This is the float for the low clear water fisherman that thinks the float will spook the fish. It's not the old hard material that will crack, split and fill up with water when you cast it and hit a rock. This is a pliable and flexible material, that with a little effort can be squeezed, to see how it will flex. The measurements is the full length of the float. Good in any water conditions. With Clear Drift and West Coast Floats you have the best of both worlds. YOU CAN'T BREAK THEM.