Disto X4 for $309

[Overimprovement]

So old school here, 100 ft reel tape, no worries about sun/wind/ rain, carry cloth for roll up - been using for 25 years, think I paid $15 when purchased. Doesn't download to blue tooth or directly to the computer, no batteries needed.

Not that there's anything wrong with what you like to do, just don't see the point at this stage of the game.

FWIW, I was kind of in the same camp, but I found an entry level Bosch a couple years ago for I think it was $99. I truly think I save about 3-5 minutes on average per inspection. That is 20-30 minutes a week, or 10-15 hours a year. From a cost benefit point of view, it has served me well, but I totally get the tape/wheel point of view as well. I do keep both as backups, but it is the rare house where having a laser does not save a little time.

 

[Mike Ault]

A wise appraiser posted on here years ago "some measurements are easier with a laser, some are easier with a tape". Don't know who's advice that was but I took it to heart and always carry both on my belt. Unfortunately with a 35mm camera around my neck, a phablet phone, Disto laser, inspection flashlight, 100 foot tape plus a 10 inch tablet I look like a geeky Batman on inspections however I do have the most efficient tool at my fingertips at all times and hardly ever have to make a trip back to the truck unless it's for the ladder (or on rare occasions the electronic protractor).