Ok, I have been reading through the archives and recent posts about people using calipars, scales, and analyzers. So, I went out to the net to do a little research and it seems to be that if you are trained at taking calipar measurements that is the most accurate aside from the dunk tank at your local nutrition clinic. The scales and analyzers come in a close second but the dominating review is that they are off and fluctuate with water retension, time of day, etc. All that being said I am thinking that I will go with one of those digital scale/bf combos and make sure I just use that piece of equipment for all weigh ins and bf calculations; so at least I can track progress. Does this sound like a reasonable approach?

Once I get through the initial fat loss phase I will look into more accurate readings and compare from there, but for now my main focus is just to see progress and the digital route seems to make the most sense.

Any feedback? BTW, I am looking into getting a Tanita, but not sure how fancy to go. I see a lot of people on here have a Tanita so I assume the quality and reliability is usable(?). Scale Choices (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=hpc-index&field-brand=Tanita&field-keywords=body%20fat%20scale&results-process=default&dispatch=search/qid=1092576965/sr=3-2/ref=sr_3_2_hpc/102-0080933-8402508)

Which one would be best to get?

Thanks,

Pug

Ok, I have been reading through the archives and recent posts about people using calipars, scales, and analyzers. So, I went out to the net to do a little research and it seems to be that if you are trained at taking calipar measurements that is the most accurate aside from the dunk tank at your local nutrition clinic. The scales and analyzers come in a close second but the dominating review is that they are off and fluctuate with water retension, time of day, etc. All that being said I am thinking that I will go with one of those digital scale/bf combos and make sure I just use that piece of equipment for all weigh ins and bf calculations; so at least I can track progress. Does this sound like a reasonable approach?

Once I get through the initial fat loss phase I will look into more accurate readings and compare from there, but for now my main focus is just to see progress and the digital route seems to make the most sense.

Any feedback? BTW, I am looking into getting a Tanita, but not sure how fancy to go. I see a lot of people on here have a Tanita so I assume the quality and reliability is usable(?). Scale Choices (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=hpc-index&field-brand=Tanita&field-keywords=body%20fat%20scale&results-process=default&dispatch=search/qid=1092576965/sr=3-2/ref=sr_3_2_hpc/102-0080933-8402508)

Which one would be best to get?

Thanks,

Pug


www.drugstore.com has a Tanita BF-680 on sale for 49.99 (free shipping) I just bought one on Friday should be here Monday. It was the best price I found anywhere on the net.

hellz no, son

bf scales are terrible

they are totally inaccurate

just buy calipers, they will have good directions that tell you how to use them. Even if you off a little, it will still be far more accurate than a bodyfat scale.

See, the bodyfat scales arent meant for people who workout. Just normal people with no muscle doing cardio to lose weight. They dont take into account the amount of muscle you have so they arent even cloes. I have tried 2 different types and both said im around 24% bodyfat when im really around 11% (hydro tested) with calipers i get around 10-12

just go with calipers, so much better. www.bodybuilding.com have a few good pairs

No BF tools are 100% accurate. Anything you are getting will be used for relative change. Scales can read high, but they have their place. They are convenient, but must be used at the same time of day averaged over time b/c they are affected by body hydration. There are scales with athletic mode that will measure a person <10% body fat fairly accurately, but are usually only accurate within a few percentage points.

Calipers can be just as far off as a scale especially for beginners. It takes like a lot of practice to become effective with them.

I mainly wanted a decent scale so I bought the cheapest Tanita from Bed Bath & Beyond for $25 after 20% rebate. It is a UM-028 and has precision of .2 lbs and 1% bodyfat. Anymore precise on the bodyfat is a waste b/c I think they are only accurate to 2% at best. I do like the manual says and take a 7 day moving average. I personally know people with more expensive Tanita scales that have athletic mode and they are fairly accurate. In fact, one person has a bodyfat of <10% and the scale will be between 8-10% depending on conditions (water retension).

Stress point - All devices for home use are for relative change only. I can see a steady drop over time in my bodyfat using my scale. If I were to take one reading a go with it, then I might be within 8%. I am usually within +- 1% if I use it as instructed. Once I get low enough I really won't care what my BF is. I just want to make sure I am making progress. Another benefit of the scale is over time you start to understand your body better and scales readings will tell you if you are hydrated properly. Now I can almost tell you what I weighh and what my bodyfat is without stepping on the scale. :gl:

actually, my tanita BF679 gives me morning readings within 1% of my accumeasure caliper. highly recommended.

actually, my tanita BF679 gives me morning readings within 1% of my accumeasure caliper. highly recommended.

Just purchased the Tanita BF-680 and it seems right on the money. I also highly recommend.