So, you’ve decided to add laser tag to your FEC. Now comes the next question: How many laser tag vests do you really need? 12? 20? 36?
Too few could leave you splitting birthday parties or turning guests away from a full session. Too many could mean paying for equipment your attraction rarely uses. The right number starts with understanding who you expect to serve, how your space will function, and what it takes to keep games running.
Start with Player Capacity
Start with the groups you want to accommodate. Birthday parties, school trips, camps, and corporate outings can bring very different numbers of players. Review your existing bookings, or use your planned party packages as a starting point if you are opening a new center.
For example, if your package includes 20 players but you only have 16 vests, you will need to split the group into separate games. That changes the experience you can offer and may complicate the party schedule.
Look beyond your average weekday, too. Consider how party bookings and walk-in traffic will overlap on busy weekends. Will parties have exclusive sessions, or can other guests join them? Your answer helps determine how much demand each game needs to accommodate.
The goal is to choose a player capacity that supports the business you realistically expect to book, with room for foreseeable growth.
Match Your Equipment To Your Arena
Your equipment count needs to match the space where guests will play. An arena should give players room to move, find cover, and work with their teammates. Adding vests without considering the layout can create crowded games instead of a better attraction.
Work with your arena designer and equipment provider to establish an appropriate player capacity. Consider the usable playing area, pathways, obstacles, and the space needed for briefing and vesting. At LaserBlast, we recommend approximately 110-150 square feet (10-15 square meters) per player, with a minimum arena size of approximately 2,000 square feet (185 square meters) for 16 players (16 players). If you have the space, a 3,000–4,000-square-foot ( 280-370 square meters) arena with 24–30 players gives you room to create a premium laser tag experience.
Then look at the full game cycle. Your schedule needs to account for instructions, getting players suited up, gameplay, and the transition between groups. As a simple planning example, 20 players per session across three sessions per hour creates a maximum of 60 player slots per hour, assuming every session fills.
If demand exceeds that capacity, identify the actual constraint before buying more equipment. Extra vests only increase attendance per session when your arena and operating setup can accommodate the additional players.
Don't forget the spare
The number of players you advertise should not depend on every vest being available every moment you are open. Equipment may occasionally need inspection, maintenance, or repair. It’s a good idea to keep a spare on hand so your staff can quickly swap a unit while keeping the planned group together. We recommend having at least one spare vest for every 10 vests in your system. If something happens and you need to take advantage of LaserBlast’s 30-Month Full Warranty, you will have no trouble keeping the experience going for the whole party.
Maybe Vestless
Not every laser tag attraction needs traditional vests. For mobile laser tag, temporary attractions, or multi-use spaces,, a vestless system may be the better choice.
LaserBlast’s CyberBlast Mobile phasers can play alongside our CyberBlast Pro equipment. That means you don’t necessarily have to choose between a completely vested or completely vestless attraction. A mixed system can give you additional flexibility for younger players, players with disabilities, or guests who may have difficulty wearing a traditional vest.
Every FEC is unique, and your laser tag system should be built with that in mind.
Planning a new laser tag attraction? Contact LaserBlast and tell us about your space, expected capacity, and business model. Our experts have worked with over 500 operators in 35 countries around the world, and we would love to share our experience with you to help determine the right equipment configuration for your FEC.
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About Us
Why do operators choose our equipment?
- Innovative Technologies. Vestless and Vested Laser Tag Equipment Compatibility, Wireless Charging, Magnet Easy-Latch System, Rubber Grips and 1000+ Cycle Rated Batteries
- US-Based Manufacturing. Over 90% of our vests & phaser parts are sourced from Michigan Suppliers.
- Renowned Durability. Our founders have 20+ years engineering experience. We’ve designed our low-maintenance system with the operator in mind. Our laser tag equipment can take a beating from excited and eager players.
- The People. Our Project Coordinators, Customer Support, and Service Techs are committed to providing the best laser tag and the best owner’s experience.
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