
Advantages and disadvantages of laser distance meters - are they worth it?
Laser distance meter
Laser distance meters are used for measuring the distance from solid objects. The principle of measurement is the laser beam, which is reflected from the surface. Based on the time that it takes for the beam to travel to the object and back to the device, the distance is counted. Therefore, the distance meter doesn´t need to come in contact with the object from which the distance is being measured. On the other hand, there is always the need to have a solid point, object, or a wall to measure the distance from, since the beam only gets reflected from the solid surface
The ancestor of laser distance meter is the ultrasound meter, which uses the reflection of sound waves instead of the beam of light. However, the ultrasound meters were not very precise and didn´t allow to target the point very accurately.
With laser distance meter, it is very simple to measure the distances from walls, pipes, wires, or other objects.
What does a laser meter look like?
There are multiple parts that make up a laser meter. The most important are display, controls, battery, and the beam outlet.
Display is where your measurements will be displayed. The results are shown on the screen and therefore it is very simple to record the measurements.
The controls might differ according to the exact type of laser distance meter. Usually, there are different controls that the user can choose from according to their needs.
The battery powers the device and all its parts. The battery life might also differ according to the type of product, but overall, the battery life is usually very long. Therefore, there´s no need to worry about finishing the measuring in time.
The beam outlet is the most important part of the device – it allows the beam to travel to the target and back to the device, which is a crucial part of the measuring. Also, it provides the values measured.
Modes
Laser distance meters usually have different modes to measure various values. For example, with some products it is possible to perform measurement of length, volume, area, addition, subtraction, and others.
Advantages of laser distance meter
There are multiple advantages that make laser distance meter a very user-friendly device for multiple kinds of distance measurements. Let´s take a look at each of them.
Rapidity
It is very fast and there´s no need to directly approach the point that you want to measure the distance from. Just point the beam at the point of surface from which you want to measure the distance. The measurement is very fast, effort-less, and the results are very accurate.
No tape
In contrast to the traditional tape measure, laser distance meter is very user-friendly. You don´t need to fight with bending tape, which might also lead to inaccuracies in measuring. The light beam, unlike the tape, is very accurate and there´s no way to make the measurement inaccurate.
User-friendly, convenient to use
With the tape measurement, another person is needed to help you manage the tape very often. With laser distance meter, you will manage all the measurements single-handed. It gives accurate results, is convenient to use compared to other measuring devices and you won´t have to fight with a bending tape.
Safe
No climbing ladders or avoiding obstacles on the way. You don´t need to move from your spot when measuring with laser distance meter.
Display readings and memory
After performing the measurement, the values will be displayed on the display of the device. Also, it is very simple to record and store the values and measurements in the device´s memory for future needs. Depending on the product and exact type, the storage capacity will differ.
Disadvantages of laser distance meter
Despite all the advantages, there might also me some cons to using a laser distance meter.
A solid target
A solid target is always needed to perform the measurement with this type of device. The surface from which the beam is reflected is a crucial part of the measurement, without it, it is not possible to perform the measurement.
Reflective surfaces
When measuring the distance from reflective surfaces, the values might be inaccurate. The bright light might alter the beam a little and disrupt the measuring.
Proper use
It is necessary to learn how to use the device properly, otherwise the measuring might be inaccurate. Also, it is important to take care of the surface of the target.
Accurate results
To ensure that your values are accurate, it is recommended to make multiple measurements.
Types of laser distance meters
There are multiple various types of laser distance meters available online. Each of them might fit other needs. The specifications of each device might be a little bit different.
For example, this device https://measuritec.com/products/bosch-plr25-0603672500-laser-distance-meter can measure the distance up to 25 meters and automatically records the last 10 measurements.
If you need to measure longer distances, you might be interested in this device https://measuritec.com/products/trotec-bd26-laser-rangefinder-max-range-120-meter-measuring-device-t-distance-measuring-device-pocket-measuring-device which can measure the distance up to 120 meters.
Another type, equipped for example with Bluetooth and digital target finder, can be found here: https://measuritec.com/products/leica-disto-package-laser-distance-meter-set. This device also gets a tripod to be mounted to, so the measurements performed can be even more accurate.
Another handy and user-friendly device can be found here: https://measuritec.com/products/leica-pinmaster-ii-pro-laser-distance-meter. This type features a lens coating, LED display and elegant body.
Lastly, if you are looking for a device including the additional equipment like a protective case, tripod, or batteries, take a look at these two sets: https://measuritec.com/products/geo-fennel-300436-laser-distance-meter by Geo Fennel or https://measuritec.com/products/bosch-laser-distance-meter by Bosch.
Before purchasing a device, make sure that the specifications fit exactly your needs. Each device might be better for a different type of user.
Laser distance meters have both advantages and disadvantages. Overall, they are very accurate and user-friendly devices. Whether you are a professional or an advanced or professional user, if you are looking for a good tool for measuring the distances between various objects, you should definitely opt for one of the many types of laser distance meters.