Bosch GLR225 vs. Bosch GLM 50
With the economy on an upward swing, more and more people are beginning to think about selling/improving their existing home, and many of them are choosing DIY home improvements over hiring a contractor. As with any project, making sure that it’s done right means taking your time and using professional quality tools. One of the most important tools in any DIY toolbox is a laser distance measurer.
In the past, measuring and ensuring a straight line required two people, a metal tape measure and a lot of patience. With a laser distance measurer, the time and frustration are reduced to almost nil, and the improvement in accuracy is well worth the investment. Here we compare two of the top laser distance measurers on the market today, in order to help you, the consumer, make an informed decision.
Comparison Laser Distance Units
Bosch, a top contender in the industry, manufactures both of our units. The GLR225 Laser Distance Measurer is priced in the mid-$150’s, while the GLM50 unit is closer to $100.
Measurement modes and accuracy
The GLR225 has seven measurement modes: length, area, volume, continuous minimum, continuous maximum, indirect length and multi-surface area, while the GLM50 offers only five, lacking the multi-surface area option as well as combining the continuous measurement into one unit. Both units are accurate to within 1/16”, however the GLM50 has a 165-foot range, compared to 225 feet for the GLR225.
Specifications
The GLR225 requires 4 AAA batteries while the GLM50 uses 2 AAA. The GLM50 is a slightly lighter unit, possibly due to the smaller battery compartment, and at 7.3” long, is just slightly smaller than the 7.8” GLR225. The GLR225 specs indicate that battery life is approximately 30,000 individual measurements, while the GLM50 provides closer to 10,000 individual measurements.
Pros and Cons: GLM50
The GLM50 lacks the ability to measure angles, and has a backlit display screen that cannot be turned off, which affects the 10,000 measurements/battery that it claims to offer. In addition, the GLM50 does not have a timer or history feature, so measurements are not recorded, forcing the user to re-measure each time. Reviewers also found that the 165-foot range was a “pipe dream”, with accuracy difficult to achieve at distances greater than 80 feet. It is difficult to use outdoors, especially in sunlight, because the laser and screen are difficult to read. On the pro side, the unit is rugged, well made, and good for measuring indoor and lower-lighting jobs. It offers multi-lingual capabilities and the manual is complete and easy to follow. Amazon reviewers gave it 4.5/5 stars, and the Bosch review site rated it at an impressive 4.9/5. Most reviewers felt that for the DIY handyman who is looking for a mid-priced measuring unit without a lot of bells and whistles, the GLM50 is well worth the money.
Pros and Cons: GLR225
The GLR225 does not have a backlit screen, making it difficult to see in low lighting. The keypad feels “clumsy” according to reviews, with several people citing the “mushy” buttons and poor tactile feedback. The instruction book is poorly written and difficult to follow, with information either left out entirely or difficult to find. It also falls short on its measurement claims of 225 feet, with one reviewer noting that the longest measurement that he was able to achieve without receiving an ERROR reading was 170’. Pros include a laser that is easily read in direct sunlight, accuracy, and excellent battery life and storage memory. The GLR225 also received a 4.5/5 stars on Amazon, however their Bosch website review came in slightly lower, but still impressive, at 4.6/5.
Conclusion
Bosch is a German company that is well known worldwide for the quality and craftsmanship of its tools. Both units that we reviewed were rated highly for measuring indoor and low lighting jobs, while the GLR225 fared better in the direct sunlight category. Distance was a factor in both units, with neither one reported to be accurate to the length stated on the product description. The GLM50 was definitely rated the more rugged unit, and it was easier to use, as well as having a much easier-to-understand manual than the GLR225. Based on the specifications listed on the Bosch website, as well as reviews from both Amazon and Bosch, there really is no “clear winner” between these two units. Both are a good value for the price, both have the Bosch name behind them, and both are generally well-rated by users. In this particular instance, the factors to consider when purchasing a laser measurement unit are price, type of jobs that you typically perform, and indoor/outdoor usage, as these really are the only differences noted during the reviews. Both units are an excellent value and will prove themselves useful in the long run.
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