tanita body comp scales?

[einundzwanzig]

Anybody use those Tanita body composition scales? Are they useful at all? I've heard they are useful for relative measurements, just can't trust absolute bf% it gives.

[Patuba]

I have one and it's complete shit. It's usually off by 5% or more.

[Paendragon]

The readings will vary throughout the day-it could also vary depending on how hydrated you are. They are junk IMO.

[patsfan]

Originally Posted by Patuba

I have one and it's complete shit. It's usually off by 5% or more.

Notice how its always over, It would be the best scale in the world if it read under.

Mine is a piece of shit too. calipers are the way to go and this is a handy site to do it by measurement.

http://www.mybodycomp.com/members/login.asp

Pats

[Pred]

I don't have a Tanita scale, but I have a hand held Omron bodyfat analyzer. Like the other comments on the Tanita scales, it is only good for producing a very rough idea on bodyfat. It will also change 2 to 3 percent from day to day. I thought I would be able to use it to monitor my bulking cycles to make sure that I'm not putting on too much fat instead of muscle, but it's just not accurate enough in my opinion. I guess I was expecting too much from a $50 piece of equipment.

[Paendragon]

Originally Posted by patsfan

Mine is a piece of shit too. calipers are the way to go and this is a handy site to do it by measurement.

http://www.mybodycomp.com/members/login.asp

Pats

How accurate are using your measurements compared to calipers?

[Pup'nIrn]

Originally Posted by Paendragon

How accurate are using your measurements compared to calipers?

Calipers are also inaccurate unless you have the same "experienced" person use them each time. I also have found the scales to be off extremely. I am at aroung 8% right now and the scale continues to put me at 11.4% whether hydrated or not. I know I am not 11.4% with veins coming up my abs. Pup

[Turbo1]

I have the Accu calipers and i just cant get a good read on them. I think i may ask one of the trainers at my gym to use them on me cause they use them alot more.

[ohashi]

Originally Posted by Turbo1

I have the Accu calipers and i just cant get a good read on them. I think i may ask one of the trainers at my gym to use them on me cause they use them alot more.

Are you using the electronic or plain plastic calipers? The electronic ones are shit; the plastic ones take a while to get used to, but they are invaluable after you get plenty of practice.

[gixxerboy]

Those plastic calipers are crap to. The only good ones are then "lang" (sp). But they cost alot more.

[mad_dawg]

I have had one of the Tanita scales now for years. I'm pretty much with everyone else on the bf being off. I believe you can use it to gauge your increases and decreases over time. You can record your weight and bf daily and over time you can tend to get a picture of whether or not you are gaining bf or not. As far as anything accurate I sure wouldn't hold my breath. Skin fold calipers or have someone at the gym do it would probably be the most accurate.

Peace,
Mad_dawg

[singmanr]

Originally Posted by gixxerboy

Those plastic calipers are crap to. The only good ones are then "lang" (sp). But they cost alot more.

I worked as a personal trainer for a couple of years and had access to both the Slim Guide (cheap plastic calipers) and the Lange. Interestingly, the Lange gave consistently HIGHER readings.

Skin fold caliper method may not necessarily be accurate (+/- 3% up to 9%), but can be used reliably to measure change over time. Just make sure the person taking your readings knows how to locate the sites properly, and (maybe this is obvious) but use that SAME person at every measurement.

Also, it is important to reduce the factors (if practical) that can cause variability. For example, if the first time you tested in the mid-morning, an hour after a meal, before your workout, you should try to take the next reading under similar conditions.

Body fat readings taken after a workout will read significantly higher.