Choosing a Floor Scale

Most women and men try to keep fit and control their weight. Of course, the number of kilograms does not determine how beautiful or healthy you are, because, in addition to fat mass, there is also muscle tissue, which also must be taken into account when calculating. People in the same weight category may look different, but each has its own individual norm (BMI).

Indispensable assistant in the matter of weight loss are floor scales. They not only help to know the mass of your body, but also motivate you to maintain it normal. Today we will help you choose the best floor scales based on your needs and financial capabilities.

What are

There are two types of floor scales - mechanical and electronic. Some work with a stretching spring, while others use electric current. It’s hard to say which ones are better right away, so let's take a closer look at the specifications.

Mechanical scales

The traditional version with a minimum of functionality. The principle of operation of mechanical devices is simple: a person steps on a platform, and under the weight of his body a spring begins to stretch. Depending on the pressure exerted, this spring rotates the arrow on the scale and stops it at a certain division. Mechanical scales are comfortable, withstand a huge load and are cheaper than electronic. However, they need constant adjustment and have some error in the calculation. It is difficult to find a model where the size of the division is less than 0.5 kg, so accuracy is out of the question.

Benefits:

• convenient and reliable;
• work without batteries;
• withstand heavy loads;
• have a low cost;
• durable.

Disadvantages:

• do not show weight accurate to grams;
• require constant adjustment of the scale (twisting);
• do not have any additional features.

Electronic balance

Previously, electronic devices also worked with a spring, but instead of a scale, an electronic display was installed in them. They had all the disadvantages of mechanical devices and, in general, did not differ much from them. Now most electronic models have enhanced functionality and use electrical pulses to measure weight. The error in such devices is minimized - only 100-50 g. However, they cost more than mechanical ones and require special care. Electronic scales cannot be stored in rooms with a high level of humidity and thrown to the floor. The same technical safety rules apply to them as to other electrical appliances.

Benefits:

• have increased accuracy (50-100 gr);
• have high functionality;
• attractive design.

Disadvantages:

• demanding on the surface;
• have a high cost;
• need to buy batteries.

Which are more accurate

Judging by the characteristics, electronic devices have a minimum error and show a more accurate result than mechanical ones. But in practice, everything is not so clear. The operation of electronic scales is influenced by many factors, including the softness and evenness of the flooring, battery life (at the end of the service, the scales begin to lie), and also the room temperature (specifically for analyzer scales). If one of the conditions is not met, the measurement error increases by several hundred grams. Therefore, mechanical models in this regard are more reliable and more stable.

How to choose

When choosing a device, several important nuances must be taken into account: the quality of materials, dimensions, accuracy, functionality, maximum load, etc. But first of all, focus on your own financial capabilities. Here are helpful tips to help you buy a good and accurate device:

1. Maximum load. Mechanical scales are designed for higher loads.If the body weight of a person exceeds 150 kg, we advise you to pay attention to them. Most electronic models have a limit of 160-180 kg, but there are champions with 200-270 kg. Of course, the greater the load, the higher the cost.
2. Allowable error. There are no devices without an error in the measurement of weight. The most important thing is to minimize it. Before buying, check the scales: put on them a bottle of water or any other object whose mass is known to you. The permissible error of good electronic scales is 100-200 g, and mechanical - 0.5 kg.
3. Dimensions and weight. Choose devices with a platform on which both feet are placed and at the same time there is another 2-3 cm around the edge. Weight is important if you need to carry over periodically. The best option is 0.5-1 kg.
4. Accuracy of work. The accuracy can also be checked with a bottle. Just weigh it a few times and write down the result. Indications should not change.
5. The quality of the materials. Do not buy scales made of fragile or thin plastic. Scales with metal elements in the structure are much stronger and will last longer. A universal option is glass, but you need to be careful with them.
6. Additional functions. Some electronic models have the function of determining the amount of fat and muscle mass. This is useful if the process of losing weight is accompanied by physical activity. The total weight may not change, but the percentage of muscle tissue will increase. Even for prevention, it is useful to have a device with an analyzer at home. But their prices are higher.
   For accurate results, weigh yourself before eating. The service life of the device is largely dependent on handling, so follow the safety rules. Then the scales will work efficiently and for a long time.

Rating electronic models

There are many models of electronic scales. Some can measure the amount of fat and muscle tissue. They are called analyzers or diagnostic scales. There are also “smart” devices that can transfer information about your body to a smartphone or computer. How to choose the best scales among this variety? We compiled the top 5 models in the price / quality ratio (domestic and foreign manufacturers):

UBS 2052 BKGY

Beautiful electronic scales with shockproof platform. The main material is tempered glass. They withstand up to 150 kilograms of load, and the maximum error is 100 grams. They have an automatic on / off function, a light indication of battery discharge and an overload signal. Weight is measured in kilograms and pounds. The average cost of this model is 700 rubles.

