Bosch’s Digital Rangefinder
By Chuck Cage
This digital rangefinder kit from Bosch adds a few features that we’d like to see on all electronic measuring devices: the ability to automatically account for the size of the unit when measuring from the front and back of the case — and a swing-out extension pin to assist in measuring to inside corners.
Besides these add-ons, this strikes us as a standard, decent-quality rangefinder. Its laser serves to both point and measure, which offers a 1/16″ accuracy up to the unit’s maximum range of 165′. And it’s reasonably-sized, too: just 4″ tall. Bosch claims it’s the “world’s smallest rangefinder.”
It measures in feet-and-inches, decimal feet, and metric, and can automatically calculate area and volume. Plus, you can engage its “continuous measurement mode” to see constant distance updates if you’re “walking off” a distance. Finally, an “indirect measurement mode” calculates “inaccessable distances” that you can’t measure because they’re obstructed.
It’s powered by four AAA batteries, and ships with a hand strap and Batman-style belt-loop-mountable carrying case. Street pricing starts around $170
Digital Rangefinder Kit [Bosch]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon
August 31st, 2007 at 4:34 pm
It has all the features my returned Sears AccuTrac did not. I’ll have to try it out.
August 31st, 2007 at 4:50 pm
F451: It looked pretty exciting to us, too, and Bosch usually delivers. If you pick one up, drop us a line and let us know what you think.
BTW: Are you a fireman?
September 2nd, 2007 at 7:58 am
it’s super pricey… craftsman one is 30 bucks compared to 170. What is bosch thinking?
September 3rd, 2007 at 5:44 pm
bc: There’s a world of diff - the Sears model at $30 has got to be a sonic measurer - if it has a laser, it’s merely to use as a aiming reference.
The Bosch is like the new Stanley and the more expensive Hiltis and Leicas in which the laser dot is what the measurement is reading.
In the sonic models, the “dot” or circle that the device is reading is closer to a 5-7′ circle, so for instance, if you have a sofa or something else in the way your reading is useless.
The Bosch and other model can be used for running trim, the sonic ones are only good for rough square footage.
JT
September 5th, 2007 at 5:55 am
neat, i remember seeing something like this in the crappy italian job remake.
September 11th, 2007 at 6:22 am
Leica is the way to go, if you want quality.
Leica’s interior frame is made of magnesium and the optics is real glass.
Bosch is pure plastic delight.
Most other Laser range finders are bulit on either Leica or Bosch components.
September 11th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Chuck C.,
I’d love to give a review, but Amazon still does not have in stock! I’m about ready to give-up.
The F451 designation is a tribute to Ray Bradbury, and his novel Fahrenheit 451.
September 16th, 2007 at 10:29 am
I saw one of these in France this summer. they have them in the hardware stores for around 100euro or 140$- and europe tools are ususally way more expensive than in the US.. unfortunately the model I saw had METRIC only. Made me hope that we would see these cheaper models with real accuracy in the US soon!
the only trouble with these cheaper PRO range meters is the time delay on the reading.. this one says .5 to 4 seconds.. don’t know how this compares but the hilti ones are real fast- no waiting around or confusions.
September 17th, 2007 at 11:31 am
@Bee,
I prefer metric, and wish the U.S. had actually converted versus the half-hearted attempt in the seventies. The biggest problem with any of these units that are not in the high-dollar range is “calibration.” Any device that is worth its salt, and can be considered serious, can also be recalibrated to keep its standards accurate. In the manufacturing industry, those digital temperature guns that cannot be calibrated are referred to as “throwaways.”