Hi!

I'm thinking of getting a Tanita scale - there are so many different types tho. From what I've heard the ones that measure body fat percentage do not do so very accurately. I'm more interested in accurate weight measurement for a reasonable price.

Can anyone tell me how the different types of Tanita scales (BF, solar, digital etc) compare? It will definitely help make a choice!

Thanks!

Hmm... I can't even seem to find Tanita's in my area - but I've seen a lot of other scales on the market even those that measure body fat. Does anyone know how these compare? Like Resolve Body Fat Monitor etc? I just basically want a scale that is totally reliable for weight measure...

I have a Tanita Body Fat Monitor (the family one that you can program 4 different people). I paid about $200 in 1998 for it and didn't find out until about a year ago that it only measures the body fat for your lower body. The electrical impedance system is low voltage (or whatever) and therefore can only accurately measure your BF up a certain height before it bounces back and analyzes the reading. Which would explain why my BF is always in the high 40's since all my fat is in my butt and hips. Plus it can't tell the difference between fat on your butt and fat from the steak in your gut!
My husband is having issues with it too as he qualifies as an "athlete" but for a while couldn't figure out why his BF was reading 4% when he has a little bit of lovehandles (pretty unnoticeable but definitely there) and a little stomach pooch. Out MD told us that the scales was measuring only his legs which are lean lean lean...

In short, the scale kind of stinks at accurately measuring BF but the weight is dead on. It is very accurate almost depressingly so.
I would stick with the regular weight one unless you have $3000 to get the ones with electrodes that the docs use.

Have fun choosing!
Hope this helps. And please all you kinetic physics scientific people, feel free to explain how this electrical impedance thing works. My husband compares it to a depth sounder which would imply that I'm big as a fishing boat??

NAncy

Hey thanks Hannahsmom!

that was very useful information - I carry most of my fat in lower body too so i can imagine the reading it would have for me!

I think I will just go with a regular weight scale then, without the BF measure. Do you know how accurate the other Tanita models are (the ones that don't have BF built in? I am wondering about the solar powered tanita scale since so far this is the only type I seem to find in my area. I have heard conflicting views about the reliablity of the health-o-meter so don't know if I should get that one... All I really want is a reliable scale that won't fluctuate depending on how I'm standing on it. Suggestions anyone?