Stabila is launching DARK SHADOW, a new digital level.
According to Stabila’s announcement post, Dark Shadow is a compact limited edition level with “exceptional style at an attractive price.”
In a post, with a couple of black heart emojis, Stabila says that the new level has “a classy appearance in an anthracite matte coating.”
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The level can measure inclines and slopes and its two digital displays (one on the face, one on top) can be illuminated for easier reading in low light conditions.
It also has “acoustic guidance” so you can get things level without keeping your eyes on the display.
The level is dustproof and waterproof, with an IP65 rating.
Stabila says that Dark Shadow is an indispensable tool that “will take your work to the next level.”
Stabila Dark Shadow is 16″ long and is made in Germany.
USA pricing and availability details are not yet known.
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Discussion
A similar Stabila Tech 196 model 16″ digital level is currently available at Amazon. It’s also available in a 14″ size on Amazon.
From what I can tell, the only difference is that Dark Shadow has a different color – dark grey instead of Stabila’s iconic yellow.
I’m having a difficult time finding the Tech 196 available via authorized dealers in any color scheme, which leads me to doubt whether the Dark Shadow model will come to the USA.
I found the marketing to be a little cheesy, but nicely done. Maybe the Hart team should take notes.
Trevor
In Alberta the yellow Stabila levels are available at several tool stores, not at the big boxes.
The digital Stabila is cheaper than the Milwaukee digital level. As is their dual slope red laser.
Stuart
I checked USA dealers, and they carry a different line of Stabila digital levels.
Ray
Should be excellent for keeping hands warm in Summer.
Don Julio
The Dark Shadow level will live in the same kit as my Lufkin Black Widow tape measure, specifically for Halloween projects.
https://www.amazon.com/Lufkin-L1025B-Measure-Hi-Visibility-Markings/dp/B075RMVXXY
I guess I’ll need a Skeletool now.
Garrett
Funny! Dont forget your Vampliers!
Don Julio
Perfect! But dog gone it, now this might actually have to happen. Need to find the right dead blow hammer.
Stuart
Or a Dead-On steel hammer?
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dead-on-tools-steel-hammer/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Jim Felt
G r o a n . . . ;-)~
w00dy
It is the old version. The regular yellow version has just been replaced a few months ago by the Tech 196 DL line.
This older one is great but the new yellow ones operates slightly better. You can adjust the beep sound level. And this one you never have to calibrate again as you needed to do with the older one after a big change in temperature or falling.
Stuart
Thanks!
I wonder then why they didn’t give their new model limited edition treatment.
Jim Felt
Maybe they were stuck with a fair number of older internal tech?
Hence the “hey! Let’s do a color variation” response?
Who knows the actual sales volumes regards their ever too fast changing digital components and vendors?
Jim Felt
As an aside I recall my first digital “smart” level 20+ years ago was actually I believe branded as a “Smart Level” with a somewhat triangular aluminum frame (not a traditional rectangular rail and infilled with actual teak wood.
I needed it for fast % of incline measurements on my Model Railroad layout. And last I checked it was still running perfectly. (OK not with the original batteries)…
Al
How much difference is there from something like the Klein 935dagl ? (Other than being installed in a long frame with a spirit level?)
JoeM
Black or Yellow, that’s about the size, and type, of level I do want from Stabila. They’re just expensive little buggers. Worth the price, but expensive nonetheless. I’ll talk to Atlas here in Ontario, see if they will be offering the Shadow version… Otherwise I’d be just as happy with the standard Yellow one of the same model. Comes down to availability and price. All good otherwise.
eddie sky
You can get it from the UK. https://its.co.uk/pd/stabila-tech-196-dark-shadow-40cm-spirit-level-_sta20006.htm
That price though… I got some rattle-can black and tape I can do on their USA one… 🙂
Philip+Proctor
It should be extendable.
Mark
“Maybe the Hart team should take notes”. Lol what a well placed quip 😁
ParamountPaint
I have a full set of stabilas, but haven’t yet tried the electronic ones. I wouldn’t buy the black one because, 1) it seems to be older tech and 2) it won’t match the rest of my levels. Seems silly, but I’d guess stabilia users are particular and finicky, which applies to me, as well.
I’d guess if you only needed one in that size, it would be fine, judging by the rest of their products
Blocky
I have one of their previous limited editions: ‘my 1st stabila’ which came in white. It’s classy and a little silly, but the quality is all stabila.
Chip
I purchased the 100 year anniversary set,it was only $100 for 16/24/48 and a torpedo(I think?).
Stabila is a great brand, unfortunately hard to view in low lighting.
Have since switched to Sola.
Special editions get used by me,guess am not sentimental enough?