I've not used the old style leverlock mentioned here but the new model on its own is junk. My complaints are similar to many: poor retraction, the lock button has a mind of its own, the lock mechanism (not the button but the portion that secures the tape from retracting) on one of my 5 leverlock tapes failed and lastly the blades are flimsy. Two of my blades broke after a few days and replacement blades cost more than the tape measure itself.

Stanley listen to me. Go back to your old tape. The lock is weak. The spring is weak. The button on the back works only sometimes. The outline is fatter. Please bring back the old neon ones. They were the best.

I have also been using the old style of stanley leverlocks from there original production.I am a professional plumber and use a tape constantly in every type of situation. When i saw the new style tape stanley created I thought that it looked great but soon found out that they were a peice of junk the aforementioned button was a big hang up for me i would cut off the clip that would hold the lever in place. but over all the whole design is flawed. The old style of leverlock held up much better. I keep my old leverlock case and purchase the stanley powerlocks and change out the guts but my old case is almost woreout and no longer locks with the lever so i am looking for a replacement now. i wouldent have a new style leverlock if you gave it to me to much of a headache when it fails on the job.i have had the case i have now for about four years and changed the blade about once a year. I suggest that you steer away from this tape if you use one a lot.

I own a cabinet shop and have used Leverlocks since they were 1st introduced, about 15-20 years ago and for the life of me I can't understand why Stanley would do away with the old design to replace it with this far inferior design. The leverlock idea is superior to any other, but this new design has many flaws, the worst being that button that's supposed to keep the tape locked, probably designed by a 23 year old engineer. The button won't stay where you put it, and at times virtually makes the leverlock idea inoperable. I find myself spending more time fiddling with that freakin' button than measuring. The case is too small. It's like trying pitch a golf ball instead of a baseball. Just doesn't fill up the hand like it should. The tape is flimsy and crimps easily. The numbers and marks wear much more quickly than the old neons. I found 2 NOS black 3/4" x 25' leverlocks on ebay and I plan to guard them with my life, although I really need the 1" model. If you measure for a living, hang onto your money 'til you can find an old neon model.

UPDATE the numbering wears off andthe lever lock system breaks down do not buy

I too agree the old neon leverlock tape rules were better. Aside from design defects with the casing, the gauge of the tape appears to be thinner. Mine is twisted out of shape for the first 12 inches. This makes it impossible for it to grab as you drag the tape along an object. The "tooth" no longer faces down.

I had the old neon leverlock tapes for over 6 years. Until I used them to do outside work in the mud they were the most dependable tapes I had ever owned. Unfortunately, they're no longer manufactured or available anywhere and they replaced them with crap.
The new leverlock has some major flaws. Among them are; excessive play in the hook end, uncomfortable new case (too rounded), leverlock looks and feels flimsy and doesn't look as though it would survive a drop from an 8 foot ladder although i didn't get a chance to test a drop. This did not have a chance to fail from the previously memtioned gripes. The tape was stepped on and tore in half instantly. Extremely unusual.

I recommend you stay away from the new line of leverlocks. The only good ones were the Neon models from years ago. If anyone knows where to find the Neon Leverlock Tapes (25' or 30') new, please post it here.

The original Level Lock was far better. My old tape finally broke after may years of use. Without question, I went back to Stanley for a new Level Lock. My new lever lock is always sticking in locked position and the last four feet of tape rarely zips back in without help. The old lock system never failed me but this one... I even tried to repair the old one but of course Stanley changed the tape and spring system....

Off to find an old stock of these or a new tape...

I do estimates for a living and spend a lot of time measuring. The old style Leverlock was far superior to this new version. The button that allows the tape to either stay locked or reel back in seems to have a mind of its own and makes it difficult to use.

Great tape measure. I love that I can just pull it out and not worry about trying to push a lock down. The only problem that I have encountered it that where the tape retracts into the case there is a lot of friction. This is due to the lever design, the black lever pushes the tape into the case. This is what takes the place of the locking mechanism. Anyways, this friction has worn down the ticks on the first 3 feet of my tape. As a result I find it very difficult to get an accurate measurement in these first few feet. Other than that I am completely satisfied. Would never go back to a 'traditional' tape ever again.

The Leverlock tape measures are hands down above the rest when it comes to layout work. You stretch it out along the board, set it down and it stays put while you mark the wood. No fiddling with hard to set or ineffective locking mechanisms. The tape stays out on its own. When you're done just push the lever and it coils itself back up. Its hard to understand just how wonderful it is until you use one and then you will never want anything else. I have had a 12' model for many years that I won't let out of my sight. This one has been a nice addition. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.