What laser level is better to buy - a comparison of various types and an overview of the best models

Thanks to its undoubted advantages, the laser level confidently takes its place next to the usual bubble models. Professional builders, for whom a good tool is primarily a way to do the job efficiently and on time, do not even think about whether to buy such a device at all - they only need to determine which laser level is best to buy. There are enough models on the market, and given their different working principles, the question is not as simple as it seems at first glance.

Which laser level is better - linear, dot or rotational

Before studying the rating of laser levels, it is worth deciding on their principle of operation - their devices have been created for different tasks. If you choose the best laser level, then first of all you need to decide on the principle of their work, or rather, on the way to build marks - these devices can be point, linear or rotational.

The basis of all such devices is a system of diodes, which turns an electric current into a narrow beam of light, mainly red or green. The principle of operation is simple - there is a buffer zone between two semiconductors, in which, when electricity passes through the semiconductors, photons appear. In one of the walls there is a hole through which these photons fly out. Since in order to fly out the photon must move at least with a minimum angle to the plane with the hole, the laser beam will be scattered and it must be further focused. A system of lenses or prisms is designed for this, the presence of which already varies depending on the type of device in which the laser is used.

Point laser level

Of all the laser levels, a point device has the simplest device - the laser is statically fixed in it and after it there is only a focusing lens directing the photon flux to one point. All level settings are carried out manually using the built-in bubble levels, after which you can begin to work.

In fact, this is an ordinary laser pointer that is level and projects a beam along the wall. As a result, a bright dot appears on an adjacent or opposite wall. The laser beam itself is not visible in the air, but if an obstacle appears in its path, it will immediately appear on it. Those. if you set the level on a plane and set it according to the level, then you can mark the markers in different places with a marker, which you can use when working.

The simplest point laser levels can be with one or two lasers pointing in opposite directions - this allows, for example, to transfer markings from the floor to the ceiling or to mark large walls with a precision of several tens or hundreds of meters. More advanced devices are made with three or five lasers, which allows them to be used more efficiently.

As a result, the device is more suitable for irregular homework (in this case, you can buy a regular budget model) or for measurements in very large rooms (then you need to look at professional models).

Linear laser level

The most common device, leading the ranking of laser levels by the number of sales - its second name is "Plane Builder", obtained for the ability to project a beam in the form of a line. If the laser encounters an obstacle anywhere in the plane, a mark is immediately displayed on the latter, showing the necessary markings. This means that if you install a level in a corner, then anywhere in the room you can clearly see where the plane built by the laser passes.

The laser here is used the same as in point devices, but at the output there is an additional prism that scatters (unfolds) the beam in the plane. Most devices can show several lines at once, for which several lasers are included in their design.

 

A distinctive feature of the device of linear laser levels is the presence of an automatic leveling system, which allows you to compensate for an installation error of 3-6 degrees. Auto-centering is very reliable - it uses electronics, or alignment is due to the installation of the laser itself on a pendulum, which always tends to be perpendicular to the surface of the earth.

Line levels are suitable for professional finishers or builders, who often and for a long time need to establish a “reference” plane, which can be checked in the process.

Rotational laser

This is a professional tool, the main purpose of which is to build a horizontal plane in very large rooms or on the street. It is a point laser that rotates at an adjustable frequency. Thus, the projected plane covers all 360 ° around the device, and the range significantly exceeds the capabilities of linear levels. If beam traps are used, then mark the construction site or measure elevation differences, depending on the device, it will turn out in a radius of 150-300 meters.

Rotary laser levels are used only for professional purposes, on large construction sites. Their use in other areas or in everyday life is impractical - this is an extra waste of money and irrational use of a device that will not realize its full potential.

Best Point Laser Levels

Among these devices, the levels of the German manufacturer Bosch are rightfully considered to be the best. The choice of models is wide enough, but in terms of price-quality ratio, attention should be paid to GPL 5 and PLL 5, which have all the necessary functionality at an affordable cost.Bosch has an extensive network of service centers, which will allow you not to spend a lot of time searching for them and the trips themselves, in the event of a device breakdown.

Bosch GPL 5

A universal point level that produces five beams with a possible deviation of not more than 0.3 mm / m. Two rays are directed up and down, and the rest forward, left and right at right angles to each other. The device casing is made in accordance with protection class IP54, which allows its use in dusty and humid rooms. The measuring range is 30 meters, which is more than enough for the premises.

The device is equipped with a self-leveling mechanism that compensates for installation errors of 5 ° horizontally and 3 ° vertically. The device itself can be installed on the floor, mounted on a wall or use a tripod.

