I just got the 8-inch Absolute Origin iGaging caliper the other day. It is really nice and I am very pleased with it. I bought it because of his review. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
Thank you so much for this comparison video. As someone who makes crimped wired screens, I'm constantly checking wire dimensions. I wanted my own digital caliper because my job has two Mitutoyos and they're always in use when I need it for QA checks and also, I wanted an affordable quality tool for hobby use. I almost pulled the trigger on the cheap and highly rated Neiko on Amazon, until I saw your one-star review was number one in top reviews, so thank you for helping me save money and make the right choice for my needs.
Thank you for the excellent review! Not only did you inform me on which caliper to purchase, but you beautifully demonstrated the pitfalls to watch for in the lower end models. Thanks again!
you're welcome. I put a lot of work into the project. Since making the video, the iGaging Absolute Origin is still my top pick. the cheaper EZCal is still a good caliper, but it has developed battery door issues like the Mitutoyo.
QA at Columbia Flooring Mitutoyo 196-20 are excellent and tough. We are very rough on our calipers and have never had a problem with drifting or battery life.
Thanks for your work making this comparison. It’s still valid after about 4 years, and I actually bought the iGaging EZCal 6" w/fractions based on your recommendation. I’m very happy with the price/quality ratio and the accuracy is good enough for what I use it for. I actually imported this from the U.S. to Germany, costing me $23,95 + about the same again for shipping + import VAT + customs duty, but this is still about a third of the price they ask for it over here. Still great bang for the buck :-)
Great vid, must be a first born nerd engineer. I have the Mitutoyo coolant proof, because my cousin designed them. But the Neiko 01412A also turn themselves off and only cost $19 delivered. Here is a fun parlor trick: get a handful of in between pin gauges in 0.0001" increments from MSC. Then have a contest to see how fast and accurately your friends can measure them with their micrometers or calipers. A guy who knows his dial calipers can win every time, which will surprise some.
He is slamming the measuring surfaces of the Mitutoyo together - argh ! My 150 mm Mitutoyo is still acurate since apx 1986. I never slammed it, and stored it in the designated box. It should also never be stored with the surfaces touching each other - always leave a little gap ! The new one with fraction indication seems quite handy. I have a new 200 mm Chinese one with metal housing and carbide surfaces ( Guang Lu ) - it has about the same quality as the expensive Mitutoyos. H.Panzlaff German Master Mechanic and Engineer
Can you fix them, my screen display is not coming on & i was told, sometimes moisture can effect it, i put a new battery in it & the screen did come on, but then the numbers just kept changing, re: 0.04 changes all the time, re: can you help with advise, i have put my 150mm in a bag & put moisture bags in it, so any moisture that might be in it with out a battery in it for about 3 days & it still does not come back on ?
@@dtrrtd774 If the surfaces are really plane and smooth and they're touching each other, a form of cold-welding could happen. Both parts could bond with each other and you can't open them without force. Maybe that's why he doesn't store it closed.
Great and informative video. I've never needed a caliper before, but do now. Was not sure what to get or even look for. You answered all my questions (and some I didn't even know I had!). Thanks.
Needed a set of calipers for work, wanted good but didn't want to pay mitutoyo price.. Thanks to you I got iGaging and am VERY happy! Its definitely as accurate as the mitutoyos we have around the shop.
Great info. Most of the cheap calipers got the Mitutoyo style battery cover. So, then we know were the did copy it) It's been a hassle to me with cheap calipers, breaking the battery covers. Well, when eating batteries like crazy, the covers see much on and off)
By the way, I find the fractional capability very handy, although generally only down to 64ths. When I'm looking for the right pilot drill for a wood or sheet metal screw, I use the calipers to measure the minor diameter of the screw to the closest smaller 1/64th of an inch, then I know exactly which drill bit to use, without any decimal to fractional conversions. It's actually probably the most frequent use I put my calipers to, although I find myself using them quite frequently for one thing and another :)
Just a tip: If you get the Absolute Origin iGaging caliper, replace the setscrews with good quality M2.5 (Allen), and if you have it, a drop of Loctite Blue 242 (cure overnight) on the screws. This will make the tool better adjustable. The setscrews that come with the caliper are plain junk! Great video by the way, helped a lot to make a choice, thank you.
I recommend that you go to your own link for those Mitutoyo calipers and look at the top review showing the exact images to verify if you have an actual legit Mitutoyo caliper. The top upvoted reviewer went to the full extent to verify that the calipers he received are real and not fake so that others can compare the ones they received to have the best idea if theirs are real also since some people are receiving faked calipers. Best wishes to you.
THANK YOU for a MOST informative and well made vid. Have clicked your link, just as the hubby was on Amazon looking at the same model. Made him back out, and come here to watch your vid and click the link. We are getting the iguaging. Thanks again!
