Bosch is known for their laser and LDM‘s (Laser Distance measure) for being extremely accurate and durable. While a lot of power tool manufacturers have one or two LDM in their product line, Bosch has a wide variety so a user can match what they need with the correct product. It doesn’t matter if you need a simple measurement or taking a more complex measurement, Bosch has you covered. Besides the accuracy, I love how Bosch does go by the slogan one size fits all. So let’s jump into the Bosch Blaze Review.
Bosch Blaze Review Overview
What do you do when you need to measure 20′, 50′, 100′ or further? My guess is you grab your tape measure and either make a couple measurements or you end up grabbing your long tape. As you know most of the time you need two people or there are areas you can’t reach with the tape. That’s where the Bosch Blaze comes into play. Bosch designed the Blaze line of LDM to be extremely accurate, easy to use and durable.
While Bosch has a variety of LDM we are going to cover two of them, the Bosch Blaze GLM 165-10 and the Bosch Blaze GLM 165-40.
Bosch Blaze Review GLM 165-10
The Bosch GLM 165 10 is designed to be simple and easy. The LDM features an auto square which will automatically calculate the square footage with a push of a button.
The LDM will take a measurement up to 165′ with an accuracy of ±1/16″. The tool has an IP54 rating and is built to withstand rainy or dusty conditions.
The Blaze is very compact with a height of 4.125″ and a length of 1.625″. When you buy the GLM165 10 you get the following items:
- GLM165-10 Blaze One Laser Measure
- Hand Strap
- 5 Target Cards
- 2 AAA Batteries
- Pouch
The Bosch features a single push button. To turn the unit on, just press the red button. Now you are ready to take measurements. Press the red button and it will take your first measurement. press it again and the LDM will take your second measurement, plus automatically calculate the square foot for those two measurements.
To clear and start over again, just press the red button and you are set for your next measurement. To turn off the unit, just hold down the red button.
The screen is a black and white screen and has a nice contrast so it’s easy to read your measurements. If you are in a dark or well-lit area, you can easily read the screen. When taking a measurement, the unit will continuously read until you press the button and capture the distance.
Your first measurement is stored on the top, the second measurement is stored in line two and the last line tells you the square footage.
On the side of the LDM there is a nice rubber cover to help grip the unit with a single hand.
The Bosch Blaze is powered by two included AAA batteries.
Bosch Blaze Review GLM 165-40
If you need more features and options for measuring, then you will want to look at the Bosch Blaze GLM165 40. The GLM 165 40 has some of the same stats as the 10, but offers a little more. The GLM 165 40 can also measure up to 165′ with an accuracy of +/-1/16″.
The Bosch Blaze provides real-time distance, area, volume and indirect measuring functions, plus it can store 10 measurements. The unit will also allow the user to add or subtract measurements.
The GLM 165 40 comes with the following items.
- GLM165-40 Blaze 165 Ft. Laser Measure
- Hand Strap
- 5 Target Cards
- 2 AAA Batteries
- Pouch
The GLM 165 40 is also compact with a height of 4.125″ and a length of 1.625″ making this small enough to fit in your shirt pocket or tool belt.
Instead of having a single button, the GLM 165 40 has 5 buttons that perform a variety of different functions.
The unit is powered by 2 included AAA Batteries.
The screen is black and white and very easy to read in the dark or sunlight.
Using the function button on the front of the tool will allow you to switch between direct measurements, area, volume and more. On the left side of the screen, the LDM will indicate exactly what function you are in and what you are measuring.
Bosch Blaze Review Performance
Using either of these Bosch Blaze units is easy and straightforward. The red dot is bright enough to see outside and find exactly where you are taking your measurements from. The screen is easy to read and how hard can it be to press a button and find a measurement?
Bosch Blaze Review Value
As with all the other Bosch LDM’s we have tested over the years, I feel Bosch offers a great value for the money. Considering the accuracy, the ease of use and the durability, it’s pretty hard to beat.
You can pick up the GLM 165-10 on Amazon for about $70. If you need a little more kick in your LDM, you can spend a couple extra bucks and grab the Bosch GLM 165-40 for about $90.
Bosch Blaze Review Final Thoughts
The bottom line if you are looking for an accurate, easy and durable option to take long measurements, the Bosch Blaze is the way to go. You don’t have to carry around that huge tape and now you can be far more accurate. With a 2 year warranty and what they offer, it’s worth owning one of these or another LDM in the Bosch Blaze line of LDM’s.
