Best Tape Reels of 2026

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 4 Feb 2026

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Tape reels are a reliable and efficient storage medium for data and audio recordings. They come in various sizes and capacities, and can hold a vast amount of information on a single reel. Tape reels are widely used in the music industry as well as in data centres for long-term archival storage. The reels are made of durable materials to ensure the safety of the data, and are easy to handle and transport. They are a cost-effective and proven method of storing and backing up important information.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Coloch 50M Fiberglass Open Reel Tape Measure Cover #TOP 1
Coloch 50M Fiberglass Open Reel Tape Measure
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Komelon 6622IM 200ft Fiberglass Tape Measure Cover #TOP 2
Komelon 6622IM 200ft Fiberglass Tape Measure
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Stanley Open Reel Fibreglass Tape 30M Cover #TOP 3
Stanley Open Reel Fibreglass Tape 30M
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 7 Tape Reels

#TOP 1

Coloch 50M Fiberglass Open Reel Tape Measure

49b98247-b478-45e3-9d51-66bdc4525f61
Orange
50 m
Coloch 50M Fiberglass Open Reel Tape Measure Cover
Coloch 50M /165Ft Open Reel Fiberglass Tape Measure, Yard Measuring Tape Dual Sided Reel Tape with Inch/Metric Scale Retractable Long Tape Measure for Engineer, Yard, Field, Project

The Coloch 50M Tape offers a generous 165-foot length, ideal for measuring extensive distances with ease. Its durable fiberglass body resists stretching and wear, ensuring you get reliable and precise measurements every time. The dual-sided tape features both imperial and metric scales, making conversions simple and straightforward. Additionally, a sturdy metal hook and ergonomic handle provide a secure grip and make it easier to attach the tape for accurate readings, even in tough conditions.

What We Like
Long 165-foot length
Durable fiberglass tape
Dual imperial and metric scales
Ergonomic handle for grip
Metal hook for attachment
#TOP 2

Komelon 6622IM 200ft Fiberglass Tape Measure

6622IM
Yellow/Black
61 m
Komelon 6622IM 200ft Fiberglass Tape Measure Cover
Komelon 6622IM Fiber Reel Long Open Reel Tape Measure Inch/Metric Scale with Double Nylon Coated Fiberglass Blade 200-Feet/60M by 1/2-Inch

The Komelon 6622IM Tape Measure is designed for convenience and accuracy. Its double nylon coated blade ensures durability, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor projects. With double sided printing, you can easily read measurements in both feet/inches and metric, catering to various needs. The heavy duty ABS frame provides stability, while the comfortable rubber hand grip allows for easy handling. Additionally, the included stake enables one-person operation, making your measuring tasks much simpler.

What We Like
Durable nylon coated blade
Dual measurement systems
Comfortable rubber grip
Ideal for solo use
#TOP 3

Stanley Open Reel Fibreglass Tape 30M

2-34-791
Multi
30 m
Stanley Open Reel Fibreglass Tape 30M Cover
Stanley Open Reel F/GLass Tape 30M/100Ft 234791 (Inches/CM)

The Stanley Fibreglass Tape is designed for precision and convenience. Its double-sided feature allows for easy measurements, making it ideal for measuring large lengths accurately. You will appreciate the large grip handle, which fits comfortably in your hand, while the yellow blade print ensures precise measuring. The ground spike aids in securing the tape for accurate measurement, and the washable PVC coating extends the tape's life, providing you with a reliable tool for various tasks.

What We Like
Double-sided for easy measuring
Large grip handle for comfort
Ground spike for accurate readings
Washable coating extends durability
#TOP 4

Utoolmart 100m Open Reel ABS Tape Measure

100m Plastic A15C04
Orange
100m ABS
Utoolmart 100m Open Reel ABS Tape Measure Cover
Utoolmart 100M Open Reel Metric ABS Frame Steel Tape Measure Measuring Tool 1pcs

The Utoolmart 100m Tape is a practical measuring tool designed with a durable ABS plastic frame, ensuring it is lightweight yet sturdy for long-term use. Its open reel design makes it easy for you to quickly unwind and rewind the tape, saving time during your measurement tasks. Offering a precise accuracy of 1mm, this tape measure allows you to take detailed and reliable measurements up to 100 metres, ideal for various outdoor or construction projects. Whether you are a professional or a DIY enthusiast, this tape measure provides convenience and precision in one package.

