I've used calipers for years but I really like the digital readings on this set - upgraded to digital to reduce eye strain and this set is perfect - didn't realize I needed the metric system would be standard for the convert function, but I recently used it on a bike assembly project where parts come from all over the place. Today it is nice to receive important information immediately. Showed them to a mate and told him the price and he said he would buy a set too - don't know if it's standard or not but I have extra batteries and really appreciate it!