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(More customer reviews)If you are looking at purchasing a physician's balance beam scale, you understand they are more accurate, repeatable, and durable than other types of scales and over the long run should be cheaper than replacing the regular strain gauge and digital bathroom scales every few years.You have three brand choices:Detecto, Health-o-meter, and Seca.Price isn't a consideration because careful shopping reveals less than a 15 dollar price difference between these three brands when one compares the equivalent models.Before choosing, I searched the net for reviews and information.Finding little, I contacted 7 companies which sell them (5 sold all three, 2 didn't sell Detecto) and 2 firms which calibrate & repair medical scales.I asked each which scale they would purchase for their own home and why.On to the review:
Detecto looked like a winner out of the gate.It is the only brand made in the U.S.A.However, looking at pictures I found on the net, the fit and finish did not appear to rise to the level of the other 2 brands.Additionally, no one I contacted recommended Detecto.The eliminating factor:Detecto has reduced their warranty from the industry standard 2 years to 1 year.Folks, this happens when the 2-year warranty is costing them too much money and it doesn't speak well for their quality.
The Health-o-meter brand is owned by Sunbeam and is made in China.Fit and finish are very good and it has a 2-year warranty.None of those I contacted had anything bad to say about them.One put it best when he said the Health-o-meter vs. Seca was basically a Ford vs. Chevy argument.I do not believe one could go wrong purchasing the Health-o-meter model.They are great scales and should serve the needs of anyone for many years to come.If you buy a Health-o-meter make sure to get the 402kl or the 402lb as they are the best of the line (the EXP is not as sturdy and the CERT model is not worth the extra money).
Seca is a German company and the 700 model is made in China.Fit and finish are excellent and it has a 2-year warranty (the 5-year warranty listed all over the web is not accurate, call Seca if you don't believe me).All 700s have integrated wheels (optional and costs extra on the other 2 brands).Additionally, everyone I contacted chose Seca over Health-o-meter.Most chose on the basis of its modern, less clinical appearance, several felt it would be more durable in the long run because it outweighs the other 2 brands by at least 10 pounds, and one said she had never had a Seca returned.
I purchased the Seca 700 `pounds only' model with integrated height rod (5 bucks extra and I liked the looks) and have had it for over a month.It arrived well packaged and took 20 minutes to assemble.It was perfectly balanced out of the box and the weight was dead-on.It is highly repeatable; the weight will remain the same no matter how many times you step on and off.The heavy extra-wide cast iron base and the inherent strength of the round column design speak well for long-term durability.The balance beam is constructed of thick aluminum and is very robust.The beam has 1/8 of a pound graduations (the other brands 1/4 of a pound), is easily read, and the design of the beam `pointer' makes it very easy for one on the scale to tell when the beam is level and the weight is accurate.I also like the sleek appearance.Bottom line:I prefer the Seca 700 and recommend it without reservations to anyone.I'm very satisfied with my decision.
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Seca 700 Physician's Balance Beam Scale with Height RodProduct Description: Precise, robust and convenient: The Seca 700 sets a new standard worldwide. More precision due to the 0.1 lbs graduations and a higher capacity of 500 lbs. The included measuring rod facilitates time-saving measuring and weighing in one step.Equipped with integrated castors for mobility, and has a 5-year warranty.
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