1. Building range
Visible length of the projected laser beamOne of the main parameters that you should pay attention to when buying a laser level is the projection distance. This indicator means the maximum distance from the device to the object at which the beam will be clearly visible. Experts recommend choosing a model with a measurement range of at least 20 m, and all the instruments we have selected fit into this indicator. For large outdoor construction projects, these level capabilities may not be enough, in which case it makes sense to use a receiver. Such a move will significantly increase the working distance and beam brightness. We have collected the indicators of our participants in a table for clarity:
Trademark of the level | Building range without receiver, m | Building range with receiver, m |
Condtrol | 50 | 100 |
Fukuda | 40 | 70 |
AD | 40 | 70 |
DeWALT | 35 | 50 |
Bosch | 30 | 120 |
hilda | 30 | 60 |
Since the receiver for the laser level is purchased separately, in our assessments we will operate on the results of the independent work of the selected levels. Thus, Condtrol Omniliner 3D becomes the leader in this nomination. Models ADA instruments 3D LINER 4V and GREEN Fukuda MW300D-3GX become its closest competitors - their figure is 20% lower. The third place was taken by the professional level DeWALT DCE089D1G. And the most “modest” in the nomination were laser levels from BOSCH and Hilda.
Condtrol Omniliner 3D
most powerful beam
2. Allowable error
Maximum permissible deviation of the laser beam from a straight lineAmateur measuring equipment is subject to requirements for measurement accuracy in the corridor from 0.3 to 0.8 mm/m. For professional laser levels, this figure should not exceed 0.3 mm / m. The parameters of the participants in our comparison:
Trademark of the level | Construction accuracy, mm/m |
Bosch | 0,2 |
AD | 0,2 |
Condtrol | 0,2 |
hilda | 0,2 |
DeWALT | 0,3 |
Fukuda | 0,3 |
As can be seen from the table, the Bosch, Ada, Kondtrol and Hilda brand laser levels demonstrate excellent deviation parameters. Quite a bit behind them are DeWalt and Fukuda. At the same time, all participants in the comparison are perfect for construction of any level of complexity, since the accuracy of building lines for marking fully meets the requirements for professional equipment.
ADA instruments 3D LINER 4V GREEN
High measurement accuracy
3. Self-Leveling Angle
Deviation from the horizontal, which the level compensates without user interventionAll laser levels are equipped with a self-levelling pendulum on a magnetic suspension. It is on it that the system projecting the beam is located. This solution simplifies leveling and guarantees accurate projection of marking lines.The models selected for comparison are divided into two "camps" in terms of self-leveling angle.
Level brand | Deviation, hail |
Bosch | 4 |
DeWalt | 4 |
Controltrol | 4 |
Ada | 3 |
Hilda | 3 |
Fukuda | 3 |
Thus, levels from Bosch, DeWalt and Conttrol are able to equalize deviations by 1 degree more than other comparison participants. The difference is insignificant, but it will still affect the rating.
BOSCH GLL 3-80 Professional
Self leveling level
4. Number of measurement planes and sweep angle
The number of projected laser lines and their possible position in spaceThis indicator depends on the design of the installed prisms. They allow you to project a variable number of vertical and horizontal lines, crosshairs, and control points. At the same time, all participants have the possibility of circular projection (360°) in both planes. Member options look like this:
Level brand | Vertical lines, pcs. | Horizontal lines, pcs. | Crosshairs at a right angle (90°), pcs. | Projected control points, pcs. |
Fukuda | 8 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
ADA | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
DeWalt | 2 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
Bosch | 2 | 1 | 6 | 1 |
Controltrol | 2 | 1 | 6 | - |
Hilda | 2 | 2 | 4 | - |
Based on the results of the table, the leader in this comparison was the Fukuda brand level. The marking capabilities of ADA instruments provided it with the second place. In third place are two models at once - DeWALT DCE089D1G and BOSCH GLL 3-80 Professional. Laser levels brands Condtrol and Hilda close the rating.
5. Number of beams
Maximum number of laser projectionsThis indicator affects the density of the laser markup, which increases the practicality of using the laser level and the accuracy of erecting complex structures or performing facing work. The comparison results are presented in a summary table:
Laser level model | beam color | Number of orthogonal planes (beams), pcs. |
Hilda 4D/16 | Green | 16 |
Fukuda MW300D-3GX | Green | 12 |
ADA instruments 3D LINER 4V GREEN | Green | 5 |
Condtrol Omniliner 3D | Green | 3 |
BOSCH GLL 3-80 Professional | Red | 3 |
DeWALT DCE089D1G | Green | 3 |
The top three are represented by levels from the brands Hilda, Fukuda and ADA. At the same time, the latter is significantly inferior to the first two places - only 5 beams against 16 and 12. The rest of the participants from the Bosch, DeWalt and Controltrol brands have three marking beams each.
