MARSHALLTOWN Beveled End Mag Floats, DuraSoft, Standard, BVM

The Verdict

If you finish concrete for a living, you already know the name MARSHALLTOWN. The question isn’t whether this float is quality — it’s whether the beveled-end magnesium design justifies the price over a standard flat float. After digging through 235 ratings and the specs, here’s the real story.

What you’re actually getting

The box contains one magnesium float with the DuraSoft handle attached. The float face measures 16 inches across the standard width, and the beveled ends are the headline feature. Magnesium is the key material here — it’s roughly 30% lighter than the aluminum floats many crews still use. The DuraSoft grip is a molded rubber compound over the traditional wood handle, and it’s shaped to fit the palm without hot spots.

How it performs on the slab

Magnesium floats do one thing aluminum can’t: they leave a denser, tighter finish on the concrete surface. The lighter weight means you can work the float longer before your forearm screams. One reviewer put it simply: “I’ve used the same Marshalltown magnesium float for 7 years. It’s still flat, still smooth, and the handle is comfortable for all-day use.”

The beveled ends are the differentiator. They let you get right up against form boards and into corners without the edge digging in and leaving drag marks. If you’ve ever had to go back with a margin trowel to fix corner gouges, you’ll appreciate this immediately. The float face is machined flat — not stamped — which means it stays true even after heavy use.

What buyers consistently praise

Across the ratings, three themes dominate. First, the handle. Multiple reviewers noted the DuraSoft grip is the most comfortable they’ve used, especially on hot days when sweat makes wood handles slippery. Second, the durability — one contractor mentioned using his daily for years without the magnesium face warping or the handle loosening. Third, the finish quality. As one verified buyer put it: “This float produces a professional-grade finish right out of the box. No break-in period needed.”

Where it falls short

The standard 16-inch size is the most common complaint. For large commercial pours, you’ll want the wider version to cover more ground per pass. The DuraSoft handle is also permanently attached — if it wears out or gets damaged, you can’t swap just the handle. You’re buying a new float. And while the magnesium face is excellent, it’s softer than aluminum; drop it on gravel and you’ll dent it.

Who should buy this

• Residential and light-commercial finishers who want a professional finish without the arm fatigue of aluminum
• DIYers doing a garage or patio slab who want to avoid the frustration of dragging marks and corner gouges
• Contractors upgrading from cheap box-store floats who want the durability of a tool that’ll last years

Skip it if you’re primarily doing heavy commercial work where square footage per pass matters more than finish quality — get the wide version instead. And if you’re on a strict budget, a standard aluminum float will do the job, just with more effort.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this for dry-shake color hardener application? A: Yes, but you’ll want a dedicated float for that. The magnesium face will work, but the color hardener can stain the float over time.

Q: Is the DuraSoft handle comfortable with heavy gloves? A: It’s shaped to fit bare hands, but it works fine with thin work gloves. Thick winter gloves might feel cramped.

Q: How does this compare to a bull float for large slabs? A: A bull float covers more area per pass and is essential for big pours. This standard float is for the finishing passes — you’ll likely need both.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a professional-grade magnesium float that’s comfortable for all-day use and produces a clean finish without corner gouging. Skip it if you’re covering massive commercial slabs — get the wide version — or if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the extra effort of aluminum.

Rating: 4.6/5 — This is a top-tier float that earns its place in any serious finisher’s kit. The beveled ends and comfortable grip justify the premium over basic floats, and the 4.7-star rating across 235 reviews backs it up.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.