Open Reel Measuring Tape 200 ft / 60 m - Durable Hand Crank for Field

Our review of the Open Reel Measuring Tape finds it best suited to coaches, field crews, landscapers and track and field officials who need a long, dependable measure that is easy to handle. The biggest reason to buy is its combination of a durable vinyl fiberglass tape and a hand crank reel that keeps long runs neat and retractable, while the dual-sided printing (feet on one side, meters on the other) removes conversion guesswork during layout work. It is a practical tool built for repeated outdoor use and long distance measurement tasks.

Key Features

• Dual-sided markings: Feet on one side and meters on the other let users switch units quickly for athletics or construction layout without relabeling.
• Durable fiberglass tape: The vinyl coated fiberglass resists stretching so long runs remain accurate over time and heavy use.
• Hand crank reel: The sturdy crank shell and handle make rewinding long lengths faster and less tiring for a single operator.
• Metal spike: The high-quality metal spike anchors the end point securely in soil or turf for stable, repeatable measurements.
• Long reach: With lengths available up to the 200 ft / 60 m size reviewed, it covers most field layout and long jump measurement needs.

Who It's For

This tape is ideal for athletics coaches, track and field officials, grounds crews and landscapers who regularly measure long distances and need both imperial and metric readings. The dual-sided tape and metal spike make it especially useful for marking runways, long jump pits, soccer fields and general field layout work.

Customers who need ultra-precision survey gear or who work almost entirely on hard pavement without a surface to anchor the spike may want to consider a different layout tool. Also, operators who prefer a fully enclosed case for protection in rough jobsite conditions should compare to closed-reel alternatives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear dual-sided scale provides feet and meters for versatile use in sports and landscaping.
• Sturdy vinyl coated fiberglass tape reduces stretch and keeps long measurements accurate.
• Hand crank and shell design improve roll-up speed and control for solo users.
• Metal spike offers stable anchoring on dirt and turf for consistent readings.

Cons

• Some users report mixed durability of the reel on very heavy use, so extreme-duty crews may prefer a commercial enclosed reel.
• The open reel design leaves the tape exposed to abrasion and tangling in rough conditions.

Specifications

Brand	Champion Sports
Tape material	Vinyl coated fiberglass
Length	200 ft / 60 m (size reviewed)
Scale	Dual-sided: feet on one side, meters on the other
Reel type	Open hand crank with durable shell
Anchor	Metal spike for stable measurements

Our Verdict

The Open Reel Measuring Tape is a solid, value-oriented choice for sports fields and general layout tasks where long reach and dual units matter. It balances durability, ease of use and stable anchoring, making it a good buy for coaches and grounds crews who need reliable long-distance measurement without specialist survey pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tape show both feet and meters?
Yes, the tape is dual-sided with feet markings on one side and meters on the other for easy unit switching.

Is the metal spike suitable for turf?
Yes, the metal spike is designed to pierce dirt and turf to anchor the tape for stable measurements.

Can the tape be rewound by one person?
Yes, the hand crank and ergonomic shell let a single operator wind the tape back onto the reel.