New Levels from Stabila are In Stock - R Beam Levels

Sean7a

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Welp, Stabila trying to mix the pot up a bit.  I'll be 100% honest, not sure if we're blown away.... just yet.

Still have that Stabila lifetime warranty.

Level does not want to tip because of new profile, it's much more ergo an comfier to carry, supposed to be 120% stronger over their type 196's, super accurate vials from all positions.

Check'em out.  They're ready to roll and a few have gone out already today.  Would love to get feedback from you guys.  Maybe even some of the Euro's.  Possibly they've been available over there for some time already?

New Stabila R Beam Levels @ Toolnut.com
 
Got to say, I just don't see the advantage over my older Stabila levels, or for that matter, over my 30-year-old, discontinued-when-I-bought-it, magnesium-frame Stanley level which has never once gone out of true.  Sorry, Sean... 

[sad]
 
Don't apologize!  Thanks for chiming in.

The big thing about levels, is not how "true" they are.  I assume when you say true you're referring to the body of the level.  What helps guys like Stabila stand apart is the lifetime warranty coupled with the accuracy and precision of their bubble vials.  Sure a Stabila and a 30 year old Stanley may be both straight and on the arrow, but the Stanley's bubbles likely will have much more deflection than you'll find of that of the HIGH end Stabilas.  That's the true value in a Stabila or other high end levels.  Also, ability to read the vials from any vantage point or orientation the level is in and get the same reading.  Few price point levels can do that.

But hey, awesome that you're rockin' 'n rollin' with what you have!  I'd be too!
 
I have 4-5 Stabila's, all are their previous "best" design.  I'd say I'm not too impressed with their vials any more than any other level I've had - I think they allow for a bit more interpretation than I'd prefer...

I have them because of various pricing deals, both new and used, but they don't do a whole lot more than the levels they replaced, nor are they any easier or faster to use or spot.

Julian

 
If I can chime in here..... When it comes to a level, there are two things that can go wrong with it - vial inaccuracy or frame deflection. What we like about Stabila is the fact that their vials are epoxy sealed - which means they are guaranteed for life. Should a vial become loose, you ship it back to Stabila and they'll replace it. The only thing that can void a warranty on a Stabila level is if a frame is bent. If this is the case, obviously, the vial is not bad - one can get a bad reading because of this deflection. These new levels seem to be a stronger frame. I'll post pics and some observations....
 
Peter James said:
If I can chime in here..... When it comes to a level, there are two things that can go wrong with it - vial inaccuracy or frame deflection. What we like about Stabila is the fact that their vials are epoxy sealed - which means they are guaranteed for life. Should a vial become loose, you ship it back to Stabila and they'll replace it. The only thing that can void a warranty on a Stabila level is if a frame is bent. If this is the case, obviously, the vial is not bad - one can get a bad reading because of this deflection. These new levels seem to be a stronger frame. I'll post pics and some observations....

Do a test  [tongue]. Have this new model and old model with weights on it and measure the deflection.  But if you want take it a step further  keep adding weights until the level bends/snaps see which one can hold the most weight. 

Heehee  [tongue]
 
anyone in the know (dealers)?  if they plan to release the r beams in a jambers set or any sets? and if so when?
 
I think the design is a good one, if you screed with the tool.  Maybe a tile guy that does a lot of "mud work".  Walls and tile beds that are custom built out of mortar or a Concrete Countertop guy?

I'm happy with the Stabilia I have and know they are going to last a lifetime.  Knock on wood  [eek] If my truck doesn't go missing.
 
Stabila is a great product. They stand behind lifetime warranty. I've sent back two levels that were reading slightly out and a couple years old ( used not abused) and they replaced them on each occasion . But the real question is...what are the choices? Here in the U.S. it's slim pickings on quality box beam levels. It's really only stabila or some china made garbage . I guess 30 year old Stanley's are good but last time I walked into my supplier I'm pretty sure they were all out. If anyone knows of a company making same or better quality than stabila ,please entertain us with info. For the meantime stabila is the "go to"level for professional in the U.S.
 
I got the 48" for Father's Day (early). I really like the design. It looks like it would be easy to keep clean too. I plan on purchasing the other sizes, as I didn't have any levels. I also got the Stabila torpedo level with the adjustable vial, and a Sola aluminum torpedo level. Both are very nice. Do I need to register the Stabila for the lifetime warranty or do they just stand behind it with their name on it?
 
johninthecamper said:
I bought 78&32 r beam set, fri at katz roadshow,180 bucks

did you buy it from katz? or from the store holding the show- if so you mind me asking what store?
 
took a ticket from stabila guy to the cashier inside, paid,went back to get it from the stablia guy.don't know who got the money,ganahl lumber hosted katzroadshow
 
Robert Robinson said:
I got the 48" for Father's Day (early). I really like the design. It looks like it would be easy to keep clean too. I plan on purchasing the other sizes, as I didn't have any levels. I also got the Stabila torpedo level with the adjustable vial, and a Sola aluminum torpedo level. Both are very nice. Do I need to register the Stabila for the lifetime warranty or do they just stand behind it with their name on it?

They just replace it no problem . I sent a torpedo level back 20 years ago and still have the replacement. I also have  two sola red levels and they are very accurate .
 
Nothing in the pipeline that dealers are aware of just yet, but I believe Stabila's long term goal here is to replace the line with R Beams, so you can bet on seeing jamber sets eventually.
 
well i called a local stabila dealer and the ganahl lumber in ca where the katz show was and both said no jamber sets. however the local dealer said stabila has 78" and 32" in stock. there has to be a way to get a hold of a jambers set if others have them.
 
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