The laser bola is a traditional weapon of the Borellian Nomen. Up to three are usually slung on bandoliers on Nomen, whose Code dictates that they never leave their person or be drawn in haste, without thought.
When thrown, they appear as two glowing balls connected by a red laser line. Once drawn, however, they must be thrown at a target or explode upon reaching critical mass; they cannot be deactivated by any other means. Should the bola not be thrown at a target, the detonation time is around 50 to 60 microns after activation.
Once discharged against a target, laser bola can be recovered and reused (TOS: "The Man with Nine Lives", "Baltar's Escape").