Three New Crescent Lufkin Tape Measures
Three New Crescent Lufkin Tape Measures
Crescent Lufkin has recently introduced three new tape measures, all featuring their highly visible NITE EYE green-on-black tapes. The lineup includes the Gen 3 SHOCKFORCE, WORKHORSE, and CONTROLTOUCH models. Each comes with a full lifetime warranty and is available in various configurations: different lengths, imperial or metric, with or without a magnetic tip, and with either NITE EYE green-on-black or traditional black-on-yellow markings. Notably, all three models have a lanyard slot instead of a more restrictive lanyard hole.
A Brief History
Crescent Lufkin first introduced the SHOCKFORCE tape measures in 2019, emphasizing new levels of durability and drop resistance. I reviewed them at the time and was mightily impressed. In 2022, the SHOCKFORCE Gen2 models hit the market. These SHOCKFORCE tapes boasted:
- Unprecedented drop resistance
- Large, easy-to-read markings
- Impressive standout and reach
- Two-sided blade markings
- Improved belt clip
However, the outstanding feature for many, including myself, has been the NITE EYE green-on-black tapes, which perform far better in both low light and bright sunlight. Tradespeople consistently rate these tapes as among the best, as noted in trade forums and on Reddit. Rob is also a fan.
Specifications
G3 SHOCKFORCE
- Drop-tested up to 120′ onto concrete
- Reinforced case with metal lock-button guard rails
- Flatter STABLEWING blade for stability
- Available with high-contrast, tri-color NITE EYE™ blade with XL markings
- 3X clear-coated blade
- 360° diamond-coated end hook
- Easy on/off deep-pocket belt clip
- 17′ reach, 1.25″ tape width
- Price: $33 at Lowe’s
The Gen 3 differs from the older Gen 2 mainly in the blade design. Crescent Lufkin added a “stablewing” blade with a flatter profile to reduce rollover, and a Mylar coating on the first six inches to prevent tearing. The numbers are slightly bolder, and the improved pocket hook, carried over from previous generations, makes clipping to a belt far easier—a small detail that translates to a big deal in the field.
WORKHORSE
- Available with high-contrast NITE EYE™ blade with XL markings
- 1.25″ blade
- 6″ protective barrier on the blade
- Double-sided print
- Compact case with ergonomic grip zones
- Easy-access lock button with guardrails
- 360° end hook
- 15′ reach
- Price: $27 at Lowe’s (25’ version)
The WORKHORSE is similar to the SHOCKFORCE but lacks some drop-proof features and retains a slightly more curved original blade.
CONTROLTOUCH
- Anti-pinch finger brake
- Quick-read fractional markings along the blade
- Available with high-contrast NITE EYE™ blade with XL markings
- 1 3/16″ blade
- 360° end hook
- Nylon-coated blade
- Easy-access lock button with guardrails
- 14′ reach
- Price: $18 at Lowe’s (25’ version)
The CONTROLTOUCH is slightly smaller but more comfortable for average-sized hands. Unlike the other models, it has a single-sided tape with fractional markings and features a cut-out section at the bottom so your finger can act as a brake on the tape’s retraction—a feature I find extremely handy, though it can allow debris to enter the mechanism.
I’ve also grown to appreciate fractional markings. Initially, I dismissed them, but they’re easier to read for older eyes, can reduce errors, and help avoid transferring the wrong measurement—something we’ve all done.
What I Like
I like pretty much everything about these new Crescent Lufkin tape measures – all of the original features and the new ones. These new tapes extend what was great about earlier versions with new features and models.
- Large, double-sided end hook reliably grabs edges
- Standouts are long enough for almost all tasks
- Robust build quality inspires confidence
- Lifetime warranty offers peace of mind
- NITE EYE green-on-black tape is highly readable in all conditions
The smaller, more affordable CONTROLTOUCH model offers additional comfort for long-term use. Wide-body (1+-inch tape) tape measures like these are generally targeted at non-finish construction tasks such as framing, steel work, plumbing, etc. On the other hand, one of the best finish carpenters I know uses his wide-body tape measure for all tasks.
My only minor gripe—but this applies to all tape measures—is that locking sliders can be hard to manipulate, especially for those with (the inevitable) hand arthritis. An auto-locking version would be ideal.
A Personal Preference
For tradespeople who measure dozens or hundreds of times a day, tape measure choice becomes highly personal. Comfort, grip, and functionality can make or break your workflow. Here’s what a good tape measure needs to do:
- Fit comfortably in your hand
- Extend smoothly
- Lock and unlock easily
- Grab edges reliably without interfering
- Lie reasonably flat for accurate measurements
- Have clear, legible markings in any light
- Retract smoothly without internal rattling
- Clip onto a belt effortlessly
Even one small inconvenience compounds over hundreds of uses. Once someone finds a tape measure they like, they tend to stick with it, and that can make it difficult for the new kid on the block to get a toehold in the market. Despite that headwind, these Lufkin SHOCKFORCE models have made impressive inroads into the trades in the few years since their introduction.
Durability vs. Comfort
Longevity varies with usage—some tradespeople can use the same tape for a decade, others for only a few months. However, comfort and functionality matter far more than lifespan. These tape measures cost roughly $15–$30; if you need to replace one every year, the benefits in ease of use far outweigh the cost.
Bottom Line
Crescent Lufkin’s new tape measures are the newest innovation in tape measures in a long time. With features like NITE EYE green-on-black tapes, ergonomic design, and robust construction, they’ve quickly become favorites among tradespeople.
