Here at The Tape Store we pride ourselves on the quality of the products we sell. That applies to pocket tapes, surveyors’ tapes and measuring wheels but especially laser measures. Make the wrong choice when buying one of these and you could become the victim of unreliability, inaccuracy and shoddy build quality.
That’s why we encourage our customers to only buy laser measures from Leica Geosystems. Leica invented the laser measure with the very first model being released in 1993. Not only were they the pioneers of this revolutionary new technology, they have continued to stay at the forefront of laser measure product development ever since. Still the laser measure manufacturer for anyone who values accuracy, reliability, build quality and usability, in many professionals' eyes there's simply no comparison between the competition.
Today there are 9 DISTO ™ laser measures in the Leica range but boy are they all different. They range in price from £90 (ex. VAT) to well over £1,000 (ex. VAT) – quite a considerable range! As a result, unless you already know which one you need, there are a number of questions that you have to ask yourself before settling on the right DISTO™ for you.
This section has been put together to make choosing the right DISTO ™ simplicity itself. Below you’ll discover two simple, easy to understand table showing the pros and cons of the various models in the DISTO ™ range. If this doesn’t help straight after you’ll find a short question and answer section that should give you all the information you need to confidently make the right decision.
The following tables compares all the key features, technical specifications and functions of each DISTO ™ against the rest of the model range. To make it easier for you to find the model you need, we've split the range into those more suited for indoor use and those also suited for use outdoors.
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| Technical Specifications | D110 | D2 | D210 | X310 | D3a BT |
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| Price (ex. VAT) | £87.00 | £69.99 | £99.00 | £145.00 | £299.00 |
| Price (inc. VAT) | £104.00 | £83.99 | £118.80 | £174.00 | £358.80 |
| Measurement range (m) | 60 | 60 | 80 | 120 | 100 |
| Measurement accuracy (mm) | ± 1.5 | ± 1.5 | ± 1.0 | ± 1.0 | ± 1.0 |
| Measurement units | m, in, ft | m, in, ft | m, in, ft | m, in, ft | m, in, ft |
| Bluetooth® data transmission |  |
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| Bluetooth® smart connectivity | |
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| Timer | |
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| Tilt sensor | |
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360° | ±45° |
| Power Range Technology™ | |
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| Multi-function end-piece (able to measure from corners and edges) | |
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| Tripod thread | |
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| Backlit display | |
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| AutoCAD plugin | |
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| Recall previous values (no.) | |
10 | 10 | 20 | 20 |
| Digital view finder with zoom | |
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| Weight with batteries (g) | 92 | 90 | 126 | 155 | 150 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 120x37x23 | 111x43x23 | 114x50x27 | 122x55x28 | 127x49x27 |
| Measurements per set of batteries | Up to 5,000 | Up to 5,000 | Up to 5,000 | Up to 5,000 | Up to 5,000 |
| Batteries | 2 x AAA | 2 x AAA | 2 x AAA | 2 x AAA | 2 x AAA |
| Durability & Protection | D110 | D2 | D210 | X310 | D3a BT |
| IP Rating | IP54 | IP54 | IP54 | IP65 | IP54 |
| Splash and dust resistant | |
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| Water jet and dust proof | |
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| Impact resistant (drop tested to 2m) | |
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| Function | D110 | D2 | D210 | X310 | D3a BT |
| Distance measurements (point to point - linear) | |
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| Distance measurements (min/max) | |
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| Area measurement | |
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| Volume measurement | |
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| Continuous measurement (one point to the next, to the next etc.) | |
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| Addition and subtraction (volumes, areas and distances) | |
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| Indirect height measurement (requiring tilt sensor) | |
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| Distance measurement (even past obstacles) | |
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| Stake out function | |
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| Pythagoras | |
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| Triangle function (calculate the area of a room with many corners) | |
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| Verify a right angled corner | |
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| Room dimensions function (calculate values such as total wall length, wall/ceiling area at the touch of a button) | |
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| Focus on distant objects even in bright sunlight | |
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| Easily measure roof slopes, facades and other pitched objects | |
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| Calculate heights without a reflection point | |
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| Calculate spot heights and ground profiles | |
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| Technical Specifications | D410 | D510 | D810 |
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| Price (ex. VAT) | £299.00 | £289.00 | £529.00 |
| Price (inc. VAT) | £358.80 | £346.80 | £634.80 |
| Measurement range (m) | 150 | 200 | 200 |
| Measurement accuracy (mm) | ± 1.0 | ± 1.0 | ± 1.0 |
| Measurement units | m, in, ft | m, in, ft, yd | m, in, ft, yd |
| Bluetooth® data transmission | |
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| Bluetooth® smart connectivity | |
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| Timer | |
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| Tilt sensor | |
