No need to borrow or rent one of things again.

I contacted the manufacturer before I decided to buy this, mainly to determine the difference between this version and the $699 version. They indicated that, no matter who you bought it from, this version came with the Unipod, the stakes, and the protective boot.

I purchased this from Tool Deals (see link below) and I got the Unipod and stakes, but not the boot. I contacted the seller and, after a day or two, they asked for some information from the shipping label. I sent it over and their response was to "ship it back in the original shipping materials so they could see what was sent". By the time they asked for this, I had already recycled the box, so I couldn't send it back in the original shipping materials. Also, I use it almost on a daily basis, so sending it back would make life more difficult.

The unit itself is very easy to use, and it saves me a significant amount of time every time I use it, which is about 3 to 4 times a week at various job sites. I'm convinced it'll pay for itself within about 2 months of use. I'll never go back to a laser and a rod again. It sets up in about a minute and gives very accurate elevation information. If I could get it to give the info it gathers directly to my iPad, I wouldn't even need to go to the construction sites.

One thing I should mention, the manufacturer said it should be sent to them every 3 years (approximately) for calibration, which is about $200 every 3 years. I'm not thrilled with this aspect, but if it's what it needs to keep it accurate, I'm willing to pay $67 a year to have its convenience. I just need to remember to send it in during the winter months.

Again, don't buy it from Tool Deals, you won't get everything you're paying for!!!

Works great!

Fantastic tool for construction firms l we have lasers, optical tools, water levels, and old fashioned levels in a variety of shapes and sizes. This is so accurate and easy to operate that we have found unlimited uses. We will be shooting forms pre pour, floors post pour and pre delivery. Have a ridge board that runs 20 feet use the unipod adaptor and take your top reading from below standing firmly on the joists. Dead on accuracy without fish to the superintendents.

Technidea has changed the playing field for Home Inspectors and Surveyors alike. The use of altimeter technology far surpasses the rod and stick and the black magic that surrounded previous methods of level determination. While a bit pricey, the instrument is well worth the investment and is impressive right out of the box with one finger operation that makes me look smart and builds confidence in clients who witness the technology in action. Whut! Thanks be to goodness (and God) for delivering this product to my doorstep!