The Hilti PR 300-HV2S is marketed as a robust and versatile rotating laser level, suited for both horizontal and vertical applications on construction sites. Unfortunately, my experience with this tool was anything but smooth. From the moment I unboxed it to attempting to use it on-site, it proved to be an exercise in frustration.
First Impressions
The first thing anyone notices about a tool is the case it comes in. The plastic case for the Hilti PR 300-HV2S feels thin and flimsy. It doesn’t inspire confidence that it can stand up to the rough-and-tumble of a busy construction site. For a tool designed for professional use, the case seems like an afterthought.
The laser level itself, however, feels much more rugged. It has a good weight, rubberized handle grips, and a simplistic button interface. On paper, the specs are impressive:
- 600rpm spinning speed
- Horizontal and vertical laser capabilities
- Class 2 laser
- IP66 ingress protection
- Accuracy within 0.5mm at 10m distance
- Tested to withstand drops from 1.5m
The kit includes the laser itself, multiple accessories like the PRA 300 laser receiver/remote, and a PRA 20 laser receiver. While the list of components is extensive, my experience with using them was less than ideal.
Using the Hilti PR 300-HV2S
Here’s where things started to fall apart. The Hilti PR 300-HV2S is not intuitive to use. While switching it on is straightforward, it doesn’t always start spinning immediately, which was a minor but recurring frustration.
The real headache, however, was trying to input a grade. This process is far from user-friendly, requiring multiple steps that feel overly complicated. To make matters worse, the laser does not save the grade settings. So, every time you reset or switch it off, you have to go through the tedious process of reprogramming the grade again the next day.
For someone like me, a site engineer, this proved to be incredibly time-consuming and frustrating. Ultimately, I abandoned the Hilti and returned to a Topcon laser level, which is far more straightforward to use.
The remote control for the Hilti PR 300-HV2S also leaves a lot to be desired. While it feels solid enough, the key layout is clunky, and the operating system is poorly designed. The remote is essential to operate this laser, but using it feels cumbersome, adding to the overall frustration of the experience.
Verdict
The Hilti PR 300-HV2S may look rugged and professional, but using it is a different story. It’s not intuitive, it’s frustrating to program, and it’s simply not suited for the fast-paced demands of a construction site.
If you’re considering buying one, I’d advise you to look elsewhere—Topcon or Leica would be far better choices and save you countless headaches. If you’ve hired one, do yourself a favor and return it. You’ll save yourself time, frustration, and effort by opting for a more user-friendly alternative.
As someone who has used a range of laser levels in professional settings, I can confidently say this is not the tool for construction operatives or site engineers. The right tool for the job makes all the difference, and the Hilti PR 300-HV2S is not it.
The Hilti PR 300-HV2S was hired from Speedy, we asked for a dual grade laser level and this is what we got. This wasn’t used on site, we tried and failed and so returned it. (I’m glad I didn’t buy one)
I have just had another experience with a laser level hired from Speedy which left a lot to be desired.
