Afforable 360º Laser Levels Compared

[@williamrgrant]

Can we just take a moment to reflect on your amazing storage system 0:30 Individual holes for each battery even!!? Brilliant!

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Ah yes, Shadow Foam! Took me ages to do this and all the other drawers in the first lockdown! You can see the rest here in the instagram highlight I made at the time! instagram.com/stories/highlights/18135971968043902/

[@MoroccanAnwar]

@@Alastair_Freebird now this would make a great video Alastair

[@thetallcarpenter]

That circular base with the 3 adjustable feet, I'm fairly sure, is a micro adjuster for your vertical plane beam. Absolutely brilliant if you're plumbing the floor line of a stud wall to the ceiling over a longer distance. Just have to turn the knob for micro adjustment rather than trying to move it by hand. Cheers.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Ah interesting, thanks!

[@drewbyscoobywho]

Might be retiring my Bosch red laser level after watching this! One point, I'm pretty sure you're supposed to mark the centre of the laser line, not the top or bottom as you mentioned, as the line will increase in width the further away the unit is from the wall. 👍🏻

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Ok that makes sense for perfect precision, however actually marking the perfect centre is a bit harder than marking to an edge, and over the short distances I am usually levelling I think it’s pretty accurate!

[@drewbyscoobywho]

@@Alastair_Freebird Know what you mean, didn't mean to sound like I was being nit picky! 😂 👍🏻

[@Alastair_Freebird]

It’s ok you made a valid point!

[@nickboggon]

Interesting video. My issue with these cheap ‘non-branded’ laser levels is the afterservice. I bought one from amazon last year (different brand, cheaper price point) and within 6 months the horizontal axis had failed. Amazon didn’t want to know, so I contacted the company direct as per the blurb on the listing. The response was similar - not interested. I told them it had had very little use ( I’m a diy-er, not a professional) to which they told me it was designed to be used regularly and non-use will void the warranty(!). So, yes they’re cheap, but part of that seems to be that once you’ve paid for it you’re on your own, and if it breaks, tough.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

I think you’re absolutely right. I can well imagine that is true.

[@imexgroup4557]

@@Alastair_Freebird This is what we are up against; lasers are instruments, used in harsh environments and therefore do require service (just like your car) so its not a good idea to purchase one that has no service back-up . The old story, you get what you pay for.

[@JeffDM]

I just ordered something inexpensive to get a feel for how much I’ll use it. I’ll buy something more name brand once I understand what features I want and how much it gets used.

[@jameslovering9158]

@@JeffDM As did I bought of AliExpress just to test it out and use around the house, its held up fine over a year, rechargeable and solid...... happy days !

[@peterjones9378]

It would be extremely helpful to your excellent reviews if someone sent you a tripod for your camera enabling you to use both hands! And maybe a sheet to protect the new items from the work dust laying on your bench!!

[@Alastair_Freebird]

You are not the first person to say this Peter, and I agree I really ought to set the whole thing up better. These videos have always been a bit off the cuff as it's surprising how long it all takes to edit and upload either way... but anwyay... noted!

[@betodruid4422]

Thank you, I will order my huepar !

[@Alastair_Freebird]

There is a 20% discount code for members in the membership site (should work out as a net saving even if you just sign up for one month on the basic tier) buymeacoffee.com/freebird/huepar-laser-levels-20-off-discount-code

[@shifty277]

Nice little review. Its a no brainer imo for trades to be going for this class of laser level as opposed to the single laser ones selling on the screwfix and the likes for £100-£200. Great showcase here. The pole to the ceiling for the level for sockets will pay for itself for electricians in no time. Recently subscribed and enjoying the videos so far. Watching from London. Thumbs up.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Glad you like the content, and I agree!

[@markhouston9570]

I dont mean to be off topic but does any of you know a way to get back into an instagram account..? I was stupid forgot my password. I would love any tips you can give me!

[@quintonellis558]

@Mark Houston instablaster =)

[@markhouston9570]

@Quinton Ellis thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm trying it out now. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@markhouston9570]

@Quinton Ellis it worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my ass!

