I think that some over-engineered wet dream of a "design-student", that also NEEDS electric energy to measure a effing distance ... broke your heart. Well, I guess I have to adapt? I didn't knew this about men. I wish you at least luck ... You and that tape measure ... together?!:) :P
I don't need a tactical tape measure that's what the spotting scope is for but so you know azon is suggesting that someone buy a $250 unit instead of yours but that is unsurprising
Honestly, I think once they get the software sorted it will be an amazing piece of kit. That's the thing about digital electronics today though. Companies rush to get these things out the door and fix them after in order to hit deadlines. It's something you can't do in the analog world, but something you can get away with in software unfortunately. Plenty of games for example were terrible at launch but now all people know is that those games are amazing because all the bugs have been fixed up. So as long as they can fix it, I look forward to owning it or something similar one day (definitely not that that price point though hahaha)
I have one from aliexpress that was around $15. It's a regular tape measure with SI units as well. It also has laser distance measurement and can do some basic math stuff. Runs on regular batteries.
The older I get, the more I appreciate analog devices. My dishwasher has a sensor telling it when the door is closed. Why not a simple latch as was done in the 80s? As you may have guessed, it's given me trouble and I had to figure out a way around it because replacing the switch didn't fix it.
Hey Chris, appreciate the review and putting the T1 through its paces! Undoubtedly there is a lot of work in front of us for robustifying the T1 and the software that runs it to ensure it earns its place on the jobsite. Feedback like this is certainly helpful and rest assured we are working hard to get this all fixed to live up to and exceed expectations, stay tuned! -Christian
If and when you do address these changes, please come back to this video and make a comment regarding what was fixed and when. There's a lot of potential in this product in my opinion.
@@coreybarnett2158 Hey Corey, right now this is not an issue with all units, just some of them (it has something to do with the way the phone updates the app and is phone/operating system specific). Of the more than 25,000 tools in the field, about 1% have this or similar issues. This certainly doesn't detract away from the fact this is a problem but the work we are currently undertaking is focused on ensuring it works on every device and phone.
Christian, I Have been closely looking at adding this to my shop so I very much appreciate this comment. Also, I think I learned a new word: robustifying. Hmmm...😊
@@REEKONTools good on you for stepping in to comment. Send @SilverCybal a new one once all the bugs are addressed and lets see him show us it has improved. He's one of the best reviewers on youtube.
weren't sold? Did you watch with your eyes closed or something 😂It literally solves every nuisance I've ever had with measuring, provided it works reliably at some point
Interesting take but honestly I have the same tape. None of the issues with the firmware or the tape working. I haven't seen that. I do cabinets professionally and I've done at least four projects since I've received it. It's currently my main tape and if something were to happen where to say it turned off you can still use it as a regular tape. I'm not sure what you mean by live view as in using the tape live. But I haven't had an issue with the app when it comes to a recorder measurement and someone else seeing it. See the app. You set up a project and then you record the measurement. Once it's recorded in the app, it gets uploaded to the cloud in another person can see it. This is sound like if you're using the tape as you're using the tape that measurement will change and that's not how it works. I'm not sure if that's what you meant. Honestly, I didn't think that these were all going to be the issues that you were going to have with it. The only few things that I say that resounded with me was he has the laser has to be accurate, but I don't agree that you can't set up a picture with it. I don't agree that you can't get an accurate location with it. For example, i used it at least three times to do a microwave installation without a template. I got perfect holes because I understood you have to keep it measuring tape straight. Honestly, I think the biggest problem with the tape is sometimes it loses its place but you just pull the tape and put it back in. But honestly it hasn't been a big issue. I think there was an issue with your firmware which is probably why you got that error. Things I like most about it is the ability to show center and inside measurements relatively quickly. Now that there's not a dedicated button, I don't think it's an issue because there's a flow. Once you get used to the tape, it's really just a couple button presses away. Again, I've been using this for not just 30 minutes and not just for a few projects. I've been using it for full cabinet installations and it's a little cumbersome because of its size but in terms of fighting centers for the drawers and finding locations for the holes for the bolts and microwave installation, Everett inside measurements. It's been great. Usually like your reviews but I think this one's a little bit off
I agree with you, the 3rd time I went to use it and the battery was dead and I guess I am OK charging s screw gun but a tape measure didn't feel right.
