Best Bang For Your Buck Laser Measuring Device?

[Yehosha]

I've been appraising over 10 years and still use a 100' tape for measuring, and have a wheel in the trunk that I use on occasion if I need it. I can measure almost any property pretty fast and accurately, so I've never felt the need to splurge and by a laser.

I have no doubt that some walls would just be easier with a laser, and am finally ready to stop being so cheap and buy one.

With there being so many options and brands, I'm not sure what to get. Distos are outrageously price IMO. And there are so many great reviews for products that cost significantly less, I'm not sure what to buy.

As with any purchase, I'm looking to get the most out of what I spend, and if shelling out $400 is actually worth it, and will save me time and money in the long run, I'm willing to do it.

So what say you, fellow appraisers? What are you using that you like, and why? What have you used that you didn't like, and why? Specific brands and models would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance!

 

[David Beasley]

I still use a 100' closed-reel tape graduated in 1/10th & 1/100th feet for open-ended walls...but for walls where I can hit a target (exterior) and interior measurements of all types, I love my Leica Disto D5. I had an original old brick-sized Leica Disto that I used for a decade and just got tired of its size, weight, and lack of a "camera" on it for spotting stuff a long way out or in very bright sunlight. I think they still make and sell the D5 for about $499. I keep my old Disto in the truck as a backup. If anyone told me I had to give up a laser measurer or give up appraising, I'd quit tomorrow and join the other 93 million people here in the US that's out of work.

 

[Yehosha]

Would I be able to post this in the general section? Seems this area doesn't get a lot of traffic.

 

[JTip]

I think they still make and sell the D5 for about $499.

D5 is a great tool; my measuring tool for 8 years.

Don't be frugal with your equipment OP. Buy the good stuff, it will last longer.

 

[Yehosha]

D5 is a great tool; my measuring tool for 8 years.

Don't be frugal with your equipment OP. Buy the good stuff, it will last longer.

The D5 is an older OOP model correct? Which of the new versions compares? If gonna spend $600 I would want the newer tech I would think.

 

[JTip]

The D5 is an older OOP model correct? Which of the new versions compares? If gonna spend $600 I would want the newer tech I would think.

I bought mine used from ebay.

Like a good appraiser, you need to watch some items for market activity, ignore the outliers (out of the country sellers, extreme over/under pricing, etc) and determine current market. Might take a couple of weeks for the inventory to flow, but it will.

If you have ants in your pants then buy new. I like gently used quality stuff....

 

[JTip]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEICA-DISTO...349030?hash=item3ac3c19d66:g:NWIAAOSwdWBXOliY
Nice D8....tempting....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-Disto...783889?hash=item25b97d4251:g:ONYAAOSwud1W~8K5
some interested eyes watching this one....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEICA-DISTO...144201?hash=item542d880e89:g:0z0AAOSwXj5XG7Dc
STAY AWAY from this one...out of the country/insane pricing....

 

[Hondo]

This is the one I have and it is great, discounted price is around $490.

http://www.appraiserslaser.com/leica-disto-e7500i.html

 

[Yehosha]

I bought mine used from ebay.

Like a good appraiser, you need to watch some items for market activity, ignore the outliers (out of the country sellers, extreme over/under pricing, etc) and determine current market. Might take a couple of weeks for the inventory to flow, but it will.

If you have ants in your pants then buy new. I like gently used quality stuff....

LOL I've been waiting 10 years, and am definitely in no hurry now. I know I don't want a D8, as it does way too much stuff that I'll never use and costs way too much. I also don't want to spend $400+ on something without a warranty.

 

[Yehosha]

This is the one I have and it is great, discounted price is around $490.

http://www.appraiserslaser.com/leica-disto-e7500i.html

If I choose Disto, that's the one I'm leaning towards I think.

I'm really curious what non Disto brands/models people have used, and what their experience was like. Stablia, Bosch, Stanley, Milwaukee, Dewalt, etc.

Also, what about appraiserslaser. com? These guys legit? Their prices are 20% lower than everywhere else, which makes me wonder.