An open reel measuring tape is the fastest way to lay out a runway, mark a throwing sector, or check field dimensions when a pocket tape runs out of blade. The open frame lets the tape breathe and stay accessible, and the molded shovel handle means one person can reel in 300 feet without fighting the crank. Built by Keson, who has made this style of fiberglass tape since 1968.
Key features and benefits
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Double PVC-coated fiberglass blade — one coat binds the strands, a second seals the printed numbers so they don't wear off.
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Reinforced blade shield — adds strength at the blade end, where most tapes fail first.
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Molded shovel handle — easy to grip and built for fast one-person reeling on long pulls.
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Metal-reinforced crank handle — takes the load of full-length rewinds without flexing.
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Double-throat rollers — guide the blade back onto the reel and stop it from twisting.
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Heavy-duty blade axle — reduces breakage if a loaded reel gets dropped.
Open reel measuring tape specifications
| Blade material |
Fiberglass with double PVC coating |
| Reel type |
Open frame |
| Zero point |
Hook end — no correction needed when measuring solo |
| Attachment |
Double hook (dual-scale models) |
| Available lengths |
50 ft/15 m, 100 ft/30 m, 165 ft/50 m, 200 ft/60 m, 330 ft/100 m |
| Graduations (dual-scale models) |
Feet, inches, 1/8 in. on one face; meters, centimeters, 2 mm on the reverse |
| Warranty |
Limited lifetime warranty (manufacturer) |
| Manufacturer |
Keson LLC, Aurora, IL — OTR Series |
Which length and scale to order
All six options carry a dual scale: feet and inches on one side, meters and centimeters on the other. It's the right call for a program or competition working in meters and or feet distances for distances.
For sector marking and event setup, 100 ft/30 m or 165 ft/50 m covers most work. Full straightaway and perimeter layout calls for the 200 ft/60 m or 300 ft/100 m reel.
Who it's for
Track and field programs, meet officials, and grounds crews use open reel tapes for event layout, sector marking, and facility measurement. Parks and recreation departments and school maintenance staff use the same reels for field striping and general site work. Individual coaches building a practice setup will get the most out of the 100 ft/30 m.
What's included
- One open reel measuring tape in the selected length and scale
- Integrated end hook (double hook on dual-scale models)
Backed by the manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty and direct phone support from our Lincolnton, NC facility.
