Body fat calipers- is there any that are better than others

[awhites1]

I'm about to buy some but I've seen them for as little as $9 and as much as $40. do the $9 ones work as good as the $40?

Looked on Amazon btw

 

[Runner22]

I prefer the OMRON Omron HBF-306 Body Fat Analyzer. $35 on Amazon...

However, the BMI stats are not accurate and I usually ignore that stat.

Product Features

• Analyzer measures your body fat with a gentle, micro electrical current
• Two modes -- athletic and normal -- provide accurate results based on your exercise regiment
• Delivers measurement results for Bi method (Bioelectrical Impedance Method) and BMI (Body Mass Index)
• Delivers results in approximately seven seconds
• Features a nine person memory profile for the whole family

 

[MDR]

It's mostly about how skilled the individual is operating the calipers. It takes a lot of practice to get anything close to an accurate reading. I had the same set for over ten years when I was training people, but I have no idea how much they cost because the gym owner provided them. I should note that this was a few years ago, and I'm sure the technology has improved over the years.

 

[awhites1]

It's mostly about how skilled the individual is operating the calipers. It takes a lot of practice to get anything close to an accurate reading.

yeah thats what BFFM said, requires some experiance and skill.

I'm gonna give it a shot. apparently the calipers aren't really designed to be used by oneself... but Tom Venutos book had a recommendation of a brand that sort of makes them so you can use them yourself. "Accu-Measure" so i bought one off amazon for $5bucks. im like if it doesn't work im only out a few bucks

 

[LAM]

when it comes to calipers it doesn't matter if the technique isn't perfect as long as you use the same testing sites on the body. you will still be able to accurately measure increases/decreases in bf.

 

[sassy69]

when it comes to calipers it doesn't matter if the technique isn't perfect as long as you use the same testing sites on the body. you will still be able to accurately measure increases/decreases in bf.

Yep - you're better off using them for measuring relative changes in BF than in looking for an absolute number. Would also recommend using 7-9 skinfold points as opposed to some of these methods that use only 3-4. Doesn't take enough into consideration.