During the performance of repair or construction work, special measuring instruments cannot be dispensed with. In life, situations also happen when you need to instantly and with maximum accuracy measure any distance. Ruler and roulette can provide some help in this, but often their immediate capabilities are not enough. All sorts of modern technologies come to the aid of people, which are expressed in the creation of the latest measuring instruments - laser rangefinders.
In stores building materials and tools you can find a wide range of similar products. Unfortunately, not all professional builders are well versed in this technique. So that you can choose the most optimal product for yourself, we decided to devote our today's review to the best laser range finders of 2019. However, before proceeding to a direct analysis of the models, let us examine in more detail the principle of the device’s operation, as well as other parameters that should be paid attention to when choosing a product. This is where we start!
Summary of the rating:
What indicators are important when buying a laser rangefinder?
Before heading to the appropriate store, you should decide where the laser roulette will be used - indoors or outdoors. If there is a need for a universal device, products for outdoor use should be purchased. The most optimal option for indoor measurements is an ordinary household laser roulette. The range of the beam here is about 60 m - not too much, but enough for a house. Such products are not very expensive, they will be affordable for most people.
To work in the room, there will be quite enough products that have a basic set of functions - measuring distance, angle, area of the room, volume of the room. The more expensive models, considered professional, have an extended range of capabilities - the inclinometer allows you to work in the range from 45 to 360 degrees, a timer, a sighting device, the ability to break the distance into certain segments, and so on.
A very important point is the high accuracy of the device. The measurement error of modern devices is only about one and a half to two millimeters. In construction, this is very high accuracy, so you can make all the necessary measurements both indoors and outside. However, it should be borne in mind that various external factors can influence this indicator - wall shake, excessively porous surface, on which the laser beam hit. Special tripods are available for sale to minimize hand shake.
There is also a number of additional characteristics that are very important when choosing such products. First of all, the device must be placed in a waterproof and dustproof housing. Lens quality will have a direct impact on measurement accuracy. They are made of high quality glass, so they will not be afraid of high or low temperatures, as well as their differences.On sale you can find equipment with plastic lenses that feel good in the temperature range declared by the manufacturer.
For an outdoor device, the measurement range should be from 60 m and above. The most powerful devices allow you to calculate the distance to an object located at a distance of up to 200 meters and even more. When using the product in an open area, it is necessary to use a special reflective plate. Many manufacturers put it in a roulette set, but if it is not, then you can additionally purchase it, especially since they cost not too much. It is desirable that the range finder for outdoor use be equipped with an optical sight. It can be integrated or located outside as an optical sight. This element is also digital - then an enlarged image is displayed on the display of the rangefinder.
When developing our ranking of the best laser rangefinders, we took into account all these factors, and also took into account user reviews (including professional builders) and the price-quality ratio of products. For each model included in our review, we tried to collect the most useful information so that you can appreciate and objectively evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of the products. We hope that the data will be enough so that you can decide on the choice of product.
Budget items
3. PRACTICE DL-20 (247-170)
The maximum distance that can be measured with this instrument is 20 meters. According to the information received, the device automatically calculates the perimeter, area, volume of the room and other indicators. Despite the rather compact size, this equipment is equipped with a decent digital display of large dimensions. The numbers on it are displayed quite large, they will be clearly visible even to a person with low vision. Despite the fact that the device belongs to a cheap price category, it is equipped with optics of rather high quality. This allows you to achieve high data accuracy, the equipment error is only 1 mm.
Most owners of this product claim that the measurement accuracy is indeed very high. The display has an LED backlight that allows you to work with this product even in complete darkness. In case of inactivity, the equipment turns off independently. The range finder has a rubberized housing that protects perfectly not only from the penetration of dust and dirt, but also from strong impacts. The most ordinary finger-type batteries act as nutrients here, and they last for quite a long time.
Benefits:
- Low cost;
- High efficiency indoors;
- Long period of operation;
- One battery lasts about 14 hours of continuous use;
- Reliable protection against water, dust and dirt, as well as from physical influences.
Disadvantages:
- Batteries are discharged even when the device is turned off.