6. Operating temperature range
Temperature range in which the levels remain operationalThe indicator is important for outdoor work - if you use the level in inappropriate environmental conditions, you cannot guarantee not only the accuracy of the projection, but also the very performance of the laser level. For clarity of comparison of the temperature range declared by manufacturers, the parameters of the devices are summarized in a general table:
Model | Permissible operating temperature, °C | |
Minimum | Maximum | |
DeWALT DCE089D1G | -20 | +60 |
Condtrol Omniliner 3D | -10 | +50 |
ADA instruments 3D LINER 4V GREEN | -10 | +40 |
Hilda 4D/16 | -5 | +50 |
Fukuda MW300D-3GX | -5 | +45 |
BOSCH GLL 3-80 Professional | -5 | +40 |
The most frost-resistant and heat-resistant was the DeWalt level. Condtrol Omniliner 3D performs well, while ADA instruments 3D LINER 4V GREEN is not suitable for working in extreme heat - therefore it confidently takes only 3rd place in comparison.As for the models from Hilda, Fukuda and Bosch, they will not work at temperatures below 5 degrees below zero. In terms of resistance to heat, the first two models of the second three have good performance. But the weakest was the laser level from Bosch. When evaluating the participants, first of all, we paid attention to the frost resistance of the level, which influenced the positions of the models in this comparison.
DeWALT DCE089D1G
Best frost resistance
7. Dust and moisture protection class
The level of protection of the body from external factorsThe construction site is a rather aggressive environment, and we were sure that each device has the appropriate protection against moisture and construction dust. So it is, but it turned out that the class of this protection is different for the models:
Model | The level of protection of the body against dust and moisture according to the International Protection Rating, (IP), units |
Fukuda MW300D-3GX | 65 |
Condtrol Omniliner 3D | 65 |
DeWALT DCE089D1G | 65 |
Hilda 4D/16 | 54 |
ADA instruments 3D LINER 4V GREEN | 54 |
BOSCH GLL 3-80 Professional | 54 |
As you can see, the participants were divided into two “camps”. Models with IP65 protection level (Fukuda, Condtrol and DeWALT) are well protected from any weather conditions (the case keeps the device working even under water pressure). The Hilda, Ada and Bosch laser levels are less resistant (IP54) - they are well protected against dust and can be safely used in conditions with high humidity, withstand water splashes, but no more.
8. Additional Benefits
Other device features that give them advantagesThe Fukuda MW300D-3GX is the only laser level that has a verification certificate. In this regard, he is the undisputed leader. The Condtrol Omniliner boasts a shock-resistant housing, a charger for 2 batteries, a remote control and a storage bag. The HiLDA 4D level in the kit has a wall mount and a special platform, which allows you to work with inclined marking lines in all planes. In addition, the edges of its body have rubberized pads, and control is possible both through touch buttons and from the remote control.
DeWALT DCE089D1G is equipped with a bracket, battery and charger, marking target, special goggles and a portable case. The leveling off feature is available on all instruments except ADA instruments. At the same time, this level has a swivel base, can be powered from the mains, comes with a geodetic scale and a target, goggles and an excellent case for storage and carrying. But the BOSCH GLL 3-80 model cannot boast of anything other than a solid plastic wardrobe trunk. There is neither a battery nor a charger - it runs on batteries (a day of work). But we must pay tribute - the accuracy of the laser level raises no objections.
Fukuda MW300D-3GX
The best combination of price and quality
9. Price
Average prices for laser levels installed in the Russian marketDespite the fact that all these models can be safely considered accurate and professional, their cost differs significantly.The average prices for laser levels that took part in our comparison were as follows:
Model | Average cost in the Russian market, rub. |
Hilda 4D/16 | 6290 |
Fukuda MW300D-3GX | 12500 |
ADA instruments 3D LINER 4V GREEN | 17990 |
Condtrol Omniliner 3D | 18990 |
BOSCH GLL 3-80 Professional | 23929 |
DeWALT DCE089D1G | 41170 |
As you can see, the model from the Hilda brand, which has the lowest price tag, has become the undisputed leader. Trademarks Fukuda, ADA and Condtrol are represented in the mainstream segment. The BOSCH GLL 3-80 Professional level will cost a quarter more, and the DeWALT laser level will cost almost seven times more than the most affordable model, which puts it in last place.
Hilda 4D/16
Best price
10. Comparison results
Results based on comparative assessments in nominationsWe evaluated the main criteria for each laser level and entered the results in the final table. It remains to sum up the results of the comparisons and find out which laser level will be better:
Model | Final rating | Number of wins | Leader in nominations |
Fukuda MW300D-3GX | 4.91 | 3/9 | Additional benefits, Degree of protection against dust and moisture, Number of measuring planes and sweep angle |
Condtrol Omniliner 3D | 4.87 | 4/9 | Construction distance, Permissible error, Self-leveling angle, Dust and moisture protection class |
Hilda 4D/16 | 4.86 | 3/9 | Cost, Number of beams, Permissible error |
ADA instruments 3D LINER 4V GREEN | 4.84 | 1/9 | Allowable error |
DeWALT DCE089D1G | 4.78 | 3/9 | Self-Leveling Angle, Operating Temperature Range, Dust/Waterproof Rating |
BOSCH GLL 3-80 Professional | 4.74 | 2/9 | Permissible error, self-leveling angle |
With a serious margin of 4 points, the leader of the comparison is the Fukuda MW300D-3GX laser level, which boasts not only excellent “survivability”, but also a verification certificate, which favorably distinguishes it from other participants. Condtrol Omniliner 3D won in 4 categories and is practically in no way inferior to the winner of the comparison. Despite the best price, the Hilda 4D/16 laser level was only in third place, but we did not only distribute places by cost.
Only two points share the top three with the fourth participant ADA instruments 3D LINER 4V GREEN. Closes the rating of DeWalt and Bosch. Based on the studied characteristics, we can state that such a position of levels from well-known brands became possible due to the rather high price.