Tanita BC-730 RD

Digital scales analyzing the composition of the body. Made of metal and high quality plastic. They have a maximum load of up to 150 kilograms. Quickly and accurately determine the amount of fluid in the body, the percentage of bone, fat and muscle tissue, show a body mass index. Up to 5 users can remember and have a guest mode. The model features include measurement of basal metabolism, calculation of a person’s biological age, and determination of body type. Cost - from 3 thousand rubles.

Lumme LU-1328 Sea beach

Inexpensive electronic scales with an original design. The platform depicts a seashore with shells. The main material is impact-resistant tempered glass. They are powered by 3 finger batteries. Withstand weight up to 180 kg.Of the features - indication of device overload. There is an automatic on and off - just step on the platform. Mass is measured in kilograms. The price is 600 rubles.

Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale

Professional scales with a smart control system via smartphone. Impact resistant housing made of metal and clear glass. They are suitable for users in the weight category up to 150 kilograms. They have a particularly accurate measurement - a record of 50 grams. They have a system for analyzing body composition (the amount of fat, muscle and bone mass). Device management is carried out through a proprietary application that supports Android and IOS operating systems. The peculiarity of the scales is the determination of the amount of fat deposits around the abdominal organs. The cost of the device is from 3 thousand rubles.

Polaris PWS 1860DGF

Inexpensive diagnostic tool with daily calorie calculator. Work on two finger-type batteries. The maximum weight limit is 180 kg. Measure the ratio of adipose and muscle tissue, and then calculate the required rate and show BMI. There is a user identification system - up to 16 people. A feature of the scales is the backlighting of characters on a large display. The average price is about 1.5 thousand rubles.

Title	UBS 2052 BKGY	Tanita BC-730 RD	Lumme LU-1328 Sea beach	Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale	Polaris PWS 1860DGF
Diagnostics	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Platform material	glass	metal + plastic	glass	metal + plastic	glass
Maximum load	150 kg	150 kg	180 kg	150 kg	180 kg
Measurement accuracy	0.1 kg	0.1 kg	0.1 kg	0.05 kg	0.1 kg
Additional Information	low battery indicator; overload indicator	measurement of basal metabolic rate; determination of biological age (12-99 years) and physical type; athlete and guest functions	overload indicator; battery replacement indicator	The official Mi Fit app; Support for devices with iOS operating system from version 8.0 and Android no lower than version 4.3; determination of visceral fat content, basal metabolism	daily calorie calculator; indication of exceeding the maximum weight; battery indication
Price	from 650 rub.	from 3200 rub.	from 550 rub.	from 3190 rub.	from 1200 rub.

Rating of mechanical models

Mechanical models are easy to use, have the usual design and are much cheaper than electronic ones. It’s hard to make a mistake in their choice, but we still compiled a 2019 rating for you:

Scarlett SC-BSD33M952

Children's mechanical scales with a bright design. Made of durable plastic. Withstand loads up to 130 kg and have a measurement accuracy of 1 kg. On the platform there is a small scale indicating the correct ratio of weight and height in children. Cost - from 300 rubles.

First 8000

Convenient mechanical home scales with a rough coated platform. Cope with loads of up to 120 kilograms. Case material - durable plastic. Measurement accuracy - 1 kg. Prices for this model start from 450 rubles.

SUPRA BSS-4060 GN

Household scales with a maximum load of up to 130 kg. Made of plastic. They have a green matte platform with patterns and a company logo. The accuracy of measuring body weight is 1 kg. The price of the device is from 650 rubles.

Atlanta ATH-825

Inexpensive home scales with the image of waves on the platform. They have a scale of the ratio of height and weight for girls and guys. The maximum load on the case is 120 kg.The measuring unit for weighing is kilograms. The cost is 400 rubles.

Irit IR-7312

Bright scales for sports children. Case material - durable plastic. The platform depicts several pictures with different sports and a motivating inscription. They withstand up to 130 kg, measurement accuracy - 1 kg. For convenience, there are kilograms and pounds on the scale. The price of the device is from 300 rubles.

Title	Scarlett SC-BSD33M952	First 8000	SUPRA BSS-4060 GN	Atlanta ATH-825	Irit IR-7312
Diagnostics	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Platform material	plastic	plastic	plastic	plastic	plastic
Maximum load	130 kg	120 kg	130 kg	120 kg	130 kg
Measurement accuracy	1 kg	1 kg	1 kg	1 kg	1 kg
Additional Information	weight 1.2 kg, size - 16.4x5.3x28.4 cm	color - blue, units - kg	color - green, weight 2.5 kg, size - 35x6x35 cm	color - blue, units - kg	color - figure, units - kg / lbs
Price	from 610 rub.	from 420 rub.	from 540 rub.	from 360 rub.	from 280 rub.

Output

It is difficult to say which floor scales are better - electronic or mechanical. Someone pursues accuracy, and someone prefers reliable mechanics. If you want to save money, take mechanical ones, as they are cheaper and work without batteries. Electronic scales are suitable for people who love modern design and multifunctionality.