Crescent Lufkin 1-3/16 x 25' Command Control Series Black Clad Tape Measure - L1025CB

I’m as blind as a bat without my glasses so I love the large green numbers against the matte finish, not glossy, black background. I am not a builder so I would use it for standard measurements of areas.At first I could see what others were complaining about getting the tape measure free from the packaging. Then I got a clue from one person that mentioned removing the paper from the back over the spring clip.As you can see in the digital photo for me it was easier to remove the tape measure by holding the packaging upside down with one hand (although I had to use that hand to take the digital) and using my other hand’s middle finger to raise the spring clip free from the post, that held it in place, while gripping the edge of the plastic mount with my index finger and thumb and pulling it upwards to free it from the tape measure. (It was the post causing the problem, not the glue, as someone stated.)After doing it a number of times my middle finger was sore and I found that I could use another method and brace the end top of the packaging against my chest while freeing the clip. Problem solved. Packaging approved from my point of view. Good security packaging.All light conditions? Not quite (They display a moon and a sun on the packaging. It is not fluorescent or luminescent. I tested it with a short wavelength black light from Amazon: no glow). Then I figured, who would measure in the dark?! Although for lower light conditions the glow would be nice.

Perfect tape measure for USA with inch measurements on BOTH sides. It's bright, clear, accurate, and has large uncluttered markings. And it's not some funky shape with a bizarre distance from where the tape enters the case and, say, a wall behind the case. It is EXACTLY 3-1/4 ". No running the tape up the wall and guessing. Just pull the case up to the wall and add 3-1/4. The hook is deeper than most AND rises up above the tape too. This is great for pressing it against a wall as the design of the hook usually stops it from sliding through a gap between the bottom of a wall board and the floor.This tape has only two down sides you should know. First it's a bit bulky. Second, the hook is too tall and/or the tape too wide to fit through some tight places. Every once in a while I have to get out my old narrow wimpy tape with inferior markings when I need to get the hook into a tight place.

I've been using tape measures for many, many years. I have tried just about everything out there and in that period I've grown to like the Lufkin brand over all. Reel type, blade type like this one and in many different sizes both in blade width and length. When I saw this unit with the green numbers and size markings I had to try it. Like most elderly people I need "cheater" glasses to read. I don't need them to read this tape, I'm not joking. This tape is the easiest of any I've tried. Numbering the back side of the tape was an added bonus. I immediately ordered two more, one for me as a backup and another for a good friend who has worked in the same trade for almost as many years.

Saw a lot of reviews from people who are clearly not "pros" saying it's not for the pros. They don't know what they're talking about, I've used this tape for over a year five days a week dropping it on every kind of surface imaginable out and it still giving out accurate reads with no breaks anywhere. Yes it reels in fast, but that's what you want I'm not waiting around all day for my tape to turtle itself back. Awesome tape at a solid price

Wanted to like it - after all it wasn't cheap - but very disappointed. Tape itself is easy to read, but is flimsy thin, so if it kinks it tends to crack. It's heavy and bulky, even for my large paws. After some months of use the lock button jammed, then fell out, so no lock and it recoils like a whip, so watch your fingers. This tape is now kinda worthless. Finally, the double end hook at the tip, at first it may seem useful, but it tends to catch on stuff, so I cut it off. There are lots of better tapes, I'd recommend go try something else.

Never going back. Who knew a tape measure could bring joy? Fits my hand perfectly, the action is great, quality belt clip, the line work, you could even knock a crackhead out with this tape if they stood between you and that high dollar estimate. I'm thinking about buying a 2nd. I've even received complements on it, because IT IS a good looking tape, & works well. This would also make a great stocking stuffer.And Ladies get yourself a nice tape measure