I agree but I have to say that I love my Bosch laser measure. It's so nice for grabbing quick room measurements or anything where you're trying to stretch a tape measure out there to the point where it's hard to control.
@@sociopathmercenaryI use a hilti laser and I have to agree they are handy. It has all the memory features this does and none of the smart phone nonsense. It’s also accurate enough for trim, and solves the issue of which end of the tool you are measuring from without a menu. It takes 2 aaa batteries and they last for days of continuous use. That said it doesn’t replace a tape for outside to outside measurements. But it at least matches my tape so I can use the two together for speed. Example would be cutting jack studs, run down the line with the laser and measure them all, use a tape to cut them all. That said those hilti ones make this thing look cheap. I had a Bosch one before but the accuracy at least advertised never gave me the confidence to try to fit something that needs to be accurate.
The company states that live view will arrive in a future update, even though the option presently appears in the app. And like any tool, it requires some effort. One can blame a circular saw for not cutting straight, or one can set up a fence. So too with the laser on the T1: with care and experiment, one can really dial in its accuracy. I have a couple complaints about it as well, but overall I think the T1 provides convenience and it’s been a joy to use. Instant unit conversion; using captured measurements in the app calculator; the relative feature when measuring from an alternate starting point; among others - there’s a lot of good to be found that justifies its value. The price is certainly high but it’s also an innovation. The first small flat-screen TVs were thousands of dollars, and now they’re a couple hundred. Standard tape measures (Fast Cap being the best) will always have a place, but the T1 excels in certain circumstances, like anything else. Just saying.
FWIW, I like mine for the accuracy and the app integration. This reminds me of when PCs first appeared in the '80s. (Yeah, I'm old). At first, we just used them to speed up what we were already doing manually. But as we gradually understood their capabilities, we started changing how we worked as a consequence. When Apple first introduced a personal digital assistant device (called the Merlin), it bombed. Now we all have them... on our phones. Maybe this product will bomb, too, but i bet that 10 years from now, we will expect all tape measures to offer a top-down display, remember our measurements, and integrate them with some app (probably right on the saw). But there will still be a place for craftsmanship--I don't forsee a digital chisel! 😂
For Christmas this year I got an Apex Forge, which is another digital distance measure which also has app connectivity, but it's MUCH cheaper (more like $60). Instead of a tape measure it is an infrared distance meter, however the company also makes a few combo units that have both that and a tape too. I have had absolutely zero issues with the software, firmware, or app with my device, the build quality is solid and I love the way the interface works, and how it looks like a chonky iPod classic with the clickwheel control, lol.
I have a very different experience with my T1. I LOVE IT! It’s worked so well for doing drywall and I redid my ceiling with shiplap boards. Saved me hours. It holds its position so well, take your measurement, keep it extended, put the tape on the board your going to cut, butt up the back of the tape to the miter saw blade and your cut is SPOT ON. I will say my sight isn’t the best so I struggle to read a normal tape so this has been a god send. Yeah, there are some quarks but it’s so new.
I'll echo what a few others said that negative reviews are even more valuable than good ones. If I want to see someone rave about a tool, I can watch an ad.
I had no problems with my T1 so far. Actually, wasn't sure I was going to keep it, but it does some things that I really like. I am just a hobbyist woodworker. First I love the big, easy to read display on top. Less human (me) error. Love that it can store my measurements. I've lost count how many times I've re-measured just to make sure, no more. You could measure an entire piece, length, width, height, and store them all, you don't need to try remembering 3 measurements. Also, it measures in between, front to back, for me that is SO handy. And of course, it has the App, I am still learning, but it has some amazing features, and it would be nice to store project details in the app. I have an Android phone and the App installed and worked perfectly. So far, the only thing I am not a huge fan of is the weight and the bulkiness, but I am getting use to that. From what I've seen about the features in the App, this would be very useful for tradesmen of all kinds.
When the United States sent man up to space, they first spent tens of thousands of dollars developing a pen that can write up in space. When the Soviet Union sent man into space they used a pencil. I'll stick to getting my measurements without an app.
Given your tech background I'm sure you're more than capable of setting up the device and using it correctly. At least more than the average user. This device seems to be the first of its kind so hopefully it pioneers the tape measure movement and other companies pick up the idea and work out the kinks. Thanks for the review!
Thank you. It was in my "gifts to me" list for 2024, I don't need more headaches when completing a project. Thanks for saving some serious $ and thank you for your honest reviews.
