Backstory: My current scale (Health-O-Meter) is one I've had for about 3-4 years. And I don't think it's very accurate. It reads to the 1/2-lb for one, and I'd like 0.2-lb increments. But besides this, I can turn it on, it calibrates, I step on it, and it says (for example) 170 lbs. I step off. I step back on and it says 170.5 lbs. I let it turn off, turn it back on (calibrate), step on, and it says 169 lbs. That's a heck of a lot of room for error, and I'm not doing anything differently (like not bouncing on it, leaning against something, etc.

What I'd Like: I'm in the market for a new scale ($50 USD or less, preferably) that measures weight to the 0.2 lb. I would also like it if it gives bodyfat percentages. I measure this myself weekly via separate means, but I would like it on the scale, too, as a consistency check (as in is the trend I see with the tape measure the same one the scale is giving me, since I know that both of them have their own systematic uncertainties after reading these forums).

My Question: Where can I pick one up? My local Costco doesn't have one, and I would assume places like Dick's are at MSR and not the cheapest. Any ideas? :confused:

I've never stepped on a bodyfat percentage scale and gotten an accurate reading. It's either way too high or way too low. Once I stepped on one at about 8% bodyfat (had gotten tested the week before by a trainer), and it told me I was 33%. I stepped off, went to the bathroom, and stepped back on it and it said 3%. :(

I would suggest not even trying to rely on one of these for bodyfat measurements, unless there have been some advances in this area and new products released that I am unaware of.

It's not the most manly place to go, but Bed, Bath & Beyond has a very good selection of scales ranging from cheap to exceedingly expensive. I got a $100 Tanita that reports weight, bf, percent water, bone mass percent, and calculates calories to maintain weight.

What a waste! Just get a good scale for $30 that does weight to 0.2 lbs.

As far as brands go, the weight on mine is very stable when I step on and step off. So I like the weight part, the rest is fluff.

If accuracy is the most important thing for you I'd look for a medical scale. OTOH new they won't be cheap.

Household scales aren't supposed to be 100% accurate. For most people it doesn't matter. But putting a scale on carpet for example will cause it to read differently. For all I know the weather will to.

I agree about ignoring the BF ones.

If it was me I'd suggest just keeping what you've got. Don't get too worried about the scale :nono: Day to day the thing can make you :mad: :cry: :confused: Do you really want to pull all your hair out wondering if the 0.3 change is the scale or you? :rolleyes:

Alright, I'll forego the BMI stuff. But I do need a new scale.

This morning, I turned it on, it auto-calibrated, it said 167.5. I let it go off.

I turned it on, it auto-calibrated, it said 168.0. I let it go off. I turned it on, it auto-calibrated, it said 168.5. I let it go off. I turned it on, it auto-calibrated, it said 169.0. I let it go off.

I drank a glass of water (8 oz of water weighs 8.3 oz, or a little over 0.5 lb). I turned it on, it auto-calibrated, it said 169.0.

So that's a 1.5-lb spread in weight with not changing anything, and then it reading the same after drinking half a pound of liquid. That's why I say I need a new scale.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...174441-4866829

I purchased that a little over a month ago. I've found it to be very consistent, and I did a few tests where I picked up a pint of water and watched my weight go up a pound. I chose Salter because I received a Salter digital food scale which I have also found to be of good quality.

What I really like about it compared to my old old-fashioned scale is that there is no more cheating. I guess I have larger than average feet (size 13), and this scale is plenty accommodating for them. With my old scale, I think it was too small for me feet, which apparently made my weight off a bit. I consistently weigh 5 more pounds on my new scale than I do on the old one.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...174441-4866829

Link doesn't work. :(

Link doesn't work. :(

oops. copied it from another post...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000U5RSU/105-1174441-4866829