DEWALT Level, Cross Line Laser, Green DW088CG

I'm satisfied with the product, it works very well.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Being old-school, I was reluctant to purchase the newer laser type levelers when they first came out almost two decades ago. The technology was available for use in the construction industry, however, I was a bit slow in converting over because I already had a 50 year collection of multiple sizes and types of levels. I wasn't ready to make the jump to this newer "Laser" technology, and so I remained with my old-school levels. But then... About 3 years ago, I started preparing for my retirement, and part of that process was to have a plan "B" in case I needed to go back to work. My choice for plan "B" was the construction business. And so, after extensive research for the brand, and quality, of tools that I would need for this possible adventure, I decided to go with the "DeWalt" 20v MAX collection of tools due to their reliability over the years. I was NOT disappointed! I had my eyes on DeWalt's DW08825LG 12v 5-Spot + Green Line Laser Kit, however, being deterred by its cost, I decided to start off with more of an entry level laser, and so I chose the DW088 series of lasers. I then went through a struggle with choosing between the Red or Green laser models. Research showed the Green laser to be a bit brighter and easier to see in daylight over the Red one, so I went with the DW088CG model. (I also picked up a DW08801 Red laser for comparison, which is shown in the photos below). (Depending on your lighting, and the coloration of the material reflected on, both the Red & GRN lasers have their advantages over the other). I was indirectly then attracted to the DW088 laser series because of its lower cost, (easily affordable), its small, light weight of 3.5 lbs, (ease of portability), its use of 3 1.5v AA batteries, (easily attainable), and its ability to mount in diverse ways; plus, it was "Self Leveling." It has an attached 180 degree integrated magnetic pivoting mount, which also has a 1/4" X 20 thread on the bottom of the unit for mounting to a standard camera tripod. The magnets allow attachment to most metal objects, such as the metal drywall strip on most internal wall corners, as shown in one of my photos. It also includes another detachable bracket that connects magnetically, and allows further mounting options such as ceiling brackets, nails, etc... and is contained within its own DeWalt molded "hard case" for protection and storage. *** I REALLY like the DeWalt HARD cases!!! *** The DW088CG laser uses a "constant pulse" for detection with an optional DW0892G Green Line Laser Detector that allows detection up to a distance of 165'. (Always pay attention to the fine print, which says it can achieve a range of 165' WITH a detector), [sold separately]. The laser's "visible" range is 100' without the detector. I have measured this and I have achieved a distance greater than 100', which is very significant for its intended use. I do NOT own a detector, therefore, I am unable to verify the MAX range of the unit with the use of said detector. The Self-Leveling feature allows the unit to be "auto-corrected" within a +/- 4 degree tilting of the device without any outside adjustment. If tilted beyond this limit, the "Out of Tilt" Range Indicator will cause the laser beam to "FLASH" until manually brought within the +/- 4 degrees of tilt, (Level/Plumb). This was a GREAT advantage for me in the use of the lasers to level and plumb the fabrication of my barn stalls, in that I did NOT have to use the cumbersome "string levels", neither did I have to constantly "dodge" the strings that held them, along with the "re-leveling" of them every time they were run into, or an adjustment was made to a post, or such... The first thing that I wanted to do was to check and verify its accuracy, so I setup the laser at the end of my 40' hallway and went through the calibration procedures. (These measurements were also double checked with my "physical" levels for comparison). Being a DeWalt product, I was expecting things to be BETTER than what was stated on the brochures, which was +/- 1/8" at 30'. My results at 40' as recorded in one of the photos below, was quite a bit tighter than the specifications; the Horizontal Beam, Scan Direction being 1/16th", the Horizontal Beam, Pitch Direction being 1/32nd", and the Vertical Beam at 12' was 1/16th". All of these results far exceeded the specification requirements of the product, as recorded within the manual. (I did notice, however, that the printed manual included with my 1st laser, was now replaced with only a digital version for my 2nd laser). [Ouch!] There are actually two separate lasers in this product; one for the vertical plane, and one for the horizontal plane. The On/Off switches are located on the left side of the unit and allow them to be turned On/Off independently of each other, giving the user the ability to use either one, leaving the other laser turned off, and preserving the battery's EOL, (End Of Life), until needed. It has "Battery Low Voltage" detection, along with a "Battery Low" indicator that "flashes" when low voltage, <25% of charge, is detected, and is located next to the On/Off switches for the lasers. I cannot verify the continual "run-time" of the batteries, due to my turning them off when not making measurements, however, I used them, in my opinion, quite extensively before needing to change the batteries. **** BTW - I NEVER leave the batteries in ANY of my battery operated tools. A faulty and/or corroded battery can cause extensive damage, or force an expensive replacement. **** The uses for this tool is well beyond my initial perception over the older Traditional Levels and String Plumb Bob. I can display the laser beam across the whole room at one time and NOT have to constantly move it as I work on different pieces of the project. Cabinetry hanging, wall/Joist/rafter alignment, floor tiling, ceiling tiling, hanging lights, and especially ceramic back-splash alignment, and electrical outlet alignment to keep everything square/level/plumb. Wow! Just think what I could accomplish if I had the DW08825LG 12v 5-Spot + Green Line Laser Kit model and one of the detectors! The Dewalt DW088CG Self-Leveling Cross-Line GREEN Laser is listed as a Class 2 laser having