[@rickygray222]

Couldn’t have come at a better time for me, looking to get one for setting out my extension and all that goes with that so I’ll take a look at these. Thanks 👌

[@Carl-yu6uw]

Did you pick one of these up, if so, is it any good outside? I have same project ...looking to level concrete foundation pour.

[@handle1196]

@@Carl-yu6uw also interested if either of you can answer now 10 months later

[@Carl-yu6uw]

@@handle1196 Sorry Dan, I went old school and set out using lines, profile boards and a large square.

[@andymackellar]

Great work here... do they still work whilst charging or do you have to wait whilst it charges to resume work ?

[@Alastair_Freebird]

They still work i think!

[@ronaldpigeon4713]

These probably work ok indoors. Do they work outside or only with a receiver?

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Probably not the best option for outside

[@purplebass5275]

Great video. Can I just ask what protective glasses/goggles you wear?

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Nothing fancy, just something from toolstation! Are you thinking protection from laser?

[@purplebass5275]

@@Alastair_Freebird Thank you Alastair. I received my first ever laser level yesterday (green line). The first item in the instruction manual reads, ‘Safety Regulations. The laser light is Class II laser according to IEC -60825-1, it will harm human eyesight.’. So I’ve scoured the internet searching for articles on suitable eye protection but have found nothing of any use: all the information I could find seemed to major on how various glasses/goggles would enhance the visibility of the lines with nothing about the protection they would provide. Anyway yesterday I decided, without being able to find out anything about the protection they would provide, to buy a pair of Dewalt green laser glasses model DE0714G (£7.50) which haven’t arrived yet, and earlier today I phoned Dewalt to ask them. They said they have no information on the protection the glasses offered but would look into it and contact me when they find out, which they haven’t done yet. I’m so confused on this issue because on the one hand I’ve read numerous articles that say even reflected laser light at low levels is harmful, and on the other hand as you’re probably aware, there are loads of YT videos of people comparing many laser levels without even a pair of sunglasses around. If I get an answer I’ll let you know but Thank You again.

[@purplebass5275]

Further to yesterday, glasses arrived today and are described as, ‘protective laser glasses’, BUT received voicemail from DeWalt advising that glasses provide NO PROTECTION and serve merely to enhance visibility of beam. More confused than ever !!!

[@Alastair_Freebird]

@@purplebass5275 Well, it's really just a case of not looking at the beam! And I can say from experience that I have occasionally glanced at the beam with no ill effects (so far as I know...)

[@purplebass5275]

@@Alastair_Freebird Alastair thank you. I think you must be right because I can’t find any YT videos where safety glasses are being warn or there’s even a reference to wearing them.

[@UNgineering]

How do the actual working distances compare (sometimes the specs say 100m, but that's in a pitch black room)? If you put them indoors? Outdoors? How about battery life? How big are the blind spots in each of them?

[@eng3d]

outdoors? nope unless you get a rotary.

[@pyrrhical3423]

Good video, you did however miss out battery times! At those prices they’re not too different from a couple of dewalt ones, even green beam.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

I was a but vague and off the cuff I know, but I thought there would still be benefit in seeing and comparing them close up. If you look at the links I think the ones with rechargeable batteries do mention how long they last

[@pyrrhical3423]

Alastair Johnson - Freebird yes was definitely a good comparison. The spectrum of prices surrounding lasers is insane and leaves most people blindly handing out £450 odd quid. Also do bessey do a tripod version? I’m yet to splurge on bessey anything but always window shop!!

[@julianhawker7672]

How is the level holding up? Still working well? Thanks.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

I've sold or given away 2 of them but still use the Huepar. Works fine but the top button has sort of broken through the thin plastic covering. But I also got a more recent Huepar model (for flooring, with a horizontal 360º laser at the bottom) and the button on that is much more tough and rubbery. They have a proper aftercare service now too, and I feel more confident recommending them than other faceless Chinese brands. This is an affiliate link they gave me which gets you Huepar products cheaper than elsewhere (and I get a small commission) shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1738078&u=2960136&m=108280&urllink=&afftrack=

[@liamcollins8692]

Primo video mate, I will be buying the huepar, what's the battery life like?

