[tonyc56]

As much as I would love the Stabila, at this time I just can't make that kind of investment. Any recommendations on level brands without the cost shocker.

 

[TimelessQuality]

Menards house brand is made by stabila... There a little cheaper than the branded ones

 

[Rustbucket]

Look at the Sola levels.

 

[Cole82]

The bostitch levels aren't half bad.

I like these irwin 2000 levels better than my stabilla levels.

http://www.irwin.com/tools/levels-squares/2000-box-beam-levels

 

[Needles]

What size level you want? Stabila's type 80a levels are inexpensive. They only up to 72" though. Can usually get a deal on the type 80 3 pack 4',2', & torpedo.

 

[JR Shepstone]

I've been looking at the Bostitch levels in big blue. Reasonably priced and seem to be pretty sturdy. Only downfall I see is they don't have the continuous beam across the level vial. At least some of the ones in the store don't.

Not a deal breaker, but a small missed detail when so many other levels have it.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Anybody ROCKIN wood levels here.

I have a whole slew of Stabila's. Got about doubles in the 24, 48 as I picked up the digitals after I got the 196. Even ordered some of the cast levels from overseas and had them shipped.

However, as crazy as it sounds, I grab my Cricks more often .
I prefer the *resolution* of the vials of the Cricks and than anything else. +, they are a joy to hold.

 

[TheGrizz]

I've been looking at Empires with the blue vials. We have one in tool trailer for tile work, and even though the vial is covered in mortar residue, it seems easier to read to me than a green or yellow one.

 

[kyle_dmr]

I love my stabila's personally. If I had to buy otherwise it would be the sola. Bit cheaper it seems up bere

 

[mstrat]

The only other choice is my choice... Sola Levels! They're so simple to read that everyone on the crew grabs them before the Stabilas anytime they can.

 

[m1911]

I've got a couple Bostitch levels and no complaints.

 

[fjn]

Look at the Sola levels.

:thumbsup:


From what I have been reading,Sola is not only a tad less money than a Stabila,they have a few better features. Also,they really are NOT the new kid on the block (just entered N.American market) later in the game. They are an older company than Stabila. Also read they are the largest level maker in the world !


When I need some new / additional levels,Sola will get my business.

 

[Walraven]

i have a set of empire true blue levels onty complaint is the becel edge ,not to flash for running a pencil down other than that they seem to be pretty hardy

 

[NCMCarpentry]

Just take a 2 foot level and tape it to a tooba four

 

[Warren]

The Stabilas are solid investments. I bought my first one 15 years ago and it still reads true. I have 3 total and even though they are expensive, the accuracy and durability make them worth every penny. I like the fact that they are yellow also. Makes them harder to leave laying around the jobsite.

 

[smeagol]

I have all the menand's stabilas 16'' through 8'. They are all good levels. In hindsight Sola is what i should have purchased. I am going to get a stabila r shaped screed level though for mudbeds.

 

[CrpntrFrk]

The bostitch levels aren't half bad.

I like these irwin 2000 levels better than my stabilla levels.

http://www.irwin.com/tools/levels-squares/2000-box-beam-levels

I would recommend the Irwins also. I have 12", 24", 4', and an 8'. All great levels.

Recently I got a Stabila 6' for a smoken deal. It is a nice level no doubt, but I would be just as comfortable with an Irwin.

 

[JackP23]

I've been looking at Empires with the blue vials. We have one in tool trailer for tile work, and even though the vial is covered in mortar residue, it seems easier to read to me than a green or yellow one.

Empires might work for a nice straight edge.......might.:no::no:



__________
Mike

 

[brhokel606]

Love my Stabila's...have a couple of Johnson levels that are good, have an Empire and been happy with it. Hated the Fat Max level, Stabila is the way to go though. I have the digital 4' and use it every chance I get, fricken love that level.

 

[Big Shoe]

I've had Empires most of my life.............Take care of them and they will last. Johnson 4 footers are also good.

Mostly used for metal framing and drywall.