GeoMax Zone 20H Rotating Laser Review.
One of the latest rotating laser levels to hit the market is the GeoMax Zone 20H. GeoMax is a new brand in laser level products but is part of the Hexagon Group which also has the Leica brand in its fold. GeoMax states that they are trying to provide affordable and quality laser levels to contractors like you.
But is the GeoMax Zone 20H any good for you? Will it provide you with accurate levels and be easy to use? Can it withstand the rigors of being on the toughest of sites? Hopefully, this review will help you.
I have had 2 of the GeoMax Zone 20H rotating laser levels to use on a busy construction site for the last month. Both were brand new delivered to site and have been used over the last month.
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First Impressions of the GeoMax Zone 20H.
The black carry case was light in weight and has a smooth feel to it. The GeoMax Zone 20H is well protected in the case with a good amount of padding to keep it safe during transit. But the overall impression I got was that it is a cheaper, entry level rotating laser level.
I do like the two-part handle that the box has. Lifting the box by this two-part handle means that the box cannot fall open if the metal catches break or are not securely fastened. I find that so many of the carry cases do not have this simple feature, and if your box opens whilst being carried the expensive instrument inside can fall out.
GeoMax is part of the Hexagon Group which also owns the Leica brand. GeoMax states that they are trying to provide affordable and quality laser level products for contractors like you. The GeoMax Zone 20H bears a striking resemblance to the Leica Rugby series of rotating lasers.
Is the GeoMax Zone 20H the best rotating laser level to buy?
I think there are better rotating laser levels available. The GeoMax Zone 20H is a good laser level. And it will serve you well. It just is not as good as either the Leica Rugby or Topcon RL-H5A laser levels.
The GeoMax is a bit cheaper than both of these laser levels. If it was a similar price to the Leica or the Topcon then it just wouldn’t compete.
If you are looking for a GeoMax Zone 20H review, then this GeoMax Zone 20H review will provide information on the GeoMax rotating laser level including its features and specifications.
Is the GeoMax Zone 20H easy to use?
The GeoMax Zone 20H is very easy to use. It has a design that anyone should be able to use it without too much effort.
It is self-levelling within 6 degrees of horizontal. There is a circular bubble near the handle to help with levelling of the GeoMax Zone 20H.
Once you have the rotating laser level it is just a single button press to switch it on and start the self-levelling procedure. It takes about 10 seconds for this to complete and for the laser to start spinning. The laser has only one spin speed and this is set at 600rpm.
Can the GeoMax Zone 20H set slopes?
Yes, the GeoMax Zone 20H can be used for slopes. It is a manual slope setting and can be done for either axis. You cannot enter a grade on the GeoMax Zone 20H, you have to match it on site.
This is a useful feature for when a straight grade is required between two known points. Ideal if you are tying in a driveway or want to put a fall across a footpath or some land. It would also be handy for joining in a new drain run between two existing manholes.
What is the accuracy of the GeoMax Zone 20H Rotating Laser Level?
The quoted accuracy for the GeoMax Zone 20H is plus or minus 2.2mm at 30m from the laser level. On site tests would suggest that this is true. The rotating laser levels I had were giving a total of 5mm height difference when checked at over 30m distance.
The onsite accuracy that I have observed with these new GeoMax Zone 20H’s is on the limit of acceptability. In my experience the accuracy of instruments will only degrade over time. Therefore, time will tell how accurate GeoMax Zone 20H rotating laser levels actually are.
I have often said that rotating laser levels are more accurate than quoted, so I did a test with a randomly selected rotating laser level. The results confirmed what I have thought. There is an article on the accuracy of rotating laser levels on this site.
The GeoMax Zone 20 H laser level uses a 635 nm (visible) / class 1 laser. This is common with a lot of other manufacturers of the cheaper rotating laser levels. If it was fitted with a class 2 laser then the accuracy would improve.
The GeoMax Zone 20H rotating laser level would benefit from installing a class 2 laser. This would make it comparable to the Leica Rugby 600 series, and allow for greater precision readings.
What is the working range of the GeoMax Zone 20H Rotating Laser Level?
The working range of the GeoMax Zone 20H is quoted to be 900m diameter. That means that you can work up to 450m away from the rotating laser. At this distance you can expect to be 33mm out of level relative to the laser level.
The working range of the GeoMax Zone 20H is greater than both the Leica Rugby 610 and 620 models. However, with the lesser accuracy of the Zone 20H I would argue that this extra range capability is useless. There is no point in being able to go further if the accuracy is not there.
The range of the GeoMax Zone 20H is determined by the receiver and the laser that is used. The GeoMax Zone 20 H laser level uses a 635 nm (visible) / class 1 laser. This is common with a lot of other manufacturers.
I personally think GeoMax should have gone for a class 2 laser as this allows you to get higher accuracy readings. This would have put it in direct competition with the Leica Rugby 600 series of rotating laser levels.
Is the GeoMax Zone 20H weatherproof?
Yes, the GeoMax Zone 20H is weatherproof. It has an IP67 Rating.
The IP67 rating means it protected against dust that may harm the instrument and is also protected from being immersed in water (prevents the ingress of a harmful quantity of water) to a depth of 1m for 30 minutes.