[@Alastair_Freebird]

I haven’t measured it but can’t complain, it seems like a while since I changed the batteries.

[@carlosmunoz5122]

I like it

[@laapulsford]

Great video - really useful. Wonderful to see you back on KZbin publishing superb videos.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Very nice comment Thankyou!

[@michaelcoleman9280]

just purchased the IE16R from Amazon and its Zokoun on the website not Clubiona?

[@Alastair_Freebird]

That's interesting!!

[@BramBiesiekierski]

Alot of the "brands" on aliexpress have the same or very similar "model" numbers. I don't know if it's so they can piggy back off the success of another brand.

[@stuckster]

Thanks. Conclusion?

[@Alastair_Freebird]

There are so many options out there now. I've been offered so many more since this video, I usually say no to reviews, but I did accept a couple, recently which I highly rate, and you can see them on this video (usually only available via my membership site but here us a direct link): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hafOfYl-jbeMaKM

[@lisali2847]

Great!

[@mth2068]

wondering about accuracy, was thinking about getting this exact level but got to reading reviews on Amazon and most of the negative reviews complained about it not being accurate. Whats you opinion?

[@Alastair_Freebird]

The huepar has always been accurate enough for me! Same with the others I’ve tried but I’ve used them less

[@user-pf5xq3lq8i]

Bosch have some levelling at 2mm accuracy. Reviews on the cheap ones say they are out over a cm. Please test this. I know the line is straight, but its specifically the levelling feature that is needed.

[@adiflorin8070]

Hi there! Can you please tell us how accurate is the clubionaIE16R is?

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Hi it seemed as accurate as the rest to me but I didn’t do a scientific test

[@MrIanspeed]

That bespoke battery pack looks like 4 screws holding in 2 x 18650 batteries, easy to swap out the cells.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Ok yes I suppose so if you know how these things work!

[@mentalmike12]

Now you've had them all for a few months would you recommend the Clubiona?

[@Alastair_Freebird]

To be honest I haven’t used it since, I’ve been sent so many (3 more since this vid) and I prefer to use the compact Huepar for my actual work. But from what I saw of it the Clubiona is incredibly good value for the features! It’s the only one I’ve been sent that had the remote control and the lower laser for flooring.

[@mentalmike12]

@@Alastair_Freebird Huepar shop on ali express do some nice looking ones, bluetooth version of yours looks interesting so can use phone as a remote. Also some other versions that look good. Annoying thing is have to pay 20% on top now regardless of where it ships from: "From 11PM 31 December 2020, AliExpress is required by law to collect UK Value-Added Tax (VAT) at the applicable rate and remit to the UK tax authority when goods are sold to UK customers"

[@mariusneumayer4419]

your links are not working. " Your connection is not private"

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Sorry about this. Supplier must have changed them. Try searching the brands and model numbers

[@davidgarofalo5418]

I'm coming back to this video again because I am thinking of buying the Huepar level. I have one question, why don't I see tradesman use a tripod for their levels? They're pretty inexpensive. I've seen DB use the Bessey ceiling clamp (like in this vid), yourself plaster corner beads - just wondered if there is a reason not to use the tripod.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

I think it’s because it’s so much easier to quickly position and reposition the level at any height on a continuous pole.

[@n0spam911]

Looks like Zokoun have partnership with Apple if they include their chargers

[@stevebert]

Idk but i have the Huepar 903cg and the gf360g laser levels and i find them not as bright as the hilti green lasers. Very noticeably less brighter than hilti’s at greater distances. What spec would be relative to the brightness?

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Hi that's interesting to hear - would you say the Huepars are less suitable for outside then? I find them plenty bright enough for the sort of work I do indoors. I assume the Hilt would be significantly more expensive!

