Bosch GLM 50 C – Bluetooth Laser Measure

I know I am going to sound like a broken record, but I don’t care.  When it comes to levels and measuring, Bosch is the company to beat.  Not only do they make reliable, durable and accurate measuring tools, but they offer a huge variety of them.  While most companies will develop maybe one or two laser distant measures (LDM), but Bosch goes one step further.  They know people use LDMs for all sorts of things.  While one user might want all the bells and whistles, another user might just want something smaller to take a quick measurement.  So if you are looking for a LDM that fits your needs, I am pretty sure you can find it in the Bosch LDM line  Which brings me to today’s tool, the Bosch GLM 50 C.

The Bosch GLM 50 C is their middle of the road LDM, while it has a ton of options, it doesn’t offer everything.  While it doesn’t have all the options of the GLM 100 C, don’t worry because it still has the same accuracy and quality.  This LDM has a ton of specs, so I am not going to hit them all.  To learn more about the specs, check out below.  The first thing you will notice is the screen.  The screen is nice and big for a pocket size LDM.  Not only is it big, but the numbers are very easy to see.  The color contrast is great.  Bosch uses a color screen and this really makes it easy to read in almost any lighting condition.  The screen and being able to read it should be enough for you want to buy it, but I will go on.  Another cool feature is the screen adjusts to your view.  So if you are holding the LDM straight up, you can see the numbers.  However if you turn it on the side, the screen will adjust so you are still see the numbers right side up.  This unit will measure up to 165′, which is pretty far.  In regards to measurement, you can pretty much do anything with it.

• Distance – Real Time
• Area
• Volume
• Indirect
• Multisurface Area
• Stakeout
• Min/Max
• Digital Level
• Memory

Another awesome feature of this LDM is it’s Bluetooth, which means you can hook it up to your phone.  I have to say Bosch does a great job with all their different phone apps.  They all seem to be easy to use, nice set up and are practical apps.  These are apps that you really want to use, not just for show.  Now I was going to go into more detail, but I realized this is a tool that is much easier to show on video, so we have a video below.

Bosch GLM 50 C Technical data

• Laser diode 635 nm, < 1 mW
• Measurement range 0,05 – 50 m
• Laser class 2
• Measurement accuracy, typical +/- 1.5 mm
• Measurement range of incline measurement 0 – 360° (4 x 90°)
• Measuring accuracy (typical) +/- 0.2°
• Measurement time, typical < 0.5 s
• Measurement time, max. 4 s
• Power supply 2 x 1.5 V LR03 (AAA)
• Automatic deactivation 5 min.
• Units of measurement m/cm, ft/inch
• Memory capacity (values) 30
• Battery lifetime, individual measurements, approx. 10.000
• Battery lifetime, operating time, approx. 2,5 h
• Dust and splash protection IP 54
• Tripod thread 1/4″
• Data transfer Android devices with Bluetooth™ 2.1 or higher, iOS devices with Bluetooth™ Smart technology

Click the picture to see the differences with the models

Overall I love the Bosch GLM 50 C.  Very easy to use and also it is easy to see the screen.  While I wish the case was a little bigger to make getting the LDM in and out easier, it’s not a deal breaker.  This is just one of those tools that when you get it, you will be asking yourself, why didn’t I buy this sooner? The unit is a great pocket size LDM, it’s accurate and durable.  Really what else more could you ask for in a LDM?  I love all the functions and how easy it is to change from one function to another.  The app works great and another huge design win for Bosch.  Check out more about the Bosch GLM 50 C over at Amazon