43 replies to this topic

[Jim Gibbinson]

Has anyone got any long(ish)-term experience of digital scales? I'm concerned by such aspects as their accuracy in differing temperature conditions, their viability in bad weather (especially heavy rain), the ease with which they can be zeroed with weigh-sling in place... and anything else that may be relevant.

I'm thinking of obtaining some, but thought I'd seek the opinions of those who use/have used them before doing so.

[Peter Waller]

I have a pair of Salters which I would recommend to anyone. Instant, and accurate zeroing. Does pounds and ounces rather than pounds and tenths of a pound. Well damped and has a hold feature that I reckon is great. Good size and very comfortable to hold. The only problem I have has is that they are not proof against drowning. I drowned a pair, Salter replaced them without quibble. Use mine winter and summer alike, no probs.

[Wordbender]

Jim, I had a 'pre-purchase trial' of the Fox ones...and ended up buying a set of Reuben Heaton traditional spring jobs.

Admittedly, the electronics were caught up in a freezing gale which destroyed my bivvy and scattered my carply goods to the far reaches of Berkshire, but my old Avons weathered it unlike the electronic scales.

The set I tried were NOT officially issued to me by Fox - they were Fox scales, though - so I'd suggest you call the company and ask for a field test.

Don't forget to drop Elton's name into the conversation - I'm told it carries quite a bit of clout in carpy circles.

[poledark]

Jim, I have a set of horribly expensive Weighmate digi scales (£140 ten years ago)

They have survived all the knocking about that a lot of fishing can give them, but, they still work well, can be zeroed very easily and have a built in backlight.

Gauranteed accurate and weigh in OZ or Grams.

I would not pay that much again (they were bought in a rush as we had a possible Darenth valley first forty on the bank) but have never regretted it...the grams will tell you very accurately whether your 2lb roach is 92 grams or not ,

The scales are in fact strain gauges, there are no springs or other moving parts.

Makers....Graham and White, St Albans.



Den

[ 06. March 2005, 09:49 AM: Message edited by: poledark ]

[Stewart_Bloor]

I use Salter Electro Samson scales which I have had for several years now, and which I'm totally satisfied with.

I initially bought them when I read a report that listed them as the only ones in the test that were totally accurate at the weight brackets tested.

[argyll]

I also have the Salter Sampsons which have taken some abuse over the years. A friend made me a more fishy orientated lifting bar. They would probably cost around £70 to replace if I lost them, but I'd do so. They seem to have become the Reuben Heatons of the digi world, weighing up to 55lb (well I live in hope) When I got them, my local 'weights and measures' people checked their accuracy for me and could find no noteworthy discrepancy. They come in a fairly weatherproof fitted case, although leaving them lying around on the boat all day does not seem to cause any problems. Rapala also do a cheaper version, of which people also speak highly. http://www.tacklebargains.co.uk have a small selection which you might want to take a look at. Any purchases there help Elton and Lord knows....he needs it

[ 06. March 2005, 02:03 PM: Message edited by: argyll ]

[Ken L]

I had a set of Berkley ones for 10 years with no hint of a problem until some complete bar steward at Kuwait airport removed them from my bag and decided they were a potential hijackers weapon of choice.

Arse !

[Stewart_Bloor]

Ken L:
I had a set of Berkley ones for 10 years with no hint of a problem until some complete bar steward at Kuwait airport removed them from my bag and decided they were a potential hijackers weapon of choice.

Arse !

Well if you like like your avatar, no wonder.

[Common 40]

[Ken L]

No I don't look like my avatar just yet but you never know what a few weeks might bring.
The river where I'm staying at the moment is a sh1t tip but I'll son be heading off north to where I know there is some decent fishing to be had. Without my scales, I'll just have to make up some big fish stories to make you all jellous.

BTW, I'd much rather look like my avatar than my password.....