So my IR leds came, right after work I rushed home to play around and see what kind of results I got. I ended up with awful results, I couldn't get more than 4 inches away.

So it turns out, that the wiimote has a low frequency filter, it happens to be of a frequency just high enough that it filters out almost all of the IR that the specific LEDs that I purchased produce. I can either buy new IR LEDs or replace the filter on the front of the wiimote. Since the project's intent is to use wiimotes from the factory, I'll be buying some new LEDs. My 2 dollar LED from radioshack (including an IR receiver) beats out 8 of my special order LEDs. Even when teh 2 dollar LED is diffused and the other is not.

Now to find a good electronic component supplier in West LA.