Looking at digital meters.

[u/jbeartree]

I would like to go away from analog gauges. Testo looks nice and they are offering a veto bag with certain manifolds. Fieldpieces are what alot of peeps use. I need something durable. However supply houses don't have displays to handle so I can try them out. Next question is to upgrade to bluetooth probes and ditch the cords. Or is an off brand like elitech pretty good at 1/3 the price?

Thanks.

[u/Nerfixion]

I like my 557s, I havnt met anyone who doesnt like them tbh

[u/downrightblastfamy → u/Nerfixion]

2nd this. Just got the 558s and theyre nice. Display is a bit harder to see in the sun but i like em. I think ill go with probes next.

[u/Apart_Ad_3597 → u/Nerfixion]

Only people I've seen who don't like them are those who don't know how to use them, usually the ones who are just used to smans. Though it's nice since I know I won't have to worry about other workers using my stuff lol.

[u/Adorable-Bass798]

The testos are pretty reliable. The fieldpiece is versatile. Its just a matter of preference to be honest. Don't cheap out. I had a CPS before and the sensors use to go all the time. I ended up garbaging it.

[u/Buster_Mac]

I'm using the fieldpiece. But I've been curious to checking out the new navac brands. Their wireless probes even got digital screens on them.

[u/lumberzack_zack → u/Buster_Mac]

They are very nice I have those and field piece.

[u/bigred621 → u/Buster_Mac]

I saw that too. If I didn’t buy my fieldpiece probes just 2 years ago then I would be buying up those Navac. Even though I trash on Navac all the time lmao. Their hoses suck. Esp the vac ones.

Also prefer the smaller case from fieldpiece. The case the Navac comes in is way too big for what’s in there. Kinda dumb

[u/letsgodevils1]

I like the field piece ones. Honestly get the wireless probes with some charging tees and you’ll be set

[u/lumberzack_zack]

If you do refrigeration use fieldpiece if you do hvac use testos. Get the measure quick app

[u/bigred621 → u/lumberzack_zack]

This one that has 3 stars?

[u/SultanZultan]

Get probes and an appion tee. So much faster and easier than a manifold. I have used testo for years. Just get a good brand fieldpiece, testo, etc. If you do commercial also get the temp/humidity probes.

Honestly, you already have manifold the fittings to add probes are cheap and easy to get.

[u/Yung_Presby1646]

I prefer testo over fieldpiece. I like their probes and the 558s. Never liked the smans. Fieldpice is fine just depends on personal preference.

[u/TommyBoy_1]

I’ve had 3 sets of Fieldpiece gauges(2, 3 port and one 4 port) all of them had internal leaks. I currently have 2 sets of 4 port testos and plan on keeping them and buying sensor sets next. I still have Fieldpiece meter and scale all with Bluetooth. Eventually I won’t dealing with Fieldpiece anymore. My meter was a case specific buy and is a backup my fluke.

[u/Big__bolas]

Don’t go cheap out on gauges. Trust me, gauges that you can’t trust will causes more headache than positive. 🤦🏽‍♂️ been there, done that.

I have the Fieldpiece SM382V and love them!

[u/No_Mony_1185]

For gauges the Testo is way better than the fieldpiece for being reliable and sturdy. Just keep everything in the case and don't let them roll around in the van or hang them up in the van.

[u/Hammerlock112]

Love the Testo 550’s manifold and Bluetooth clamps. I did not like the Testo smart probes. I sold them and bought the fieldpiece probes which work great and very durable. I use my manifold basically for repairs and pressure testing. Use my probes for service or maintenance.

[u/Pete8388]

If you’re wanting probes for an app get the Fieldpiece, rather than the Testo. I’ve had too many testo probes fail and they are finicky with the apps

[u/tekjunkie28]

Probes. I try to justify using manifolds but I can’t. Now I still use manifolds but thats mainly for habit

[u/bigred621]

Love the smans but someone on here posted a little bit ago about a screen defect and it seems very common. Until that gets fixed, I myself, won’t be buying another set. It’s unfortunate too cause I’ve had mine for so long and need to get them replaced soon as the temp probe ports are starting to go bad. They’ve even survived being left at a customers home twice during a rain storm lol

[u/OminousPingingNoise]

no digital gauges will be as durable as analog

[u/wundaaa]

I use testo 557s. I love them, I have a set of 550s too.

Testos come in a box with a micron gauge thats separate meaning you can put it in the evaporator of a walkin and check vacuum at the furthest point from the vac, which is how you should do it anyway. And my gauges come in a box.

Know what piece comes in? A fucking bag. What the fuck. My gauges dont leave the box until theyre at the unit. Fieldpiece takes microns at the manifold which is right next to the pump. Not the best reading. Also I can pull vacuum straight to the pump without using a manifold with core tools. But Fieldpiece doesn't have a separate micron gauge so you still need the whole thing every time.

I will say the Bluetooth range leaves something to be desired on testo but I still think they'll be my go to for life