help needed choosing network testers

[iOnTech]

So I have been getting frustrated with what i have for network testers. So i have an $80 network verifier already and toner generator.
I feel I need to upgrade my equipment to better narrow down any issues i have at jobs and do things like eliminate wiring as an issue and check on pre existing wiring...make my job easier.

I was thinking I need something like the fluke cable IQ-100, to find faults/wiremap/verify cable will run at 1Gbps (would love to verify higher speeds).

I also need a tester to verify PoE voltage/wattage delivery Under load. (i was looking at the IDEAL PoE PRo) i like how this tester verifies shielded cable if present (dont use shielded but its nice to be prepared), testing for PoE power bricks.



are these the best choices in 2021 ?
I prefer to buy quality the first time and have a budget of around 2k if need be or save up... But if there is a cheaper quality alternative or something with better features, please let me know or other suggestions.
thanks for any help.
BTW fluke DSX-5000(8000) would be nice but I have asked around, and no one will offer enough for my soul to afford that tester.
I do mainly residential/small biz stuff. WAPs. sec cams. etc

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

We have several kits...best one is the Fluke MicroScanner. Found it somewhere for about 600 kitted with a toner.
Also have Klein Scout Pro 3 kit with all the remote accessories...that's an under 200 dollar kit. Gotta say, I like that kit as much as the Fluke.
Not sure what our other cheaper kits are we have sitting in the back of our supply room...as I haven't reached for them in probably 20 years.

If we need ethernet actually qualified...we lean on our subcontractor who does our wiring jobs...as he spent the cabbage on that mighty Fluke IQ.

For wireless...NetAlly AircheckG2 kit.

 

[Markverhyden]

My first tester after graduating from the blinky light box was a Test-Um Lanscaper, some $250. Worked well but I needed something with more tests so I bought JDSU (now Viavi) NT1155, around $2k. Worked great for years but started acting up and they no longer offered repairs so I bit the bullet and bought a CIQ-1000, around $1200.. The downside is the NT1155 had 10 end points included for testing multiple endpoints but not the CIQ. I'd have to buy the CIQ kit that's nearly double the price.

I do known that ByteBrothers and Triplett make testers with lots of functionalities but only cost in the hundreds.

 

[Stever]

I use an ultra cheap ebay one, a unit that splits in two with a unit for each end of the cable, not the most high tech solution but it works for me
There are testers that work from just one end of the cable but I have had issues with 3rd party cables checked using those
The basic tester that I use only does a basic dc check and not a high data rate test, for a few quid / DollHairs it is worth having one

 

[iOnTech]

I decided on the fluke cable iq, got a used one for around $950 off ebay. Watching it travel across country now. (Hate the wait, i dont know about any of you but i feel like a kid on christmas getting a new tool).

The cable iq doesnt need to be calibrated by sending it into fluke every so often like the fluke dsx line so they can recalibrate it. Is this correct?

Thanks for any replies