for it because he loves playing the sharpshooter role – taking those precise shots from a safe distance.

Now, let’s dive into the vests. My Squad Hero Battle Action vest is a game-changer with a sensor at the back. You’ve got a total of 3 target zones on the chest, back, and even the gun, LIKE NO OTHER! Sneaking up on opponents and catching them by surprise adds a whole new level of excitement.

The other edition, though, caught my eye with those pentagonal chest units on the vests. Not only do they light up with your team color, but they also act like stylish health bars. It is a very attractive feature for children.

The big triangular area with LED lights shows your health status – it’s like having a futuristic health display right on your chest, just like IRON MAN’s arc reactor. Talk about leveling up your laser tag game!

Now, Let’s Talk Performance

Squad Hero laser tag sets proved to be pretty versatile, with excellent performance. While the rechargeable Laser Battle edition is my favorite, the other version would be a good choice for beginners. Let me break down why.

Long Shooting Range And Good Accuracy

Whether you’re playing at home or in a large arena, these laser tag sets won’t disappoint. Each gun boasts an impressive range of 150 ft- sufficient for my 130 ft backyard, making them perfect for staying at the back and sniping to cover my teammates.

During my evaluation of the range, I also tested their precision – an area where they proved to be quite impressive. In the laser tag party mentioned earlier, I achieved an average ACCURACY ranging from 80% to 92%. You might even surpass my score!

Using Multiple Weapon Modes

Now, this is an area where my Squad Hero Battle Action outshines Jeremy’s Light Force. While both models allow you to switch between pistol and automatic weapon modes, mine goes a step further by offering two additional modes – laser and rocket.

Weapon Modes	Battle Action	Light Force	Preloaded Shots	Lives Lost/ Shot
Pistol	✔	✔	9	1
Automatic	✔	✔	8	2
Laser	✔	✖	3	3
Rocket	✔	✖	1	4

Ammo capacity and HP lost per shot vary across weapon modes. What sets mine apart is the functionality of the auto mode, which operates like a true automatic weapon – the gun continues to fire continuously as long as you hold the trigger down.

What’s more? The Light Force guns feature a small lever-like switch at the back, that I can operate with my thumb to change the modes. In the 2.0 rechargeable laser tag set, four buttons are positioned on the side of the barrels, one for each weapon.

Strategic selection of the right weapon mode for specific situations can provide significant tactical advantages – just be sure to reload after switching weapons. I love how seamlessly I can switch between the weapon modes.

Light, Vibration, And Sound Effects

Squad Hero has truly excelled in integrating lights, vibrations, and sound effects into their laser tag game sets. The team indicators are impossible to overlook, as large visible rays above the trigger area display your team’s color.

But wait, there’s more! The narrow LED bars on the sides of the barrels not only create special light effects when shooting but also serve as team indicators by changing colors alongside the main indicator.

Similar to the infrared laser tag guns, the vests also feature team indicator lights. The Battle Action vests have more prominent illumination, while the Light Force vests have a unique look that stands out during the game, impacting overall performance.

The SOUND EFFECTS are a standout feature, with each weapon mode offering a unique and impressive auditory experience. Personally, my favorite is the Laser Mode sound. Additionally, the setup process is made easy with clear and well-pronounced voice prompts for both guns and vests.

A noteworthy aspect is the unmistakable vibration of the vest units each time you’re hit, strong enough to ensure you won’t miss it. If your gun vibrates, it’s a clear signal that all your lives have been depleted.

Player And Team Selection

Both Squad Hero models are sets of four, which means up to four players can play at a time. However, if you have a larger group or plan to host a laser tag party, you can easily expand by purchasing additional guns from the same brand.

Players can divide themselves into 2 to 4 teams depending on their numbers. Personally, I usually play laser tag with my three buddies – Jeremy, Erik, and Kieren. Since playing as 4 teams is the same as free-for-all for us, we like to pair up in teams of two. Sometimes, when my sister Sarah and some neighbor kids join us, we pair up additional guns easily.

