Laser level rating: good and inexpensive models

Selection Tips

If you need to choose a level for outdoor work or for building a house, it is recommended to study the most important characteristics of different types of equipment.

In this case, special attention must be paid to the following important criteria

• Features of the construction of rays. We are talking about horizontal, vertical and circular lines, as well as points and crosses.
• Range is a parameter that displays the maximum distance within which the laser markers will be clear.
• Leveling accuracy, that is, the range of the maximum deviation of the projection from the actual position.
• Beam parameters that determine the versatility of the measuring tool.
• The presence of a laser plummet - a device that ensures the alignment of surfaces in a vertical plane.
• The ability to use the device at an angle.
• The presence of a scanning mode that makes the beam visible at a maximum distance. This option is usually found in expensive professional levels.

Geo-Fennel Duo-Pointer

A point laser with high functionality and ease of use. High accuracy of modeling of assembly lines is ensured by projection of three points. It can be used in the design of vertical communications and partitions. Magnets are built into the rubberized case, which allows you to attach the level to metal surfaces. Despite the fact that the Geo-Fennel Duo-Pointer does not have the same high level of accuracy as the previous two models, it is an excellent laser level according to professional reviews.

Advantages:

• Wide functionality.
• Compactness and lightness.
• In case of deviation from the limits of compensation - light and sound signals.
• 1/4 tripod socket.

Disadvantages:

Short range.

Condtrol MX2 - from 5000 rubles

An interesting solution is implemented in the Condtrol MX2 model with Russian roots, but made in China. This compact device builds only two lines, but what is really good about it is the work up to 30 hours on two AA batteries and five different mounting options: strap, self-tapping screw, clamp, magnet, tripod. Despite the relatively small scanning angle of the beam, it is more than enough for repairs in an apartment or small building.

The device can be called semi-professional, because it allows the use of a special receiver that increases the projection range. Lines can be built individually, which also simplifies work and saves power. The robust reinforced body and the ability to mount the device on 1/4 ″ and 5/8 ″ tripods make this device truly indispensable in any man's tool kit. Includes bag, mount adapter, cable tie and batteries as standard. Having paid another 800-1000 rubles, you can purchase an extended version, which also includes a tripod, glasses, a target, a strap and instead of a bag - a case.

You can look at the equipment in action and estimate the number of possible mounting methods in the following video from the manufacturer.

One level is not enough!

If you have not purchased the extended version, which includes everything you need to work with the laser level, then you may need a tripod, special mount, glasses, receiver and batteries.

Tripod

A tripod or tripod is needed to more conveniently set up the builder.Level manufacturers usually supply their devices with a 1/4 "or 5/8" threaded connection. By the way, if you are fond of photography and previously purchased a tripod for shooting, then it can also be used for work with markings - it usually has a standard 1/4 ″ connector. The cost of the cheapest tripods starts at 1000 rubles. You can choose the parameters of the tripod based on the operating conditions of the laser level.

On sale there are also special collapsible rods with a telescopic step, which are installed between the walls or the floor and the ceiling. They cost our opinion unreasonably expensive, and their use is not always convenient. See for yourself an example from the video below.

Holder

A more affordable mounting option is a small fixture that is fixed to the base using a clip or by hanging it on self-tapping screws, nails, a magnet, etc. As a rule, they have universal dimensions and can be applied to various plane builder models. The cost of such holders starts at around 500 rubles, but it must be borne in mind that they are not suitable for heavy rotary levels. On the example of the following video, you can appreciate the ease of use of the mount.

Glasses

Special glasses with colored lenses are needed only in order to better see the markings in bright light conditions. We warn you right away that they do not work as protective equipment for your eyes. Depending on the color of the laser, products with green or red glasses are used. Most often the latter, simply because red lasers are the most common. We recommend buying glasses first of all, because the price starts from only 170 rubles, and the convenience of work is priceless.

Receiver

When working on a large area, especially for open objects with good lighting, it is simply impossible to see the beam with the eye, even with glasses. Highly sensitive laser-level reflectors or receivers come to the rescue. Such devices allow you to determine the location of the marking and transfer it to the working surface, thereby increasing the range of the level to 100 meters or more. The impact of the beam on the detector is accompanied by sound and / or light indication. It must be remembered that each receiver is suitable exclusively for those models for which it is adapted. Prices for such devices start at 3000 rubles. and can reach the cost of the builder himself.

Case

If you are not going to use the laser level often, then to save the device, you can use the box in which it was packed by the manufacturer. Otherwise, it is advisable to purchase a cover or case, because a precision instrument is sensitive to external influences and protection for it will not be superfluous. The price of the first one starts from 1000 rubles, the case is more expensive - from 2000 rubles

Please note that many manufacturers produce models of devices with different configurations. For example, in the basic set - only the level, in the more advanced - the level and tripod, in the complete set - everything, including the case

Battery

AA and AAA cells, as well as branded batteries can be used as power sources. Standard batteries are convenient and versatile and can be easily replaced with new ones. The battery is another matter. It can fail and disappear from sale. Therefore, if you have a choice, bet on laser levels powered by standard batteries.

ADA ProDigit 60

One of the most powerful models completes the top ten in the ranking of laser levels. The device is distinguished by its modest design and the ability to attach to metal surfaces and a tripod. Equipped with a lot of electronic circuits. The measurement results are displayed on the built-in display. The device control mechanism is push-button. According to the information provided in the instructions for the ADA laser level, the device can be used for working with vertical surfaces.

Advantages:

• Built-in display.
• Calibration function.
• Millimeter divisions of the measurement scale.
• High-strength aluminum housing.
• Nine memory cells.
• High accuracy of measurements.
• Sound notification.

Disadvantages:

Not suitable for measuring the evenness of floors.