From what I have seen over the years in weighing turkeys (or anything else of similar size), the digital scales that are available are notoriously inaccurate. Anybody here found a scale that will consistently give the correct reading when weighing anything? I have used a number of different types of scales and have yet to find one that I think will give a true reading, as well as do it consistently.
I have used several different brands, and not only do they fluctuate by a half pound or more with a bird hanging on them, but they also will give considerably different weight readings if you weigh a bird multiple times. I have yet to find a scale that does not do that.
I would like to find a scale that you can put a gobbler on it and it will hit the true weight and stay there. Anybody found one?...
My Rapala will put the same weight up every time. You do have to hang it and give it a moment to get to weight. A breeze or something can make it fluctuate a couple ounces but if still and hanging on something then no issues. Do not know if it is accurate but it is consistent.
I have found a Boga Grip to be both consistent and accurate. There are designed to weight fish up to 40# and are expensive. I have been using mine for about 15 years in both salt and fresh water as well as weighing most anything on land and it is like new.
I bought this one to use when tuning my bow. It is fairly accurate and gives consistent readings. I never really weighed any thing but the draw weight on the bow, so I don't how it would work on a turkey or something lighter. I have had it for about 5 years and have used it multiple times on my and several friends bows without any troubles. The down side with is it's a little on the pricy side. I think they make one that has a lower max weight also
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FY3JJE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Use a bathroom scales .. :TooFunny:
Quote from: GobbleNut on December 19, 2020, 02:11:18 PM
From what I have seen over the years in weighing turkeys (or anything else of similar size), the digital scales that are available are notoriously inaccurate.
I think the problem is from lack of use. Scales need to be used more than once every four or five years.
I want some of those scales the guys who frequent the turkey contest on other sites use. I'd say only a very small fraction of turkeys I've killed in Ms and Alabama have weighed 20 lbs. (maybe 3 - 5, but surely less than 10 in a hundred) have weighed 20 lbs. I swear it's the opposite ratio for some fellas. Seems like they killing 20+ lb gobblers out of pine thickets on a regular basis and the odd one out weighs 19.5........lol
I use some old nwtf manual scales. They have a tape measure on them too. Heck, maybe my scale and tape need calibration now that I think of it......
Quote from: Greg Massey on December 19, 2020, 04:18:32 PM
Use a bathroom scales .. :TooFunny:
that's what i do.
step on with bird. step on without. subtract
do it twice if you're really concerned about it
If you want a set of really good, last you your whole life scales, Chatillons. That's it.
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Quote from: bigriverbum on December 19, 2020, 09:35:25 PM
Quote from: Greg Massey on December 19, 2020, 04:18:32 PM
Use a bathroom scales .. :TooFunny:
that's what i do.
step on with bird. step on without. subtract
do it twice if you're really concerned about it
Also what I do
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The only two times I weighed one was on a balance doctor's scale. Weight is a mere statistic, unlike character.
I am lucky enough to work in a meat plant and can weigh them on a certified scale.
Quote from: silvestris on December 20, 2020, 12:35:54 AM
The only two times I weighed one was on a balance doctor's scale. Weight is a mere statistic, unlike character.
i agree, but the 28lb bird my 10 year old nephew shot this spring had a hell of a lot of character :drool:
Quote from: Mossberg90MN on December 20, 2020, 12:32:34 AM
Quote from: bigriverbum on December 19, 2020, 09:35:25 PM
Quote from: Greg Massey on December 19, 2020, 04:18:32 PM
Use a bathroom scales .. :TooFunny:
that's what i do.
step on with bird. step on without. subtract
do it twice if you're really concerned about it
Also what I do
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yep. Done the same thing few times....
Quote from: bigriverbum on December 19, 2020, 09:35:25 PM
Quote from: Greg Massey on December 19, 2020, 04:18:32 PM
Use a bathroom scales .. :TooFunny:
that's what i do.
step on with bird. step on without. subtract
do it twice if you're really concerned about it
I use fish scales but I step on the tom's head as I pull it up to weigh it. Got a 43 pounder last year that way.
I have had this for the past 16-17 years and is still accurate. Not inexpensive but it is very well made.
Brecknell ElectroSamson Scale
MK M GOBL
Quote from: guesswho on December 19, 2020, 07:21:25 PM
Quote from: GobbleNut on December 19, 2020, 02:11:18 PM
From what I have seen over the years in weighing turkeys (or anything else of similar size), the digital scales that are available are notoriously inaccurate.
I think the problem is from lack of use. Scales need to be used more than once every four or five years.
That's a bit optimistic for me, but I'm glad you have such confidence in my abilities. I try to keep the years between gobblers in the single digits.
I have weighed three or four over the years, and being the inquisitive sort I am, I have used a variety of weighing instruments in an effort to sort out which is "best". By "best" I mean the scales that gives me the heaviest weight. For instance, if I have a gobbler that weighs 15 pounds on one scale but weighs 32 on another one, I will naturally assume that the 32 pounds is correct.
My understanding is that that is the way it is done by all you southeasterners in "the contest", and I want to make sure I am doing things right. After all, you guys are the experts. ;D :toothy12: :angel9:
You tie a parachute cord to his feet, then the other end to the scales. You raise the turkey above your head and drop him. Watch the scale, and the highest number you see is his official contest weight. Make sure the cord is not to long so he doesn't hit the ground. That really cuts into the weight.
This is a refreshing thread, been fun to read.