What We Like
Durable ABS plastic frame
Open reel for easy use
Accurate within 1mm
Long 100m range
#TOP 5

S&R 50m Fiberglass Open Reel Tape Measure

S&R
422.950.013
Yellow / Blue
Länge 50 Meter
S&R 50m Fiberglass Open Reel Tape Measure Cover
S&R Open Reel Surveyor’s Tape Measure – 50m / 165Ft Fiberglass Measuring Tape | Inch & Metric Dual Scale | Stainless Steel Ring & Fold-Out Crank

The S&R Open Reel Tape offers dual measurement markings in both metric and imperial units, making it ideal for precise work in surveying, construction, or landscaping. Its durable 13mm-wide fiberglass tape resists abrasion, ensuring long-lasting accuracy and flexibility, so you can rely on it even in tough conditions. The tape is housed in a high-impact ABS plastic case, designed to absorb shocks and withstand professional outdoor use. Additionally, the stainless steel ring and spike provide a secure grip on various terrains, helping you take stable and exact measurements every time.

What We Like
Dual measurement scales
Durable abrasion-resistant tape
Shock-resistant ABS housing
Secure stainless steel tip
#TOP 6

S&R 20m Fibreglass Tape Measure

S&R
422.920.013
Blue
S&R 20m Fibreglass Tape Measure Cover
S&R Tape Measure Open Reel Surveyors Fibreglass 20 m/ 66 Ft INCH and Metric, Twice Marked, Width 13 mm

The S&R Tape Measure offers a versatile measuring solution with both metric and imperial dimensions, allowing you to easily read measurements in metres and inches. Its abrasion-resistant fibreglass construction ensures durability, making it ideal for outdoor use or construction projects. The ergonomic housing, crafted from high-impact ABS plastic, provides a secure grip, making it comfortable to handle during extended use. Additionally, the stainless steel ring at the front allows for easy attachment to various surfaces, enhancing convenience while measuring.

What We Like
Dual metric and imperial markings
Durable fibreglass material
Ergonomic and comfortable housing
Stainless steel attachment ring
#TOP 7

Gunpla 50m Open Reel Tape Measure

#042622
yellow
50M/165Ft
Gunpla 50m Open Reel Tape Measure Cover
Gunpla Open Reel Tape Measure Surveyor Work, 50m/165ft Imperial & Metric Steel Accurate Measuring Stretch Tapes for Survey Power Utility Distance Measurement Boundary Map

The Gunpla Tape Measure is a robust and reliable tool for professionals and hobbyists alike. Constructed from high-quality ABS plastic, it offers excellent resistance to impacts and corrosion, ensuring durability during extensive use. The heavy-duty steel tape provides precise measurements, making it easy for you to achieve accurate results on your projects. With both metric and imperial measurements, this tape measure is perfect for various tasks, from carpentry to boundary mapping, allowing you to work efficiently in any environment.

What We Like
Durable ABS plastic construction
Accurate steel tape measurements
Metric and imperial options
Portable with ergonomic grip
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you still buy reel to reel tapes?

Currently, only two companies consistently produce reel-to-reel audio records, one in Pennsylvania, and one in France, so the pickings are pretty slim if you're looking for something brand new. Some more robust local libraries and archives still possess these recorders, but again, they are fairly few and far between.

2. What is a reel of tape?

So what exactly is R2R tape? Open-reel or reel-to-reel tape (same thing) is the format of magnetic audio tape in which the tape is held on a reel or spindle rather than being enclosed in a cartridge or cassette. Two reels are needed to record or play the format: the feed reel and the take-up reel.

3. Do tape recorders still exist?

There are a wide variety of tape recorders in existence, from small hand-held devices to large multitrack machines.

4. Are reel to reel tapes worth anything?

Most of what you'll find is flea-market quality. If they're AMPEX professional recording studio reel to reel, e.g. AMPEX 440 2-track or bigger, then yes.... these are worth upwards of $2500. With professional recorders, you can still buy AMPEX 456 1/2 inch, 1" and 2" mastertape.

Editor's Notes

During our tape reel research, we found 158 tape reel products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 41,683 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tape reels list. We found that most customers choose tape reels with an average price of £15.45.

The tape reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tape reels, including Coloch, Komelon, STANLEY, Utoolmart, S&R.

Written by
Jennifer Fraser Avatar

Jennifer Fraser is a licensed contractor specializing in sales, maintenance, and kitchen, bathroom, and home appliances, tools, and utilities. She owns a store in Leeds where you can get any home and tool appliance. Jenny has a degree in literature, but she combines her knowledge and experience with her degree to publish DIY articles on solving home appliances issues to keep up the family enterprise.