I backed this on Kickstarter in May 2022 - received it in January 2024 - it was a long time coming and the excitement certainly wore off. I also have another project of theirs which allows linking to this which is a board measurement device for a miter saw. Between the two of these, they are definitely construction focused with a more refined focus on carpentry (framing and finish) over a DIY use.
I use a laser tape a lot to do this. It’s also kind of easier than stretching a tape. That said one end needs to be an inside measurement to reflect off of so there are some limitations.
I'm also hoping that the app will allow connectivity with other Bluetooth enabled tools. My laser Disto can shoot a lot farther than 25 feet. It would be nice not to have to use several different apps to manage the data.
Thanks Chris for the great review. Respective of the tool’s shortcomings - most notably the laser’s functionality - it won’t be in my shop simply based on its price point.
Thanl you, it made me very sad as the price is super high but I thought I would be dazzled. The company reached out to me and it sounds like they are aware and hopefully software will solve these thiongs, but the price is indeed high
I just got mine in the mail yesterday. Haven't even taken it out of the box yet. I'll let you know if I have any of the same issues. Mine is just like yours, being the metric and imperial version. I bought it more as a novelty than an actual tool I will use all the time, simply because I own 20+ FastCap PMS16s that are my end all be all of tape measures. The fact that I can have a $7, extremely well built tape measure in every single corner of my shop and house and vehicles means I can measure anything from any location and transfer that EXACT measurement to anywhere else and know it's accurate. Anyway, Ill either post a video review or respond here on any troubles I have with mine,
I took it out of the box today and immediately had one significant issue. It took me 4 tries to get the firmware updated. App kept saying that it was updated but the tool kept giving me an "Error 64." I was just glad one of the firmware updates didn't brick the unit. As far as using the app alongside the tool goes, there is literally NOTHING in the app to use. I only have a message at the bottom that reads something to the gist of, "features to use this tool in app are coming in the future." But the app is actually completely useless. It only shows the unit and nothing else. The good part is, after it failed blade calibration 2x, once it did get calibrated, it is dead nuts accurate with my FastCap tapes. It definitely has loads of potential, but right now, it's simply a novelty tape measure. A very expensive one at that. I'll do a video review after the app becomes useful.
Technology is moving too quick. This is a prime example of rolling out items before they’re ready. Not only this tape will break the internet, but bank accounts as well. 😂
I'll lose that one too LOL! It needs to have a locator function. I have two old-tech tape measures (one is bright orange even) and I lose both. 😖 On the other hand, I really want that LED crystal ball thingy on the bench in the background. The tape's back side reminded me of old punch card code 🤣
Any critical review, good or bad is a good review. Sometimes finding no reviews about can often lead to people assuming that means said product has no issues, when it could just be no one has actually gone through the trouble of reviewing it.
Or just buy a Bosch laser tape measure and use the voice assistant on your phone to take measurement notes or even voice memos…🤷🏼♂️ I have had one for years. It works great. Is highly accurate. Has a clear display. No metal tape required at all.
The traditional style of tape measure has served me well for many many years, I will stick with that. I just don'r see enough advantage in either tape measure to switch.
I get the frustration. Electronic anything is great until it doesn't work ie charging battery's firmware update flashing 12:00 on my credit. I enjoy your reviews
Came here and found out there was a magnet on the end and a 1,000 measurements memory. I always look at the negative reviews first on something I'm interested in so I can weigh my options. This T1 is the same thickness and height as my Lufkin Crescent Shockforce G2 33' with a bend-snap at the 132" mark compared with the T1 at 92". The battery cover I would like to see locked in rather than come right off. The unit should show the firmware revision number serial number and battery level percentage and not only rely on the app. That aside, I'm very happy with the T1. I did experience the error 64 upon upgrade to firmware 0.4.9 and had to do it over and recalibrate (which was a 5 minute process). I was surprised I didn't brick the device, as that seems to be my specialty with electronics. The fact the bluetooth connection with the app was invisible (iphone 14 Pro Max ios 17.4.1) with no annoying "pairing" process needed by speakers and other iot devices was remarkable to me. These minor quibbles far outweighed by the thought put into the design, which all combine to make this tape measure a huge timesaver for me. - The T1 laser I use in conjunction with a Huepar laser level and distance Bosch BLM400C laser measurement. I found out it is user adjustable if it gets out of alignment. - Having the magnet on the end is brilliant. (Why don't all tape measures have this?) - The massive e--paper side display visible always and highly readable top display I love it. - The controls for finding center, relative measurements, include the unit's length for inside measurements -- all brilliant time savers. - Being able to saving the colleclted data to a CSV file, also awesome - an unexpected benefit when I ordered it off the kickstarter. - The bumpers protecting both displays and really well-built carrying holster case instill confidence the unit will last.
appreciate the feedback! undoubtedly lots for us to improve but appreciate the candid feedback and covers many of the items we have or in the process of fixing!