Really helpful review. Had a cheap one for a few years which broke so decided to get the igaging origin cal. Really impressed as its such a step up in build quality and an improvement in accuracy. Thanks
true I would buy the iGaging caliper as well. but there is a lot off these fake Mitutoyo calipers out there and do not come anywhere close to the original Mitutoyo quality . thanks
Manuel kontos True. Whichever you buy, Mitutoyo or iGaging, you have to make sure you buy direct from the company or their amazon store or you might get a knockoff
One additional test I think would be worthwhile is power-off current draw. @AvE addressed this in his video on the cheap Chinese calipers and it's the biggest dissatisfaction I have with the Chinese (Harbor Freight) calipers I have. When you leave it in your tool chest for a month with the battery in place, it's dead as a door-nail when you come back, even though it's turned off. I have to remove and replace the battery every working session, leaving it out when not in use. You wouldn't have to wait for a month or six to see how long the batteries last; you can calculate that from the power-off current draw with a micro ampere setting on a digital multi meter. I'd love to know how the iGaging versions performed on that test.
Also constant current draw will cause battery leakage. I have a cheapo one and its "off" function seems to just turn off the LCD segments, nothing more. It doesn't even stop driving the LCD (you can still see the segments at a steep angle, which go away when you remove the battery). It's comical.
I have Mitutoyo and the EZ-Cal. Both 6". The EZC is consistently off by 1.5 thou. The Mitu isn't. Whether this is important to you is a personal decision.
Interesting review. The comments were also helpful in selecting the caliper to buy. Thanks to matchesburn for highlighting the battery issue. It's unlikely a short term review could pick that up. The Mitutoyo 500 196 30 is $242 in Australia (and even more expensive as an import). The iGaging absolute origin is about $92 delivered off Ebay, so it's a no brainer if the review is correct. Have one ordered, so it will be interesting to see how it performs. Thanks for posting. Cheers from down under. Rob
Thanks for all the great info. You saved me a ton of time researching which pair of calipers to get! I settled on the iGaging Absolute Origin 0-6. Great video!
THANK YOU! This is exactly the kind of excellence I look for in a comparison review. I just got one of those cheap Chinese versions and realized how crappy it was instantly upon first use. I'll definitely return this and get the iGaging. Have you considered doing a similar comparison review of feeler gauges?
Go for the iGaging Absolute Origin one. I still use it as my Go-to. The EZCal ended up having battery door issues like the Mitutoyo. This is the one you want: amzn.to/2EeXUYr
I was going to do a gauge block review, but had my entire box of gaging products stolen a couple months ago. Over $1000 in mics, calipers, blocks, etc.
GadgetClass People need to start somewhere. The 15.00 horrible freight was “good enough” (bad zero, multi measure just to verify a single measure, lose measure if I travel quickly, horrible waste of life); but, I don’t do enough to justify 150.00 for a Mit. Extremely useful. I see what I’m getting if I spend over 39.00. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Again, thanks! Save me $$$.
I was about to buy a Mitutoyo, but went for a Igaging instead) That's first of all because of the better battery cover design, and bigger battery. Seems great value for money. I've had problems with the Mitutoyo style battery covers in the past, which so many fabricators have copied. And as a home shop machinist I don't see use for a 100 usd ++ caliper, as they are just for taking 'ball park' measurements anyway. I got micrometers for accuracy. but a digital caliper sure is handy in many situations!
At 2:45 when you measure the 10 thou strip, you did it wrong. You should have measured only the tip in both locations, but you measured a large section of it at full depth and only the tip out at the end. Perhaps the strip was non-uniform thickness. So you had two variables in the test.
I agree with you. Also, I think it is better to measure that strips with other calipers as the same way he used to measure with those "cheap Chinese ones", so we can see the difference between calipers. Also, those cheap ones are not cheap when people spend money and didn't fulfill what they need, money wasted.
He said he did close to 2,000 test measurements with all of the calipers. While he didn't say it specifically in the video, it is implied that the other calipers did not have this flaw. It is reasonable to assume he would have measured it the specific way that he did with all of the calipers, so if the strip wasn't uniform, all of the calipers would have shown this.
Nothing like seeing back to back comparison measurements though, using the same exact methods, even if it takes another 10 seconds in the video. Then it wouldn't have been necessary to assume.
Looks to me like he is using way too much torque on the thumbwheel. The cheaper ones will tolerate less torque before giving false readings out near the tip, especially. This is obvious to anyone who wants to get an accurate measurement. I have some crazy sloppy calipers, and I get accurate readings to within half a thou, no problem.
I was just going to point this out. When he tests the calipers up higher, the calipers are only going to close as much as the tip allows them to, he should’ve put it in perpendicular to the calipers at both points
the Mitutoyo from the video is fake. Search on internet the battery cover in the original say "Absolute" and on the fake say under Mitutoyo. Bad comparation.
@@mikeandmarlene8170 agreed. Unfortunately there are now fakes that fixed that , so it is harder to figure this out. I got my second hand unopened, and with with authorized seller sticker, but it was not directly from them. I am 99% sure they are real, but anything could happen.
I noticed that and the signature on the certificate seams to be printed... and the battery has to be the SR44, could not catch it in the video to see...
Thanks for the vid and round-up, this is exactly what I needed! I was looking for a cheaper caliper for some hobby measuring and your thoughts are helpful! I actually got the Neiko and it was too stiff and wouldn't turn off so I returned it and got the EZCal
Thanks for the review, I almost bought some Chinese off Ebay... -.- In case you are in EU and struggling to find the two Igaging calipers the cheapest way, I found a Canadian shop called "elite tools" which has the lowest price with flat $9.99 CAD shipping. Hope it helps someone.
