A Tale of Two Laser Distance Meters APEXFORGE Tools Magic D50 & Magic D80 Pro: Review and Comparison

The solution:

I’m here to explain the features of the APEXFORGE Magic D50 Nano and Magic D80 Pro Laser Distance Meters, and help you decide which one best suits your needs. For instance, both models offer distance measurements, area and volume calculations, and four indirect or Pythagorean measurement modes.

The video goes into much greater detail, but here are the highlights:

Accuracy Matters:

Both the D50 and D80 Pro boast impressive accuracy of ±1/16 inch or ±1.5mm, surpassing typical tape measures. They even have a calibration mode for precision adjustments, although mine were spot-on right out of the box. Plus, you can mute the beep, which is a thoughtful touch.

Unit Conversion Made Easy:

These LDMs can display measurements in six different units, and you can switch units even after taking a measurement. This flexibility is incredibly handy for unit conversions on the fly.

Range and Storage:

The D50 can measure up to 165 feet (50 meters), while the D80 extends to 262 feet (80 meters). Significantly, both devices can store up to 100 measurements onboard, and with the app, you can save a whopping 10,000 sets of data!

Button and Screen Tour:

Navigating these LDMs is straightforward, but I’d like to mention that the buttons can be difficult to read in some lighting conditions. Nevertheless, they serve multiple functions:

• The central green button powers the device and takes measurements.
• The second button selects the reference point: front, rear, or middle (for mounting).
• The Function button cycles through measurement modes, with icons on the screen providing clear guidance.
• Press and hold the arrow button for continuous measurements.

Bluetooth App Insights:

The mobile app connects seamlessly with your LDM. Equally important, it doesn’t require special permissions or data collection, which is a big plus. You can calibrate, change units, and export measurements as an Excel spreadsheet. However, the app could use some improvements, such as adding date fields and remarks to measurements.

Drawing Plans with the App:

The app allows you to draw plans from scratch or annotate photos. This is excellent for reference sketches, especially when sharing them. However, it can be a bit finicky when trying to adjust lines after drawing. 

Summary:

The D50 Nano impressed me with its compact design and feature set. However, some improvements, like better button visibility and a lanyard hole, would be welcome. Also, this tool is great for using on the go and fits perfectly into a pocket or purse. Because it’s so compact, I take this one with me on every trip to the hardware store!

On the other hand, the D80 Pro is a powerhouse with its extended range, angle finder, and enhanced durability. It’s a great fit for those who need frequent indirect measurements and need the ability to mount it on a tripod for long distance accuracy. For sure, when the job calls for more than a quick set of measurements, this is the laser meter I reach for.

Conclusion:

Choosing between these two siblings isn’t easy, but it depends on your specific needs. One one hand, the D50 is perfect for straightforward measurements, while the D80 Pro shines when you require advanced features, especially Pythagorean indirect measurements.

Personally, if I had to pick one, I’d go with the D80 Pro. Still, having both on hand covers a wider range of tasks, making them a dynamic duo you can’t go wrong with!

Thanks for joining me on this laser-focused journey at Uncharted DIY. If you found this article helpful, please leave a comment so we can share our knowledge with even more DIY enthusiasts like you.