360° | 360° |
| Power Range Technology™ | |
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| Multi-function end-piece (able to measure from corners and edges) | |
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| Tripod thread | |
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| Backlit display | |
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| AutoCAD plugin | ? | ? | ? |
| Recall previous values (no.) | 30 | 20 | ? |
| Digital view finder with zoom | |
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| Weight with batteries (g) | 198 | 198 | ? |
| Dimensions (mm) | 143 x 58 x 29 | 143 x 58 x 29 | ? |
| Measurements per set of batteries | Up to 5,000 | Up to 5,000 | ? |
| Batteries | 2 x AA | 2 x AA | Li-Ion Rechargeable |
| Durability & Protection | D410 | D510 | D810 |
| IP Rating | IP65 | IP65 | IP54 |
| Splash and dust resistant | |
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| Water jet and dust proof | |
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| Impact resistant (drop tested to 2m) | ? | ? | |
| Function | D410 | D510 | D810 |
| Distance measurements (point to point - linear) | |
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| Distance measurements (min/max) | |
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| Area measurement | |
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| Volume measurement | |
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| Continuous measurement (one point to the next, to the next etc.) | ? | |
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| Addition and subtraction (volumes, areas and distances) | |
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| Indirect height measurement (requiring tilt sensor) | |
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| Distance measurement (even past obstacles) | |
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| Stake out function | ? | ? | ? |
| Pythagoras | ? | ? | |
| Triangle function (calculate the area of a room with many corners) | ? | |
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| Verify a right angled corner | ? | |
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| Room dimensions function (calculate values such as total wall length, wall/ceiling area at the touch of a button) | ? | ? | ? |
| Focus on distant objects even in bright sunlight | |
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| Easily measure roof slopes, facades and other pitched objects | |
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| Calculate heights without a reflection point | ? | |
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| Calculate spot heights and ground profiles | ? | |
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This section provides answers to some of those questions most frequently asked by people looking to purchase a Leica DISTO ™. If, after reading this page, you still can't find the answer you're looking for please do feel free to get in touch via our Contact page.
Leica DISTOs can measure to distances of up to 200m to an accuracy of ±1mm. They can take measurements in areas where a conventional tape measure simply can’t reach, are incredibly user friendly and are all impressively robust. The DISTO ™ D110, D2, D210, D3a BT, D810 Touch and S910 are protected to IP54 (water splash and dust resistant) whilst the X310, D410 and D510 are protected to IP65 (water jet and dust proof). The rugged X310 has also been successfully drop tested onto concrete from a height of 2m.
With in-built area, volume, Pythagoras, trapezium and slope measurement calculations not to mention Bluetooth 4.0 Smart connectivity, iPad/iPhone and Android connectivity being just some of the DISTO ™ range’s party pieces it quickly becomes apparent that there is no comparison between a tape measure and a DISTO ™. The two instruments complement each other rather than one replacing the other.
Your average tape measure or measuring wheel is, technically speaking, a relatively simple machine. Granted there are considerable differences in accuracy, usability, function and quality between one tape and another but laser measures? Well, the vast majority of cheap laser measures on the market (and even some of the big name variety) are produced in factories with relatively poor regard for quality control. They’re frequently made by firms whose idea of accuracy might not be quite up to yours or your customers’.
When Leica invented the laser measure and launched the first DISTO ™ back in 1993 they were the only kid on the block. They revolutionised hand-held measurement and paved the way for the awesome measuring devices we see today. However, this was a profitable sector for Leica... not something that went unnoticed by other manufacturers around the globe. It wasn’t long before other players entered the laser measure market; many focusing on producing low-cost, low-quality instruments for the home/DIY sector. The result? The market became flooded with cheaply produced instruments with relatively poor reputations for quality. What’s more, lesser instruments were regularly tested and found to deliver significantly less than their stated levels of range and accuracy.
Leica are the only firm to develop, test and certify its laser measures to the new ISO Standard 16331-1. Developed by the international community in conjunction with Leica themselves, this standard has specifically been put in place to guarantee the accuracy and range of laser measures by testing them against both known benchmarks and their competitors. So far, the Leica DISTO ™ family is the only range of laser measures in the world to achieve this standard. What's more Leica is the only manufacturer to provide accuracy of ±1mm an almost of all of its range.
Not just satisfied with quality and accuracy, all DISTOs come with Leica’s famously outstanding aftersales service. All DISTOs come with a two year warranty as standard. What’s more, register your device online at www.disto.com (Leica’s official DISTO ™ site) and this will automatically be upgraded to three years free of charge. Any problems with your device, any manufacturer defect or design flaw and your device will be replaced free of charge. No quibble, no hassle, no argument. What's more, if you buy from The Tape Store we'll sort out any warranty claims on your behalf without you having to lift a finger.