[@jimporter]

The problem with a non standard rechargeable is that unless you have access to spares, once it dies, gets broken or lost, then your level is useless. At least with standard AAs or a Bosch or dewalt rechargeable their spares will be available for years and that is something you pay for.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Good point

[@iambueno]

The first looks like 18650 batteries in a plastic case. Quite a common battery and really cheap to replace with a known brand, or upgrade to higher capacity perhaps. Obviously only applies of the plastic case allows for replacements. I agree with the 2nd, it does look like a clone of a camera battery, I bet you could find replacements with ease. I'd like to see these with removable 18650s or similar, along with a usb c port. To be honest, I'd like for all tool manufacturers to make their cells replaceable but I guess they wouldn't be able to charge an arm and a leg for a new pack 😂

[@Alastair_Freebird]

@@iambueno You have more advanced knowledge of batteries than me... what are the benefits of a replaceable battery pack consisting of 18650 batteries vs the more familiar AA batteries?

[@iambueno]

@@Alastair_Freebird the 18650 is a larger sized cell, with that comes added capacity. You'll find that they 18650 are used in power tool battery packs, laptop battery packs, wireless vacuum cleaners etc. It looks like both of those devices will use 18650s inside those plastic cases.

[@sajidhussain-mn5cw]

Salam sir je price plz

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Check the links in the description or search the model numbers online

[@sajidhussain-mn5cw]

@@Alastair_Freebird thanks a lot dear

[@samrix5793]

I've been meaning to get one!

[@jayseabie215]

man likes to scuff up his new equipment

[@Alchemetica]

Interesting topic, however, all the video shot on the bench could have been done using a tripod. Holding the camera with one hand and fumbling around with the other trying to undo say the battery compartment is the type of visual disengagement to cause one to cease watching the video. Ironic - a video about levels, while the camera shots are all over the place.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

True! One day I hope to have more time to dedicate to well planned videos. For now my ethos is ‘done is better than perfect’ 👍

[@NiceAussie]

Maybe buy a tripod for your camera so you can use both hands and eliminate camera shake

[@Alastair_Freebird]

I accept it would be a lot easier to watch!!

[@joeshaffer52]

Nice would be nice to have one sent to me

[@ackec-umsekkruch-ekucki952]

I commented on your original huepar video last year basically saying those are just temporary hype that'll go away soon. Last month I ended up getting one and had to almost force my lads to use it. They now wouldn't give me it back haha! So there's an independent opinion for you. I've only managed to use it once for laying out sockets in my shed and yes it's amazing, rugged and very well thought out including interchangeable AA and li-ion batteries. I paid 200 for mine that has Bluetooth connectivity because they ran out of the cheaper model but they're still dead cheap at that price for what they're capable of doing.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

That’s and interesting and valuable opinion, a skeptic who has been won over!

[@handle1196]

Have you tried using it outside before? Also are you able to site it on a floor with 2 lines at 90 degrees for floor tiling? Im inserted

[@ackec-umsekkruch-ekucki952]

@@handle1196 yes, the model I've got can display 90 degrees on the floor. Is that not just the case of using the right type of holder though? You only need 90 degrees and not plumb/level. As long as you can tilt it downwards. It works outdoors quite well in winter most of the day here in Scotland. On a bright summer day there's no chance you'll see it though.

[@grantnelson7717]

Accuracy? Thats most important

[@imexgroup4557]

They are knock-offs of the original Imex laser levels; and the lower price comes with some caveats. Buyer beware.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Hi, do you officially represent Imex laser levels? Please tell us more. Did Imex invent this type of 360degree level? Are we seeing more copies now because a patent has expired or something? Can you give us examples of the caveats; the possible downsides of these cheaper levels?

