Bosch vs Leica Laser Measurer?

[Mark White]

Just had a long look at the Bosch DLR165K Digital Laser Rangefinder
http://www.boschtools.com/Products/T...px?pid=DLR165K
and the Leica Disto D3
http://www.leica-geosystems.com/corp.../lgs_29794.htm

Both look like very nice tools, but the Leica is almost twice the price. Anyone used either of these and have any comments?

[newman]

I haven't used the Leica but I own the Bosch and the Hilti P4. Both are accurate to 1/16" but I like the fact that the Hilti is able to display running inches, where the Bosch does not. I like like the backlight on the Hilti too.

[kddsunshine]

I to own the Bosch, think it's great, except it measures in feet and inches not just inches. I've made about two cutting error's in the last few months since I've owned it due to this, both times cut an inch short. Due to my own error. You can't blame the tool for it, but it sure can piss you off and makes you want to blame the tool. You know how it goes:) It's way more accurate than a tape, especially when you're measuring inside corners, or stick framed walls in a remodel.

[PaliBob]

Mark,
I would go for the Bosch.
Reason: Price and small size. The Bosh is the latest generation and each new generation has added features at a lower price.

I have the A2 ($200) and am happy with it. Sure it has an Inch range for total inches but they are decimal inches e.g. 102.5" not 102 1/2" but what about converting any other decimal say 102.3" to 102" and what fraction? To make it easier I have taken to using a tape with decimal inches for cutting.

The back lit display is also often indispensible

[PaliBob]

Mark.
I just found a laudatory review that says the Bosch is linkable to SketchUP.
I didn't check it out, it's late and i'm off to bed. Good Luck.

http://www.toologics.com/Reviews/Bos...071024420.html

[Burchie]

I spent a few hours researching laser meters this week and finally settled on and ordered the Hilti PD 40. http://www.us.hilti.com/holus/module...tentOID=184865 I had narrowed it down to the Leica Disto A3 http://www.lasermeters.com/products/...uct_code=A3-16 and the Hilti, but I like the better accuracy (accurate to 1mm), smaller size, and seemingly more durable case of the Hilti. I didn't think I would need the memory for a bunch past measurements so I opted to save the some cash vs. the getting the PD 42, the Stabila LE 50, or PLS 1. Based on reviews I read, the Bosch seems like a fine unit, but I wanted a display reading in running inches. Hopefully I made the right choice. I would be interested to compare all the units side by side on a jobsite...sounds like the perfect "Tools of the Trade" tool test for an upcoming issue!

[pinesol3]

PaliBob: Any laser is linkable to sketchup - all the reviewer is doing is taking the results obtained with the laser and inputing them by hand (well, keyboard) into sketchup.

[PaliBob]

PaliBob: Any laser is linkable to sketchup

Right, I should have been suspicious of any review that starts out saying how great a laser tool is compared to a sonic measurer.

[kreg McMahon]

the little stabilia is a great one and you can display the last 19 measurments and in inches or feet and inches. the bosch but is limited. the stabilia is abourt 275 but worth the exta money. you would think bosch would add features that the others have and then come out with the tool.

and that measuring mistake, how much did that cost, even though it is not the tool, it is better sometimes to measure in inches only., and to have the choice.

[fmbell]

I have the small Bosch DLR165K

Gives me a read out of Meters - Decimal and Feet & Inches
Cost $180.00 doesn't have the repeat display of measure, just two clicks and check measurement.

Frank

[rfulton]

I don't have any experience with the Leica but I can give you input on the Bosch. I picked up the Bosch after reading some positive things out here in previous posts. I liked the price over some of the others and figured if it is accurate to 1/16 over 165' that is all I need. My first obstacle to get over was trusting it, seemed too easy. I have yet to get a bad reading. It is dead on accurate.

Positives:
Accurate, cheaper than competion, small, like the clicking that you can feel to verify reading has occured. (In the event your compressor is running)

Negatives:
I wish it had running inches. I have made a few mistakes because it said 12 - 7 and I miscounted the 7 inches on the tape before cutting. I also had one problem when I jotted down 12-7 I cut it at 127 because I am not used to writing down in the feet / inch format.

I also second the light up display comment earlier, Bosch does not have, I can get along fine without it but it would be nice in some situations.

Overall, I have hung crown in about 12 rooms so far with it and I have been very impressed, paid for itself already with time savings.

[Hickorywind]

Hilti PD 40 or 42. Though I understand they are coming
out with some newer models.

[Mark White]

Thanks for the replies. Gotta check out the Stabila & Hilti too I guess.

[newman]

The other thing I like about my Hilti over the Bosch is that it keeps the last 3 reading on the display - with my crappy memory I need all the help I can get!

[Propmaker]

I use the Hilti PD40. It is the new model that just replaced the PD30. Accuracy is 1/16" in 650'. It will display in running inches or in ft-in in 1/8, 1/16, 1/32" measurements. Small enough to fit in your shirt pocket. It has an area function also.

Right after it came out there was a recall for its software & they had called about replacing it with the corrected version (mine was shipped after fix) while on hold there recorded advertisements said accuracy 1/25" in 650'. Ii has 12 different measurement displays & dead on accurate.
They also have a PD4 for a 100.00 less but it just measures.