2. INSTRUMAX SNIPER 30
A simple and fairly budget model, which will be quite affordable for most of our readers, it has all the necessary functions for home use. Appearance of the device is quite simple, but differs in a certain grace and attractiveness. The rangefinder is made mainly in black colors, but the front panel is painted blue. The power button contrasts as it is made red. The shape is rectangular, somewhat elongated, closer to the bottom of the structure there is some narrowing. Thanks to this feature, the device is very convenient to hold in your hands, it will not slip out. The buttons are large, have an average stroke, it is easy to get on them, so this device can be operated even with gloves on.
The cost of the unit is low, rubber pads to increase resistance are not provided, on the sides there is some ribbing, which does not allow the device to slide.On the surface of the case there is a special hole for the wrist strap. On the top face there is a window emitting a laser beam and a receiver providing a response of its return. On the rear panel there is a compartment for installing power elements. It is closed with a plastic cover. The device runs on two batteries or little-type batteries. The display is quite simple, liquid crystal, has two lines, the bottom is slightly larger compared to the top, the screen has an LED backlight. In addition to the basic measurement data, it has a reference point icon and a battery indicator. After two minutes of inactivity, the unit shuts down.
Benefits:
- Insignificant overall dimensions;
- The device fits easily into the hand;
- High accuracy of measurements;
- The maximum range is higher than declared by the manufacturer.
Disadvantages:
- The case is made exclusively of plastic, which makes it a little slippery, especially if you hold the device in gloves.
1. SNDWAY SW-M40
The product design is standard for budget laser rangefinders. Despite the fact that the equipment is not too expensive, the build quality is at a professionally high level, all elements of the body are carefully calibrated and adjusted to each other. No gaps, defects or backlash are observed. The unit operates on two finger batteries, the compartment for them is tightly closed with a plastic cover. The protection class from dust, dirt and water is IP54, which indicates a sufficiently high protection of the device from the penetration of debris and moisture. The keyboard includes seven keys at once, which are located at a fairly considerable distance from each other. This allows you to use this device even with tight gloves. The progress of the buttons ends with a characteristic click, saying that the press is completed to the end. The buttons are pretty soft.
The design provides a bubble level, and the course of the air bubble is quite smooth. This design will not replace the professional level, but in certain situations it is better than nothing. Overall dimensions are small: they are 112x50x25 mm. The device calculates performance almost in real time, the delay is negligible and is only a few tenths of a second. Before direct use, the device will have to be calibrated. How to do this correctly is described in detail in the instructions.
Benefits:
- Low cost;
- Wide functionality;
- Instant calculation of measurements;
- There is a built-in level;
- Large display on which you can easily view all the necessary information;
- Small overall dimensions.
Disadvantages:
- Soft buttons that can be sold after several years of use.
Rangefinders for indoor use
4. STAYER SDL-50 MAXControl
Compact and reasonably accurate equipment designed for simple and quick linear distance measurement. Also, this device can be used to calculate the area and volume. All measurements can be done alone, which makes the work pretty fast and does not affect the accuracy of the data. The laser module in this unit is very powerful, characterized by the innovative design of the element receiving the returned beam. The range finder can be used even in open space for not too long measurements. The possibility of coverage within the area outside the premises is about 50% of the manufacturer's declared indoor use range.
The dimensions are compact, which makes it easy to take measurements, and also simplifies carrying and transportation. After 40 seconds without use, the laser beam automatically turns off, the same thing happens with the device, but after six minutes. The case has a quarter-inch diameter thread, which allows you to mount the device on an appropriate tripod. Operations are accompanied by an audible alarm. The display has a low battery indicator. Two reference points are provided - frontal and rear.The function of adding and subtracting measurements is provided.
Benefits:
- Reasonable cost;
- Long service life;
- Long work without replacement of batteries;
- Able to produce accurate data in a significant temperature range.
Disadvantages:
- The error is about 2-3 millimeters, which even at home can seriously affect the accuracy of the work performed.
