Stabila LD 420 Laser Distance Meter

I tested 13 laser distance meters for the January 2013 JLC. These models cost $115 to $280, are accurate to within 1/16 inch or better, and let you measure lengths by yourself with simple pointing and clicking. Most add helpful features such as estimating tools and the ability to measure indirectly. My favorite was the Bosch GLM 80, which costs about $175.

Meanwhile, the Stabila LD 400 I tested was an older model with a perplexing keypad and a high price of $250. But Stabila is now replacing that model with the LD 420, which costs about $230. It’s powered by two AAA batteries that are supposed to deliver up to 5,000 measurements. I used the new tool for a while to see how it measures up.

Range and accuracy. The LD 420 can measure lengths from about 2 inches up to either 262 feet when aiming at typical surfaces or 328 feet when aiming at an accessory target plate. It’s accurate to 1/25 inch, which is as good as it currently gets.

Functions and features. The LD 420 can calculate square and cubic feet; add, subtract, multiply, and divide dimensions and calculations; take a continuous reading while moving toward or away from a target and freeze the minimum and maximum distance measured (making it easy to measure diagonals); and lay out a series of equal intervals. Like most of the other models, it can also use Pythagorean geometry to calculate certain measurements indirectly, which requires you to take two or three shots from a distance. A trapezoid function lets you measure a sloped ceiling from base to peak without climbing a ladder. Several of the measuring functions let you press the MENU button for extra information. For instance, if you measure the area of a rectangular room, then press the MENU button twice, you instantly get the length of the diagonal.

The meter’s memory stores the last 20 dimensions or calculations in order, which isn’t unique. But it can also store up to 10 constants (including custom ones you create with the keypad) that you can drop into calculations any time.

Other common features include a programmable timer that delays the shot after you push the measure button, an illuminated display, and a tailpiece that makes it easy to measure from inside corners to check diagonals. And it has an IP65 rating, which means you can hose it off and it’s completely sealed against dust.

Rocker switch. There are a few dedicated buttons on the keypad, but you access many of the functions and settings through the MENU button and surrounding rocker switch. I figured out all of the menu options over two cups of coffee, but if you have no experience with these tools you’ll definitely want to study the manual.

I’d buy it. I use the timer regularly, so I wish you could activate it with one press of a button like you can with some models. Instead you have to push various buttons a total of seven times. Also, unlike some top models, the LD 420 doesn’t include an inclinometer, which can measure slopes and angles. But I really like this meter’s trim-carpentry precision, versatile feature set, uncluttered keypad, rugged build, and reasonable price. It’s one of my favorites.