Checkpoint sent over their U6 magnetic V-groove level for review, and while waiting for the test sample to arrive I had mixed thoughts about what to expect.
This level sells for $45-50, which is considerably higher than the typical price of premium torpedo levels, and so my quality and performance expectations were quite high. Luckily, the Checkpoint U6 level did not disappoint.
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The U6 is primarily designed to level or measure the angles of iron pipes, steel conduit (straight or curved), and similar ferromagnetic construction materials. It features a single easy-read vial, CNC-machined anodized aluminum body, 16 rare earth magnets, an all-around V-groove, and machined angles that allow for leveling at 0°, 22.5°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. Both sides of the level have high contrast laser-etched markings.
There are two things significant details to point out about the U6’s rare earth magnets.
First, the magnets are all perfectly and consistently positioned ever so slightly beneath the surface of the aluminum body. This isn’t always the case with levels or other tools, where some other brands cut corners to save on production costs.
Second, there are magnets on both sides of the V-groove. With torpedo levels, at least those with magnetic V-grooves, we often see single centered magnets shaped to conform with the V-groove. More magnets mean greater holding power.
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What I found is that the U6 level works exceptionally well on steel pipes, rods, and other such structures. This is mainly due to its wide machined V-groove and both the placement and quality of the rare earth magnets.
On the downside, the wide and deep V-groove means that U6 doesn’t work so well on flat steel structures or surfaces, except horizontally with the two 0° ends. It’s a good thing then, that the U6 works so much quicker, easier, and even better on tube-like objects than torpedo levels. It earns its place in the tool bag.
I had thought that level attachment or placement might be tricky at times, since it takes two points to form a line, but the level quickly attaches to ferrous materials. It does snap into alignment with a little more authority and greater strength at 0°, thanks to the two attachment points and 4 magnets for this angle, but attachment is effortless and precise at all angles.
The battery is only shown to give you a sense of the size of U6 level.
The level comes with a canvas pouch that has a velcro closure and sewn-on belt loop. I wish the pouch was a little more distinct, possibly with Checkpoint branding on the front.
Overall, Checkpoint’s U6 level is exceptionally well made and performs superbly. If you work with iron pipes or steel conduit, weld a lot of steel tubing, or work with similar materials, you should consider picking up this level.
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Price: $45-50 (Oct 2013), ~$37 (Mar 2015)
Colors options: Red, blue, black, platinum.
Made in Taiwan
Thank you to Checkpoint for providing the review sample unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or retained for benchmark and comparison purposes.
Dazrin
I wish the pouch was a little more distinct, possibly with Checkpoint branding on the front. I always think the exact opposite – I wish things would come without obvious branding other than a small, unobtrusive logo or label. Provide me with a high quality product that looks good and classy, not something that is high quality but looks cheap because of a giant logo on it.
Maybe it’s just me. I also refuse to wear shirts with more than a tiny brand logos on them, I don’t like feeling like a walking billboard.
mnoswad1
agreed…….when i tell people i never wear logo t shirts, they look at me as if something is wrong with ME.
in the case of this particular product though, i don’t see anything wrong with the labeling and brand identification..
Stuart
I said the black pouch could be a little more distinct because I spent 45 minutes looking for it. I forgot that I put it away in its black pouch and went looking everywhere for a red U-shaped level.
While I normally don’t care for obtrusive logos, in this case some distinction would have been helpful.
The level itself has a clean and functional look.
Stan
Thanks for providing the country of origin information Stuart, I thought this was another type of leveling tool, but none the great article. I don’t think I could spend that much for a level, but to each their own.
jesse
I think Checkpoint makes everything overseas now, but I’m not sure about that.
Stan
That is a real shame that Check Point has outsourced all of their products, but sadly that is happening more and more with manufactures these days.
fred
Interesting.
The batch of these that we bought in 2009 (Model #0610BK – where the BK stood for black and had a UPC code of 618791013019 ) cost us $34.95 each and were then made in the USA.
Greg W.
Very nice. I just got the flat (non v) version for 30$.
Jerry
Check the colors, and from different vendors. I se that a blue one come up for $30, with 2 left in inventory, and another vendor has the same level in different packaging for $25.99 under the brand name LH Dottie CP106PL U6 level which seems to be the same level, but packaged a bit differently.