TajimaTape Measure - 16' x 1" G-Series Measuring Tape with Shock Resistant Case & Acrylic Coated Blade - G-16BW

I have several Tajima products - chalk lines, plumb bob, saws - and all are good quality stuff. This tape measure is no different. Spring return is very strong, tape is stiff and really easy to read with the white background. Many moons ago all tapes were white and easy to read. Not sure what genius decided to make the background yellow. Only knock of this tape is it's a little thick with the rubber armor. Not the for the chop saw guy who wears an apron will flat pockets.

I ended up purchasing two new tapes to compliment my 10+ yr. Old Craftsman 20' tape measure for use in the shop. The FastCap Lefty Righty and Tajima 16ft models. Both have a 7/8” thick blade (which is wider than the Craftsman) that can stand out 8'. Both models are white with black lines (except the 1/16 marks on the FastCap are red. While I like the FastCap markings, the accuracy of the Tajima as checked on a Starrett 36” steel rule is spot on even to the 1/32” marks unlike the FastCap that drifted nearly 1/16” by the 24” mark (it did however begin to correct the further out I went but never got “back on the mark”. Both tapes make it difficult to catch the hook on a board as they have a bumper that prevents the catch from protruding past the end of the tape. The spring in both tapes is more than ample to retract back into the case. Both also have a rubber shock resistant case.If I want to be able to transfer measurements from tape to steel rule, or having multiple people relying on measurements then the Tajima is the clear winner. It is the most accurate tape in my shop, the runner up being my 25' Stanley Powerlock which only drifted about 1/128” back and forth (I only use the Powerlock for construction due to its size). I really like the large print as my eyes aren't what they used to be 20 years ago. The tape is also just as accurate with the tab pressed against a wall.For quickly blanking out my stock, or if I am alone in the shop, the FastCap is good to use. It comes in handy on the miter saw and the lefty/righty part allows me to take measurements from either end and still read the numbers face up. It is also kind of nice to not have to remember if the small line was the 9/16th line or the 11/16th line. The FastCap also has a little lever on the bottom that stops the tape from retracting, but I am so used to using my index finger against the tape housing I find I don't ever use it. I'm afraid the same goes for the pencil sharpener. It's quicker for me to just whip out the pocket knife and sharpen my tip than remember a sharpener is built into the tape measure.

Yes!After owning this more than two years I feel it significantly improved the quality of my work. Even if I'm fooling myself I can say with certainty that it made me a happier craftsman. Here's why:Build quality is excellent - noticeably better than any other brand of tape measure I've used.Accuracy is dead-on. Measure "inside" (i.e. pushing against stop) and it's exactly the same as an "outside" measurement (i.e. pulling against stop). Not all tapes do this.Very easy to read thanks to high quality black on white markings. This may be my favorite thing about this tape - it's kind to older eyeballs.Excellent stand out length. You can extend the tape out about 7-8 feet without support before it sags. As good as, or better than most other tapes of equivalent width.Excellent drop protection. The sensitive "hook" end of the tape is protected on three sides by the rubber case, so if you do drop it, it's unlikely to go out of alignment. I've dropped mine a few times and it's never needed the slightest adjustment to set it true. Of course, your mileage may vary. Best idea is to never drop it :-).Good belt clip. Not perfect but better than most tapes - I usually hook mine to a thick leather tool belt. It has slipped off when pushed but only due to my own carelessness.Great ergonomics. Feels good in my average size hand, lots of grippy rubber surfaces.What's not to like?I was just buying a second one of these as a gift and I noticed the price has increased. But that's unlikely to be the fault of the manufacturer.Maybe after another two years I'll discover something else I don't like. But right now I can't think of anything negative to say.If you do a lot of measuring, appreciate well-made tools, don't mind spending a bit more for them you may wish to consider this accurate durable easy reading tape measure.P.S. My thanks to all the good people who took the time to review this tape, which gave me the confidence to try it for myself.