The first thing you notice when you check out the ProCarpenter Tri-Tapes is the erasable writing surface on the case, which lets you jot down a measurement without having to simultaneously hold the tape measure, the pencil, and a piece of paper while balancing atop a wobbly ladder. On closer inspection, you'll find other thoughtful improvements: the steel tape is 30% thicker than other tape blades to allow longer reaches, the hook is held with four rivets instead of the usual two, a rubber boot armors the case and makes it easier to grip, increments down to 1/16" or 1mm are easy to read, there's an integral pencil sharpener, and a "hold" button temporarily stops the tape in position in addition to the standard slide lock.

The 16' Story Pole Tape has standard measurements along the top edge and an erasable writing area along the bottom edge to make notations or a story pole.