Until a few years ago, it was almost impossible for the average person to afford a digital laser rangefinder of any kind; the fact that they weren’t reliable either didn’t help. Now, with newer technology advancements and lower costs, DLRs have come down quite a bit in price in recent years. The Bosch DLR165K is also much cheaper than most other DLRs because it is capable of covering about half the distance range. This for most people is a great thing, because who really needs to be taller than 165 feet? If you need more distance, you’re looking to pay double the price, for double the distance.
Characteristics:
- Pocket size Only 4″ tall
- Four measurement reference points: rear, front, swing-out extension pin for measuring from inside corners or channels, or from the center of the optional tripod
- Three measurement systems: feet and inches, decimal feet, and metric
- Ability to measure length, area and volume –
- Continuous measurement mode: measurement automatically adjusts as distances recede
- Continuous laser mode – reduces the number of keystrokes when performing a rapid sequence of measurements
- Indirect length measurement mode: calculates inaccessible distances that cannot be measured directly due to an obstruction or lack of reflective surface using the Pythagorean theorem (a2 + b2= c2)
- Ergonomic soft grip area – for a secure grip and comfort
Includes:
- AAA batteries (4)
- Hand strap – 1 609 203 R97
- Pouch with belt loop – 1 609 203 U10
Specifications:
- Battery life: approximately 30,000 individual measurements
- Country of origin: Switzerland or Romania
- Dimensions: 4″ x 2-15/16″ x 1-1/4″ (100mm x 68mm x 32mm)
- Laser class: 2
- Laser diode: 635nm,
- Measurement accuracy, type: +/- 1/16″ (1.5 mm)
- Measuring range: 2″ – 165′
- Measurement time, max: 4 sec.
- Measurement time, type:
- Power: 4 AAA batteries
Box:
As you can see, the box is nothing special, and it really doesn’t need to be. If you’re buying this in a store, they most likely have the boxes locked or in the back of the store, and will have a display model available. The display model has much more information than the back of the box, and in some cases, a demo unit. My local store had a demo unit complete with a simple instruction guide on the basics of the Bosch digital laser rangefinder.
Your precious new toy is safely packed in its case inside the box, and also includes 4 AAA batteries and a wrist strap. The case also features a hook-and-loop belt loop, so you can take it with you. You can also see a good size comparison with the batteries. Inside the box below the DLR are the instructions and registration card.
A closer look:
The DLR165K’s controls are so simple you don’t even need to read the instructions. I’ve had this unit for a few weeks now and haven’t read them yet. Basically, just by looking at the icons and pressing the buttons, you can figure it all out.
A large red button in the middle is for turning the unit on and for capturing a measurement. From left to right, the first button is for measuring area or volume. The next is to measure the length or continuous measurement. That is, the DLR will update the measure while the length changes. This would be useful if you need to position yourself at a certain point. Think of the movie The Italian Job, where they try to get X meters from the walls to end up right under the safe. The top right button is for changing the point from which the unit measures; either from the leading edge, the trailing edge, the tip of the extension pin, or the tripod hole. The next line is for adding and subtracting measurements. The bottom left button is for clearing the measurement. The medium is used to turn the unit on and off. The last bottom right key is used to change the unit of measurement to meters, decimal feet, or foot inches. Unfortunately, there is no inch-only option.
Looking at the back of the unit, you will find a red switch to release the extension pin. The extension pin is necessary when measuring from a corner or other tight places. You will then need to configure the unit to measure from the pin.
On the front of the unit, you can see where the DLR is emitting the laser and read the distance. WARNING: Do not try to measure the distance in the eyes of your co-workers. It also has a flat area on the front so when you measure from the front you have a nice flat surface to measure from.
The proof:
When I first brought the DLR165K home, I took it around the house and tested it with my tape measure. It was perfect every time. For the actual test, I took it to work and used it to measure the prefinished oak skirting I was going to install around a custom oak TV stand. There was absolutely no margin for error. It had 6 outer corners and 4 inner corners, and of different sizes. Again, it was always perfect, I only had to re-cut one piece, and that was due to human error. I accidentally wrote 3/16″ when the cut was 13/16″. Throughout this work, I have been putting it to the test, and it has always worked. The only thing I haven’t tested it on is really logarithmic distances. I don’t even know how I would test it. I would imagine this has to be more accurate than counting steps or using a wheel.
What I don’t like about this unit is the fact that it doesn’t measure in inches, it only measures inches in feet. This isn’t a big deal, but it is something that is annoying for someone like a woodworker who is only inches tall. Another thing is the shape of the unit. I would have preferred the unit to consist of completely square edges and corners. It’s designed for ergonomics, but it makes it a bit harder to measure against certain objects.
Pros: so easy to use, you don’t need the instructions. Very exact.
Cons: Does not measure in running inches. Sides and corners not square.
Conclusion:
So is it worth the price? In my opinion, yes. I would buy this again. It is very simple to use, just make sure you remember where you are measuring the unit. You don’t want to measure from behind, thinking you are measuring from the front. It is a great price-per-foot ratio and a good investment.
Bosco, take note. In your next version, add solid inches and squarer edges. I think square edges would be ideal, with slightly cropped corners.
Overall rating 4.8
function 4.0
Accuracy 5.0
Quality 5.0
Value 5.0
Comfort 5.0
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