So to get it started, these are just my first impressions. Everyone else can chime in with what you like or dislike.
The first few things I’ve noticed, at least feature wise, are that it’s straight to the point. It has the big main features like show center, internal measurements, and relative measurement.
What’s missing compared to the T1 Tomahawk at launch is the layout guide and grouped measurements. I’m sure those might not get used as much, but grouped measurement is one of my most used features. I wonder if these will be added in the future.
For now I’m liking the form factor. The buttons feel a little stiff, but I’m sure that will wear in like my T1 Tomahawk did.
I really like the form factor overall. The recall on the tape is super strong, unlike my Tomahawk. That one might be on the weaker side, kind of like a first-gen Milwaukee Stud tape measure. The T1m is the complete opposite—it’s no joke strong. Definitely something to get used to.
There’s no dedicated unit button anymore, it’s in the menu now. I really liked that feature on the Tomahawk, but I’m sure most people don’t use it the way I do, so it makes sense to keep it in the menu.
One thing I really like is how delete measurement and delete all measurements work. It handles much better on the T1m. I think that should be implemented on the Tomahawk too, since the three-second wait and then another three-second wait feels like a hassle. Having the ability to choose would be a big improvement.
A weird feature I noticed is that if it sits for a while, it shows the total measurements captured. At first it confused me because I thought I had 38 measurements saved, but it turned out that wasn’t 38 saved—it was my total lifelong captured measurements. Interesting that it tracks that, but it definitely threw me off.
Now onto the ruler. I’ve been thinking about how I take measurements, and I was hoping they would increase the chin size under the tape. With digital tapes like this, we tend to use them more like calipers—measuring between the body of the tape and the tape hook—instead of hooking the tape and just eyeing the number. When you’re measuring things like drawer fronts or doors with rounded edges, that extra chin would help keep it from slipping.
They didn’t change that, but instead they added a ruler that can be used in a couple different positions, either to the left/side or upside down. When you use the ruler vertically, it kind of extends the body a bit, so that works fairly well. Still, I see an opportunity to maybe make a 3D-printed part that could connect to the nib that holds the ruler. That could improve how it handles those types of measurements.
Conclusion
Overall, I’d say the T1m feels like a solid step forward. It has the core features that matter, and while it’s missing a couple of things I use often, it makes up for it with strong recall, better handling of measurements, and a compact form factor. Some changes take getting used to, and there’s room for improvement with the ruler and grouped measurements, but nothing here feels like a dealbreaker. If anything, it shows potential to grow into an even more refined tool with updates down the line.