I know there are other power tool manufacturers that produce LDM’s but for me, I am sold on Bosch. Now I am not here to sell you on Bosch LDM’s, frankly, I don’t care if you buy one or not. But for me, this is one of those product lines I don’t think gets enough love. I think what Bosch has done with the Blaze line is awesome. So today we are going to go over the Bosch Blaze LDM review and check out a couple of common models.
Bosch Blaze LDM Review Overview
Bosch is known for their LDM. They offer a wide variety of SKU in their Blaze line of LDM with quality to match. No matter which field you are in, you can find a Bosch Blaze to meet your needs. They are accurate and easy to use. These are just a few thoughts that come to my mind when I think of the Bosch LDM’s.
I love the fact that Bosch doesn’t make just one LDM and try and pawn it off for all users. The Bosch Blaze line offers everything from a single push button with a single measurement to a color screen that shows exactly what you are measuring. You can check out more on the Bosch Blaze line at their website.
Bosch Blaze LDM Review Features
I will jump into each model but some of the LDM’s share some of the same features. So instead of repeating it for each model, let just cover what they have in common.
Except for the GLM 20, all the models have a rubber outer shell around the drop points to protect them. The GLM 20 does have rubber on the bottom and sides of the LDM.
All four LDM’s are powered by 2-AAA batteries that are included.
Bosch Blaze LDM Review Model GLM 20
The Bosch GLM 20 is their most basic LDM and is designed for simplicity and to take single measurements. The GLM 20 will take a measurement up to 65′ away. This is the perfect solution who just needs to take single point measurements.
Everything is operated by a single button. Hold the button down and you can turn the LDM on. Once the unit is on, it will start taking real-time readings. Press the button again and it will hold that measurement.
The screen is large enough to read your measurements. Not only will it show you the current measurement, but also the previous measurement.
The screen is backlight so even in darker environments, it’s easy to read.
Bosch Blaze LDM Review GLM 165-10
The GLM165-10 is simple like the GLM 20 except this is designed for combing two measurements for square footage. Perfect for someone who needs more than a single point line measurements.
The GLM 165-10 has a range of up to 165′ with an accuracy of ±1/16″ with an IP54.
The screen is large enough where you can easily see the measurements but not too large where it becomes cumbersome.
As with the GLM 20, this has a single push button that is used for on/off and taking measurements.
The unit will perform autosqaure. which will automatically calculate the square footage totals. This also performs real-time measurements.
Bosch Blaze LDM Review GLM 165-40
With the Bosch GLM165-40 we are now stepping up into a tool with more features and options. While this LDM has a range of 165′ also, it measurements much more than just square footage. You can also store up to 10 measurements.
The GLM165-40 also has a large screen which is easy to read. The LDM has a backlight so, in darker environments, a user can still read the screen.
As you can see, the user pad has some more buttons which you can turn on/off, take a measurement, change functions and add or subtract measurements.
The screen gives plenty of data and gives you measurements up to a 32″.
With the GLM165-40 you can calculate distance, area, volume and indirect measurements. For me, this is great because I have the freedom to do a lot more with this unit, but it’s not too complicated I get lost or can’t operate the LDM.
Bosch Blaze LDM Review GLM 50 C
The GLM 50 C is one of their top of the line LDM that offer a ton of options but still makes it easy for the user. As with the previous model, this will measure up to 165″ with a +/- 1/16″.
As you can see, there is a little more to this interface but it’s amazing how easy it is to use and set up.
There are seven different touch buttons that allow the user to turn the unit on/off, add and subtract measurments, decide where you want to take a measurement from and access the functions.
This is my favorite screen out of all four models. The numbers are easy to read and I love the color screen.
When a user goes into the function screen, it’s well laid out and easy to see what you are changing and is easy to navigate. Functions include real-time length, length, area, volume and indirect.
There is a built-in inclinometer which allows for features like angles, min/max, stake out and double indirect.
This LDM can also be used with a tripod as it has a mount on the backside of the unit.
Let’s not forget that this LDM has the capability to be hooked up to Bluetooth and take full advantage of the Bosch App.
Bosch Blaze LDM Review Performance
The Bosch Blaze LDM is designed for the professional user and designed to be extremely accurate. The single button LDM is obviously very easy to use but what surprised me was the Bosch GLM 50 C. When you turn on the screen, there is a lot to look at and the user pad has numerous buttons. With the GLM 50 C, navigating the menu is easy and I know exactly what type of measurement I am taking.
When using the LDM inside, you can easily see the red dot. Outside in bright light does make it a little more tricky but not impossible.
Bosch Blaze LDM Review Value
For the above models, you can expect to pay between $50 and $100. Sure you can find some for cheaper but if you need to be accurate with your measurements, the extra couple of dollars with the Bosch is well worth it. For those looking at the top of the line Bosch models, I think you get a great value compared to some of the other manufacturers in the marketplace.
Bosch Blaze LDM Review Final Thoughts
Again I am not here to sell you on the Bosch Blaze line. It’s just one of those lines that I think is a hidden gem and anyone who is in the LDM market should look at the Bosch line. Very easy to use, easy to read and accurate. What else would you want in your LDM?
