The dial calipers are much easier to use. If you don't need high accuracy inexpensive dial calipers can be had for $20, these are of far east manufacture. Will have to disagree with 0311, if you want good calipers buy Brown & Sharpe. That is not to say that Starrett isn't good, but the Brown & Sharpe (Swiss made) are the smoothest calipers i have ever used.