3. Tesla M-40
The product is intended for construction and repair work, it will be very useful in the process of planning rooms, interior decoration of rooms. The measuring range is from 20 cm to 40 m, the declared error does not exceed 1 mm. Even when performing complex measurements that are made exclusively in real time, the device is triggered by the return of the laser beam within a matter of milliseconds. This is very convenient, in particular, in the case of the installation of furniture. The height can be calculated by the Pythagorean theorem. This function will be very useful if you need to determine the height of the room or internal niche. In this case, measurements are taken at two or three points.
If necessary, the values can be added or subtracted. This device allows you to determine the area and volume of a room, even if it has protrusions. Using this range finder, you can calculate the total area of several rooms at once. There is a built-in memory for 20 values, which allows you not to be distracted by recording the results. Like the devices discussed earlier, there is a bubble level of a physical type, thanks to which you can accurately set the device in the horizontal and vertical plane. There are several units of measure - you can get data in meters, inches or feet. The design provides a display with a liquid crystal backlight. Data can be seen even if there is not enough lighting in the room. There are a large number of indicators. In overall dimensions, the equipment is similar to a compact push-button telephone. From one battery the product is able to work for quite a long time - they will be enough for about 8 thousand measurements. The product does not need specialized care.
Benefits:
- An original and highly functional product;
- High quality production and assembly;
- Good level of precision equipment;
- Long work from one pair of batteries;
- No special care required.
Disadvantages:
- After a while, it may begin to take longer to count the distance.
2. Condtrol X1 plus
Like the rest of the models presented in our review of the best laser rangefinders, this device is quite compact overall dimensions. It fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, you can transport it in the pocket of a jacket or trousers. The design is standard, but the side faces are equipped with rubberized inserts, they are additionally equipped with relief grooves. This moment almost completely eliminates the slipping of the device from the hands. Build quality is pretty high. The keyboard is membrane, has reliable protection against dust and moisture under the case. The buttons have decent overall dimensions, so the device will be comfortable to use even with gloves on.
The LCD has three informative lines, it is equipped with LED backlight, which allows you to use the device even at night or in conditions of lack of natural or artificial lighting. The numbers of the latest measurements are quite large, so even people with low vision can work with the device. All necessary calculations are not performed very quickly - the delay is of the order of one and a half to two seconds. The device has a function of continuous measurement, thanks to which you can determine the minimum and maximum distance, of course, it is possible to calculate the area and volume of the room. There is only one reference point here - from the back of the device.The product was originally developed for indoor use, since it does not have either an optical or digital sight, which would allow it to be used in an open area.
Benefits:
- Good value for money;
- Superior build quality
- Minimum error;
- Low power consumption.
Disadvantages:
- Manufacturers could equip the design with a frontal reference point for distance.
1. Bosch DLE 40
In the first place in this section of the best laser rangefinders is a model developed by a well-known company. The body of the structure is made of high quality plastic, rubber anti-slip and shockproof inserts are provided, which allows the product to withstand quite serious mechanical stresses. Build quality, like other equipment from this manufacturer, is at its best. The weight is very decent, since the model works directly from four finger-type batteries. The buttons are silicone, protrude well beyond the body and are located at a considerable distance from each other. They are perfectly palpated with fingers, even in fairly tight gloves.
Built-in memory is not provided here, so all the calculation results will need to be immediately recorded. The case has a socket for attaching to a tripod, which is not supplied, it will have to be purchased separately. The working distance is not too big - it is only about 40 meters, however, for using the device indoors, this indicator will be quite enough. The calculation time is approximately 0.5 seconds in the presence of an error of not more than one and a half millimeters. The laser beam is powerful enough, it will not distort performance even in the case of intense sunlight, it will also not depend on the type of reflective surface. The reflection coefficient is only about 10 mm by 40 m. There is a function of the reference point - from the lower or upper face of the device.
Benefits:
- Quick response;
- Minor error;
- There is a thread for mounting on a tripod;
- Low cost.
Disadvantages:
- There is no soundtrack of the made measurement.
