The sleek and compact "scope" appearance of the main unit was intentionally designed so that when mounted to a realistic looking toy gun it looks as if it belongs. It is our experience that potential customers (especially male teens and male preteens) are first attracted to the "cool" look of the equipment before they will ever be interested in the "cool" functions of the guns. If the laser tag guns remind them of the military or of their favorite video game then you're a third of the way to a potentially satisfied customer. The compact design and light weight material of the Ikon-x were also created with consideration for both the younger player and the female player. It has been our experience that heavy guns are useless to an excited six year old. If he or she can't carry the gun then he or she can't play, no matter how much they may want to. A common problem solved by the makers of the Ikon-x.