Hand held BF% monitors vs. Scales

[Indymuscleguy]

Group,

I have a weight scale in my bathroom that measures bodyfat%. What is the margin of error on these units? +/- 3%?

[MuscleScience]

Group,

I have a weight scale in my bathroom that measures bodyfat%. What is the margin of error on these units? +/- 3%?

That sounds about right.

[Big]

Maybe it depends on the brand, but my bf scale is no where near right. I can step on it, measure, step off and clear it, and step right back on and get an entirely different reading. I use calipers, cheap and dependable.

[alex18]

I agree with Big....Calipers are the most accurate, cheapest and reliable option

[Indymuscleguy]

When I have started a cycle I have my bf measured via calipers and also at the end of a cycle.

We got this scale for Christmas and I have a similar problem. It varies by 3%....thanks for the info.

[T_Own]

only 3% off isn't that bad.. they always seem pretty iffy to me

[ClubberLangsUncle]

My bf scale is not even freakin close, its about 7% off from everything els.

[smokethedays]

Group,

I have a weight scale in my bathroom that measures bodyfat%. What is the margin of error on these units? +/- 3%?

Both are sh1t, scales are way off than 3%.

They don't measure anything, it just compares that data you enter (hight, sex, age, and weight) to stored data and gives a reading regardless of your body's bone density, water and fluid weight, and other important factors.
Its as lame as those horoscope you read in the daily paper.

[gettingBIGGERfast]

some scales have the impedance meter also....some even have it at your hands and feet.

[Indymuscleguy]

Mine is made for bare feet. It even estimates the amount of body 'hydration' %. It comes to be about 60% for me...an odd feature I am not sure of...imo.

[T_Own]

does it do the impedance test? if so, it would probably have been very expensive, but then also slightly more accurate. i can't imagine a floor scale being as accurate as a dedicated machine though