NOT YOUR FATHER’S POINTER LASER
From left to right: Stabila LA-5P, Stabila LAX-300, Spectra LT52, Spectral LT56, Spectra LT58
LT52 IN THE MIDDLE IS BRIGHTEST
Over the last 6 months, Spectra Precision and Stabila have come out with new line generators and pointer lasers, revolutionizing the uses and brightness of these useful tools. Many options now exist in lasers that have not before.
LA5P $249.95 at Gap Power
Many customers often start out purchasing a pointer laser. Stabila’s LA-5P, is a great basic workhorse unit. This 5-point laser features a base that allows it to be placed over a 2x4 to plumb walls. It also has an integrated lock for the diode that engages automatically when the laser turns off. This prevents the wiring that runs to the diode from wearing thin while the laser is in storage and may be bouncing around the work truck. BTW. the elevated base seen above on the LA-5P was a Gap Power innovation later adopted by Stabila. It lifts the laser high enough to clear the 2x on the bottom of a frame wall.
LAX-300 $349.00 at Gap Power
If you like the look and performance of the LA-5P, but prefer lines, the LAX-300 is the same laser but in a 2-line option that gives you a crosshair directly in front of the laser.
LT52 $429.00 at Gap Power
Spectra Precision has just released the LT52 laser which is a line generator and pointer laser all in one. The LT52 features 2-lines out of one end of the laser, and 5 points out of the opposite end of the laser. It is designed to allow it go over the edge of a 2x4 for plumbing on the pointer end of the laser. This laser is the brightest unit Gap Power stocks, and one of the brightest if not the brightest line laser on the market.
LT56 $695.00 w/ Receiver at Gap Power
LT58 $695.00 at Gap Power
Spectra also makes a 3-line laser with offset beams. Allowing for the unit to be offset from your work – think tile laying applications. They offer 2 versions of this laser, an LT56 and an LT58. The LT56 features three red beams, and the LT58 features two red beams and one horizontal green beam. The LT58 is brighter than all of the other lasers except for the LT52.
Line generators and pointer lasers have traditionally been viewed for framing or interior work. The brightness of these new generations of lasers makes them even more viable for exterior applications. The LT56, LT58, and LT58 can be used with an optional pulsing receiver to enable these units to be used for exterior applications up to 150’ in length, depending on model and conditions.
Dewalt DW089LG $549.00 at Gap Power
A final option that has been recently released is the Dewalt DW089LG, which is a 3-line all green beam line generator. The green beam is brighter than the red, but requires a special receiver if utilizing a receiver with this unit. Additionally, the green diodes burn hotter, making the laser more vulnerable to damage, but trade-off is increased brightness.
If you have not recently looked at what’s new in line generators or pointer lasers, now is the time. You’ll find that the new generation of lasers are brighter, and can be used for a wider variety of applications.