This is the best review I've seen on digital calipers. I use dial and digital calipers as well as quality end micrometers up to Starrett. Guess I've been lucky because I haven't had any that display the huge variations from inside to tip on the inside measurement faces. I don't have high end standards to test my calipers but I'm a handloader so I have lots of factory produced copper jacketed bullets to compare to. They're not as good as US Standards but they're surprisingly consistent in diameter. Most of my measuring is on wood or for reloading so it's not to toolroom standards but I do machine metal so decent calipers are a bonus.
I got the EAgems IP54 caliper for $40. It's on par with your recommended calipers. I just got them for Christmas, so haven't really got to use them yet.
Thoughts on a Husky brand bought at home depot? I'm not confident that us accurate. My technique using it also comes into question. I would be grateful to hear your opinion. Thanks.
Thanks very much for this informative and extremely interesting video. I'm new to calipers and I didn't realize there were so many things to look out for. I learned a lot, again thanks. (subscribed)
Thank you, thank you. A concern is battery life. You would have to have the calipers for a number of months in order to review the battery consumption.
I have a box full of older drill bits. I can't read the size on some of the shafts. Don't tell me that fractions are not useful. I could take the time do a conversion from metric to fractions but why do that when the tool will do it for me. I bought the EZ Cal because it is EZ to use, inexpensive, of great quality and I have no need to connect it to my computer.
Hi - Very interesting video. I think all of these Calipers have slideway adjusting screws on the top surface that allow you to set the slop at a minimum. (they adjust down on usually a bronze strip) - did you adjust each caliper before you tested it? Cheers Cliff
My iGaging caliper stopped working after 9 months of light use, very light use. I replace the battery and still doesn't work. It just flashes random numbers continuously. Buyers beware: Is an accurate caliper but it has no longevity.
Thanks a LOT! I'm an engineering student in saudi arabia and I order most my stuff on amazon and I ALMOST FELL FOR THE CARRERA! Imagine ordering a bad product and shipping it overseas? Thanks again!
Glad to help! I sent the Carrera back right after the round-up. Would not have even given it away. I carry the EXCal in my truck and keep it in the shop and use the OriginCal at my desk for CAD/Prototyping work.
I just got the iGaging EZCal thanks to your reviews! Thanks so much! Though I was thinking the absolute origin feature was superfluous, as you should be zeroing it every time anyway. The more appealing feature is the USB automatic input and possibly increased build quality. Should I try returning the EZCal and spend the extra cash on the Abs Origin model?
It's been many years since this review. The iGaging OriginCal has proved itself the low end leader. The EZCal is OK, but has battery door issues like the Mitutoyo. The OriginCal is a solid product with a solid feature set.
I'm debating between the USA assembled Starrett #799 and the Mitutoyo 6" and they seem pretty neck and neck. Starrett had some problems years ago when first introduced with battery consumption but that was long ago fixed. I think both of these are a pretty large step above the others personally but watch out for the counterfits as shown here.
Just picked up an OriginCal. Is there any inexpensive way to get the cable these days? It looks like cheapest direct on Amazon is over $80 just for the USB SPC. I might have to try making my own.
Awesome review. Thank you. Now I just need to decide between the two Igaging calibers. Does your Igaging absolute origin measure fractions like the Ez cal?
How are Shinwa calipers compared to these? Their analog hardened SS calipers looks nice too. What’s better, analog or digital? Analog seem more durable and robust, no?
I had problems with the battery in my Ez Cal draining out in storage. Then when I replaced the battery I broke the battery spring inside, because of the pressure the spring puts down and then you are sliding the battery against an arm that very easily can break off...and did for me...when you are sliding the battery in.
Sorry but the Mitutoyo Caliper you have doesnt look genuine. The battery cover looks like those of the fake ebay ones and it also does not say AOS on the caliper
The Neiko I just got was completely broken. Wouldn't hold steady even when sitting on the table untouched. Measurements were way off, as in tens of mm.
Interesting. The left hand side three recommended brands, except the Mitutoyo from Japan, IGaging is made in China (Read from the yellow box in your video). Not sure the OriginCal, but most likely made in China too. But when talking about right hand side "Not recommended" brands, you then mentioned they are all "Chinese" brands. It sounds to me, if the products are good, not necessary to mention they are from China, but if they are bad, then they are "Chinese" products? LOL, that is the US spirit nowadays? No offense, but it does sound that way.
Thanks for the review. How does battery life compare across the top three. Mitutoyo has a reputation for great battery life. How do the igaging units compare?
I did an on/off mA draw test. Mitutoyo came out ahead, especially when off, but the igaging absolute origin seems to last at least a year with weekly use. I have a video posted of the test.
I've hade an Igageing 12" caliper for about 2yrs and is finally kicked the bucket, there definitely a good quality caliper but one thing you did not mention is the IP rating. the Igauging caliper uses an older style reader that is not coolant proof so if it gets wet it will give you crazy readings and you have to dry it out for it to become useful again. most of the mitutoyo and higher end calipers are rated ip66 or ip67 which they are dust and coolant proof and will read even when wet. the one think I don't like about mitutoyo is that there are Chinese clones that look just like authentic ones which makes them an iffy proposition if your trying to find a deal on one. I currently use mahr federal calipers which are on par with mitutoyo.
