Review on Empire Level E250 Professional Combination: A Robust Tool for Precision and Efficiency by Eduardo Reyes

I purchased a Starrett C33H-12-4Ry combo box ($113) along with an Empire Level E250 ($15.94) for comparison. As far as I can tell, both fit the area perfectly. Both are made in the USA, but the Starrett looks heavier and more robust. (It weighs slightly more: 13.875 ounces vs. 11.5 ounces). Starrett's vial only has a small window, making it difficult to "read". In contrast, the Empire E250's bladder is fully open and visible from every angle, although this makes it more vulnerable to potential damage. The Starrett line is much easier to read than the Empire line. Both rulers have etched markings, but Starrett's is much deeper and darker. The matte finish of the Starrett line also improves legibility. I wouldn't say the E250 range is shiny, but they are noticeably shiny and can be glare from reflected light in a store. Both models feature a spring-loaded thumbscrew that makes folding the rulers easier. Both rulers are the same length and width, but the Starrett ruler is slightly thicker. When it comes to size, Starrett wins by a wide margin. 1/8", 1/6", 1/32", 1/64", marked "quickly read" for 32nd and 64th (i.e. every 4th step is numbered marked) make it almost too easy. read. In contrast, the Empire E250 is 1/8" and 1/16" on one side and 1/16" and 1/32" on the other, and is numbered no less than 1" on either side. Placed side by side, the marks on both rulers matched perfectly, but the 8 1/8" mark on my E250 is partially missing and unfortunately is part of the edge of the ruler. Starrett definitely wins the quality control battle. Overall I'm very happy with both products and I can see that both hold up a couple of times, but I find it very hard to justify the huge price difference from Starrett. Sure, it's better quality and has better lettering, but that doesn't justify a nearly $100 price increase over Empire Square in my opinion.