Laser Distance Meters

traveller · Post by **traveller** » Tue Jan 31, 2017 1:02 pm

I've been looking at Laser Distance Meters. Plenty for sale with major suppliers but all have maximum distances in the reviews but few show minimums. Anyone out there that uses these devices for their games and any recommendations?Do they do the job on the table? Any help welcome, thanks.

piersyf · Post by **piersyf** » Wed Feb 01, 2017 5:53 am

Never seen them used on table. They seem like a really expensive tape measure to me. The unit itself is much bigger than a tape measure (around double the size) so is harder to position over your start point for measurement. Then you have to aim the pointer beam (if the unit has one, not all have a visible laser pointer), and they are accurate to within 1.5mm (about 1/16th inch), so no more accurate than a tape measure.

So, in summary, about 10 times the cost of a tape measure, harder to aim, no more accurate, heavier and clunkier. Probably why I haven't seen one used. Oh, and don't need batteries for a tape measure.

Others may have different opinions, the above is based on my own product research for items available near me.

BTW, to answer your question on minimum distance, about 5cm (2 inches or so).

StarCruiser · Post by **StarCruiser** » Wed Feb 01, 2017 7:35 am

Don't forget - batteries... A tape measure doesn't need those either (and will last about 1,000 years).

Extra Crispy · Post by **Extra Crispy** » Wed Feb 01, 2017 9:36 am

Tried one. Made it 20 minutes and went back to tape measures. Too clunky and once troops got close we had to use a tape measure anyway.

traveller · Post by **traveller** » Thu Feb 02, 2017 1:22 am

Thanks for the input gentlemen.Looked like a good idea at the time, but, on reflection, maybe not. Thanks again