[@imexgroup4557]

@@Alastair_Freebird Imex are one of the early developers of the 360 degree , 3 line lasers. Unfortunately, in spite of trademarks that are almost impossible to defend in these Asian countries, some things get copied right down to trademarked colours, brackets etc: however the internals are different- read cheaper - than any Imex laser. Why are Chinese laser levels ( or any other cheap power tool knock-off for that matter) so much cheaper than Imex,Dewalt,Bosch,Leica or Hilti? Who services, calibrates or warranties these products? By all means review them, but don't lets sell ourselves and our long standing reputable brands out to these cheapies

[@stevehowe8218]

@@imexgroup4557 Why don't you send Alistair one of your lasers to review?

[@motomartinski5672]

@@imexgroup4557 Are any of these Chinese supposed "knock-offs" posing as Imex or labelling products "Imex"? Did Imex develop and patent the core technology used? I didn't see any of the examples in this video using the trademark "Imex". If they had, they would have been breaking the law in most 1st world nations and found normal trading in any appreciable volume very difficult indeed in these nations... regardless of how unprincipled and hostile to foreigners the IP protection environment inside China very obviously is. Consumers make a choice and (particularly for non-professional or occasional users), initial outlay is rather important - so long as they have reasonable assurance via testers/reviewers regarding fair acceptable quality. For others, a guarantee of dependable after sales service is worth paying a wad more cash to purchase. However, frankly after sales service and especially OE parts and consumables are often viewed as ridiculously over-priced. And that applies across many sectors, from the manufacturer of a famous German peoples car to the stupidly expensive vacuum cleaner brand or the premium quality European company that makes red construction power tools and nail guns and is for some (not very hard to deduce) reason based in a tax haven.

[@-_AjB_-]

Like my DeWalt laser level, those lines look pretty fat.

[@chrismmint]

Don't want to panic you but your gardens on fire.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Oh yeah! 😄

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Slowly disposing of scrap wood etc in preparation to move

[@EricGreniervideo]

DUDE, don't shake it when it's unlocked! It needs to be still when you do that.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Ok thanks for that, this video was a bit slapdash!

[@iturradesign2540]

Don't do a comparison review when you haven't even used the laser levels yet.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

This was a brief dabble with getting sent free tools, I since say no to these offers

[@patosullivan8175]

banggood.com 75 euro including postage to Ireland

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Have you got a direct link to a particular level on banggood?

[@patosullivan8175]

@@Alastair_Freebird 3D 16 LINE 360 HORIZONTAL VERTICAL . Hi Alastair sent link to ur Instagram

[@Alastair_Freebird]

@@patosullivan8175 this is ridiculously cheap!!

[@Alastair_Freebird]

m.banggood.com/16-Line-360-Horizontal-Vertical-Cross-3D-Green-Light-Laser-Level-Self-Leveling-Measure-Super-Powerful-Laser-Beam-p-1679844.html?channel=emarsys&_branch_match_id=758072089370327491

[@SherAli-qr8bc]

I need lesser level in Qatar

[@twiglet2214]

'Ave you 'eard abowt King Kong ?.....

[@desertshadowspringers]

Affordable*

[@TheGizmo47]

this video seems more to do with how to bash things about for gods sake set up your camera properly

[@Alastair_Freebird]

😆 Yeah I've been saying no to all these chinese companies pushing laser levels on me lately, better not to make a video at all than to rush one out!

[@jdeg2183]

I am not a fan of Chinese lasers. Am not supporting this at all. You’re giving Chinese more powers. Choose European or American or Japanese lasers.

[@Alastair_Freebird]

Fair comment

[@whatworkedforme]

@@Alastair_Freebird what you buy is your own business.. However...what can you buy that hasn't go China 'something in it's production (electronics at least) even if the brand is EU or USA based?

[@henningbortne8650]

Good luck with not buing Chinese stuff. Everything you have , have Chinese parts, even you phone, your car, your tv, your high pressure washer, and so on.

[@sergeykhomushin6206]

It's incredible how afraid you are of China...

[@jjleda7324]

I hate unboxing videos,

[@Alastair_Freebird]

I'm not too keen myself. This was a blip. I prefer reviews of tools after heavy use (but some have criticised me for that so you can't please everyone)