2) the five beams were not offset. When squaring for a foundation layout one must allow for the 1" offset. If I set the laser's plumb-bob beam over a corner mark and point the front beam to my next point, the 90 degree point is going to be 1" off. I don't like this because this is one more thing I have to adjust for. When paying this kind of money I should not have to make adjustments for this.

The PLS5 could learn from a competitive product, the RoboVector, that doesn't have the 1" offset in its square. You get a true square, not just a 90 degree. I can set the plumb on a corner point, point to my next corner and see another corner that is in square with the first corner point. The RoboVector's beams are not as bright which hurts its use outside. The RoboVector is considerably less expensive.The PLS5 is more accurate and that meant a lot to me. See specs.

The PLS5 is a good unit, more accurate, expensive, and with some limitations. A new version (PLS5X) is supposedly better for outdoors. Check it out too. Probably worth the extra.

Leveler Saves Time, While Increasing Accuracy (Rating: 5.00)
Review : We build homes and small offices, and we bought a PLS-3. It gave us quicker readings on leveling foundations, and squaring up corners, than conventional leveling tools, strings, triangles, etc. It saved us time, money, readjustments, and it was accurate out to 100 feet.

We have now added a PLS-5, and are doing even more, squaring up walls, making measurements on ceilings without going up a ladder. We recently laid out an entire cathedral ceiling, doing all the measurements and angles while standing on the floor. Both units have paid for themselves in less than a month of use.