OK, research is done, such as it is.
I tested the three scales that I have that are digital. The Boga didn't make the digital cut....plus it's only a fifteen pounder.
Here are the three contenders.
Brecknell Electro Samson...0-55 lbs...guaranteed to 1/2 ounce. $80.00 plus shipping.
WalMart luggage scale...0-88 lbs....no guarantee...$15.00
Rapala 50 lb digital scale w/gripper... 0-50 lbs...no guarantee....$65.00 plus shipping.
I used a purported 15 lb dumbbell as a test weight. I tied a string to it with a loop in it so I could hang it from all three scales.
I then hung each scale from a rafter in my garage.
Testing the Brecknell first I came up with 15 lbs 5.5 ounces, 15 lbs 5.5 ounces and 15 lbs 5,5 ounces. Very consistent.
Next up was the WalMart luggage scale...15 lbs 6 ounces, 15 lbs 6 ounces, and 15 lbs 5 ounces. Also pretty consistent.
Last was the Rapala 50 lb digital scale w/gripper...15 lbs 1 ounce, 15 lbs 1 ounce, 15 lbs .8 ounce also consistent (albeit it a little lower than the other two).
There is no calibration mechanisms on any of these scales.
My problem with the Rapala is during the summer I would get inconsistent readings on it, varying as much as 20 percent. I lost faith in it and relegated it to the storage locker on the boat. At that time the WalMart special was my "go to" scale.
Neither the WalMart in Hendersonville nor the one in Rivergate, Madison have the luggage scales. You have to order them through WalMart.
All three are susceptible to moisture so if you have one or get one, keep them out of the rain. I've gotten my WalMart scale wet numerous times and each time, I remove the battery ASAP and put the scale on a heat vent in the house and let it dry out for a coupla days before I re-battery it and turn it on. It has come back to life every time.
One of these days, I will try upping the weight by using one of my 35 lb dumbbells and see how they stack up at higher weights.
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