Review on REED Instruments R7100 Combination Tachometer by Kenny Marozas

The touch I used previously was less than $20, unbranded, similar to a Chinese one I bought a few months ago. It worked once. When I tried to use it again, the display wouldn't turn on. Very annoying. You get what you pay for. The Reeds Instruments R7100 may look almost like its cheap copy, but there are differences. Everything fits well, with a solid, heavy feel. It has a QC (Quality Control) sticker, which actually means something. It uses 4 AA batteries - similar ones use 3 AA batteries or some use 9V. I fired up my Sherline lathe and checked the RPMs with a remote photo sensor and contact cone adapter. At 1000 rpm the difference is not noticeable. The contact method showed a few turns less than in the photo, which I was able to explain by the vibration of the shaft. Bottom line: if you want a tool you can rely on, spend more money and buy one.