Sola vs Stabila Level

[LG63]

Looking to upgrade my cheapo 48" level after finding out the hard way that the plumb vials aren't very accurate. Both Sola and Stabila get decent reviews on Amazon. It won't be for professional use but would like to hear feedback from the pros on these two brands. For Sola I'm looking at the Big Red and Stabila the 196 series.

 

[mkbug]

Both are good - I have Stabila. The caps can be removed from the ends of the Stabila which is helpful when clearance is an issue or I use it as a straight edge and need to draw a line to the end.
If that isnt a concern go for price.

 

[joe--h]

ve one of these --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004O0TTTA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Well worth the price. Joe H

 

[PBCampbell]

I've never seen a Sola level, but Stabila has had an excellent reputation for a couple decades at least. There are many other good brands available in the U.S. if you're located here that might save a few dollars.

 

[Git]

ve one of these --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004O0TTTA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Well worth the price. Joe H

Yep

Buy Once, Cry Once

 

[bcradio]

Yep

Buy Once, Cry Once

I love mine

Very accurate and the digital readout is great

 

[Roobaix]

I have a few Sola torpedos and a 24" Stabila R series.

Both are awesome, both feel rock solid, excellent construction, yatta yatta. The vials are a little easier to read on the Sola for me. The outer sides are shaded darker than the center which makes seeing what's level pop out a little.

I'd gladly take either one though.

 

[KnurledNut]

Ive never used Sola, but have been a Stabila user (196 series) for many years.
Excellent levels. Strong. Handle abuse/drops well. Accurate. Easy to clean. Love the grips. User friendly bubble.

The first generation end caps would come apart. That was a little annoying. I upgraded to the new style they use on the current stock. They are interchangeable.

Highly recommend.

 

[balrog]

I use Stabila 196 and the 196-2 electronic levels at work. If I needed another level, it would be one of these. For me, the vials are easy to read and the handles are great when making fine adjustment.

I don't have ownership experience with the Sola brand. I only got to see them once at a big sale and spoke to the sales rep. They seemed to have a good build quality.

 

[Superbec]

I have both , I think stabila makes quality stuff, sola is a bit cheaper, does the job just fine though.

I think I have about 5-6 levels, from the smallest stabila (pocket size) very very handy, to 1,5 meters.

 

[tarbellb]

If going the electronic read out route, be sure it has the Audible Readout feature.

Beeps when level..... so handy if you work by yourself.

 

[Rich.]

If going the electronic read out route, be sure it has the Audible Readout feature.

Beeps when level..... so handy if you work by yourself.

I have the digital Stabila too, great level. It has an audible beep and 2 screens, one ontop of the level and one on the side, so you should always be able to see it.

Rich

 

[ilovevocs]

ve one of these --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004O0TTTA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Well worth the price. Joe H

That looks like an amazing bit of kit. Another tool I didn't know I needed.

 

[jt777]

Stabila is my personal favorite and i know many people who use then hard daily. Like my buddy is a mason of over 30 years and swears by them. German made quality.

 

[Jure]

id go with sola.

 

[LG63]

Thanks for all the input. I think I'm going Sola as I can't think of a situation where I would need to remove the end caps and the Sola is considerably cheaper.

 

[ive]

Are the Sola levels stamped Austria?

 

[ricleh]

I have Stabila and BMI. Both are very good, but I prefer the BMI.

 

[Pinaud]

I got rid of my Stabila levels and switched to Sola. Much easier to read with older eyes.

Are the Sola levels stamped Austria?

Yes, they are marked “Made in Austria”

 

[ive]

Thank you.

 

[mhejl]

From an older thread:

The Level Thread

We've got threads dedicated to many various tools: screwdrivers, planes, hammers, vises and even vices. I'm in the market for a new spirit level and did a couple of searches. I found a few specific threads out there, but I thought this might be a good place to begin a larger discussion about...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[HenryAZ]

I got rid of my Stabila levels and switched to Sola. Much easier to read with older eyes.


Yes, they are marked “Made in Austria”

My 10" Sola is marked, in little tiny print near one end. I only have the one Sola, and 4 Stabilas. I would not hesitate to buy another Sola if it came up on a sale offer.

 

[dukefx]

Stabila is nice, but despite what's everyone saying quite delicate and meant for exactly what it's for: measuring and nothing else. You almost have to treat it like a precision measurement device. Sola is made for construction sites, use it to smooth out concrete, use it as a hammer, use it to hit the idiots in the head, you name it. It has shatterproof glass and a periodically reinforced frame. It also tends to be easier to read.

 

[mobiledynamics]

For those Sola Users, how has the dye lasted for you.
Most if not all my Stabila's have been used primarily indoor use as a weekend warrior projects....I've got like 3 or 4 vials where the green has turned to clear.

Obviously not user replaceable and this is not a defect, aka, Stabila won't warranty something like this.