I am not a DIYer, so spending that kind of money isn't in my future. However, I appreciate you taking the time to point out the problems. As you and others have mentioned, since it seems like the issues are software-related, we can have hope that the company will fix them and push out the updates. As for the leveling function, what can they do to fix the problem you mentioned?
So I have a similar experience and while after doing the firmware update I did not have the same experiences with measurement issues the problem I have/had was the belt clip screw is the cheapest one out there and mine immediately stripped out and that was that from a belt loop standpoint, the external holding case will have to do until I can figure out if I can put in a larger screw to hold that attached belt mount. I would say meh on it and thanks for recommending the cheaper alternative as that looks a whole lot better.
This was a perfect honest review. I’ve been waiting a few years for this to hit the market but after seeing this I think with the price tag I’ll wait for the updated version. Single button for tape to butt of tape, not as many updates and a level line that is functional.
You definitely hit the nail on the head with this review! This product is trying to come up with a solution for a problem which doesn’t exist. Needing to update the firmware and recalibrate a tape measure is ridiculous.
For short measurements, I'll use the standard tape measure. For longer ones, I have a Bosch laser measure that's plenty precise enough. So nice to just be able to measure the entire dimensions of a room for instance with a few quick flips of the unit and pressing a few buttons.
I'm a professional builder and I was in the same place as you with the "hope that this would blow my mind" Right now it has failed more than it has worked and it is now in the hands of the company, on their dime, to see if it is correctable or if it needs replacement . I remain in hope that they can rise the original expectations. They are excellent in followup and support and they say the issue is correctable or it will be replaced. Here's to possibility
Thansk for sharing this. I 100% believe they are a good company and will get the product there but it definitely needs some work to be a $250 tool. Hopefully that happens soon as the only pain point will be the price.
It's a must have........ For anyone who's never touched a tape measurer but still thinks "We don't need to call a plumber, builder, electrician or general contractor honey. I can fix it". This way they can blame it on the tool.
Well darn, I was getting all hot a bothered for the first few moments then blammo, what a let down! Hopefully they will get it all sorted out, I could see a lot of potential there!
I saw the red x on a Milwaukee tape measure and started watching with an already thumbs down mindset. But being you didn't even talk Milwaukee we are good lol. Nice job with the review I'm impressed with your knowledge and common sense. I Have found that digital and electronic tools have a place they can often be to bulky and or breakable. I really wanted to find a practical way to incorporate a laser measuring tool into my work tools but most often it's easier just to use my Milwaukee tape.
Fyi, it quite seems like the laser is to provide a visual guide to help you make sure that you are measuring square Read-side up the barcode will get scraped quickly and stop registering any numbers which I suspect will lead to a recalibration which would be futile That thing wouldn’t last a week in the field It’s for inspectors with clean hands
I worked for a couple of construction companies (in IT) and I handed an iPad to one of our supers when they first came out, guy had been in the field for like 40 years and said, what the F do I need a calculator that big for?
@@SilverCymbal that’s beautiful lol Thinking of what people got done without the new fancy stuff just makes me want to hate on all of the gimmicks to be honest
I love the DRO's on my metal lathe and milling machine. They work and do not require software updates. I prefer my tape measures to not require batteries. The Tomahawk is too complicated for my liking. I would get frustrated if a tape measure needed frequent updates and calibrations.
Good idea. Poor execution. At that price, the electronics should work flawlessly. Even something as simple as retaining a firmware update. For the price, I could have a really high quality laser.
I think this product has a lot of potential for the future, and it has a lot of potential for high production cabinet shops/finish carpenters, but it appears to have some bugs to possibly work out before it has widespread sales.
