Stanley 33-895L 30-Foot FatMax Xtreme Tape Rule with Blade Armor

List Price: $29.99 Discount Price: $29.24

Features:

• Tape rule with first 6 feet reinforced with BladeArmor coating for maximum durability
• 13-inch tape standout; 16-inch and 19.2-inch stud center markings simplify framing jobs
• Chrome case with overmold holds up to heavy use
• Heat-treated spring provides long life and smooth blade recoil
• Stanley's limited lifetime warranty; measures 1-1/4-inch-by-30-feet

Customer Reviews:

Not Much of an Improvement [Posted on 2006-11-01]
I've gone through a half dozen FatMax 30' tapes in the last few years. Aside from the infamous blade locking switch problem (where the locking switch takes way too much force to activate), they've always served me quite well. With my latest unit on its way out, I jumped on Amazon to purchase a backup, and was delighted to find that Stanley has come out with a new and improved design.

Unfortunately, upon it's arrival, I've discovered that the improvements aren't as impressive as I hoped. First, the case is actually bigger then the standard FaxMax (1/4" longer and 1/4" taller). The size difference certainly is noticeable when holding in my hand. It also weighs a tad more (22.5oz compared to 21oz.) The blade is the exact same width and thickness, so how does Stanley account for the 20% increase in standout? More of a curve in the tape itself... a 20% increase in the curve to be exact (.30" side height compared to .25"). Lastly, the claimed 'New Hi-Visibility Blade Armor For Improved Readability & Longer Blade Life'... well, since it's only on the first 6" of the tape, it certainly isn't something to gloat about.

The one thing I would say is a clear improvement over the standard FaxMax is the blade lock switch actually can be applied fully with one hand, however it still requires more force then any other non-FaxMax Stanley tape, or pretty much any other brand I've tried.

I'm a Stanley fan and have a lot of tools with the FaxMax label, but there's certainly nothing 'Extreme' about the FaxMax Xtreme, especially the $8 markup above the standard FaxMax tape. I'd recommend sticking with the FaxMax unless you really like the chrome case and don't mind spending an extra $8 to get it.

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