Best Bang For Your Buck Laser Measuring Device?

[sunster]

I've been using the same ol' classic Disto brick for about 10 years now, and it still works just fine. I notice that over period of time the red dot becomes less prominent (even with a fresh pair of batteries). When that happens, I just clean off the lenses with a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol. Seems to make a world of difference.

 

[Mike Ault]

I'm wondering how much time will it really save by connected via bluetooth and going straight to my sketching app? It doesn't seem like it would be a lot. For those of you that do that, what are the benefits to it, and how much time does it save you per house?

To be perfectly honest it probably doesn't save more than a minute or two on a typical house but it takes a lot of the hassle out of entering measurements and allows me to focus on where I'm stepping. Last year the homeowner who was following me around while I was measuring the outside (a practice I typically discourage) stopped me right before I stepped on a rattlesnake. I'm not saying that I would've seen that rattlesnake any sooner if I wasn't focused on entering measurements into the tablet (prior to my Bluetooth interfacing) however I appreciate anything that streamlines the inspection process and allows me to focus on what I am doing. When you start measuring a large multilevel home with a ton of bump outs you will really start to appreciate automated data entry because it is very easy to hit the wrong key with your typical tablet sketching software due to the small screen size. All of this can be done with gloves on by the way which will make you smile if you're measuring cold weather. I spent over 20 years sketching homes with pencil on grid paper but now that I've been indoctrinated into the modern ways I would never go back.

 

[Dale Smalley]

Started with the Disto Brick (still have it as a backup) then went with the D5 and have been using it for several years. Just carry extra batteries if you are going to use the camera a lot. I velcrowed it to my clipboard for extra stability no regrets for this purchase.

 

[Yehosha]

Anyone know if any products besides Disto work with Total for Mobile via bluetooth?

 

[Elliott]

I think the Disto's are priced too high and hold themself out as a proprietary product. The Craftsman and Bosch lines are a better value and the OP was concerned about bucks.

 

[Yehosha]

I think the Disto's are priced too high and hold themself out as a proprietary product. The Craftsman and Bosch lines are a better value and the OP was concerned about bucks.

I agree with that. I think for what I personally need and want from a laser, doesn't require all the conveniences of a Disto. I may change my opinion on that later, but for now I'm going with a cheaper, less fancy laser.

I think I'll be getting either the DEWALT DW03050 or the Bosch DLR130K, and if down the road I want/need to spend the additional $500 I will. Anyone have any experience with either?

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

The cheaper ones work fine - no bluetooth to a device however as far as I know

 

[Dale Smalley]

I haven't seen the cheaper ones in action. The main challenge is outside in the bright sun when shooting over 50' and being able to take a stable shot. The old optical tele scope was a better sight for locating the target. With the camera zoomed in I have to brace to something like the wall so the dot is not wiggling all over the place. Lets know what you find if they have any cool features.

 

[TRESinc]

I agree with that. I think for what I personally need and want from a laser, doesn't require all the conveniences of a Disto. I may change my opinion on that later, but for now I'm going with a cheaper, less fancy laser.

I think I'll be getting either the DEWALT DW03050 or the Bosch DLR130K, and if down the road I want/need to spend the additional $500 I will. Anyone have any experience with either?

for around $150-160 (after their discount) you can get a bt disto. imnsho it is well worth the small added cost.

http://www.appraiserslaser.com/disto-d2-bluetooth-838725.html

 

[Deleted member 134708]

I have the Disto A3 from about 10 years ago and love it. Just basic compact model. Looks like it got replaced with the D3.

I'd just get the D2. AMZN has for $122

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AOUQXG/?tag=realestatappraat

Once you go laser, you don't go back. (well, I've never actually used a tape or wheel)