^^^^Agree with the above. Get an oldie. There are still some mint ones around and they are quality well made tapes.
Here are 6 of mine from 10' to 16'. I took the photos for a thread a year ago but lost track and didnt post't it so here they are now
Of these 6 the Evans is the nicest. It's around circa 1975. It's a real Cadillac compared to all the others. Holding the tape measure in the right hand and supporting the tape on the left index finger you can extend the tape 45" before the tape will bend. This was the best reach of the five 1/2" wide tapes.
Top is a
Blue Point circa 1970 16' Bending Point @ 48" (3/4"wide) SAE
This is a decent tape but nothing special either. Bold markings.
Next is a 12'
Starrett Bending point @ 36" (1/2" wide) SAE
the Starrett is the flimsiest, I think it's more of a promo item from them but still a decent tape. Bold markings.
3rd from top is a 12'
Craftsman Bending point @ 42" (1/2" wide) SAE + MM
Same quality as the BP but the markings are much finer but maybe harder to see. It is similar to the Evans in the fine detail of the print. The marking on the other 4 tapes are thicker but not as sharp.
4th from top is a 10'
Evans Bending point @ 50" (1/2" wide) SAE + MM
The Evans exudes quality. It's heavy, solid, nice rounded corners and built like a Cadillac. Markings are very fine and precise but harder to read from a distance.
5th from top is a 10'
Lufkin Bending point @ 45" (1/2" wide) SAE + MM
The Lufkin has a quality feel to it too, very small and simple but still no caddy. The Lufkin marking are a little thicker and not as cleanly printed compared to the C-man and Evans which is also the case for the 3 SAE tapes.
Up front is a 10'
Blue Point circa 1960 10' Bending point @ 42" (1/2" wide) SAE
The little antique BP is great but metric wasn't out yet when it was made. The markings are nice and bold on it.
