The Festool level was indeed a Stabila level that was a modified Type 196 frame. The most notable mod's that I remember were the continuous frame across the vial on the long edge and the graduations that started in the center for centering things. It's been a long time since I had any so there may have been something else but I don't recall...
The latest and greatest Stabila spirit levels are the
R-Beams. They have 3 continuous edges that are good for marking, etc., and are more than twice as strong as the Type 196 frames (120% stronger). The 196 frames were already really strong. They also have a very ergonomic grip, can be used as a screed, and are easy to clean.
When they first came out, I thought the R-Beam was a bit of overkill. Now that I've used one for a while, I like it. I'm getting the same sort of feedback from customers also.
Shortly after I first saw the Festool levels, Stabila came out with the
Measuring Sticks. They used the Festool enhancements on a smaller frame, the Type 80A-2 frame.
Tom
EDIT:
Oh, wait a minute... Weren't the Festool versions, "The Light" levels also?
