CST/berger recently introduced the RL50HVCK Horizontal/Vertical CST/berger Rotary Laser for precision outdoor leveling, grading, and excavating of concrete, formwork, footings, and foundations. The laser is self-leveling and accurate to ±1/16 of an inch at 100 feet and features single axis slope control, an Anti-Drift System (ADS), a glass-enclosed top housing, over-molded housing in impact areas, an IP56 rated against dust and water contamination, variable speed modes (0, 150, 300, 600 RPM), and variable scan angles (10°, 25°, 50°).
It provides a vertical beam for layout of 90° corners and plumb applications, a 2,000-foot diameter working range, and has a battery life of about 55 hours. The kit includes the RD5 Laser Detector, which has a memory function and easy-access dual front and back displays, a remote control, adjustable wall mount, batteries, aluminum tripod, leveling rod, laser glasses, magnetic target, and carrying case.
Our Take
Likely the biggest talking points about the new CST/berger Rotary Laser will center around the price point. At $799 for the kit, we wonder what tradeoffs are in store. After all, when you drop below the $1000 mark on a rotary laser, you typically start to lose some of the best features and possibly range or accuracy.
The easiest way to cut costs on any laser is to use a red beam instead of green. Red isn’t as easy for the human eye to pick up as green, but it costs less and uses less power. Since most rotary lasers are going to work outside with a receiver, this is a minor tradeoff for most users. But where users will notice another big difference at this price point is that you’re using 3 D-cell batteries for power rather than lithium-ion. You’ll get up to 55 hours of use out of them, but it’s definitely something you’ll want to keep in mind.
Aside from the red beam and power source, the range and accuracy are right where you need it for big level and grading jobs. Even with the red beam, you still get solid range (2000 feet) and accuracy (1/16 inch). That’s the same that we see in the DeWalt 20V Max Tough Green Laser that runs $1299. Add in variable rotation speeds and scan angles along with a few other bonuses and you’ve got a pretty nice feature set.
The CST/berger Rotary Laser comes with everything you need to get started, including a leveling rod. Many manufacturers leave that out and it’s a pain to spend that much on a tool only to have something else to buy before you get started.
CST/Berger Rotary Laser Features
- Self-leveling
- Accurate to ±1/16 of an inch at 100 feet
- Single Access Slope Control
- Anti-Drift System
- Glass-enclosed Top Housing
- Over-Molded Housing in Impact Areas
- IP56 Rated
- Variable Speeds (0, 150, 300, 600 rpm)
- Variable Scan Angles (10°, 25°, 50°)
- Vertical Beam for Layout of 90° Corners and Plumb Applications
- 2,000-Foot Diameter Working Range
- 55-Hour Battery Life
- Memory Function
- Dual Front and Back Displays
- Remote Control
- Adjustable Wall Mount
- Batteries
- Tripod
- Leveling Rod
- Laser Glasses
- Magnetic Target
- Carrying Case
CST/Berger Rotary Laser Specifications
- Model Number: CST/berger RL50HVCK
- Length: 7.3 Inches
- Height: 8.6 Inches
- Weight: 5.08 Pounds (Bare)
- Working Temperature: 14°F to 122°F
- Price: $799.00