Professional models
3. Makita LD050P
This range finder is equipped with a fairly large variety of functions. With it, you can measure the maximum and minimum measurements, it has the ability to conduct continuous measurements, determine the area, calculate, based on the available angle according to the Pythagorean theorem. It is worth noting that the last operation can be performed at two or three points. The product is equipped with built-in memory for five measurements at once. All results are displayed on a decent sized, high definition LCD. The keyboard is film-resistant and well resists moisture. The buttons are quite large, which allows you to use the design in tight gloves, including in open rooms and even on the street. A convenient cover for storage and transportation is supplied with the device, with its help you can provide additional protection for the device from physical influences.
The range finder is equipped with an automatic shutdown function after a minute and a half, and the power stops after three minutes. The minimum unit is 1 mm. The equipment runs on two finger batteries. The charge is enough to produce about 3 thousand measurements. The diameter of the laser dot is 6/30 mm, the maximum error does not exceed 0.8-1 mm. There is a built-in sight, and the range of the sighting plate is 50 mm, under not very good weather conditions, the figure is reduced to 35 m.
Benefits:
- Easy to use;
- High rates of practicality and reliability of the product;
- Perfectly suited for the production of construction and finishing work at a professional level;
- Shockproof case is supplied with the device.
Disadvantages:
- There is no socket for attaching a lace.
2. Bosch GLM 250 VF
The professional device has a rather long range, which is about 250 meters, moreover, this equipment has a built-in optical sight, which ensures optimal visibility of the laser point. The design has a fairly compact overall dimensions, has all the necessary functions for making the necessary measurements and excellent accuracy. Included with the product are not only batteries, but also a convenient protective cover, with which the device can be protected from dust, moisture or dirt. In addition, with the help of a cover you can protect the product from various mechanical influences, it is possible to fasten to a belt.
The equipment is equipped with a calculator function - with its help you can subtract and add the received data. The rangefinder has a high-definition liquid crystal screen equipped with LED-type backlight. Using this product, indirect combined measurements can be made, for example, to calculate the length of the roof slope, moreover, such an operation can be carried out from inside the attic. There is a connector for mounting the device on a tripod. The device is able to work in a wide temperature range - from -10 to +50 degrees. The housing is equipped with an excellent system of protection against dust and moisture. The design is powered by batteries or accumulators.
Benefits:
- Good workmanship and assembly;
- Long service life;
- High reliability;
- A large number of diverse functions.
Disadvantages:
- It is quite expensive.
1. Leica Disto D510
The product is equipped with a digital sight, inclinometer of 369 degrees, a viewfinder with a maximum of four times magnification is also provided. With this equipment, you can perform the most accurate measurements in conditions where standard instruments are unable to cope. The digital sight allows you to perform all necessary measurements even in open areas in sunny weather. In the case when the laser beam itself is not visible to the human eye, it will be perfectly displayed on the display of the device. The equipment case is made on the basis of high-quality composite material of increased strength. In this regard, it is in no way inferior to metal. The design has rubberized inserts, which allows the device to withstand a drop from a height of the order of 2-3 meters, in addition, it has a high degree of protection against dust, dirt or moisture under the body.
The model is equipped with advanced functionality - not every professional rangefinder can boast the presence of such a wide variety of capabilities. With its help, the area and volume, various indirect measurements are calculated, it is able to calculate the area of the trapezoid, triangle, and perform operations with the received data. The equipment is compatible with smartphones due to the special application available. Each button press is accompanied by a corresponding sound signal. On the case there is a so-called positional heel, which allows measurements even in fairly narrow openings.
Benefits:
- Very wide functionality of this device;
- A significant number of subtle settings;
- High quality liquid crystal display;
- Insignificant overall dimensions and weight;
- You can measure walls with a deviation from the zero position;
- The batteries last for a fairly long time.
Disadvantages:
- The measurement button is tight, the cost is very high.
In conclusion, a useful video
Our review of the best laser rangefinders of 2019 is coming to an end. We hope that all the information we collected was enough for you to choose the most suitable model for yourself with optimal functionality.If some doubts and questions still remain, then you can always ask them to us in the comments to this article. We will promptly respond to your message and try to dispel all doubts as soon as possible.