I had a similar tape in my multi tool kit a few years ago and always loved it, there's something about the round shape that makes it fun to use. In fact, I like it so much I lived in fear of losing it or breaking it! I searched for many years before I found the Comelon and now I have TWO round tape measures: one at work, one at home. The size and shape is perfect for slipping in your pocket when heading to the hardware store (I used mine at my local Ace Hardware on a Saturday, yes I did that!). As some people have noted, this tape is NOT blockable. However, you can prevent the band from retracting by simply pressing your thumb on the silver disk you see in the picture that rotates as the band is pulled out and retracted. It's easy, it works and I love it! The only thing I do NOT like about this tape is that the seller only offers "different colors" and mine is a crappy smoky color. I would prefer yellow as in the picture or maybe red. Although it doesn't really matter. As for the shape, I think the round one is better for going to the hardware store as it slides in and out of your pocket easily. I'm not interested in other small tape measures with square designs, they don't please my eye and the angles will bother me. Buy one of these and start measuring!