1:10 2:06 Listen. Even on a cheap tape measure, *Never* let the tape snap back in, guide it back more gently. Letting it slam closed destroys the “zero” end hook. Once that’s gone, you’re SOL! _And __4:55__ OUCH!!_
You know what would be revolutionary and simplify our life, switch to full metric tape measures. It's like going from Roman numbers to Arabic numbers, revolutionary.
Love my tech but I need to draw the line somewhere (see what I did there). No firmware updates or batteries old school is the best. I also LOVE that large WAGO on the wall!
I think its a neat gadget if you're a techie but honestly the company turned me off. Failing to deliver years after promising it to customers who paid and constantly misleading people on social media turned me off. If it gets to the point where its carried in box stores and easily exchangeable if it has issues then maybe Id consider it but I wont deal with the company's web store. Once again though an amazing review by you! Im glad your putting out more videos!
I cannot fathom a situation where I would have ever needed this tool on any job site over the last 25 years. Once you learn how to use a tape measure, you eliminate the need for gimmicks. Not sure I have spent $200 total on tape measures in that time. And I ruined a few. For keeping measurements, cut a 3" circle out of white laminate (formica) and glue it to the side of your tape. Write down needed numbers with your pencil. And when you no longer need that number, erase it with a little spit or sweat, and a wipe of your finger. Fast, efficient, and free if you know a countertop guy.
Honestly don’t need anything else tracking me I’ll stick with my 8 ft stick ruler and Milwaukee tape measure. Like the display as you mentioned old eyes The green one at the end with the window looked interesting
I like the concept of a measure that incorporates the width/length of the device into the measurement (and the ability to easily switch), but I don't think this fits the bill for me. I received a nice Bosch laser measure for the holidays and it looks like it will fit that bill for a fraction of the price. Thanks for your honesty here!
These guys are definitely dreamers, and that’s cool if you can get people to spend $250 for a tape measure I get two really good ones for $20 at Thanksgiving.
A regular tape ( Preferably a FastCap which has an area to use a pencil on), a folding ruler, a pencil and basic math will do more than this expensive white elephant.
I love gadgets, but this almost seems like a step backwards. Have you tried the laser measuring tools? I’m guessing all phones, but I know for sure the iPhone has a virtual measuring tool, but I’ve never checked its accuracy. The thing is if you have an app like that on your phone then I bet there is an accurate one-trick virtual measuring tool out there.
I have not linked mine up to the app yet. Now I am concerned about doing so as the software has worked without flaw so far. I love the E Ink display and the 1/2 function. I don't like how big it is and the menu is a little clunky, and I am not a fan of the laser. I backed the Kickstarter in July 2020 for $100. What I received is good value. The current price I think is too much and I would have been very disappointed in it at full retail.
I just got one, just like you I was stoked to get it up and running. I used it for a few minutes and then did the app update and after doing the blade set up twice, I got an optical error code and now the unit just cycles in the blade setup mode. I am returning it to Amazon and will give another unit a try, the side display and the ability to find center in a snap are two things I need. Also the big display is really nice.
Sorry to hear that they are still having issues. At least you can get your money back. This took about a year longer than they planned, there is clearly something wrong with the design, not to mention we still don't know if it will last.
My father is 70 and loves to use gadgets, apps, smart devices and all manner of tech wherever he can. Often taking several times longer to do simple tasks. I personally have a bit of a love hate relationship with technology and try to avoid it when it's not actually doing something useful. This thing has like 2 useful feature and 20 you don't need.
Interesting but I feel having the underside of the tape be where the tape measure gets it's position is a inherent flaw once it starts to get gummed up. A better way would be to have the marks on the axle of the tape spool so everything is internal. I like the concept and the attempt but it needs more time before I will burn the big bucks, until then if I really need a digital means of measuring then there are always laser measuring devices.
I don't care how many fancy lasers it has, I'm not dropping that much money on a measuring tape. And I don't understand the usefulness of uploading measurements to a phone through an app. I guess if you're in the field without a pencil and want to email or text measurements to someone else... maybe? But the last thing I need is another app on my phone.
About the only thing I can think of for a use not mentioned would be a quick method of marking something out square. If you start from a corner, then pull out half the hypot for your center, you can mark the other 2 corners easily by pulling out your L or W from that corner to where they intersect with the laser, rotate pins to one of the new marked spots for the last unknown pin, and easy square. this relies entirely on the fact the laser truly is perpendicular to the pull of the tape tho, and still requires 2 tapes lol.
