Last updated on April 14, 2024 7:25 am
My experience with CIGMAN CM701 laser level
Aaron Barnett of BangingToolbox suggests: It’s been a long time since I did a single product tool review.
And this time, I will make quick and easy-to-absorb information about my own experience with the 3 x 360° self-leveling crossline laser level CIGMAN CM-701.
For transparency, we received this laser level as a review unit. And I’m quite impressed with the attributes given its price range.
For less than two hundred dollars, this laser level can project three planes that cover a room in full. This only means you don’t have to go from one corner to another to make full coverage.
With this ability, it’s quite surprising to know it holds the diodes and optical parts in such a small frame. 3.86 in x 2.68 in x 3.82 in, to be exact.
As a quick insight, this laser level will deliver quality performance for DIY projects, as it’s quite impressive for indoor-only applications.
If you’re looking for a fully functional laser level where budget is a major decision factor and crisp lines, the CIGMAN CM-701 will not disappoint.
Features that we love
- Safety level Class II
- IP54
- 100 ft range
- Pendulum lock
- Tilt function
- One 360° horizontal laser beam
- Two 360° vertical laser beam
- With pulse mode
Why own CM701 laser level?
- Cleaner and thinner laser lines than Dewalt laser levels.
- 3D laser beam projection
- Full room coverage
- Quality rubber housing
- Self-leveling at +/- 4 degrees with pendulum lock
- Projects thin and crisp lines indoors
- Water and dustproof
- Includes remote control
- User-friendly
- Affordable
The problems with CM701 laser level
- Limited visibility outdoors in daylight
- Inconvenient charging at the building site, although you could use the USB plug on your job site radio!
- Mounting hardware is low-quality
- Not a trade known brand
Brightness & visibility
The Cigman CM-701 produces thin, crisp, bright green beams indoors, even at its lowest brightness level.
I tested it next to a well-known builder laser level, and both lines merged together and had the same accuracy checking at 32 feet; the Cigman actually had a thinner crisper line at half the thickness. However, the line starts to fade after this distance.
From 35 ft indoors, the laser level is still visible with ambient light from the outside on its highest brightness level. It has four levels of brightness, by the way.
Outdoors, within a shaded area, you can still see the green beam, but the lines are fading even at the highest brightness compared to major brand laser levels.
Under direct sunlight, the beam is not visible enough. However, you can still use the level on the pulse mode, and the target plate will help.
Although there are 12 lines or three planes, and the unit can project a plumb point using the cross, it cannot effectively plumb a single dot like a dot laser level can. This cross-line laser sits too close to the ground for plumbing doors.
This is why I recommend a dot laser level if you only get one laser level, although having a full 360 lines makes a first class pair with a dot laser level that cannot project a full circle line. Excellent for joinery work.
Accuracy
The laser level is highly accurate at most. Given that Cigman declared it to be ± 1/9 ” accurate at 33 ft.
When I tested the accuracy of CM-701, the three lines showed no significant deviation that may affect its leveling performance.
When I set it up next to well-known laser levels with the horizontal beams projecting at the same height, the Cigmans laser was inside and never deviated outside, indicating that it was projecting perfectly level. I did this test after five months of using it.
I dropped my Lecia laser level in a river and have been using the Cigman as a replacement in the meantime.
Range
While the unit is declared to reach 100 ft, it is only attainable with the use of a laser detector.
In my own experience, the laser level is much more visible within a 30ft distance indoors. In poor lighting conditions, you can level longer distances.
But going outdoors, the beam already scatters at a 20-ft distance under indirect sunlight.
And still, it is challenging to catch in 30 ft with the target plate. Or the shiny bit on the pivot of my folding ruler. As with all laser levels.
Control and ease of use
Pressing the buttons on the panel can be a hassle as, by default, all lines turn on when you have to manually turn off the lines you dont want on.
The CM-701 laser level comes with a remote control, so you do not have to disturb the unit from the place. I have never used it, though.
The panel has separate buttons for one horizontal line and each of the vertical lines.
This allotment helps you project the beams you only need for leveling. Also, it has a button for adjusting brightness levels.
Also, I like to note these buttons are present on the remote control included in the package.
One thing I could really note is the smooth transitions from self-leveling mode to manual or pulse mode.
It only requires the pendulum locking switch and power button to switch into modes, which is not complicated at all.
Furthermore, the availability of a magnetic wall mount and fine-tuning mounting base included in the package make it easier to use the laser level.
Although, the wall mount can be flimsy compared to other holders I have used.
Housing
The entire unit is housed with premium rubber. It is graded IP54, making the unit rated water and dustproof.
The three laser ports are protected by plastic casing and secured by four bolts in each port.
Judging from the moment I held it, I can say the main unit is pretty robust for its price range, but the attachments seem flimsy.
I doubt it could suffice in a consistently demanding environment like the construction site, where it’s possible to drop the tool frequently.
However, artists, architects, and homeowners who want a full-functioning green laser level they can charge from their laptops. This could be a winner.
Battery
The laser level houses a 3.7V 4,000 mAh LI-Ion battery. With the brightest level, the battery is supposed to last up to six hours.
I haven’t needed to charge it yet as of this review, so I am impressed, considering how small the unit is, but I always turn off the lines that I dont need to protect my eyes and battery usage.
At level two, you can use it for up to nine hours.
The last gear, which is the lowest brightness, should last up to thirty hours.
I advise this laser level for indoor applications to utilize its performance from the laser beams to the battery.
If you will use it on a building site, a Type C charging cable may be inconvenient.
But if you are in a country that requires tagging and testing of electrical chargers every three months, you can save time and money without the need to tag and test the USB charger.
Aside from the limited availability of ports and possible misplacements, the cable can be pretty short, which may require an extension.
Best applications
As I mentioned earlier, the Cigman-701 self-level laser level will deliver successfully on indoor and DIY projects.
They include furniture restorations, hanging wall art or pictures, gardening and landscaping, home decor, custom shelves and cabinets, lighting fixtures, and the like.
This laser level can be a first class backup for tile installers or drop ceiling installers.
If you will use it as your main leveling tool, lock the laser level when not in use and always handle it with care.
Package add-ons
Aside from laser level, the package includes:
- Magnetic wall mount
- Fine-tuning mini round tripod base
- Remote control
- Black carrying case
- Target plate
- Type C Charging Cable
Final Thoughts on Cigman CM-701
The Cigman CM-701 Laser Level would make a great leveling tool for beginners, real estate agents, DIYers, and architects.
With its easy-to-follow manual, you can understand how to operate the tool without much confusion. If you’re a DIY enthusiast who will need the frequent use of a 360-degree laser level, consider the Cigman CM-701.
The laser level is easy to work with, and the control panel does not require complex instructions. The package comes with the accessories you need to work from different heights.
However, if you work in busy places like the construction site, you would benefit from the accuracy of a 5-point laser level with robust construction and quality casing.
If you have to level outdoors frequently, consider an outdoor laser level coupled with a laser detector. And using a dumpy instead.
Nevertheless, Cigman CM-701 is decent enough for DIY and indoor leveling work. It’s versatile, and you can do pretty much more with its three 360° self-leveling thin green laser beams.
