FatMax pros and cons

[Herire Ghazanian]

Been using Fatmax TLM 100 for over a month now and here's my take on it.

Pros:
-Accurate
-Light
-Handy for measuring from inside properties (i.e. 2nd floors).
-Easy for measuring some hard to reach areas.
-Can save time sometimes (but also can slow things down).

Cons:
-Drains batteries vey fast.
-Almost useless in bright sunlight (which is the case here most of the time).
-Difficult to find the red dot over 20'-25' distance (outdoors).
-Poor ergonomics.
-Could be smaller in size.
-Too expensive for what it does.
-Does not replace measuring tape or wheel completely.

My biggest grip is that it eats batteries like crazy. The other is that the red button can be easily pressed without notice while you work making its beam reflect all over the place which can be hazardous if into someone's eyes. Also it can be a timesaver or just the opposite.

This can be a helpful addition to existing measuring devices on some occasions but certainly not a complete replacement that i was hoping for. Overall i have to say that i am not impressed.

 

[Larry Hoy]

Interesting comment about the batteries. I have a Disto Classic. I've had it about 3 or 4 years. Although I'm sure I have, I cannot remember ever changing the batteries. Maybe once?

 

[spittman]

Ditto Herire!!!

But it sure beats fumbling with a tape measure. I hated it when you'd just get about to the other end and the tape would just unhook for no dang reason. I'd say overall I'm happy I got the FatMax, just not ready to spend twice as much for the Disto. The technology for both FatMax & Disto are made by the same company anyways - "Leica".

 

[Herire Ghazanian]

Sammy, how long does the battery last on your FatMax? I'm on my 3rd one since i got it a month ago!

I agree that the tape measure can be irritating to use that's why i use a wheel. The FatMax works well in conjunction to my measuring wheel if only the darn battery lasted a while.

 

[icisic7]

Don't use the case that comes with it!!!

I got my FatMax around October or November and had to replace the battery right away. The problem is if you use the case that comes with it. I think it's too snug and keeps turning the unit on.

Ever since I stopped using the case, I haven't had to replace the battery. I keep the FatMax in my clipboard for protection.

 

[Herire Ghazanian]

Don't use the case that comes with it!!!

I got my FatMax around October or November and had to replace the battery right away. The problem is if you use the case that comes with it. I think it's too snug and keeps turning the unit on.

Ever since I stopped using the case, I haven't had to replace the battery. I keep the FatMax in my clipboard for protection.

Ah!! i've been using the case all the time because i stick some business cards in its pocket! so that probably makes the fit even tighter. Another con for poor design and extra sensitive start button.
Thanks for the advice.

 

[Smokey Bear]

I love my Fat Max 200 - I haven't had to change the batteries yet, but I keep it in my pocket - the case is too hard to work with in the field. AND I got it 1/2 price ($125) so that makes me like it even more.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Mine is very accurate on long distances, but not on shorter ones.

If a wall is 12 feet, I can take 10 measurements and get at least 6 different measurements from maybe 6' to 15'. Anyone else run into this, or did I just get a lemon?

 

[aaron lambert]

Mine seems to be very accurate and I really enjoy using it and the add/subtract features, and trying to find something to "hit." I did discover the other day in a torrential downpour that the beam gets diverted by raindrops and gives an error message.
Like many said, it is great indoors, and my supervisor requires enterior dimensions, so it is a huge time saver for me, but in bright sunlight it is worthless. I think I am going to step up to the disto

 

[Robert Smoote]

The TLM 100 is not designed to be used for exteriors. It is essentially meant to compete with the cheap and inaccurate sonic devices and in that respect is vastly superior, especially when it is available for $49. When it is at the "normal" price of $99, the other devices (TLM 200, TLM 300 and the Disto line) are probably a better buy depending on your usage.