Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Advanced Onsite Sensor (AOS) Absolute Scale Digital Caliper, 0 to 6/0 to 150mm Measuring Range, 0.0005/0.01mm Resolution, LCD

This caliper is well worth the money. I had some other brands, but they never last. You can not go wrong with Mitutoyo.

I just purchased this thru Amazon, this is an excellent high-quality digital caliper. For those searching on eBay and elsewhere, this is the real Mitutoyo product in the original case, with the OEM 1-year warranty, and an official calibration certificate whose serial number matches the instrument. This is NOT a cheap imitation, its the original Mitutoyo product and the seller (listed as MSI-Viking Gauge) is an authorized Mitutoyo reseller. I did a lot of research on the Internet to be sure I was buying the real thing, and this is it! The differences between this caliper and the imitations are: The action is very smooth, the readings are stable and repeatable (tested with gauge blocks), the readout is four decimals for inches, two decimals for millimeters, and the construction is very solid, no wobble or shake. Plus, this caliper has an absolute scale, it always remembers the zero-point and you only have to reset it when you change the battery. The cheaper scales drift and need frequent resetting. You can make relative measurements easily (yellow button), but when you turn that feature off, it returns to the original zero without resetting. I highly recommend these calipers, the only caveat is that these are NOT auto-off, you must remember to turn them off after use. However, based on my experience with other Mitutoyo gauges and micrometers, the battery lasts a LONG time so I dont see this as a problem.

For years now, Ive used some cheaper name brand calipers to do my reloading projects at home and though I get a few years of pretty good use out of them, they always become inaccurate and gritty feeling, so this time, I elected to put in some extra coin and go with quality name brand calipers, and I wish I would have just gone this route before. Ive used Mitutoyo products in my profession for many years and they always hold up for long periods of time. The slide, readout, and accuracy of these are unparalleled when it comes to comparing them with pretty much anyones cheaper calipers. I can always trust Mitutoyo to be what Im looking for. Great price too!

No comparison to the cheap calipers.

I work at a machining shop where I have to get thousandths quite often-while its obvious that its accuracy is at its highest by being unworn, every time I zeroed with the jaws shut, it held a perfect zero no matter how hard I tried to press it together. Likewise, if performing the same measurement and done the same way, the results matched to the 5 tenths with no hesitation. Came with quite the little calibration test sheet, which was nice for the guys who calibrate the tools at the shop. Also, while its just a feel thing, it glides when measuring. Its the smoothest set of digital calipers Ive handled. While the jaws arent the fancy super-hardened steel some other options have, they do very well and show no sign of problems. Very happy with them, especially knowing I dont have to try to find one of the regular shop calipers for ten minutes.

the best in measuring

I was concerned about receiving a counterfeit Mitutoyo caliper after reading so many reviews but I can tell you that these are genuine Mitutoyo. I used the same type for years as a machinist. Dont mess with cheap knock-offs. Buy these.

Great craftsmanship, feels sturdy and doesn’t loose zero like cheaper calipers

I rarely have need for a caliper, and could probably have gotten by much more cheaply, but I appreciate well-crafted items that last, and Mitutoyo has a reputation as the ne plus ultra of digital calipers. I was afraid I would feel like a fool for having spent this kind of money on a tool I will likely rarely use, but I have no regrets. This thing is worth it. It could have cost twice as much and Id probably say the same thing. The fit and finish are superb. The edges are crisp and have no burrs, the movement is silky smooth, and it just generally feels great in the hand. This is how tools should feel. I see no reason to suspect it wouldnt last for decades if properly cared for. The case could be a little more robust (the hinges are just a single piece of plastic, the type you may recognize from every plastic case with broken hinges youve ever seen), but thats a relatively small gripe. Note: I purchased mine directly from Amazon, and Im confident that what I received was authentic, but things happen. These things are widely counterfeited. Even if you are buying from an authorized channel, it doesnt hurt to do some research on what to look for so you can be confident that you have the real deal. Also, if you are a nerd about such things like I am, it will help you appreciate just how excellent the real deal is.

A bit disappointed. I bought an iGaging caliper that works just as well and accurate (100 700 06) as the Mitutoyo. Im not complaining about the caliper but I am complaining about the protective case the Mitutoyo comes in. iGagings cases are much better and I am disappointed with the Mitutoyo case hinge, it looks like a razor knife cut right on the hinge and will break loose in short time. I called MSI viking the seller and they have no record of my purchase through Amazon, therefore they will not send me an undamaged case under warranty. I will be calling Amazon customer service and tell them that I am not happy and may request a return and credit. All I really want is a new case thats not damaged, at the price you pay for a Mitutoyo I would expect more than less and would appreciate service. I only decided to buy from Amazon and the MSI viking vendor since there are so many counterfeit Mitutoyos being sold online and that MSI Viking is a Mitutoyo distributor. I am updating my review. I got a response and MSI-Viking sent me a new storage box and replaced the defective one. Somehow the original order was not in their (MSI-Viking) data base due to my purchase through Amazon. Im happy and pleased. many times after the sale you get no response from the seller. I was vey hesitant about buying a Mitutoyo caliper since there are so many counterfeits sold as the real thing and some at even a higher price. I did contact Mitutoyo for a list of authorized distributors and I do urge that if you buy from Amazon or E-Bay to only buy from an authorized distributor such as MSI-Viking. MSI-Viking is an authorized distributor for Mitutoyo, Starrett, Browne and Sharpe, and Mahr Federal. I assure you they are the real McCoy. Hope this review helps you make your choice. I highly recommend that you contact them and save on the shipping with Amazon Prime.