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  • Green line levels are no more accurate than red. The line is meant to be easier to see and more defined but, having used both extensively, I've never noticed a difference that would justify the price increase and would always go for the red and pocket the difference. Normally though I'd use my rotary level outside as it's more accurate over longer distances.

  • Cheers, yes that's what I'd gleaned from reading about, but it sounds like you'll need the detector outdoors over more than few metres anyway so probably not worth the extra. Thinking about it, how much more expensive can green diodes be than red, so definitely marketing at work.

    There's a 2nd hand rotatory on ebay but I think given that overall I'm likely to get more use inside and my deck project is only about 5m long, self levelling might be the way to go. Seems like a rotatory is only as accurate as the bubble levels on the side, which is probably enough for most cases.

  • Thinking about it, how much more expensive can green diodes be than red

    Loads! The chemistry is much more complicated. Not sure the light source is an especially large part of the bill of materials though.

  • Seems like a rotatory is only as accurate as the bubble levels on the side, which is probably enough for most cases

    Maybe with older ones but these days the unit will calibrate itself after it powers on making them very accurate (unless the calibration system breaks).

    For 5m you will get away with using a small level you don't necessarily need a detector. Some levels come with what looks like a reflector that lets you pick up the line from a good distance in even bright sunshine other will come with coloured specs that allow you to see the line better.

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