zippy

At the time of my original purchase, I had high hopes for this product. I battled with the instructions, yearning for more ergonomic operation. I felt there were some drawbacks with the design and execution of the Zippy. That was before expressing my concerns to Zippy's creator, Robert from TapeStar, who was eager to understand how I was using his product.Allow me to clear up any misconceptions about the Zippy and offer some insight after using the product and discussing with its creator ways to improve upon its ergonomics:1. It does not operate the same as a normal tape gun. Rather than a top-fitted serrated cutter that gets gummed up, there is a thin strip of metal and plastic positioned below the tape. Follow the instructions and it should work for you. Updated instructions are making their way to market that better depict how to properly use the Zippy. You can probably find these on TapeStar's website.2. A revised method of loading the tape is to simply attach the tape to the top of the roller, followed by rotating the roller around with your thumb and index finger positioned on top of the roller.3. The included tape is thin and may not make the best first impression. It is what it is, free tape for demo purposes. I recommend using Sparco Heavy Duty All-Season Sealing/Packaging Tape: http://amzn.to/29fqgTh4. The roller is wrapped in a tacky, squishy rubber. Initially, this was a concern of mine, but after extended use, I've only had to clean it once. Cleaning is easy, just use a small length of tape from the Zippy to remove any collected dust.5. Although there is some flex with the back plate and tape holder, the re-enforced plastic composition of the Zippy appears to be structurally sound.6. There are multiple ways to hold the Zippy. Find the method that feels comfortable for you. I suggest placing your thumb parallel to the handle so that it presses into the base of the housing.I won't lie, my initial review of the Zippy was pretty harsh. There are a few factors that I look for when making any purchase; craftsmanship and longevity, intuitiveness, and ergonomics.Craftsmanship and Longevity: My first impressions were that this product was plastic. I'd much prefer to have something metal, but the plastic used on the Zippy rigid enough to stand up to drops and tumbles. I also had to remind myself who this product was being marketed to, and that it was not designed for use in an industrial or shipping center in mind. Having used it for a couple months now, it should last for quite some time.Intuitiveness: The instructions are being reworked to be more user-friendly. I'm pleased that Robert from TapeStar included me in this process. A label or two, along with a reworked set of diagrams will certainly benefit future Zippy users.Ergonomics: Again, I am pleased to know that my feedback has facilitated TapeStar to present a revised version of holding the Zippy that is more comfortable and natural feeling.Again, thank you Robert from TapeStar for listening to my constructive criticism and using it to refine your product and instructions.

If you want to stop fighting with your tape gun, order a "Zippy Tape Gun" right away. No loose end of the tape that gets stuck to the roller or tape that gums up the cutter edge. The cutting edge on the" Zippy" is totally different ~ not that old type of serrated edge . This is THE BEST tape gun I have EVER owned. If it makes a difference to you, like it does to me, the "Zippy" is MADE RIGHT HERE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!! ~ get one! Not expensive either!! I ordered mine from Amazon.com.

This one needed more options for stars. The product itself is a quality product and I would give it 5 stars. Functionality I give it 3 star because it takes some time getting used to how it works (I am not there yet). It is counter-intuitive to how all other types of tape guns I have used function. Soooooooooo, I have been wasting a bunch of tape while I figure out how it works.

It's ok. It works just fine. I can't say it's better than a convention tape dispenser. If I were packing boxes all day I might appreciate the design more.I think I wasn't enthralled with it because I use high quality 3M packaging tape that is thick and not subject to folding back on itself. If you do a lot of packing and use cheaper tape, this dispenser is probably the better design.

This new design for a tape dispenser is much better than the old one I was using. It is much easier to cut the tape off.

although this product broke after the 30 days, the president of the company personally reached out to me and replaced my defective unit! Thanks!

I hate this thing so gosh darn much. Spend more time putting the tape back on and throwing away clumps of packing tape than getting taping done.

took me a minute to learn how to use it but I love this much better then the ordinary ones you find.