LordofTexas
Member
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2008
- Professional Status
- Certified Residential Appraiser
- State
- Texas
Richard,
I've trained over 75 appraisers and I used to make them all take a measuring test with the wheel and a tape. As everyone of them at first liked the wheel as they never had to get dirty or fight roses and plants; they soon found they were never exactly right versus the tape. So, I never let them use the wheel; they stayed in the storage closet.
However, the laser is the way to go if you have a somewhat steady hand and something to bounce it off of. Also, it's hard to use in bright sunlight without the funky Bono glasses (red, yellow, green, whatever). But, the tape and the laser are both usually dead on correct. Either way, you're most likely going to round to the nearest tenth.
But, I have the Disto A5 and it's since been replaced with a different model. However, it is very small (about 2 inches by 5 inches). If you can still find this model, it retails for about $200-$220 and is a very good deal at $150. Don't get one of the older Distos (size of a small brick) as the laser tends to weaken over time.
I've trained over 75 appraisers and I used to make them all take a measuring test with the wheel and a tape. As everyone of them at first liked the wheel as they never had to get dirty or fight roses and plants; they soon found they were never exactly right versus the tape. So, I never let them use the wheel; they stayed in the storage closet.
However, the laser is the way to go if you have a somewhat steady hand and something to bounce it off of. Also, it's hard to use in bright sunlight without the funky Bono glasses (red, yellow, green, whatever). But, the tape and the laser are both usually dead on correct. Either way, you're most likely going to round to the nearest tenth.
But, I have the Disto A5 and it's since been replaced with a different model. However, it is very small (about 2 inches by 5 inches). If you can still find this model, it retails for about $200-$220 and is a very good deal at $150. Don't get one of the older Distos (size of a small brick) as the laser tends to weaken over time.