Most appropriate Leica Disto Model

[JRM]

Good Morning,
I am a trainee appraiser and I just completed my 12 months and 1500 hours under a certified appraiser. Thus far I've used and have been happy with a simple Bosch laser measure however, the certified appraiser I work under highly suggests getting a Leica Disto as I begin my own appraising business in the next 6 months or so. My question is which one would be most appropriate? There are significant price differences that come with significant differences in ability but I'm not sure what I need/don't need. I'm currently looking at the X4 (however I found the E7500i at a comparable price brand new, which seems like an even more capable unit) as it is affordable yet carries some significant upgrades compared to the current device I use. Any input is appreciated, have a great day.
Edit: I will be going for Certified Residential and plan on staying in residential for the foreseeable future.

 

[EddieB]

Get what you can afford but realize you will be using it for 15+ years so get the best one you can. They are worth the investment. I wouldn't go below the E7500i.

My A3 is 16 yrs old. Cracked body, scratched screen and never misses a beat with daily use. Trying to find the "red dot" on sunny days and measuring long outdoor distances are the only complaints. That is why I still carry a 100' tape. Between the two, I can measure any house.

I realize that I will be shamed for still pulling tape.

 

[JRM]

Get what you can afford but realize you will be using it for 15+ years so get the best one you can. They are worth the investment. I wouldn't go below the E7500i.

My A3 is 16 yrs old. Cracked body, scratched screen and never misses a beat with daily use. Trying to find the "red dot" on sunny days and measuring long outdoor distances are the only complaints. That is why I still carry a 100' tape. Between the two, I can measure any house.

I realize that I will be shamed for still pulling tape.

Eddie, thanks for the reply! Nothing wrong with the ol' tried and true, my friend!

 

[Brian W Street]

What don't you like about the Bosch? I've never used one but have thought about them, they are cheap. However my 2 Leica's (A3 & D5) just don't give up, so I can't recommend them enough, they are great tools! But I don't use Bluetooth or the camera functions so those options add a bunch to the cost that I would not pay for. I want it to be small too, that original A3 is a great little device, it's my backup tape. So you have been measuring homes for a year now, do you use the Bluetooth functions on a phone or tablet or plan to use them in the future? Would you use the camera features? These are some of the things that I would be asking, I'm not sure I would get the e7500i if I only needed a room measurement and had no plans to use the Bluetooth features when for a third I can get the e7100i. It's small and I kind of like how the display is sideways, I'm old school and still use paper but when I measure the Leica is sideways so I always have to flip it to make sure that I am reading it right. I guess my main point is that both of my Disto's are far apart in capabilities but the way that I use them I do not get any benefit out of the additional features (cost) of the D5 versus the much cheaper A3. Just my 2 cents worth but I am cheap! I might even consider the Bosch if I had to get a new unit, $40 for the GLM 20 what's not to like about that?

 

[Fernando]

I use the cheaper Bosch. My problem is that I dropped them sometimes. Two months ago I dropped mine and never worked again.
I got a new better one afterwards.
Then I dropped it on the street last week. Fortunately, it's still working.

 

[Brian W Street]

Well, that would be one of the reasons to spend a little more on the Leica, they are tough little tools. But if I were to buy one today I would go for the cheaper Leica because I don't or I wouldn't use all of the extra features, maybe you would? I really don't think that you can go wrong with any of the models and even the price differences between the e7100 & e7500 are not that huge considering that you will be using it for years!

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

What don't you like about the Bosch?

For old eyes the newer Bosch is far superior to anything I have found. Buy it on Amazon and buy the extended warranty...

 

[Mejappz]

I have used the DIsto D5 for several years now, and it gets an average rating from me. I am looking at the Bosch T recommended. I will not spend $1,000.00 on any measuring device.

 

[Mejappz]

Btw your local, Home Depot also sells Bosh laser measuring devices.

 

[Hylopeeko]

As some of you folks, I have trouble seeing the red dot over 15 to 20 feet on sunny days. Have any of you tried the green glasses they sell? Does it help?