Good quality caliper

[BigUglyMan]

I use a Starrett 120 dial caliper that I bought about 20 years ago, which cost me $134.50 even then.

It still seems like new and is highly accurate.

Whether Mitutoyu or another brand, buy the best model that you can afford, regardless of price.

My own opinion is that the electronic ones won't last and that the dial caliper is best.

Store it in a padded box, as befitting a precision instrument.

This.

 

[legi0n]

(BC based) KMS tools has the 6" Mitutoyo on sale for $150 (was $130 last sale)
they are a Mitutoyo distributor.

https://www.kmstools.com/eflyer/#page16

 

[6MT]

...