Let’s say you want to lose or gain weight. What’s the first thing you will do? Some of you will probably start exercising or eating less food.
However, we’d like to go against the grain and suggest something more important. Your first step should be to step onto a weighing scale.
You need to know whether your subsequent actions actually affect your weight. This way, you can determine if you’re headed in the right direction.
So, go ahead and browse budget friendly bathroom scales before you start working out. On the other hand, if you don’t know yet what you need, we’re here for you.
Digital vs. Analog Scale
Generally, most bathroom scales fall under two categories, one is digital, and the other is analog. If you don’t know the differences between these two, allow us to lay them out for you.
Technology
The first difference is the technology they use. An analog scale uses springs, a platform, and a dial. When you place an item on the platform, the dial will spin proportionately to the amount of pressure on the spring.
On the other hand, a digital scale uses sensors. These sensors can individually measure the pressure applied to them, rescinding the need for springs. The LCD would then display the measurement in digital numbers instead of a dial.
Readability
Now that we’ve mentioned it, let’s talk about readability. As compact as it is, it can be particularly difficult to read the measurements on an analog scale.
The dial of an analog scale tends to be rather small because of all the other parts that need to fit in a small area.
On the contrary, a digital scale uses an LCD. Regardless of the manufacturer or the model, the screen is large enough to read.
Additionally, it does not require a lot of different numbers like the dial. It only needs to display the measurement and that alone which reduces the visual clutter on the scale.
Reliability
Perhaps the most important aspect of having a bathroom scale is its reliability, or more specifically, its accuracy. Digital scales tend to be more accurate than analog scales.
An analog scale requires you to stay completely still to get an accurate measurement. That’s because the dial will keep on swerving or spinning when the pressure changes. This happens a lot when you’re moving.
On the other hand, a digital scale will only need you to stay still for a few seconds. Once it stabilizes, it will display the final measurement on the screen. Once it does, the reading will not change even if you move a bit.
Additionally, digital scales often include decimals in their measurements. This is something you will find difficult with analog scales. Having decimals in your measurements will provide you with your exact weight, making the digital scale more reliable.
Calibration
Digital scales have a pre-set program in their compositions. That means once you install the batteries, all you have to do is turn them on, and you’re good to go.
On the contrary, analog scales do not need a power source, but they don’t have programs either. Over time, the springs will wear down, and they will not have the same elasticity as when you first had the scale.
Since they will gradually reduce their ability to return to their original shape, you need to calibrate it once in a while. Otherwise, your readings will not be accurate.
Portability
Some of us need to move our scales from one point to another rather frequently. That’s why you may also want to factor in portability.
The thing is, analog scales have springs and numerous other mechanical parts. This makes them significantly heavy.
Digital scales do not need all of this. That’s why they are lighter and often more compact. Suffice it to say digital scales are more portable than analog scales.
Durability
If we’re talking about rugged use, the analog scales are probably more robust. The metal parts certainly make them durable.
If we’re talking about lifespan, the trophy goes to digital scales. You see, analog scales have numerous metallic parts, so they are prone to corrosion. If you place them in a bathroom, it’s only a matter of time before moisture gets into their inner workings.
Digital scales do not have springs and mechanical parts, allowing them to last longer than their analog counterparts. This is particularly important since you’re going to use your bathroom scale regularly.
Conclusion
Mechanical scales have been around since the early 1800s. They’ve certainly helped us in too many ways that we can’t even list them all.
However, maybe it’s time for our good old friend to retire. As we drive towards the future, there are multiple kinds of technology we have at our disposal.
In this battle of digital vs. analog scale, there’s only one obvious victor. If you want the best bathroom scale to help you achieve a healthy lifestyle, look for a digital scale.
Main Photo by Andres Ayrton.
