DuraWheel DW-PRO Distance Measuring Wheel 12.5" Diameter 68903 (Meters & Centimeters)

My version of the DW-1000 was purchased from Amazon in 2010.When it worked, it worked well. It's actually a very nice design, accurate and versatile. Where I think they missed the mark is the material chosen for the drive belt that links the gears on the wheel and counter. It is (was) made of what appears to be organic material that disintegrated to the point there's nothing left to photograph but some debris that looks like rubber eraser droppings.When I searched for the replacement part, no dice. Not on Amazon and not on the USTape (manufacturer) site. I started writing this review to lament the lack of replacement parts (i.e., product support). However, it felt irresponsible to do so without first reaching out to the mfr. As it turns out, they don't SELL the replacement belt; they send it out as a warranty item.Absolutely first-class.Here's another reminder to not be too hasty in writing a negative review. It would've been an injustice in this case. Kudos to USTape.

This Durawheel is my first wheel-type measuring device, and after reading the reviews about other brands which broke after 6 uses, decided to "cry once, buy once" and go for the quality one.First thing I did was to go out to the parking lot with my 200' fiberglass tape, then ran a 70' distance back and forth next to the tape. As nearly as I can tell, the Durawheel is exactly right for this distance.Having the hand-brake is really great for setting the start-point and then holding the distance for a reading at the end of a run. When selecting this 68901 unit, I wasn't sure if it was going to be a useful feature but now can't imagine doing the job without a brake. I wish it could be locked but in the final analysis, it's better to have a non-locking brake than to have no brake at all.If you're wondering whether a 12.5" wheel is necessary for use out on roads or rough surfaces (instead of the smaller-wheeled one) I can say from my limited experience that definitely, the larger wheel is going to be the one, both for negotiating rough terrain and for the best accuracy while bumping over rocks and other obstacles.The wheel is silent and construction is robust. It's easily folded using a single latch and is quite compact when folded. I expect this tool to last a really long time.

Its been a year now since I purchased this wheel.I should mention I do a ton of measuring in my line of work as field tech for a fiber optic engineering company.Some weeks can be upwards of 5-6 miles(265-318k')on the wheel. I have gone through 3 counters and will be receiving my 4th in a few days from US Tape. Main reason this is still getting 5* is for the outstanding customer service by US Tape and the wheel itself is very well built and durable. Other than replacing the counter,which is simply removing 4 small phillips screws for the counter and 2 for the belt cover, very pleased with the DW-PRO.

Our agency has bought these before and we have had good luck with them. The only issue encountered was one of them must have a defective spring in the latch that locks the two halves of the handle in place during use. I have to manually slide the latch to lock it. No big deal, but I didn’t even know it was defective until someone else used mine and told me. Otherwise no problems. Good product!

Second one I bought in the past three years accurate on the measurements, lightweight and durable only problem I have the orange elbow release buttons sometimes if you push them the wrong way the spring pops out a little MacGyver ring and it does go back in

I use this measuring wheel for work so it get a regular work out in a variety of terrain and weather. It works nicely and does a good job. I only have one issue and that is related to ergonomics not mechanical function. If you are measuring an object that requires you to stop and make notes, there is no way short of placing the DuraWheel on the ground to stand the thing up on its own. The wheel turns so well that the unit will not lean against a wall or my leg so I can use both hands to write...it just rolls out away from me and falls on its side. I end up trying to pin it between my legs while I'm writing...not a pretty pose! Functionally, its very good. It folds up and store very well and in general I am pleased with it.

I purchased this the end of November 2018, had a survey on 03/06/2019. took it out of the box for the first time and it worked for 1 mile, then the numbers jumped and rolled together. I go to look about replacement and it said January 2019 window closed, and February 28 window closed on service, so now i am stuck with a $88.00 paper weight that was used once. Very bad Amazon.....very bad.

This is the second one of these I have had and they are great. I do contract engineering for AT&T and often go off road and it rolls good through high undergrowth. The thing is so smooth and it will count backwards if you pass your desired location. By the way my previous one was 9 years old before it quit working.