I was tooling inspector at Boeing for 20 years. My go to digital calipers are Mitutoyo, my analog are Brown & Sharpe. . .Whatever you do stay away from Starrett calipers, they're junk! Their stainless steel is too soft and the jaws wear out too quickly. . .
Very Sorry. I'm from Brazil and I don't understand English very well (video in English is even harder). Between the OriginCal and EZCal models, which one do you really recommend??? I want to buy 1 of the two and I'm very in doubt. (used Google Translator)
Would you take the iGaging Absolute Origin digital calipers at $40 over the iGaging IP54 digital calipers at $25? Is the extra $15 worth it for the Absolute Origin? You seem to like both equally well.
One other question. I noticed that most people use the 150mm/6in version of digital calipers. Is there any disadvantages to using the 300mm/12n version?
Ok, awkwardness of larger calipers makes sense. So what methods do you use for items longer than 150mm? Using a six inch caliper? I'm sure clever machinist have a procedure that would be handy to learn. Last thing, do you make 3D Printer parts? Noticed your cre8er name. I purchased an extruder feeder from someone with a similar name. Again, thanks for the help.
so i guess its safe to assume that the "general tool" brand digital caliper is of the same quality as the ones that you considered cheap Chinese? I guess that's explains why every time i try to align the fence and blade on my table saw i keep getting different readings.
those igaging calipers are made in the same chinese factory and with the same parts as knockoff mitutoyos, you can get them unbranded for 1/3 the price igaging sells them for (shipped from china on a slow boat), or buy in bulk and get the factory to use your own brand and color scheme on them and start your own bespoke instrument company with some well placed social media influencers!
I have a Stalwart dial caliper but I don't understand how to use it. It seams to go my tenths of an inch so I can't compare to eighths of an inch. Do you have a video to understand this?
My problem is tha pricing in Canada is messed up.. Every Item that is $100 in USA will cost $130 in Canada due to the dollar difference. On top of that we also have to pay a duty tax weatehr it comes from China or America which increases our total to $160 for an item that cost $100 in America... Those iGage Calipers cost $93-Canadian on Amazon and the Mitchio's cost $116... at this point i might as well spend the $20 and get the big guns
I just got the 8-inch Absolute Origin iGaging caliper the other day. It is really nice and I am very pleased with it. I bought it because of his review. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos.
for bodyfat testing?
It’s both pathetic and ironic that he was calling Chinese calipers cheap yet the iGaging ones that he recommended are made in China as well
@@iTheEncounter yea but the quality control is better
@@iTheEncounterwhat is pathetic and ironic about describing some of the Chinese-made ones as “cheaper Chinese” ones
Thank you so much for this comparison video. As someone who makes crimped wired screens, I'm constantly checking wire dimensions. I wanted my own digital caliper because my job has two Mitutoyos and they're always in use when I need it for QA checks and also, I wanted an affordable quality tool for hobby use. I almost pulled the trigger on the cheap and highly rated Neiko on Amazon, until I saw your one-star review was number one in top reviews, so thank you for helping me save money and make the right choice for my needs.
Thanks for taking the time to put together this video for those of us that haven't purchased a caliper before!
Thank you for doing a real comparison. Most won't buy and test and just use internet pictures and descriptions.
You're welcome :)
Thank you for the excellent review! Not only did you inform me on which caliper to purchase, but you beautifully demonstrated the pitfalls to watch for in the lower end models. Thanks again!
you're welcome. I put a lot of work into the project. Since making the video, the iGaging Absolute Origin is still my top pick. the cheaper EZCal is still a good caliper, but it has developed battery door issues like the Mitutoyo.
QA at Columbia Flooring
Mitutoyo 196-20 are excellent and tough. We are very rough on our calipers and have never had a problem with drifting or battery life.
Thanks for your work making this comparison. It’s still valid after about 4 years, and I actually bought the iGaging EZCal 6" w/fractions based on your recommendation. I’m very happy with the price/quality ratio and the accuracy is good enough for what I use it for.
I actually imported this from the U.S. to Germany, costing me $23,95 + about the same again for shipping + import VAT + customs duty, but this is still about a third of the price they ask for it over here. Still great bang for the buck :-)
I am running a true Mitutoyo ip67 Absolute 500-752 series. Spectacular caliper, this series has a twist on battery cover.
Cool! The battery door issue was the only issue Mitutoyo has.
Great vid, must be a first born nerd engineer.
I have the Mitutoyo coolant proof, because my cousin designed them.
But the Neiko 01412A also turn themselves off and only cost $19 delivered.
Here is a fun parlor trick: get a handful of in between pin gauges in 0.0001" increments from MSC. Then have a contest to see how fast and accurately your friends can measure them with their micrometers or calipers. A guy who knows his dial calipers can win every time, which will surprise some.
Sterret never let me down, don't let the good price of the cheap tool, deter you from making good projects.
He is slamming the measuring surfaces of the Mitutoyo together - argh !
My 150 mm Mitutoyo is still acurate since apx 1986. I never slammed it, and stored it in the designated box. It should also never be stored with the surfaces touching each other - always leave a little gap ! The new one with fraction indication seems quite handy. I have a new 200 mm Chinese one with metal housing and carbide surfaces ( Guang Lu ) - it has about the same quality as the expensive Mitutoyos.