Summary. A point level is a rather specific device used mainly by professionals for marking foundations and similar structures. Using it in a domestic environment will most likely be inconvenient.

Bosch PLL 5

Compact and lightweight device that allows you to make accurate vertical and horizontal markings at a distance of 5 meters with an accuracy of +/- 1 mm / m. The weight of the device is only 0.12 kg, which makes it easy and reliable to fasten it to the wall, after preliminary alignment through the bubble levels built into the housing. The power comes from two AAA batteries (mini-finger batteries). Service life depends on the time of continuous operation of the device.

Summary. Due to the limited functionality, the device is suitable for replacing the bubble level without any additional “buns”, except for the length of the measured surface.

The best linear laser levels

Devices from the German manufacturer Bosch, the GLL 3-80 P model, capable of projecting three full-fledged planes and the Chinese ADA, the 6D Servoliner and 3D Liner 4V devices, slightly differing in functionality, are in the lead. In a sense, we can talk about the identity of the quality of all these devices, since the production facilities of the German brand are also located in the Middle Kingdom.

 

ADA 6D Servoliner

Self-leveling laser designed for indoor and outdoor use. The best laser level in the lineup of its manufacturer - it emits 9 rays, 4 of which form a horizontal plane at 360 °, 4 show two planes vertically at the intersection showing zenith, and the plumb point is nadir. Self-alignment is realized not by the pendulum method, but by means of servos that set the planes when the instrument installation error is 3.5 °. If you need to build inclined planes, the auto-alignment function is disabled.

Summary. Due to its reliability and versatility, the device is perfect for those who are professionally engaged in construction or decoration. For periodic work, its functionality and price may be excessive.

Bosch GLL 3-80 P

A tool to build 3 fully enclosed planes. One horizontal and two vertical, at right angles to each other. The operating range is up to 40 meters without a receiver, and with it doubles - up to 80. The device is equipped with a function of auto-alignment of planes, compensating for incorrect installation within +/- 4 °. If necessary, this option can be disabled. The location of the lasers allows you to build reference planes almost close to existing ones. Zenith and nadir are shown not by a point, but by a cross of lines above and below.

Summary. Cost and functionality uniquely position the device as a device for professional use. If you plan to work on outdoor construction sites, then you definitely need to buy a beam catcher to it.

ADA 3D Liner 4V

The six-beam plane builder allows you to simultaneously display the projection of two vertical planes whose lines intersect at the zenith, one horizontal, capturing the opposite and part of the side walls, and also shows a plumb point (nadir).

The self-alignment angle is +/- 3 ° - if the device is not able to calibrate on its own, the laser beam begins to flash and a sound signal is given. Also, the signal is triggered when the device is idle for a long time - if you forget to turn it off, it saves battery power. The device is equipped with an integrated tripod and bubble level, which make it easy to pre-install it on the surface.

Summary. A professional device for those who often encounter the need to build “reference” laser planes, but do not need a full horizon. However, this problem is also solved, since the device easily rotates on a tripod.

The best rotary laser levels

In the category of TOP tools, the Bosch German brand with the GRL 300 HVG Set and the American DeWalt DW 079 PKH are in the lead. These are laser levels, the rating of which is confirmed by their functionality and quality, and they are approximately equal for both devices. The only exceptions are some “goodies”, the taste of which will determine the choice of the end customer.

 

Bosch GRL 300 HVG Set

Professional level for work in the open space and indoors. The range determined by the manufacturer is 50 meters in normal mode and 150 meters with a laser beam receiver, which is included in the package.

The color of the laser beam is green - according to the manufacturer, its visibility is 4 times better than that of red. The number of rays 2 - one forms a plane, and the second shows the zenith point. The auto-alignment function works when the position of the device is skewed within 5 °. Shutdown is not provided, but the device can operate in horizontal and vertical planes.

Summary. The device is in the TOP category of its instrument segment. Cost and characteristics uniquely determine the scope of use as professional, with increased requirements for measurement results.

DeWALT DW 079 PKH

Self-leveling level with the maximum performance characteristics for a device of this class. The device’s laser is aligned automatically when the housing installation error is +/- 5 °, and the accuracy of the device declared by the manufacturer is 1 cm per 100 meters.

Two rays are used in the work - one rotating in the horizontal plane, and the second shows the zenith point to it. The range declared by the manufacturer is 30 meters in normal mode and 300 using a beam receiver.

Summary. Professional devices like DW 079 should be purchased only if their functionality is in demand on a daily basis.Otherwise, it’s just an expensive toy, which is unlikely to be of great help in work than a lower-class device.