Empire has recently come out with updated E2G second generation versions of their E70 levels.
Features
- USA-made vials
- Removable shock-absorbing end caps
- Center vial is mechanically locked in place and secured with epoxy
- Precision milled I-frame profile
- One-piece ergonomic rubber hand grips
- Heavy-duty 6061-T5 aircraft aluminum construction
- Solid block acrylic vials with True Blue liquid
The new levels are available in 24″, 32″, 48″, 72″, and 96″ sizes, and there will also be a 78″ and 32″ jamb set.
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Model numbers: e70.24, e70.32, e70.48, e70.72, e70.96, e70.jamb
It doesn’t look like Empire made too many improvements, but if you’re the market for a new level and have been looking at the E70, you might want to wait for the new E2G version to make their way down to distributors.
One thing that stood out to me is how Empire emphasizes that the vials are made in the USA. A quick google search reveals that the first generation E70 levels, except for the vials, were made in China.
These levels should have reached distributors last month, but some retailers might still have plenty of the older levels in stock.
Empire has updated their E71 levels as well, which have embedded magnets and lack grip cutouts.
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DanG
It would be interesting to find out why Empire switched to the USA to manufacture the vials for their new levels. Undoubtedly China still has a few or maybe a lot of quality issues still present. Did Empire make the switch because of poor quality or to impress or boost the American ego about products made here in the USA. I myself lean towards American manufacturing and try to purchase locally made products. I can’t do this all the time since American made is not always readily available and can be very expensive. However the typical Chinese are starting learn their value and prices in Asia have been climbing to our benefit.
Stuart
I don’t think they made a switch. What I’m seeing is that the E70 and E2G E70 levels are made overseas, except for the vials which are made in the USA.
Maybe this is for cost, or maybe it’s so that Empire can still put an American flag on marketing materials with vials made in USA underneath. Most likely it’s because Empire has yet to find an overseas plant that can build and install vials with the accuracy they require.
Stan
Whilst I almost always appreciate a company actually bringing jobs back to the United States and they certainly have my respect for at least being upfront with country of origin of the vitals, but with the amount of attention in terms of country of origin, I have to wonder what the country of origin of the frame, end caps, rubber grips is though.
I am pretty sure I already can figure out the answer, but maybe this was because the previous model’s vials were imported, but oh well.
I personally prefer the Sands brand myself in terms of levels myself, as they are 100% USA made and are truly built to last.
David
Sands is my first choice also.
Bill Rycraft
My first impression is, HEAVY, but more solid heavy them weight heavy, although it has some heft to it, which I like. Gives me the impression this is a quality tool.
The removable end caps are a nice feature for giving nice lines in corners, hanging door casings etc.. PIcking this up by the center solid one piece hand grips is comfortable. The top and bottom is solid aluminum that isn’t smooth but has traction grooves in it. Like semi radius cuts to give the level some grip and keep it from sliding or shifting. This is a nice feature, not having the level slide or slip off your project. The vials are clear and easy to see even with my diminished close up vision.
I was pleasantly surprised at the action of the bubble. My older level has a fast acting bubble, the slightest shift cause the bubble to react too quick, getting that balance difficult. This sight bubble is less responsive and slower moving. That is one of the best features. When you are trying to make that ever so slight adjustment and not have the bubble shift dramatically is very helpful for those who want to center the bubble exactly between the level lines, which by the way are set further out then the width of the bubble. So seeing space between the bubble and level line is beneficial in knowing you have reached as close to center as possible. I plan to treat this level with care and respect, though I feel it can withstand abuse, its such a nice tool that you wont want to get paint on it, or get it all scratched up. Empire did a great job in designing out some of the previous models shortcomings.. The color blue is sharp, the hand grips are comfortable. This ins one of those tools you can tell is built like a rock the second you pick it up. It weighs more then the other level I own that is twice as long.
CB
I just picked one up at the orange big box and tested the machined straight edges on a large calibrated granite surface table and with a very good Brown & Sharpe master square and it was dead straight on both top and bottom, no banana curves or hollow points. When laid on it’s side, the surface edge on the Empire was very square with surface table. The level were good too but slightly prefer reading Stablia’s over the Empire when side by side but it’s only a small difference and the Empire is way less than half the price of equivalent Stablia.
Very impressive
The new Husky 48″ (maroon) machined edged one also measured very well, it’s only $29.