Back in 2004, we bought our first rotary laser. Up until that point, we had used a builders level to shoot level while forming foundations or shooting control points on a building. This was always a two-person job. After doing some research, we bought a DeWalt 18v rotary laser and instantly realized the major time-saving benefit of a rotary laser.
While it always used to take two people to raise a footing to grade, or shoot control points in a walk-out basement, the rotary laser required only one person. What’s more, it took less time to set up because it was self-leveling. We noticed the time savings and improved accuracy immediately.
In 2011, we began using the Stabila LAR250. Our DeWalt was a champ, but we let others borrow it and when we needed it, we didn’t have it. What attracted me to the Stabila is that it was “ruggedized.” The DeWalt wasn’t and we were fairly delicate with it, but the Stabila could handle getting wet and dusty. The Stabila has been in our truck ever since.
Over the last year, other guys in our company keep borrowing the laser so we often don’t have it when we need it, or the batteries are dead when we go to use it. I asked Tools to contact DeWalt to see if it would send us the new green rotary laser I had seen ads about so that I could see how it compared to our the first one we had – particularly because this one is supposed to be “built tough.” I wanted to try out a green laser and the fact that it uses a rechargeable 20V Max battery is a plus for us; we have batteries and chargers in our cordless DeWalt framing nailer and positive placement nailer kits.

Tim Uhler
Features. As mentioned above, the power source for this rotary laser is the 20V Max rechargeable battery. Having a rotary laser that runs on a rechargeable battery platform means that we always have adequate power for it on hand. Green beam lasers require more power – another reason why running off of a rechargeable battery platform is a good solution. The 20V Max battery has a gauge on it so we know if it needs to be recharged before we got to a location that doesn’t have power.
This IP67 laser is rated to 1/16” accuracy at 100’, detector range of 2000’, will self-level if it is within 5° and has three scan modes: 15°, 45° and 90°. I found that we could usually see the laser, especially if we slowed it down or put it in a scan mode. Say we needed to shoot level to install some columns before framing a porch. We could put it in 45° scan mode and see the laser easily unless it was really bright outside.
This unit also has plumb dots that go up and down (when the unit is upright). The unit can be set on its side, making it possible to use for laying out square as well. The “dual axis slope mode” means the unit can be set out of level or plumb to shoot slopes along the x-axis, say for laying pipe, or the y-axis.
The remote control has the same controls as the unit itself, so it’s easy to navigate and use. I find it nice to use the remote when I’m marking control points because I can slow the rotation down making it easier for me to see the beam.
When using the detector on a grade stick, a fast beep means the detector is too high, slow beep means it is too slow. This is a common and very useful feature.

Tim Uhler
This laser showed up in perfect timing to set up a foundation in a giant puddle and it started snowing on us. Needless to say we found leaks in our boots and wanted to get that footing raised to grade quickly. Without reading the instructions, I set it up, put a board over the top to avoid getting snow on the prism, and shot grade.
I have zero issues with the performance of this laser. It is easy to use, accurate and the remote works very well. It feels very well made and durable, not flimsy at all. For $1300 this is a tool that will save time and increase accuracy. The major bonus to this unit is that it can be seen in brighter conditions than a red laser can (but not direct sunlight).

DeWalt Industrial Tool Co
This kit comes with the laser, charger, detector, glasses, TSTAK storage case, ⅝” tripod & ⅝” bracket adaptor, ceiling bracket and detector bracket and target card.
One minor nitpick, the plastic piece that slides into the bottom for tripod attachment seems a little flimsy, so we treat it delicately.