Choosing your team is pretty easy – all you have to do is press the team selection button on your chest unit to cycle through the team colors. The team indicator on the guns will automatically change colors along with the vests they are paired with. EASY PEASY- isn’t it?

Special Features

Prepare for a laser tag experience like no other with the Squad Hero rechargeable sets, especially if you’re a fan of glow-in-the-dark setups. These guns bring two game-changing features crafted just for those dimly lit battlegrounds – NIGHT VISION FLASHLIGHT and INVISIBILITY MODE.

Picture this: the flashlight amplifies your visibility in the dark, but beware—it might give away your sneaky hiding spot. On the flip side, activate the invisibility mode, and you can seamlessly blend into the shadows by turning off the lights.

Feeling extra stealthy? Silence your weapon with the mute button and catch your opponents off guard, just when they thought they were safe.

Outdoor/Indoor Compatibility

All rechargeable sets from this brand are a good choice for playing both outdoors and indoors. Thanks to the robust IR emitters with a 150-foot range, outdoor play is a breeze—I’ve personally enjoyed countless sessions in my yard without a hitch.

Plus, the beauty of laser tag extends indoors, where the absence of messy cleanups and the absence of actual projectiles mean you can go all-in on the gaming excitement without worrying about your surroundings.

Suitable Accessories

I’m thrilled with my Squad Hero Battle Action rechargeable laser tag set, and one standout feature is the awesome accessory that comes with it—a sleek, compact CHARGING DOCK.

With four side-by-side charging ports, you can effortlessly plug your guns directly into the station. What’s more, each vest gets its own charging cable. In simple terms, you can power up your entire arsenal all at once.

Now, the Light Force model may not boast a charging station, but it compensates with a handy 4-in-one charging cable that operates just as efficiently. Plug the power adapter into the wall socket, connect all the guns and vests, and you’re good to go.

Game Data Display

Once again, the Squad Hero laser tag 2.0 set secures its victory with the inclusion of dual LCD displays—one on the chest unit and another at the back of the gun. The chest unit keeps you in the loop with your remaining hit points and battery life, while the gun’s display adds an ammo indicator into the mix.

The beauty of it all is how effortlessly you can stay tuned to the crucial details, even amid the frenzy of an adrenaline-pumping team game.

Safety And User-Friendliness

Ensuring safety is paramount, and with rechargeable guns, you can rest easy. Laser tag, known for its kid-friendly nature, aligns seamlessly with these sets’ user-friendly design. There’s virtually no chance of injury as long as you adhere to the straightforward safety guidelines. So, dive into the excitement without a worry in the world.

Price And Value For Money

The Squad Hero Light Force edition comes in at a price of $120, while the Battle Action model is priced a bit higher at an MRP of $299. Now, before you balk at the seemingly steep cost of the latter, here’s a nugget worth considering—it’s actually available for a much more pocket-friendly $199 on Amazon, as was the case with my own purchase.

Regardless of your choice, both laser toy sets promise exceptional value for your hard-earned money. Boasting top-notch design, a plethora of sophisticated features, and stellar performance, they deliver an experience that’s well worth the investment. Personally, I have no regrets about choosing Squad Hero, and I’m confident you’ll feel the same way.

How Did I Test Squad Hero Laser Tag Sets?

Examining the performance of the Squad Hero laser tag sets was a seamless process, facilitated by my ownership of one and the generosity of Jeremy, who lent me the other. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the testing process:

Step 1: Unboxing The Laser Tag Set

Naturally, the initial phase involved delicately unboxing the gear. A thorough inventory check ensured that every component was present, cross-referencing against the accessories listed on the box, manual, and the purchase site (for me, it was Amazon).

Step 2: Setting Up The Gear

Getting these infrared laser tag sets up and running proved straightforward to me. Gone are the days of intricate assembly and the hassle of dealing with additional power cells, as the convenience of built-in rechargeable batteries took center stage.

