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

Great caliper.

I had a cheap pair that seemed to function fairly well except if you left the battery in even while turned off, the battery would go dead. No big deal, I just took the battery out between uses. After about 3 years, they started to give weird readings at the low end of the scale, where they were used the most. So I pitched them and decided to buy these Mitutoyo calipers. These appear to be the real deal. They are identical to the ones that we use at work. We buy directly from Mitutoyo and pay several dollars more for these. But Mitutoyo is probably the best out there. Them or Starrett. These dont have a data port. We have both at work, ones with a data port and ones without. Also they come in the exact same chintzy plastic box with a folding hinge that will break after repeated use, just like the ones at work. I actually kept the case my cheap ones came in, because it is a better case with an actual hinge that pivots on a pin, and looks like the case our older Mitutoyo calipers came in. Theyre butter smooth and hold zero.

I am a hobby machinist constantly overhauling flat head engines. Having a repeatable accurate vernier caliper is a must. This is a quality tool at a reasonable price.

This device is easy to use and understand which is just what I needed as I am learning the machining trade.

I have been using cheap Chinese calipers for years. The difference between the Mitutoyo and the cheap Chinese calipers is night and day. The machine work of the Mitutoyo calipers is of a very high standard. Granted the price difference is huge, but after using the Mitutoyo calipers I can say the price difference is worth it in my case. I should have bought these years ago. Highly recommend Mitutoyo over anything else.

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.

Nice build sturdy and very accurate

This is far superior to my generic one which was constantly turning off and rezeroing itself and also giving me inconsistent readings every time I measured. If you make jewelry or another craft where you need precise measurements this one is worth it. The only thing I needed to get used to was that it doesnt turn off by itself so sometimes I forget and am probably wasting battery life. However, in most cases that is a feature not a bug (meaning its not always turning itself off in between measurements). In addition, if the jaws are left open and you turn it off, when you turn it on it still gives you a measurement of where you left off, it doesnt just zero off from that spot. You can press the TAR button for that giving you much more control and saving time. Once in a while it gets unzeroed by a 1/2mm and you can just take the battery out, close the jaws all the way, replace battery and hold the zeroing button to reset. Otherwise very stable and consistent readings.

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 researched a number of digital calipers before purchase and made the conclusion that the iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN 0-6 Digital was a pretty good unit for the price. I also saw the most of the folks felt the Mitutoyo was top of the line, but may not be worth the additional cost - $95 vs $40. I purchased the iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN 0-6 Digital calipers but I am returning them because of the display, which I have not seen discussed on this forum. I also purchased the Mitutoyo calipers. When comparing the display on the iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN 0-6 Digital vs the Mitutoyo you very quickly see the reason for the price difference. I expected to find a quality difference between the two, but was blown away by the clarity, size and quality of the display on the Mitutoyo. (500-196-30) I cannot fault the iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN 0-6 Digital as it appeared to be accurate and pretty well made, but for a tool that I plan to use for many years, I decided the price difference was worth paying. Bottom line, you wont be disappointed in the accuracy of the iGaging ABSOLUTE ORIGIN 0-6 Digital, but if you can afford the Mitutoyo calipers, go for it. For those that are concerned about fake Mitutoyo calipers, the one I ordered came from Amazon LLC, and the calipers came in a sealed package that had to be cut open. Not the box mind you, but the actual packing that contained the calipers. All the included paperwork, box battery etc. said made in Japan. I dont think for a second that the calipers I received were not genuine.