H.Panzlaff German Master Mechanic and Engineer
Can you fix them, my screen display is not coming on & i was told, sometimes moisture can effect it, i put a new battery in it & the screen did come on, but then the numbers just kept changing, re: 0.04 changes all the time, re: can you help with advise, i have put my 150mm in a bag & put moisture bags in it, so any moisture that might be in it with out a battery in it for about 3 days & it still does not come back on ?
What's the rationale behind leaving a gap when storing? To avoid rust and corrosion developing from the contact when kept in a damp environment?
@@dtrrtd774 If the surfaces are really plane and smooth and they're touching each other, a form of cold-welding could happen. Both parts could bond with each other and you can't open them without force. Maybe that's why he doesn't store it closed.
Great and informative video. I've never needed a caliper before, but do now. Was not sure what to get or even look for. You answered all my questions (and some I didn't even know I had!). Thanks.
Needed a set of calipers for work, wanted good but didn't want to pay mitutoyo price..
Thanks to you I got iGaging and am VERY happy!
Its definitely as accurate as the mitutoyos we have around the shop.
Justin Mochon Glad this roundup is still helping people all these years later!
Great info. Most of the cheap calipers got the Mitutoyo style battery cover. So, then we know were the did copy it) It's been a hassle to me with cheap calipers, breaking the battery covers. Well, when eating batteries like crazy, the covers see much on and off)
By the way, I find the fractional capability very handy, although generally only down to 64ths. When I'm looking for the right pilot drill for a wood or sheet metal screw, I use the calipers to measure the minor diameter of the screw to the closest smaller 1/64th of an inch, then I know exactly which drill bit to use, without any decimal to fractional conversions. It's actually probably the most frequent use I put my calipers to, although I find myself using them quite frequently for one thing and another :)
Steve Canny which one is that?
I purchased the iGaging Absolute Origin digital calipers and they are sweet. Thank you very much for your detailed review.
Kiwi Bushcraft And Survival You're welcome! :)
Just a tip: If you get the Absolute Origin iGaging caliper, replace the setscrews with good quality M2.5 (Allen), and if you have it, a drop of Loctite Blue 242 (cure overnight) on the screws. This will make the tool better adjustable. The setscrews that come with the caliper are plain junk! Great video by the way, helped a lot to make a choice, thank you.
Ronald van Arkel Thanks for the tip!
I recommend that you go to your own link for those Mitutoyo calipers and look at the top review showing the exact images to verify if you have an actual legit Mitutoyo caliper. The top upvoted reviewer went to the full extent to verify that the calipers he received are real and not fake so that others can compare the ones they received to have the best idea if theirs are real also since some people are receiving faked calipers. Best wishes to you.
THANK YOU for a MOST informative and well made vid. Have clicked your link, just as the hubby was on Amazon looking at the same model. Made him back out, and come here to watch your vid and click the link. We are getting the iguaging. Thanks again!
Thanks for using my link. I do recommend the original with fractional measurement option which is $49 on amazon. best bang for the buck in a caliper
Awesome video my friend. You just taught me alot. IGaging for me. I am going to buy one. Thank you and GOD bless you always sir. 😎
Glad to help!
Really helpful review. Had a cheap one for a few years which broke so decided to get the igaging origin cal. Really impressed as its such a step up in build quality and an improvement in accuracy. Thanks
Glad to help!
You can probably adjust those junky calipers with the two set screws on top. They are junk though, and do not hold up. I agree with this review.
true I would buy the iGaging caliper as well. but there is a lot off these fake Mitutoyo calipers out there and do not come anywhere close to the original Mitutoyo quality . thanks
Manuel kontos True. Whichever you buy, Mitutoyo or iGaging, you have to make sure you buy direct from the company or their amazon store or you might get a knockoff
One additional test I think would be worthwhile is power-off current draw. @AvE addressed this in his video on the cheap Chinese calipers and it's the biggest dissatisfaction I have with the Chinese (Harbor Freight) calipers I have. When you leave it in your tool chest for a month with the battery in place, it's dead as a door-nail when you come back, even though it's turned off. I have to remove and replace the battery every working session, leaving it out when not in use. You wouldn't have to wait for a month or six to see how long the batteries last; you can calculate that from the power-off current draw with a micro ampere setting on a digital multi meter. I'd love to know how the iGaging versions performed on that test.
+Steve Canny I'll look at doing another video with power draw.
+GadgetClass just test it and put the result in the show more!
Also constant current draw will cause battery leakage. I have a cheapo one and its "off" function seems to just turn off the LCD segments, nothing more. It doesn't even stop driving the LCD (you can still see the segments at a steep angle, which go away when you remove the battery). It's comical.
I have Mitutoyo and the EZ-Cal. Both 6". The EZC is consistently off by 1.5 thou. The Mitu isn't. Whether this is important to you is a personal decision.
Interesting review.
The comments were also helpful in selecting the caliper to buy.
Thanks to matchesburn for highlighting the battery issue. It's unlikely a short term review could pick that up.
The Mitutoyo 500 196 30 is $242 in Australia (and even more expensive as an import).
The iGaging absolute origin is about $92 delivered off Ebay, so it's a no brainer if the review is correct.
