Digital Scales

[jefats]

My old RCBS digital scale of 23 years has seen its last days. Originally made by Oahus, sadly RCBS nor Oahus markets it anymore and cannot refurbish it. So, it's time to make a move.

I would appreciate any information as to what's out there now and comments pro/con.
Note, I'm not averse to a pendulum type either since I've had to enlist my very first RCBS 5-10 model in the interim.

Thanks and Merry Christmas to all.

 

[ShootDots]

The AND FX-120I : Simply put, the VERY best scale on the market today for under $500.00... Actually, that $500.00 figure may easily be increased to $1000.00... Unless you go crazy in price, you would be hard pressed to equal or beat it!!

 

[jlow]

Best bang for the buck - using one that is now more than 3 years old. Lots of guys on this board use it. See here:

http://www.accurateshooter.com/gear-reviews/gempro-250-digital-scale-review/

 

[Jason Boersma]

Gempro 250 is a great scale and affordable also.

 

[Shynloco]

Price range and details desired in a digital scale??? Thx

 

[ShootDots]

http://cambridgeenviro.com/productDetail.php?122g-x-0.001g-A-D-5-Year-Warranty-Top-Loading-Balance-2867
Here is the link to the AND FX120I.... T-Rust me>>>>it is the best scale for the money under $500.00

 

[CatShooter]

http://cambridgeenviro.com/productDetail.php?122g-x-0.001g-A-D-5-Year-Warranty-Top-Loading-Balance-2867
Here is the link to the AND FX120I.... T-Rust me>>>>it is the best scale for the money under $500.00

Is there a model that reads in grains instead of grams??

 

[rox]

http://cambridgeenviro.com/productDetail.php?122g-x-0.001g-A-D-5-Year-Warranty-Top-Loading-Balance-2867
Here is the link to the AND FX120I.... T-Rust me>>>>it is the best scale for the money under $500.00

Is there a model that reads in grains instead of grams??

The Fx120i does read in grains, and half a dozen other units (you can enable or disable each unit if you wish, so you'll only ever need one button-press to toggle between grams and grains). Once you have changed to a particular unit it remembers the change so it powers-on in that unit. Usually you will calibrate in grams though.

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[rox]

The documents say only grams.

No mention of grains.

See pages 12-14 in the manual. I under-estimated - there are actually 15 supported units, including 'user-defined'.

http://www.aandd.jp/products/manual/balances/fz_fx-i.pdf

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[CatShooter]

I saw it when I went into the manual... thanks

 

[coford]

ShootDots has this right. I gave away my Gempro 250 after I got the FX120I. The Gempro drifted a lot and the FX120I doesn't. The FX120I is easy to use and easy to set up. You will not be disappointed. Mine was around $425 delivered.

 

[Pappy42]

+1 for the FX-120i

 

[Jet]

Posts on the FX-120i are correct. For me it has proven to be a great scale in the short period of time I've had it. Time will tell if it's reliability/performance hold up.

I also have a GemPro 250. It is a good scale but recommend you search the Forum to read about it's pros and cons. Lots of info and opinions have been written.

Jet

 

[waltk]

If you can still pick up a AND 120i for $400.00 or $500.00 jump on it.
I paid a little over $600.00 for mine.

 

[jlow]

ShootDots has this right. I gave away my Gempro 250 after I got the FX120I. The Gempro drifted a lot and the FX120I doesn't. The FX120I is easy to use and easy to set up. You will not be disappointed. Mine was around $425 delivered.

Most people that use the GemPro 250 does not have a drift problem, but if you are set on spending more money, then more power to you....

 

[Sray53TXTN]

Have both; whole different level of accuracy, measuring capability, & stability. FX-120i magnetic force restoration (lab quality) vs. Gempro 250 strain gauge (mid level) not a fair comparison.
Not knocking Gempro 250, you're not comparing apples to apples; there's a reason for the price difference.
My $.02

 

[jlow]

Having 30 years of research experience and worked day in and day out with scales that cost multiple thousands of dollars, I would like to see hard data to support these claims of “different level of accuracy, measuring capability & stability” – thus far I have seen zero.

The fact is the GemPro 250 is not an expensive scale but it can consistently measure powder weights that do not vary by more than 0.02 grains and maintain a zero with occasional drifts of 0.02 grains. Is it possible to do better, sure but is it necessary, no. If the FX-120i is really that much better, which IMHO is doubtful, I would like someone to back that statement with some data. The only hard data I have seen is the FX-120i is more expensive.

 

[Sray53TXTN]

Like automotive mileage estimates:
Your mileage (experience) may vary

 

[jlow]

Certainly true, but “advertised claims” based on theoretical possibilities is not basis for strong recommendations for someone to spend $600 vs. $115.

 

[rox]

If the FX-120i is really that much better, which IMHO is doubtful, I would like someone to back that statement with some data. The only hard data I have seen is the FX-120i is more expensive.

2 days ago I verified charges dispensed onto my FX120i balance using a Denver 4 DP analytical balance (i.e. 0.0001 grams, or 0.0015 grains). My dispenser accepts a 0.02 grain variance indicated by the A&D balance (i.e. a target weight of 46.00 grains will 'pass' if the balance indicates 46.00 or 46.02 grains). Verifying 30 charges on the Denver gave an ES of 0.032 grains and an SD of 0.0093. Bear in mind that this already includes a 0.02 grain spread indicated by the FX120i.

Apart from resolution and linearity benefits of force restoration balances, they also respond quickly to very small deviations (a kernel or 2) and they stabilize very fast, making them ideal for trickling.

You say that you haven't seen any hard data, but claim that the GemPro consistently measures to within 0.02 grains - how did you establish that?

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