PLS Laser PLS-60583 PLS HVR 505R Mid Range Rotary Laser Kit, Yellow/Red

Just got this. Gave it a whirl and everything works as it should. Nice package - Grade stick came with a case that hold the level too. Used a few hours on the job site and batteries are great. Came with a spare set of batteries too.Nice.

Let me first say that until this laser, I have always been impressed with the quality and feature set of PLS lasers. In general, I'm a big fan of their tools and the company itself and have always recommended their lasers to other tradesmen when asked about my own. Before purchasing this unit, I own the PLS-2E, the PLS-180, and the PLS-90, all of which I use in my general contracting business.Therefore when I decided I needed a rotary laser (all of my other units are line lasers), the obvious choice for me was to look at PLS's offerings. This HVR505 seemed to have the feature set I neededat the price point I wanted so I went ahead and ordered it. I'll start with the positives. Love the case, love the fit and finish of the laser itself, the attachments, detector, grade rod, etc. Everything looks and feels like typical PLS quality. I also love the fact that it states right in the manual that the unit 'can be used in the rain' and is 'weather resistant'. In fact, I can't imagine why they don't include this in the description here as it's such a valuable asset in an exterior laser.When I started to set it up and mess around with it, I began to notice some of the things I did not like. The first of which is/was that the instruction manual leaves quite a bit to be desired. It really just skims over the basics and doesn't give you much detail in regards to how to use some of the more complex features. Don't get me wrong, it'll get you up and running but you'll have to do quite a bit of messing around to figure out some of the other features unless you're already quite familiar with rotary lasers. ***SEE EDIT BELOW*** The next thing I noticed was that to use the laser for plumb lines (vertical) you are supposed to set the unit on it's side (handle up) and the unit will self level. However, the very shape of the unit itself (tapered toward the top) puts the laser far enough out of level (when set on a level surface) that it exceeds the lasers self-leveling parameters. The unit just doesn't have enough range to self-level to compensate for it's tapered shape. Therefore, to use the unit in plumb mode, you must either shim underneath it or set up a tripod and use the horizontal bracket. You can't just plop it on the floor like we often do with our line lasers when we just need to quickly check a layout or plumb something up a couple stories.The other thing I noticed about it that made me think, "really? seriously?" is that while the remote control will allow you to make all sorts of complicated adjustments to the laser.... it doesn't have an on/off button! Seriously? I think I'd rather have a remote whose ONLY function was to turn the laser on and off from a distance.Unfortunately I already threw away all of the boxes that this thing came in and can't return it, otherwise I think I'd be looking elsewhere for a rotary unit. Therfore, as I use this more I will add to this review as I notice more things I like about it and don't like about it. I'm really hoping that over time I find that it's good qualities outweigh it's bad ones... but right now I'm not so sure. The two issues I pointed out seem like a pretty big deal to me right now and seem so simple/stupid that I can't believe they actually exist. Time will tell... I'll let you know.***EDIT*** Regarding using the laser for plumb (vertical) layout: The instructions are just wrong. In the instructions they clearly show that the laser is to be positioned handle up for vertical use. In playing around with it I discovered that this is incorrect. If you lay the laser keypad up, handle to the right, the unit will self level and project a plumb vertical line. The side opposite the key pad has standoffs which compensate for the shape of the unit and allow it to self-level. So things are looking up.

This level is easy to setup and works well in both horizontal and vertical positions. The manual is consise and adequate for basic operation.

Here's a quick review: It is a solid piece of workmanship that we are happy to own. We have already used it on a french drain job that saved us 10 hours in labor time and allowed us to be more accurate & quicker. We also just completed a foundation to a home we are building and also increased our productivity and again allowed us to be more precise. After a quick on-site hands on tour, we were comfortable with its capabilities. For us, it was the best tool at the best price. We have stated that it is one of the best purchases we made in five years. Its never great spending money, but with this rotary laser, it will pay us back for the next 10 years at least!

Did a great jobUsed for decks and drain fieldsEasy set up and self leveling

The reviews that I read where correct, it works great but the directions could have been a little clearer. It would be nice if it had a bubble level on the laser to help get the tripod close to level.

I bought this about a year ago. Everything works good. The visible red beam is handy for interior work. I have had no problems and would purchase another one if needed.

I purchased this and am very pleased with the product. I've used it on several project already. I am a General Contractor, and have installed ceiling grid, laid tile and graded a parking lot. I am sure I'll have many years of use with this product.

Best laser I've ever used. Complex concrete forms. Florr leveling. Landscaping. Wall straightening. Amazing time saver. Outstanding performance and always comfident in the results