Any recomendations? Are the non contact/laser ones ok?

 

It sounds like you just want to take temperatures; maybe of tires, engine, etc...The type you are referring to is what you want – Easy to use and commonly called "temperature gun" For my job I use a Fluke - about 100 from Grainger.com...
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/5YE68

 

they have em in a lot of racing magazines. theyre like 200 bucks for a non-contact laser pyro from Dirt Track Racing mag.

 

Check out LongacreRacing.com

They have probe type and laser type. If you are thinking that you want them purely for tire temps, then you really want the probe type though.

EDIT: Oooh, they have one now that can be either used as a laser or probe for $200 http://www.longacreracing.com/catalo...d=1314&catid=7

 

I have AUTO-METER pyrometer. Pretty expensive. But a decent gauge.

www.autometer.com

 

Harbor freight has them on sale most of the time for about $39.99.

They work great and read well, i use them for home inspections in tx.

 

You can get a decent, basic unit for as low as $25. The PE1 works great for basic temp readings, such as temperature differences across a tire.

$25 IR Temp Unit

 

If you're by yourself (no crew) then a pyrometer with a memory feature is valuable. The contact type are what's needed for determining the actual temps of the tire.

 

I use the lazer type, and while it may not be as accurate as a probe, it is very consistent. Works great for us.