Have one ordered, so it will be interesting to see how it performs.
Thanks for posting.
Cheers from down under.
Rob
yeah the battery door issues didn't show up until way after I did this video. my origincal is still one of my go to calipers.
Thanks for all the great info. You saved me a ton of time researching which pair of calipers to get! I settled on the iGaging Absolute Origin 0-6. Great video!
Frankie D You're welcome. Over a year later and I still recommend the igaging origin cal over any other. They have a version with fractions now too.
THANK YOU! This is exactly the kind of excellence I look for in a comparison review. I just got one of those cheap Chinese versions and realized how crappy it was instantly upon first use. I'll definitely return this and get the iGaging. Have you considered doing a similar comparison review of feeler gauges?
Go for the iGaging Absolute Origin one. I still use it as my Go-to. The EZCal ended up having battery door issues like the Mitutoyo.
This is the one you want:
amzn.to/2EeXUYr
I was going to do a gauge block review, but had my entire box of gaging products stolen a couple months ago. Over $1000 in mics, calipers, blocks, etc.
WhAAAAt?! Holy crap, that's awful! Well, this review was fantastic. I look forward to checking out some of your other videos.
THIS is one of the most useful video I came across!!! Thanks! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks for the feedback! :)
GadgetClass People need to start somewhere. The 15.00 horrible freight was “good enough” (bad zero, multi measure just to verify a single measure, lose measure if I travel quickly, horrible waste of life); but, I don’t do enough to justify 150.00 for a Mit.
Extremely useful.
I see what I’m getting if I spend over 39.00. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Again, thanks! Save me $$$.
I was about to buy a Mitutoyo, but went for a Igaging instead) That's first of all because of the better battery cover design, and bigger battery. Seems great value for money. I've had problems with the Mitutoyo style battery covers in the past, which so many fabricators have copied. And as a home shop machinist I don't see use for a 100 usd ++ caliper, as they are just for taking 'ball park' measurements anyway. I got micrometers for accuracy. but a digital caliper sure is handy in many situations!
The iGaging absolute origin is still my go to for daily measurements.
This was one of the best reviews on youtube. Thanks.
Thanks! Glad to help!
Though you fail on many points, you review IS helpful... so thank you... ruffian!
At 2:45 when you measure the 10 thou strip, you did it wrong. You should have measured only the tip in both locations, but you measured a large section of it at full depth and only the tip out at the end. Perhaps the strip was non-uniform thickness. So you had two variables in the test.
I agree with you. Also, I think it is better to measure that strips with other calipers as the same way he used to measure with those "cheap Chinese ones", so we can see the difference between calipers. Also, those cheap ones are not cheap when people spend money and didn't fulfill what they need, money wasted.
He said he did close to 2,000 test measurements with all of the calipers. While he didn't say it specifically in the video, it is implied that the other calipers did not have this flaw. It is reasonable to assume he would have measured it the specific way that he did with all of the calipers, so if the strip wasn't uniform, all of the calipers would have shown this.
Nothing like seeing back to back comparison measurements though, using the same exact methods, even if it takes another 10 seconds in the video. Then it wouldn't have been necessary to assume.
Looks to me like he is using way too much torque on the thumbwheel. The cheaper ones will tolerate less torque before giving false readings out near the tip, especially. This is obvious to anyone who wants to get an accurate measurement. I have some crazy sloppy calipers, and I get accurate readings to within half a thou, no problem.
I was just going to point this out. When he tests the calipers up higher, the calipers are only going to close as much as the tip allows them to, he should’ve put it in perpendicular to the calipers at both points
Thanks for the review! I purchased one of your recommendation using the link.
Thanks!
I'd love to see a similar review for infrared thermometers.
Great effort! Many thanks for sharing your work.
Your video helped me a ton. I just ordered the under $30 winner.
Thanks for review! Bought ezcal (came yesturday) and very much liked it.
the Mitutoyo from the video is fake. Search on internet the battery cover in the original say "Absolute" and on the fake say under Mitutoyo. Bad comparation.
Yep. That's a counterfeit Mitutoyo for sure. Concave battery cover is a dead giveaway
@@mikeandmarlene8170 agreed. Unfortunately there are now fakes that fixed that , so it is harder to figure this out. I got my second hand unopened, and with with authorized seller sticker, but it was not directly from them. I am 99% sure they are real, but anything could happen.
What is comparation
You can tell it's a counterfeit just by looking at the box. A real Mit doesn't have any sort of slogan or picture of calipers on the box. Another POS.
I noticed that and the signature on the certificate seams to be printed... and the battery has to be the SR44, could not catch it in the video to see...
I just bought the 12 inch igaging calipers, thanks for the review
The LR44 battery is industrial standard
Thanks for the vid and round-up, this is exactly what I needed! I was looking for a cheaper caliper for some hobby measuring and your thoughts are helpful!
I actually got the Neiko and it was too stiff and wouldn't turn off so I returned it and got the EZCal
Thanks for the review, I almost bought some Chinese off Ebay... -.- In case you are in EU and struggling to find the two Igaging calipers the cheapest way, I found a Canadian shop called "elite tools" which has the lowest price with flat $9.99 CAD shipping. Hope it helps someone.
Very good review. Thank you for posting, this has help me select a caliper for my shop.