This means the two main issues, dust and rain, that are encountered on constructions sites are covered. If it does get caught out in the rain, just make sure it is dried off before it is put back in the carry case.
Is a rechargeable battery available for the GeoMax Zone 20H?
Yes, there is a Li-Ion rechargeable battery option for the GeoMax Zone 20H. The rechargeable battery should last for over 40Hrs of use. Which is enough for a full week of work between charges.
The GeoMax Zone 20H that I have tested did have the rechargeable battery packs. The battery pack is exchangeable and will simply unlock and pull out of the unit. Having a spare battery may well be a handy addition for this laser level.
According to GeoMax, the laser level needs charging for 8 Hours before use. GeoMax does recommend fully charging and then de-charging the GeoMax Zone 20H battery pack before first use of the GeoMax Zone 20H rotating laser level.
There is also the ability of using disposable batteries with the GeoMax Zone 20H, but this will require a different battery pack holder to the rechargeable version.
What guarantee is offered with the GeoMax Zone 20H?
The standard guarantee for the GeoMax Zone 20H rotating laser level is 3 years with the option to extend for a further 2 years. This warranty does not cover damaged caused through abuse or mishandling.
GeoMax offers a 5-year guarantee on their premium rotating laser levels. The premium range of GeoMax rotating laser levels starts with the Zone 40H.
Can the GeoMax Zone 20H rotating laser level set slopes?
Yes, the GeoMax Zone 20H rotating laser level can match slopes. It is not a grade laser level and slopes have to be set manually to match points on site.
To be able to set a slope with the GeoMax Zone 20H you have to turn off the Hi Alert function and cycle through to set the axis you want to match. Then just use the arrow keys until the laser beam is at the desired slope. You will need a competent assistant to help as they are needed to hold the receiver plumb at the point required.
The Hi Alert function alerts you to any potential knocks or levelling issues that might occur with the rotating laser level.
What is the GeoMax Zone 20H Rotating Laser Level Kit?
GeoMax Zone 20H Rotating laser level comes with tripod, receiver, and E-Grad staff for use with GeoMax products. What will comprise the GeoMax Zone 20H rotating laser level kit will vary between suppliers. Most survey equipment suppliers can tailor the kit to your requirements.
There are different receivers available for the GeoMax Zone 20H rotating laser level and once again they bear a striking resemblance to the Leica Rod Eyes.
What laser detectors are available with the GeoMax Zone 20H?
There are four different laser detectors available for the GeoMax Zone 20H.
- GeoMax ZRB90 Basic.
- GeoMax ZRP105 Pro.
- GeoMax ZRD105 Digital.
- GeoMax ZRD105B.
The GeoMax ZRD105 Digital and GeoMax ZRD105B are the best laser detectors for this rotating laser level. These laser detectors have numerical height readouts, which is very handy for know how much you deed to raise or lower whatever you are levelling.
The GeoMax ZRB90 Basic and the ZRP 105 Pro are still good detectors for using with the Zone 20H and well worth considering if they are likely to get damaged on site.
Prices for the GeoMax ZRB90 Basic start around £95 in the UK or around $170 in the USA. The GeoMax ZRD105 Digital receivers are around £195 in the UK or around $350 in the USA. These prices are correct at the time of publishing (mid 2021).
My preferred detector would be the GeoMax ZRD105 Digital. This is because you get a lot of for your money, and it will also gives the height to desired level in a clear number format.
If the GeoMax ZRD105 Digital receiver is not available, then I would choose the GeoMax ZRB90 Basic. Especially if the receiver is going to be used in arduous conditions.
What is the price of the GeoMax Zone 20H Rotating Laser Level?
The GeoMax Zone 20H is priced at around £700 in the UK or $800 in the USA. These prices are correct at time of publication (mid 2021) and are for the Rotating laser and detector only. Rotating laser level kits will cost more.
GeoMax also have many accessories available for the GeoMax Zone 20H rotating laser level. These include batteries and a battery charger and a wall bracket. Prices for these will vary.
Where to buy the GeoMax Rotating Laser Level?
I would only recommend that you buy the GeoMax Zone 20H from a reputable source. A company that can support you should anything go wrong with the laser level.
The GeoMax rotating laser levels that I have been using and reviewing have come from GAP Survey and Safety. They currently do not offer these for sale.
Websites that currently offer the GeoMax for sale include:
UK
https://smithsurveyingequipment.co.uk/
https://www.survey-tech.co.uk/
USA
https://www.tigersupplies.com/
https://www.engineersupply.com/
Disclaimer: I have not used any of the above companies and cannot vouch for their customer service.
Conclusion.
The GeoMax Zone 20H rotating laser level is both economic and sturdy. This laser delivers all functions needed for both regular and flexible work. The GeoMax Zone 20H is an automatic horizontal laser that allows for grade setting to be corrected in any type of terrain, making it very easy and highly reliable.
It is a great laser level to buy for starting out or when accuracy is not the main concern. For the price, it is an amazingly effective laser using GeoMax technology. There are more expensive rotating laser levels available, and they are more accurate. But if you cannot justify spending the money on the best rotating lasers on the market, then the GeoMax Zone 20H may just be the one for you.
