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 25' Left & Right Reading Tape has standard measurements along the top and bottom edges with numbers that you can read from either side.