[philcav7]

What Stabila Level To Buy?

Going to be adding some stabila levels on shopping list. How are the various models that they offer? Are they all good, or only the higher end models? They make the 70 and 80 series that are pretty affordable, but am skeptical that they live up to the name.

I see the 196 series seems to be the better product and plan on picking up the 59" version, but am wondering if the lower priced models are worthwhile for some other sizes or should I just buy them one at a time as I have the funds

The will be used for a variety of purposes: framing, setting tubs, cabinets, doors, windows, tile, etc.

 

[sheetrock_22]

I have the 80 A 2M. Which is magnetic. Good for steel studs as well as wood. What ever Stabila you choose, it will be a good choice.

 

[The Coastal Craftsman]

The 196's are nice levels. I bought the Black series whilst they were out and they really only come out for interior work.

 

[dkillianjr]

The 196's are nice levels. I bought the Black series whilst they were out and they really only come out for interior work.

That black series is nice bc. Are they only available overseas? I still have a 78"empire that I am about to replace with a stabila




I also have the 196's they have all been great. I had a customer that wanted to help me clean up my tools one day. He was carrying my 4'er down the steps and dropped it. I almost cryed:laughing: It did a few somersallts and finally hit the bottom. It is still true!:thumbup:

If I'm on a muddy site though I will bring out my craftsman and empires.


Dave

 

[The Coastal Craftsman]

That black series is nice bc. Are they only available overseas? I still have a 78"empire that I am about to replace with a stabila I also have the 196's they have all been great. I had a customer that wanted to help me clean up my tools one day. He was carrying my 4'er down the steps and dropped it. I almost cryed:laughing: It did a few somersallts and finally hit the bottom. It is still true!:thumbup: If I'm on a muddy site though I will bring out my craftsman and empires. Dave

You can get them in the US. Just not sure how many left.

 

[dkillianjr]

You can get them in the US. Just not sure how many left.

Okay my search is starting tonight:laughing:

Dave

 

[philcav7]

Okay my search is starting tonight:laughing:

Dave

I already looked and didn't find any... Only a couple of links to a sold out page.

I did however find a site with great prices on the regular 196 series.

If you come across any 72's let me know.

 

[The Coastal Craftsman]

I already looked and didn't find any... Only a couple of links to a sold out page. I did however find a site with great prices on the regular 196 series. If you come across any 72's let me know.

Yeah I doubt you will have much luck with the blacks. I bought them when they were released and they were hard to get. I think you can get the 24" ones still. But kind of pointless if you don't have the set of 4

 

[DaVinciRemodel]

One of the most useful features of my 196’s is the removable ends. I don’t know if all their models do that.

The 196's are nice levels. I bought the Black series whilst they were out and they really only come out for interior work.

You only bring them out for interior work because they get F’ing hot outside in the sun :laughing:

 

[dkillianjr]

I already looked and didn't find any... Only a couple of links to a sold out page.

I did however find a site with great prices on the regular 196 series.

If you come across any 72's let me know.

I'm striking out too! If I would happen to come across a 72 I'll shoot you a PM.


Dave

 

[philcav7]

Thanks Dave. Looks like they were released in 2009 for the 120 year anniversary. May be tough to find 5 year old stock laying around.

I just ordered the 59" and the magnetic torpedo for $115 shipped at zoro tools with a $35 coupon code. Best price I could find from a reputable vendor.

 

[mstrat]

We've got a full set of Stabilas and a full set of Sola Levels...after our latest new home build, every single time anyone on the crew grabs a level, they come with the Sola...seriously, they are incredibly accurate and easy to read...even in low light in a basement finishing job the vials glow in low light, making it easy to read. Lifetime accuracy warranty too!

 

[DaVinciRemodel]

Someone needs to get the R-Beam and give us a review :thumbsup:

 

[jlyons]

We have a 4' R-Beam. First thing you think when you grab it is, man this thing is fat. Fat doesn't have to be a bad thing, and my hands are pretty small. It will stay staining on its edge so you can use both hands to move something and screw it or whatever. I have one major grievance. the two plumb bubbles are not at the two ends, one is on one end and the other is in the middle by the level bubble. So you can guess how it goes, every time you grab it it is the wrong way. I can understand the middle bubble kinda but maybe they should have put a third bubble on it.

 

[fjn]

We've got a full set of Stabilas and a full set of Sola Levels...after our latest new home build, every single time anyone on the crew grabs a level, they come with the Sola...seriously, they are incredibly accurate and easy to read...even in low light in a basement finishing job the vials glow in low light, making it easy to read. Lifetime accuracy warranty too!

:thumbsup::thumbsup:


A number of years ago,(think it was in Tools Of The Trade) a comparison was made of levels. The Sola took the prize even over stabila (obviously a great level). There was some nuance of the Sola that beat Stabila. Also,some trivia, Sola is the oldest and largest level maker in the world,they just were not introduced to U.S. market until recently. I also believe they are a tad less expensive than Stabila.

 

[wazez]

What is this level thing you guys talk about????

 

[fjn]

Here is a comparison of Stabila vs. Sola. Looks like the Sola comes out on top.



http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-36702696510985/solavscompetition.pdf

 

[JR Shepstone]

Here is a comparison of Stabila vs. Sola. Looks like the Sola comes out on top. http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-36702696510985/solavscompetition.pdf

They used the same talking points against the Stabila and every other level on the market.

So what they're inferring is Sola is better than Stabila, and Stabila is equal to every other level available.

 

[Dan_Watson]

Never heard of Sola. Do you have them? They are close in price to the Stabila. Levels are on the bottom of the list right now, but as we need them I am not sure what to go with.

We only have a Stabila 25360 used for setting posts.

 

[TBFGhost]

I want to upgrade all my levels and when I do it will be Sola. Not only do they rank "better", but they are red and don't say Stabila so they are less likely to walk off on you.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_n...s=Sola&ie=UTF8&qid=1393245436&rnid=2941120011