Supreme x BMI Pocket Measuring Tape
The original behind the Supreme x BMI Pocket Measuring Tape is the BMI 408 X4 Pocket Tape — $30 retail vs Supreme's $48.
Supreme vs. Original
Supreme version
About the original
BMI Messgeraete has manufactured precision measuring tools in Ludwigsstadt, Germany since 1947, and sells the 408 X4 as its four-function pocket tape: longitudinal measuring, internal measuring, radii drawing up to 6 m in diameter using a swing-out stylus, and a built-in spirit level for short-distance leveling. The case is break-proof polyamide, the spring return is automatic, and the tape itself is 3 m long with millimeter, centimeter, and inch graduation accurate to EC Class II tolerance. The Supreme Spring/Summer 2017 version is the same 408 X4 unit with the case screen-printed in Supreme's red and white wordmark; it released in February 2017 as part of the season's accessories drop.
About BMI
BMI, or Broadcast Music, Inc., is an American performing rights organization founded in October 1939 in New York City by the National Association of Broadcasters. The organization was chartered as a nonprofit after ASCAP moved to double radio-licensing fees, and it began operating in February 1940. BMI was the first U.S. performing rights body to register songwriters in blues, jazz, R&B, gospel, country, Latin, and rock and roll, genres ASCAP largely ignored, and it has operated an open-door policy for unsigned writers since launch. BMI now represents over 1.4 million songwriters and 22.4 million works. Supreme has produced apparel using BMI's logo under license.
Price comparison
| Supreme retail | $48 |
|---|---|
| BMI retail | $30 |
| Hype tax | +60% |
Questions
Is the Supreme x BMI Pocket Measuring Tape just the regular 408 X4 Pocket Tape?
The Supreme x BMI Pocket Measuring Tape, released in Spring/Summer 2017, is based on the BMI 408 X4 Pocket Tape. Supreme collabs sometimes change the colorway or materials; the description on this page covers the original's specs and any notable differences in the Supreme version. If you want the product without the box logo, the BMI 408 X4 Pocket Tape is the one to buy.
How much cheaper is the BMI 408 X4 Pocket Tape than the Supreme version?
Supreme charged $48 for the Supreme x BMI Pocket Measuring Tape; the BMI 408 X4 Pocket Tape retails for $30. That's a 60% markup — buying the original saves you $18, or 38% off the Supreme price. Buy the original at retail and you skip the hype tax entirely.
Where can I buy the BMI 408 X4 Pocket Tape?
You can buy the BMI 408 X4 Pocket Tape direct from BMI. Retail price is $30. The buy links on this page go straight to the product listing at each retailer.