For added reassurance, no other manufacturer spends even a fraction of both the time and money that Leica Geosystems spends on research and development when it comes to creating their laser measures. In buying a DISTO ™ you are buying the very latest measurement technology from the global leaders in that field. You are buying the confidence that your laser measure will not let you down, will work straight out of the box and will keep working reliably for years to come.
All Leica Disto laser measures are ideal for measuring indoors but, if you’re unlikely to be measuring more than 100m indoors, it might be that the D510, D810 and S910 are overkill. Other more advanced functions aside, the D110, D2, D210, X310 and D3a BT feature identical conventional laser targeting systems. In other words, the user needs to be able to see (with the naked eye) the red dot reflected on the surface being measured to. This is rarely a problem when working indoors over relatively short distances thanks to the absence of bright sunlight or glare.
Outdoors, however, can be a very different story. Granted, all models in the Disto range will be fine measuring over short distances in the shade but, in bright conditions or over extreme distances it can become impossible to see the red dot. This can render an indoor laser measure unusable but sees outdoor lasers (all models from the D410 up) come into their own.
The D410, D510, D810 and S910 all feature Leica’s digital Pointfinder tool; essentially a high quality colour camera built into the device with digital zoom. This allows the user to sight their target, position the digital crosshairs over the object and then measure to that point without needing to see the red dot. Accuracy levels remain unaffected (they typically achieve ±1mm over 150m - 200m) and far greater distances can be measured to than with a conventional laser measure.
For more information on the other advanced features that make the D410, D510, D810 and Disto S910 ideal for outdoor use please consult the table towards the top of this page.
For more information please refer to the question above. To summarise, however, the D110, D2, D210, X310 and D3a BT are probably all the laser measures you will ever need when working indoors.
Gone are the days when only the top end of the DISTO ™ range had the advanced functionality necessary to measure horizontal distances, even past obstacles. Nowadays only the entry level D110, D2 and D210 models come without Leica's patented Smart Horizontal Mode ™ (watch video). This revolutionary new technology allows the user to measure from one point to another across a horizontal distance even when there are obstacles in the way (e.g. furniture, kitchen units, machinery etc.) Ideal for estimators, estate agents, measured building surveyors and all manner of other professions. Models with Smart Horizontal Mode ™ as standard include the X310, the D3a BT, the D410, the D510 and the range-topping D810.
Both the Leica DISTO ™ D510 and D810 are equally suited to measuring slopes, angles and pitches for a number of reasons. Firstly both units allow the user to take indirect measurements thanks to a built in 360° tilt sensor. This feature means that roof pitches, the slope of solar panels and other angled objects can be measured without needing direct access.
It also allows the user to measure the height of an object without leaving the ground; a function that is further enhanced by the 200m range Digital Pointfinder (view finder with cross hairs) built into both models. This allows slopes, pitches and heights to be measured even when the object isn't reflective and a conventional 'red laser dot' could therefore not be seen (examples could include a tree, telegraph pole, roof line/ridge height etc.)
Whilst all models are well built and constructed from high quality materials, some models are better suited to those tougher conditions where knocks, drops or other damage is more likely.
The X310 has a rugged outer, rubberised shell and has been drop tested to heights of 2 metres. It’s also IP65 rated meaning that it is impervious from water jet ingress and is completely dust tight. The only other Distos that achieve this level of water/dust protection are the D410 and D510 although these particular models are not quite as rugged and have not been drop tested to the same level.
It must be made clear, however, that all DISTO ™ laser measures are protected to at least IP54 (water splash and dust resistant) standards.
The maximum distance that can be measured varies across the DISTO ™ range. The D210 has a maximum range of 80m whereas the D2 and D110 max out at 60m. The D3a BT tops out at 100m, the X310 (new model as sold through this site) at 120m and the D410 at 150m. The D510 and the D810 achieve an almost unbelievable 200m.
Not all models in the DISTO ™ range include the ability to transfer measurement data to another device. The D210 and X310 are standalone laser measures that are designed to be used on their own and not in conjunction with a PC, PDA, phone or tablet. That is not the case with the D3a BT, D510 and D8 models, however.
New in 2014, the D110 is designed for maximum simplicity and usability. Leica's market research showed that many customers wanted a robust, reliable and accurate laser measure that was, above all things, easy to use. Leica's answer was the D110. Featuring just 4 buttons (power on/measure - area measure - activate Bluetooth - clear/power off) but maintaining the same accuracy and range as the D2. This device features Bluetooth Smart allowing the user to pair it with a compatible iPad, iPhone or Android device. The free Leica Disto Sketch app allows the user to draw scaled floor plans in real time.
This device also includes Disto Transfer - a piece of software that allows measurements to be transfered from the device to a computer.