You're welcome!
Thanks for the detailed video. iGaging it is!
This is the best review I've seen on digital calipers. I use dial and digital calipers as well as quality end micrometers up to Starrett. Guess I've been lucky because I haven't had any that display the huge variations from inside to tip on the inside measurement faces. I don't have high end standards to test my calipers but I'm a handloader so I have lots of factory produced copper jacketed bullets to compare to. They're not as good as US Standards but they're surprisingly consistent in diameter. Most of my measuring is on wood or for reloading so it's not to toolroom standards but I do machine metal so decent calipers are a bonus.
Thanks! When I made the video there were none on RUclips. I went out and bought all these to save people the trouble.
Thank you for a great video... You answered my question and saved me lots of research time and possible heart ache.
Much Love
Thanks for all your help. i am looking for a digital caliper for my hobby.
Thank you have given some good advice.
its half price but the Mitutoyo might work perfectly 20 years from now.
thank you for doing my research for me.
Great! Very complete analysis. Thank you so much.
Dial caliper is better because no quantization error, and you can see hand position between marks on the dial, that is 2x more precise then digital.
Everyone has their preference and both have a place in the field.
Great review🎯 just what I needed to know. 🙏
thank you! that was a great review video. This really helped with my buying decision!
You're welcome!
Thanks for the vid. Based on your recommendation I will buy the igaging.
Thanks for this video! I was about to buy the Neiko. I'll probably go for the iGaging.
The OriginCal is my top pick
I got the EAgems IP54 caliper for $40. It's on par with your recommended calipers. I just got them for Christmas, so haven't really got to use them yet.
Harbor Freight feeler guage is recommend with their calipers.
Thanks for this. Made my caliper purchase very simple. I used your referral link on Amazon.
Thoughts on a Husky brand bought at home depot?
I'm not confident that us accurate. My technique using it also comes into question.
I would be grateful to hear your opinion.
Thanks.
Thanks very much for this informative and extremely interesting video. I'm new to calipers and I didn't realize there were so many things to look out for. I learned a lot, again thanks. (subscribed)
Tony M Your're welcome. Glad to help.
Thank you, thank you. A concern is battery life. You would have to have the calipers for a number of months in order to review the battery consumption.
The CR2032 batteries are long outlasting the small ones used in the cheaper calipers
Please make an updated comparison video please
I have a box full of older drill bits. I can't read the size on some of the shafts. Don't tell me that fractions are not useful. I could take the time do a conversion from metric to fractions but why do that when the tool will do it for me. I bought the EZ Cal because it is EZ to use, inexpensive, of great quality and I have no need to connect it to my computer.
Hi - Very interesting video. I think all of these Calipers have slideway adjusting screws on the top surface that allow you to set the slop at a minimum. (they adjust down on usually a bronze strip) - did you adjust each caliper before you tested it? Cheers Cliff
My iGaging caliper stopped working after 9 months of light use, very light use. I replace the battery and still doesn't work. It just flashes random numbers continuously. Buyers beware: Is an accurate caliper but it has no longevity.
It being "yours" had no longevity. These are electronic components, and as such may fail at various times. Just to be clear.
Rather, they're complex devices so occasionally they have manufacturing defects. A single failure isn't indicative of product quality.
Thanks a LOT! I'm an engineering student in saudi arabia and I order most my stuff on amazon and I ALMOST FELL FOR THE CARRERA! Imagine ordering a bad product and shipping it overseas?
Thanks again!
Glad to help! I sent the Carrera back right after the round-up. Would not have even given it away. I carry the EXCal in my truck and keep it in the shop and use the OriginCal at my desk for CAD/Prototyping work.
I just got the iGaging EZCal thanks to your reviews! Thanks so much! Though I was thinking the absolute origin feature was superfluous, as you should be zeroing it every time anyway. The more appealing feature is the USB automatic input and possibly increased build quality. Should I try returning the EZCal and spend the extra cash on the Abs Origin model?
It's been many years since this review. The iGaging OriginCal has proved itself the low end leader. The EZCal is OK, but has battery door issues like the Mitutoyo. The OriginCal is a solid product with a solid feature set.
@@GadgetClass thank you for the feedback!
Good review . left out the Rolls Royce of calipers but who can afford that.
I'm debating between the USA assembled Starrett #799 and the Mitutoyo 6" and they seem pretty neck and neck. Starrett had some problems years ago when first introduced with battery consumption but that was long ago fixed. I think both of these are a pretty large step above the others personally but watch out for the counterfits as shown here.
Just picked up an OriginCal. Is there any inexpensive way to get the cable these days? It looks like cheapest direct on Amazon is over $80 just for the USB SPC. I might have to try making my own.
Awesome review. Thank you. Now I just need to decide between the two Igaging calibers. Does your Igaging absolute origin measure fractions like the Ez cal?
Tommeah Ent the new version does. would definitely recommend the absolute origin over the EZ Cal. EZ cal has battery door issueslike Mitutoyo
How are Shinwa calipers compared to these? Their analog hardened SS calipers looks nice too.
What’s better, analog or digital? Analog seem more durable and robust, no?
