Direct Reading, or True Elevation (also known as Lenker style) is a Grade Rod with a moveable tape face allowing you to set the actual benchmark elevation, or any elevation, above or below the bench into the rod. The actual true elevation above sea level is read on these rods, thus eliminating errors caused by adding or subtracting.
Since no math is involved, grade shots are much faster than conventional style rods. On most jobsites, the bench elevation is typically established by survey, and all elevations on that project are above that or below primary bench elevation.
Laser Version Direct Reading/True Elevation Rods
For use with a laser detector. There is a special rail slide and Laserline detector bracket that lets the laser detector travel the full working
length of the rod. This allows faster and easier readings because it takes the awkwardness out of having to loosen the detector, move the detector, then tighten the detector for each reading.