Mid-way through the DISTO ™ range, the D3a BT is a fantastic device with the added benefit of Bluetooth data transfer. Unlike the D2, D210 and X310 which are more 'standalone' laser measures, the D3a BT can transfer its data via Bluetooth direct to your PC or other device. This particular unit's Bluetooth capabilities involve simply connecting your DISTO ™ to your PC, laptop or pocket PC quickly and completely without wires. The data is transferred smoothly and quickly and can then be viewed and manipulated in a whole host of commonly used packages including Word® and Excel® etc.
Unlike the D3a BT, the D510 features what's called 'Bluetooth Smart 4.0' connectivity. Not only can the user transfer their data to be viewed and edited in packages such as Excel®, unlike any other laser measure in the World they can also connect them to the latest generations of Apples iPhone, iPad and iPad Mini devices (iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad Mini and iPad 3). With Leica's DISTO Sketch app (watch video) this incredible innovation allows the user to producte drawings, plans and sketches in moments (even overlaying measurements onto existing plans or photographs). Then, using your Apple device's 3G or Wi-Fi connection, you can simply email this data directly back to the office. Your CAD team, architect, designer or estimator can have those vital measurements input into their software or calculations before you've even left site.
The Disto D810, as with the D110, features Bluetooth Smart 4.0 which facilitiates the use of the free Leica Disto Sketch app. With its revolutionary 'measure with pictures' function, users can now transfer pictures (and data) from their laser to their PC. This is done, not by Bluetooth, but rather by USB cable (provided).
If all you need is to measure from point A to point B and calculate area then the D110 is absolutely the right tool for you. It's the very definition of simplicity - just four buttons, the D110 measures linear distances and area. It couldn't be easier to use.
If you want that little bit more functionality then either the D2 or the D210 would be ideal delivering linear distance, area and volume measurement without the (perhaps unecessary) additional functionality of some of the more expensive DISTO ™ models. Measuring to either 60 or 80m to typically ±1.5 or ±1mm accuracy, these are two of our best selling laser measures. The key difference between the two is that the D210 has longer range, is slightly more accurate and features an automatic fold-out end piece rather than a manual version.
Don’t let unscrupulous sales people persuade you that you need to spend many hundreds of pounds on a device that does more than you need it to. As with everything in life, the phrase ‘horses for courses’ applies to choosing the right Leica DISTO ™.
Yes, absolutely. We realise that not all of our customers need or want the functionality that comes with a Leica DISTO ™. Many of our customers simply don’t need millimetre accuracy and may never need to measure to such long distances. Leica DISTOs are the best laser measures in the World, granted, but that doesn’t mean they are the right tool for everyone.
As a result we’ve sourced a selection of other, less-expensive laser measures from other manufacturers who produce reliable, good quality items that are ideal for the DIY/home or light professional user who can’t justify purchasing a DISTO. However, due to the popularity of the DISTO range, we don't feature them on our website. If you're interested in another type of laser measure please do get in touch.
Please note, however, that the price difference between a Leica and its nearest competitor is, generally, quite minimal. For the significant increase in quality we would always recommend a Disto above all others.
That’s easy. The Tape Store are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of hand held measuring devices. We don’t stock cheap, shoddy tools for the simple reason that we don’t want to see products being returned. We want happy customers who enjoy their buying experience, enjoy their product and, hopefully, tell their friends!
Our success as a supplier of Leica DISTO laser tapes is a product of our reliability, our speed of delivery, the free next day delivery (if ordered before 2pm - Monday to Friday) offered for all laser measures, our after sales support and our zero-hassle returns policy.
We also offer the full current range along with a fantastic selection of official Leica DISTO Accessories such as tripods, adaptor plates, carry bags, target plates and laser glasses.
Yes, absolutely. We offer free deliver on all orders containing a Leica DISTO ™. This takes into account all DISTO ™ laser measures from the D110 right up to the range-topping S910.
Unfortunately, due to the high costs involved, this service (pre-5pm when ordered before 1pm) is only available to those in England, Wales and ‘mainland’ Scotland. Unfortunately most couriers charge more for deliveries made to the Scottish Highlands, Scottish Isles, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and other outlying isles. That said, we do our utmost to keep delivery costs down for everyone regardless of where they live.
Here is a rough breakdown of our costs for shipping to outlying areas of the UK. Please note that, if you're placing a particularly large order, we may be able to reduce or waive your delivery charges altogether. Please call 0800 023 6200 to enquire.
They certainly are. Obviously the level of discount available does depend upon the number you're after. However, if you'd like to give us a call on 0800 023 6200 we'd be happy to discuss your requirements in person.
The Tape Store is an international retailer and sells thousands of tape measures and laser measures to customers throughout the world each year. However, for fraud prevention reasons, we are not able to take credit/debit card payments from outside of the UK/ROI. Instead we are able to accept bank transfers (cleared funds recieved prior to despatch) accompanied by a formal purchase order.
If you would like to place an order from outside the UK our international sales team will be happy to assist. Simply get in touch via our contact page.
