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

Im a mechanical engineering student. Im using this for various projects and in the machine shop. Despite it costing more than competitors, I think it was worth it. The absolute feature is nice, not having to keep zeroing it every time you turn it on. I think the battery lasts longer in these than the competition; everybody elses calipers are always fritzing out because of low battery, but not mine. Oh, and these were authentic; I did a fair bit of research on how to differentiate from knock-offs. I made sure to buy from Amazon as the seller. I feel like these are the last calipers Ill ever have to buy -- a lifetime tool.

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.

I have been buying calipers for several years and never this satisfied. Of course all others most likely were chinesiums. Some, I purchased and was very happy for a few days, weeks, months. Battery died within 6 months. I thought that was the norm, so I purchased a dozen batteries to keep as needed. But lately Ive done some research and decided to spend some hard earned money into this caliper and I am very happy. I also purchased one at half price on ebay 2 days ago, but had to cancel the transaction before the seller could ship. I first asked the ebay seller if this was genuine and made in japan, to which he said yes and yes. However, after watching several youtube videos, doing some more research and contacting the company, I asked this seller to please cancel the transaction before shipping it, which he did and I got my refund last night. This morning at 7.45am, I received this new one from Amazon and I was super excited to open it and see if all what I heard and saw was true. This of course feels terrific as was noticed by others. But feeling is not the purpose of this caliper. It sure does not even flicker the numbers like my others did. The numbers on the screen are distinct, and repeatable. All features are on point. I measured several items, inclding paper thickness of various papers. All measurements repeat exact same. I then proceeded to do the ampere testing with my Fluke multimeter. Sure enough, the usage drops considerably when off, not like the others that use almost the same current whether on or off, thus explaining why their batteries die so soon. Bottom line, although I spent a lot more money than the other calipers on this one, am I satisfied? Yes. No regrets at all for the first time, on a caliper purchase.

I purchased this after reading up for a couple of days about calipers, how and when they should be used, and what to expect from them. I started looking after I came across a Starrett #231 micrometer and compared measurements with my $30 Chinese calipers. I was stunned to find they were 3 thou off at 3/4 inch, but right on at 1 inch! Rude awakening! Into the trash. I was then surprised to find that there are problems with counterfeiters. Look, all I want is a caliper accurate to a thou. Seems to be a tall order. I am slowly learning that it is worth buying quality tools, and the cheap stuff is an illusion. These cost 3x what I would have previously spent, and given the possibility of a counterfeit I was hyper critical when they arrived. These are the genuine article, based on the photos on the web, and from comparisons against the Starrett. The calipers came with paperwork that claimed this unit is good to a half thou across its full travel. They work smoothly, and are very repeatable. I had grown used to fiddling with my calipers - these simply work. Having no other reliable reference over 1 inch, I’ve decided to trust these until proven otherwise. As funds permit I’ll be getting 1-2, and then 2-3 inch micrometers, reputable ones, in the future. Stay away from the cheap stuff! I would recommend these to my friends.

I have to trust measurements and after working with these for a while now I do. It hurt a bit to pay the price but no regrets!

This is what you buy if you need to know the readings will be correct 100% of the time. Great tool.

This caliper is well made but I find it measures exactly the same as a $20 unit from Aldi. So probably not worth the extra money.

What can I say, I LOVE THESE CALIPERS!!! Ive had around 12 sets from various makers over the past few years and every set has had a week point whether it be jumpy, inaccurate, constant need to rezero, rough sliding mechanism, extremely sensitive to pressure, you name it. Not with these! I primarily use them in my reloading and occasionally to get a rough measurement on parts I make on my lathe. If you are thinking about getting them just go ahead and do it, and save yourself some time and aggitation. If I had bought these to begin with I wouldve even saved a few bucks overall.

Its a delicate lab instrument and not a wrench that you just throw on the bench while measuring bullets or whatever. I received mine with a battery that is only a few months old. PROS - - Accuracy is high and consistent - I like the fact someone put their name on the QA/QC data sheet CONS - Mechanics of the jaws have a bit of slop, if you take a measurement inside the jaws measurement is consistent. If you take the same measurement towards the outer edge of the jaw the reading will be the same IF you do not drive the thumb wheel too hard. If you press the thumb wheel hard the measurement will be reduced a few thousands. I find its easier and more consistently accurate if you just close the jaws (press at the base rather than the tips) manually and do not use the thumb wheel.

I was a little leery to buy an expensive caliper with all the other less expensive ones but my neighbor had one and I liked the way it worked. This is easy to use and seems accurate to me. The thumb scroll is easy to use and can do small increments as well as moving faster for larger ones. You can lock it in on a measurement and then compare it to anther item. You can also take measurement, zero it out, take another one that’s thinner or wider and get a difference. I didn’t think that would be useful but I used it the first day. It’s sturdy and well built. Uses a common battery which is easy to change. Overall it’s been a great addition to the measurement line of my tools. I recommend it. Spend the extra money for accuracy and durability.