A new version of the ETape16 digital tape measure is hitting the market. The company released something similar a few years ago (as shown in this out-of-stock Amazon product), and it looks like they made a number of improvements to the design.
The ETape16 has a traditional tape, but also a large digital readout. There are two memory slots, an automatic inch and metric conversion button (the tape also has dual-scale markings), a hold button, a multi-functional midpoint and rezero button, inside/outside measurement selector, and blade lock button.
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An interactive “how it works” demo shows all of the different measurement scales that are available.
It’s made with a polycarbonate case for durability, and rubber bumper on the top to help protect the LCD display.
- 16-foot length
- 3/4″ blade width
- Powered by a CR2032 Li battery
- 1/16″ or 1 mm accuracy
Price: $30
Buy Now(via Amazon)
The company says that Bluetooth is optional, but doesn’t specify as to whether Bluetooth connectivity can be added via a module or accessory, or if a separate Bluetooth tape measure will follow.
First Thoughts
This seems like a neat idea, but I wonder what the repeatability and reliability is like.
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On their FAQ page, this is what they say regarding the trustworthiness of the readout out on the display:
The eTape uses patented technology to maintain proper calibration for reliable measurements and we are constantly making improvements to both hardware and firmware.
According to the product page, the ETape16 can display measurement data in multiple scales, including fractions (such as feet, inches, and fractional inches), decimal inches and feet, and centimeters. This seems like very useful functionality to have available.
I have become quite fond of Bosch’s GLM 15 laser measuring tool, which is a compact laser measurer that’s small enough that it can replace or easily pair with a traditional tape measure. I loathe ultrasonic distance measuring tools, and the new Bosch is the most affordable quality laser unit in my recent memory.
The ETape16 seems to read measurements from the bottom of the tape, which could present long-term durability concerns. But, if not, it might fill in the gap between traditional tapes and laser measurers like the aforementioned Bosch. I’d like to see the ETape in a 25′ version.
I find myself on the fence about the ETape. I want to embrace this as a 21st century measuring tool, but I cannot shake off the questions and concerns I have about how well and reliably it works. If you’ve used the previous version, or have seen the new one in action, what do you think about it?
fred
I recalled seeing the older version (perhaps on Toolmonger ?) some time ago and thinking it might fill a niche. Googling digital tape measure today – yields some links to the following models:
Starrett d125 (400-228)
Skil 0525
Bosch PMB 300I
plus pictures of what appear to be several others – all of which do not seem to be readily available. Maybe that says something about how small the niche is.
Pete
Might be my mothers next Christmas gift. It is probably not durable enough for me day in and out. But for my mother who isnt very good at reading a tape it should be great.
Allen
It would be great for shop teachers. I don’t think I ever had a student come into the class able to read a ruler.
For me however I don’t think so. I may be overly finicky but I am always seeing a measurement as “just a hair less than 12 feet 5 and 1/2 inches”.
Maybe they will come out with a “hair line” scale.
CB
Does it also play music? It looks like my iPod.
I myself have found using fractions on a digital measurer like a digital caliper a bit of a pain and not always the best so I always use them in decimal mode.
I like the inside/outside mode. I would definitely find the outside mode very useful.
I’ll be happy to use one but will sit on the sidelines till proven accurate and reliable.
CB
After digging around. I see that it use to be offered at $24. Bluetooth option does not work on this one. There is another model with bluetooth and that is not yet being offered and is suppose to sell between $49-$54.
It would be nice if they offer a intro price to get the ball rolling and give a incentive to buy a unproven product and test out. A non accurate or unreliable measuring tape can be very costly and timely in your production.
A measuring tape has to be reliable and proven to last years. Did I say repeatable?
Richard
Canadian Tire sold these a few years back rebranded under their Mastercraft line – in a blue plastic shell instead of the red.
It didn’t sell very well, even though they aggressively promoted it. I don’t think they picked up the new generation.
Christopher Burns
I bought one of the earlier versions of this tape and found it to be slightly inaccurate though fairly consistent. I haven’t used it in a long time but it was always about the same amount off of what the tape itself read. Therein lies the bottom line: it’s still a tape measure. The digital read-out may be slightly off (which in fairness does render the feature useless), but it still works as a perfectly capable standard tape measure. It probably won’t stand up the the abuse that a Fatmax model might, but at the price I paid ($5 I believe), it was worth that investment.
BJ Nicholls
I got one a couple of weeks ago and really like it. There’s no oddball math to add the tape’s body for outside measurement, and the body is square making it easier to be precise. Getting an instant midpoint is really useful, and a couple of memory settings saves me from sticky note nonsense, or worse…my short term memory. The tape seems well made and it has survived a couple of drops. The precision is better than the folding wooden ruler that I’ll retire. I wish the tape was stiffer. Very happy with my purchase. They’re coming out with a bluetooth version that might be very handy for someone who has to record many measurements. For that I’d want to see the app first.
Joe
“The eTape uses patented technology to maintain proper calibration for reliable measurements and we are constantly making improvements to both hardware and firmware.”
Digital calipers and scales have a zero out button, I have grown to trust that button. Maintaining it’s calibration, I don’t trust that. But maybe there’s a laser that only reads the lines on the tape….interesting technology either way.
I would not mind if they get this calibrated right and make greater than 16-foot length ones.
In my own personal opinion, I don’t see this as a bad idea…i just believe that they should focus more on the calibration part since I kind of don’t see it being there.
I mean even in the picture, that is not 1-7/16” that’s more like 1-7/8” to me. Just saying.
Stephen
Hey Joe, if you don’t have one how can you be sure there is not a means of calibration. Also the tape blade does read 1 7/16 NOT 1 7/8 – please look closely, the small markings on the upper blade are 1/32nds and the bottom are millimeters. More importantly the picture is a rendering.
Jessie Slaten
Where do I go to find instructions that mean something to me. Trying to help someone else with there’s – there’s not even an ‘on’ or ‘off’ switch. Neither of us could figure out the interactive video, and there’s 60-years of woodworking knowledge here. Can anyone point me to a real video to watch, or at least, more instructions?
Nico.J
I recieved one of these as a gift 8 months ago. Intially it worked well, I was using it to measure timber for stud work carcassing, then one stud was 30 odd mm too short…the digital display was reading wrong! I changed the battery, that didnt help much, now the display randomly changed between metric and imperial, front and back measurement. I went back to my trusted Stanley tapes and left this miracle digital tape in the drawer for several weeks until I remembered to buy more batteries. So after three battery changes it still gives random readings, not only being tens of mils out, but adding 100’s or even 1000’s of mil.