Bosch quietly came out with a new 35′ laser distance measuring tool, GLM 10.
We’ve seen several compact and no-frills laser distance measuring tools, starting with the Bosch GLM 15 and its 50′ measurement range. It has dropped to the $30 price point in the past, notably during holiday shopping seasons.
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The newest compact and pocketable laser distance measurement tool, taking the place of the GLM 15 at its original $50 price point, is the GLM 20, with a 65′ measurement range.
Bosch seems to have designed the GLM 10 around the magical $30 price, but to do so they dropped the range down to 35 feet.
With $30 being a very homeowner-friendly price, and a 35 foot range satisfying a large majority of users and potential users, I’ve got nothing but optimism for the new GLM 10.
If the GLM 15 hit the $30 price point during peak holiday seasons, maybe we’ll even see a dip in price for this new GLM 10, although I wouldn’t bet that this is in Bosch’s plans.
It’s a little surprising that there’s no 50′ laser distance measuring tool released between GLM 10 and GLM 20 models, if the GLM 15 has indeed been discontinued as at least one retailer has reported.
Price: $30
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The GLM 10 looks to be a respectable entry-level laser distance measuring tool. If you need a little more, such as a backlit display and longer range, consider the GLM 20.
If you need even more than that, Bosch has a whole line of laser distance measuring tools with all kinds of features.
See Also(Bosch GLM 20 via Amazon)
fred
Being a tool and gadget person I bought into laser distance measurement instruments early in their evolution – and upgraded several times along the way. As you say this instrument has a price point and features that will appeal to homeowners as an entry level tool. But honestly – I’m a bit conflicted about what the appeal really is for a homeowner. I’m uncertain about how much use they might get out of an instrument with 1/8 inch accuracy. Probably OK for sizing up windows for curtains and blinds – but might not be for casing. Likely the same could be said for estimating how much carpet or wallpaper you need – but not for trimming out a room. Maybe it’s a decent adjunct to a quality tape measure – and at this sort of price they may sell on the speculation that they will get used.
Stuart
We used a Bosch laser extensively when measuring and laying out for a new couch. Going to use one to plan out tables for Thanksgiving. Once you’ve got one, the applications just show up.
fred
I’m sure your right – since they obviously sell – and people are using them.
I was just thinking about how infrequently I use the new one I bought- even though I had lots of plans (in my head anyway) for it when I purchased when it came out last year. Not exactly buyer’s remorse – but If I did a cost-benefit analysis on it – I might come up short
I do use it- but not as much as the one I had when I worked and did a lot of job estimating. My last use was doing some garden layout (just under 1 acre property), measuring trees etc. with my wife for a course in landscape design she’s taking. I have to admit that it was very nice for that but a 35 or 50 ft. range indoor instrument would not have cut it for that task.
fred
BTW – I just looked at Amazon and maybe I do have some buyer’s remorse – seems the Leica D810 I paid over $800 for has dropped down to $705 ant the complete kit has dropped in price by over $100 too.
https://www.amazon.com/Leica-Distance-Measurer-Bluetooth-Accuracy/dp/B00GP227BW/
Not quite as good a deal as the Bosch or Kobalt entry level instruments – but I could expound on some of the features that I found useful in the landscape project (like it knowing and compensating for how much out of level it is – and its point-and-shoot targeting – without need to see the laser dot)
Hilton
I bought a Green Bosch about ten years ago and I’ve found it to be pretty useful around the house. Mine has the ability to automatically calculate the volume or area of a room and it has a little plastic pin that you can use to measure internal corners.
Jared
I picked up one of these last week for a bath remodel I’m doing and it’s been awesome. And FYI, it does more than 35 ft. I was playing around with it was able to measure up to 50ft.
Stuart
It’s possible they’re using the same or similar parts as the GLM15, but if it’s sold as having a 35′ range, maybe its accuracy suffers after that?
There’s also a GLM10X model, so maybe that’s the difference? Hard to say.