I have several different brands a nd styles of dial indicators. I have a starrett an old browne and sharpe and a cheap aero brand that I got off ebay. unless you are doing work that requires repeated very tight tolerances the cheap ones work fine. If I were to buy one that I was going to use every day time and time again I would go with quality like starrett. The biggest thing is to take care of your indicators and gauges. Keep them clean and oiled here nessicary. Even cheap ones last and work well when not abused and properly cared for.