US Tape 54225 1-Inch x 25 Ultimate ProTape

recoil too strong. easily hurt or cut your hand w this. recoil actually caused the tape to be broken (yes it's metal!) when i retracted it after only using it less than 5xs. i bought this bc it was recommended by an interior designer in a magazine. what a crock! i would not buy this poorly designed tape measure.

it is a well intentioned idea but the recoil is super strong ,it make it useless the fear of geting hurt ..nice thought though

Bought it because of great reviews. It's just a tape measure. Nothing special. I like the shape but it's kind of too big to easily fit into your pocket. I'd rather have the tape measures that stay put when you pull it out and only retracts when you push the release.

I wanted to buy a really reliable well made tape measure. Instead I bought this piece of junk. First, the different shape is a disadvantage, if you have a place made for your tape measure in your tool belt, it doesn't fit as well as the standard square shaped tapes. Second, the recoil is way to strong and not very smooth working at all. You have to use extra care when you recoil it if you don't want to get sliced or pinched by the tape. Third, the tape it self is very thin and cheap. If something falls on it or it gets pinched it is pemanently dented and mis-shapen. Also the cheap little plastic piece that prevents the tape from going too far inside the housing fell off, so now I have to dig the tape out. Oh yeah, and after about a dozen times after using it, the recoil doesn't work at all anymore. You could probably find a better made tape measure at the dollar store.

I love the design of this tape. It does have an excellent feel in the hand. The tape is very easy to read. My only complaint is the retrieval on the tape is way to strong. If you don't pay attention and lock it in place, this thing will come back and bite you hard. I wouldn't recommend it if your going to be doing a lot of short, quick measurements unless you keep it locked.

A broken ruler is better then this, February 10, 2006Reviewer: bestdealsonthenetperiod (Illinois) - See all my reviewsOne of the worst products I ever bought. I know that sounds a bit over the top, but honestly this thing sucks. What's even worse is that I bought several of them as stocking stuffers this past xmas and kept 2 myself. As noted in another review, the recoil on this thing is dangerously quick. It could serve as a weapon if you would like. I don't know how many times I got hit in the hand with the recoil only to leave a nice size cut on my hand. Difinitely able to penetrate the skin for a little blood action. I ended up throwing it at the cement foundation wall in my basement. Pretty interesting what's inside. I relieved the anger that this thing caused me and now i'm happy to know that I won't ever have to use it again. Oh ya, I couldn't get my money back from the manufacturer. I'm really surprised this product hasn't been recalled.

Not sure why the company is called US Tape, when the tape measure is made in China.