And guess what? It eliminated the inconveniences I had faced with my previous guns.

The Light Force guns were linked to their respective vests through hardwiring, while the Squad Hero 2.0 guns synced wirelessly. It was as easy as powering up the guns and vests, and in no time, I was ready to dive into the thrilling game of laser tag.

Step 3: Charging The Laser Tag Guns And Vests

Despite the batteries arriving partially charged, I opted for a full charge before embarking on my initial gaming session. Beyond the immediate need for a thorough charge, my primary objective was to gauge the longevity of the batteries.

Executing this plan involved a full charging cycle for both Battle Action guns and vests, followed by an immersive gaming marathon where I engaged in non-stop playing until the batteries eventually ran out of juice.

The Squad Hero laser tag sets showcased their efficiency during this trial, requiring only a couple of hours to charge while delivering an impressive 3-4 hours of continuous play.

This impressive battery performance not only exceeded expectations but also underscored the reliability of these guns and vests for extended gaming rounds.

Step 4: Testing The Performance

A crucial aspect of the assessment involved scrutinizing the range and accuracy of the guns. Strategically placing a chest unit at my chest height, I initiated a firing sequence, gradually increasing the distance. True to the specifications, the laser tag guns maintained accuracy at an impressive range of 150 feet, even during long-distance shots.

Step 5: Testing The Ergonomics

Following the evaluations of in-game performance, I shifted my focus to dissecting the ergonomic aspects of the gear. The vests in both sets emerged as incredibly comfortable, boasting adjustable waist straps that ensured a personalized and snug fit. As for the guns, their large trigger guards and well-designed grips elevated the experience to a whole new level.

My initial concerns about potential hindrances from wires in the Light Force set were swiftly dispelled when I encountered the 31-inch cable’s surprising flexibility. Far from being a drawback, this feature ensured unrestricted movement throughout the matches, with no pesky tugging to disrupt the game.

In my first-hand test, those laser tag guns not only delivered in terms of performance but also prioritized user comfort and ease of movement, enhancing the overall enjoyment of every session for kids and even adults.

Best Alternatives To Squad Hero Laser Tag

While Squad Hero sets are the best options, here are some cool alternatives to consider if you want to check out more guns before making the purchase:

• Armogear Laser Tag Guns: Armogear offers a versatile range with both rechargeable and battery-operated laser toy sets, catering to diverse preferences. Personally leaning towards the rechargeable model, I find this brand to be an exceptional alternative. Boasting an impressive design and features akin to the Squad Hero, Armogear stands as a perfect choice for enthusiasts seeking a reliable and stylish gaming experience.
• Kidzlane Laser Tag Set: For those mindful of their budget, Kidzlane presents an enticing option with its set of 4 infrared laser tag guns. Priced affordably at only $65 (potentially even lower with discounts), this model comprises 4 sleek laser pistols, each equipped with 4 distinct weapon modes. The Kidzlane blasters offer an economical yet stylish entry into the world of laser tag, making it a noteworthy consideration for those seeking a cost-effective alternative.
• Laser X Revolution: While more suitable for outdoor games, the Laser X Revolution caters to enthusiasts seeking long-range guns. Particularly appealing to fans of the Uzi pistol design, this set adds a unique visual flair to the laser tag experience. If aesthetics play a crucial role in your choice, Laser X might just be the distinctive touch you’re looking for.

Review:	Squad Hero Battle Action Laser Tag Set
Summary:	Squad Hero Laser Tag sets provide an engaging gaming experience with features such as digital displays, rechargeable batteries, and multiple weapon modes. The Battle Action model stands out for its excellent design, utmost comfort, and incredible performance, featuring a long shooting range, good accuracy, and special effects—perfect for both kids and adults in a family game. These key benefits make Squad Hero a top choice for all laser tag enthusiasts.
Author:	Tavish Archer
Rating:	4.9 (out of 5)