Brymen BM-257 pictures and mini review

[Lightages]

I knew it wasn't listed as obsolete, but I just assumed it would not be updated anymore,as is the newer series.

[nanofrog]

I knew it wasn't listed as obsolete, but I just assumed it would not be updated anymore,as is the newer series.

Makes sense from a western POV (internal competition), but there must be a reason they've not done that.  Perhaps it's to fill a more affordable price point for 50k count meters in developing nations/markets, such as China and India (i.e. BM86x series doesn't sell well due to higher cost?). 

[Rifter]

Brymen does not make junk. The BM257 (now BM257S) is built like the proverbial brick out house. I would not hessitate to recommend it to anyone. I now have three Brymen multimeters, and for a reason.

Im happy you recommended it to me. It arrived Friday and ive used it a lot over the weekend and its been a pure joy to use, better than any meter I have ever used previous(they were all sub$50 though).

Its fast and accurate and built like a tank, perfect for my needs, and I know the safety is there if I ever use it for higher voltages or mains work.

[Lightages]

I am glad you are happy. I am sure you will buy another Brymen in the future 

[Warhawk]

Brymen does not make junk. The BM257 (now BM257S) is built like the proverbial brick out house. I would not hessitate to recommend it to anyone. I now have three Brymen multimeters, and for a reason.

Does somebody know what is a real difference between BM257 and bm257s ?

[WackyGerman]

The Brymen 257s has 1000V fuses now , the amp range goes now to 10 A instead of 8 A . Maybe there are some differences on the board between them . The BM 257s meets the newest IEC regulations . I am not sure if the continuity test is latched on the BM257 , but it is on the BM 257s . It is a pretty good compact meter and I like to use it 

[Lightages]

The "S" version is just a slightly redesigned model that is meant to meet the new IEC requirements for CAT ratings.

[Warhawk]

Thank you guys for the answers 

[nanofrog]

A Closer Look at 61010-1, Third Edition Changes might be of interest (link originally posted by EEVBlog).

[Mitsch]

My experiences with my new Brymen BM257s, compared to my other meters:

Pros:
- nice size (my smallest meter, except my UNI-T UT210E)
- big screen, clear digits
- nice backlight
- fuses
- access to battery and fuses
- warning when jack is plugged in wrong
- update speed
- bargraph speed
- nice stand
- very nice probes with silicone wires

Cons:
- bar graph (I can't see the bargraph when the meter lies flat on the table)
- off position (why isn't the left-most position off - like on every other meter?!)
- 4mm banana adapters for the probes (when you screw them on the probes they interlock twice, but you can screw them in only if you catch the right interlock)
- in germany the extra USB-adapter is a bit pricey (25€)

Overall I like the brymen and give it a big

I attached 2 pictures for you - one with backlight - one without!