Should you choose a Red or Green Beam Laser Level?

Professionals who grew up using bubble spirit levels, plumb bobs, and chalk lines for years are now beginning to use laser levels. Since they are familiar with the technology, the question is whether to use a green- or red-beam laser, an issue that has been kicking around for over 20 years. But modern technology, both for the beam-generating diode and managing power consumption, has made the green option available to more professionals in various fields.

The green beam is four times more visible to the human eye than the traditional red beam. That is true for all interior applications; it is beneficial for bright ambient lighting. The natural choice of best option comes down to application and price.

Clear choices

Until recently, the green beam was costly to the point of being beyond consideration. However, diode technology has improved, dropped in price, and become more accessible. Tools incorporating a green laser are about 25 percent more expensive than a comparable device with a red beam. Traditionally, a green laser draws more power than a red laser. Over the years, the power consumption of green diodes has reduced, making the green option more practical for every laser-level project.

Due to the high output of green lasers, they operate at higher temperatures, making the diode more susceptible to the effects of ambient heat (direct sunlight, for example), which can cause diode damage.

Bosch laser levels incorporate VisiMax™ technology to address this issue. This exclusive technology monitors the laser’s temperature to ensure diodes maintain operational integrity and deliver the best line visibility while preserving the tool’s life.

Green is an excellent option if the job occurs in bright ambient lighting conditions or requires greater distances. But what about the red beam? The red beam laser still offers impressive performance for interior applications with standard lighting conditions over typical distances.

Real-world examples

The recently introduced Bosch GLL 55 red beam laser covers distances up to 50 ft. while the companion green beam GLL 100 G extends to 100 ft. These professional cross-line lasers include conventional vertical, horizontal, and cross-line modes, which can project two lines independently or together. Each has a manual mode that turns the self-leveling feature off to allow the user to lock the vertical, horizontal, or cross lines and use the tool at any angle. The tools provide a long vertical laser line that extends line visibility to a 360° vertical plane when placed next to a wall. In addition, an easy-to-use keypad makes choosing the correct mode among layout options simple.

Bosch’s GLL 55 and GLL 100 G Self-Leveling Cross-Line Lasers feature the locking Smart Pendulum System, which ensures accuracy, reliability, and durability. This system self-levels and indicates out-of-level conditions, giving the user added confidence in the accuracy of the measurements. The system locks the pendulum in place when it is switched off for secure transport to ensure consistent accuracy.

Bosch laser devices are constructed to withstand harsh job site conditions thanks to sturdy over-molded construction built to an IP54 rating for water and dust protection. A magnetic L-bracket base that attaches to the threading of 5/8 In.-11 and 1/4 In.-20 for use on a tripod and other laser-level accessories makes use on any job site easy. The bracket also attaches magnetically to metal surfaces, such as steel studs, and has retractable feet that allow the laser to be used as a freestanding device.

The final decision

In the final determination, choosing a green or red beam option comes down to the job and price consideration. Both options are excellent for applications like drop ceiling installation or leveling tasks. Green beam lasers offer greater visibility for any task, but red beam options still provide the level of performance demanded by professionals.