I had problems with the battery in my Ez Cal draining out in storage. Then when I replaced the battery I broke the battery spring inside, because of the pressure the spring puts down and then you are sliding the battery against an arm that very easily can break off...and did for me...when you are sliding the battery in.
thanks a lot sir for your effort and informative review...i do learned a lot from you ...
+Hemn Mahmmod glad to help :)
I wrote 3 emails but they didn't go thru . Ez cal is great caliper . Battery replacement makes them 1 time users.
Sorry but the Mitutoyo Caliper you have doesnt look genuine. The battery cover looks like those of the fake ebay ones and it also does not say AOS on the caliper
great job!! testing fake Mitutoyo callipers..
The Neiko I just got was completely broken. Wouldn't hold steady even when sitting on the table untouched. Measurements were way off, as in tens of mm.
Yep! You are the quality control in the equation.
Interesting. The left hand side three recommended brands, except the Mitutoyo from Japan, IGaging is made in China (Read from the yellow box in your video). Not sure the OriginCal, but most likely made in China too. But when talking about right hand side "Not recommended" brands, you then mentioned they are all "Chinese" brands. It sounds to me, if the products are good, not necessary to mention they are from China, but if they are bad, then they are "Chinese" products? LOL, that is the US spirit nowadays? No offense, but it does sound that way.
Sorry, I don't have a video on dial calipers.
Starrett is a good brand. I didn't have one to review with this lot.
So in the update you changed your mind about EZCal ... Origin iGaging 39$ is the best value for money ?
Yes. The OriginCal is the one you want.
Much appreciated review
Thanks for the review. How does battery life compare across the top three. Mitutoyo has a reputation for great battery life. How do the igaging units compare?
I did an on/off mA draw test. Mitutoyo came out ahead, especially when off, but the igaging absolute origin seems to last at least a year with weekly use. I have a video posted of the test.
@@GadgetClass Found it, thanks. Igaging off current is impressive.
I've hade an Igageing 12" caliper for about 2yrs and is finally kicked the bucket, there definitely a good quality caliper but one thing you did not mention is the IP rating. the Igauging caliper uses an older style reader that is not coolant proof so if it gets wet it will give you crazy readings and you have to dry it out for it to become useful again. most of the mitutoyo and higher end calipers are rated ip66 or ip67 which they are dust and coolant proof and will read even when wet. the one think I don't like about mitutoyo is that there are Chinese clones that look just like authentic ones which makes them an iffy proposition if your trying to find a deal on one. I currently use mahr federal calipers which are on par with mitutoyo.
I was tooling inspector at Boeing for 20 years. My go to digital calipers are Mitutoyo, my analog are Brown & Sharpe. . .Whatever you do stay away from Starrett calipers, they're junk! Their stainless steel is too soft and the jaws wear out too quickly. . .
Thank you great information
Very Sorry. I'm from Brazil and I don't understand English very well (video in English is even harder). Between the OriginCal and EZCal models, which one do you really recommend??? I want to buy 1 of the two and I'm very in doubt. (used Google Translator)
OriginCal. The EZcal has battery door issues
Great Video!!!
Great Review even after 4 + years 2018
Would you take the iGaging Absolute Origin digital calipers at $40 over the iGaging IP54 digital calipers at $25? Is the extra $15 worth it for the Absolute Origin? You seem to like both equally well.
One other question. I noticed that most people use the 150mm/6in version of digital calipers. Is there any disadvantages to using the 300mm/12n version?
it's a balance/weight thing. my 4" Mitutoyo is hard to use and unbalanced in the hand. a longer one is going to be awkward in an opposite way
Ok, awkwardness of larger calipers makes sense. So what methods do you use for items longer than 150mm? Using a six inch caliper? I'm sure clever machinist have a procedure that would be handy to learn. Last thing, do you make 3D Printer parts? Noticed your cre8er name. I purchased an extruder feeder from someone with a similar name. Again, thanks for the help.
+Mark Swain bigger items do require a bigger caliper. I have not delved into 3D printing yet.
Longer calipers are just more expensive and unwieldily. It’s nice to have a small 6” pair for everyday use and a 12” pair for rare occasions.
Any good left handed models?
Any thoughts on the RCBS digital caliper? After watching your review, I found a little slop/play in the arm of my RCBS.
so i guess its safe to assume that the "general tool" brand digital caliper is of the same quality as the ones that you considered cheap Chinese? I guess that's explains why every time i try to align the fence and blade on my table saw i keep getting different readings.
those igaging calipers are made in the same chinese factory and with the same parts as knockoff mitutoyos, you can get them unbranded for 1/3 the price igaging sells them for (shipped from china on a slow boat), or buy in bulk and get the factory to use your own brand and color scheme on them and start your own bespoke instrument company with some well placed social media influencers!
I have a Stalwart dial caliper but I don't understand how to use it. It seams to go my tenths of an inch so I can't compare to eighths of an inch. Do you have a video to understand this?
Good video but hate people use a vernier caliper in inches. All precise work is done in metric system.
My problem is tha pricing in Canada is messed up.. Every Item that is $100 in USA will cost $130 in Canada due to the dollar difference. On top of that we also have to pay a duty tax weatehr it comes from China or America which increases our total to $160 for an item that cost $100 in America...
Those iGage Calipers cost $93-Canadian on Amazon and the Mitchio's cost $116... at this point i might as well spend the $20 and get the big guns