A couple of weeks ago I got a new digital body fat scale from the folks over at EatSmart, the EatSmart Precision GetFit Digital Body Fat Scale. I’ve had a body fat scale from another manufacturer for a while now that I thought worked reasonably well, but after seeing the new Ipad looking scale from EatSmart I agreed to try it out and do a quick review. The GetFit scale just looks cool.
The scale arrived in the mail a few days after the agreed to send it out. The first thing I noticed when taking it out of the box is that it was thin – and had a decidedly high tech look. The first things that came to mind were the Apple iPad, and one of those Star Trek control panels. It just looks nice – and the black color should fit into just about any bathroom’s decor.
The EatSmart Precision GetFit Digital Body Fat Scale
The EatSmart Precision GetFit Digital Body Fat Scale can be found at a variety of retailers including Amazon.com where it currently retails for around $55.
So let’s look at some of the specs behind the scale, and look at some of the things it measures.
- Measuring Functions: % Body Fat, % Total Body Water, % Muscle Mass and Bone Mass
- Proprietary Automatic User Identification Technology; Stores personal data for up to 8 users
- EatSmart “Step-On” Technology – Get instant readings with no tapping to turn on!
- Large 3.5″ Blue LCD display with white backlight – Easy to read.
- Auto Calibrated; Auto Power-Off; Runs on 4 AAA batteries (included); 100% EatSmart Satisfaction Guarantee
So not only does the scale measure your weight and body fat percentage, but it also goes the extra mile and gives you numbers for total body water percentage, muscle mass percentage and bone mass. I’ve never actually seen a scale this affordable that calculates all of those things. Honestly I’m not sure how I’d use those stats, but it’s cool to have them if i need them.
Among the other features I also love the fact that it automatically identifies the person who steps on the scale, and the fact that you just step on the scale and it turns on and gives you your stats. It also has a super easy to read screen that you don’t have to bend over to read.
Opening The Scale
When the scale arrived from FedEX I opened the package and was met with a full color image on the box of the new scale. Even before I opened it up I knew I was going to like the design of the unit.
After taking the scale out of the box I unwrapped it and admired it’s shiny surface. It gives off a nice reflection and is as smooth as the touchscreen on a tablet PC. In some respects that’s what it feels like as you touch the buttons on the unit as well. The buttons are touch sensitive, not raised buttons that you depress like you see on so many other scales.
The unit comes with 4 AAA batteries which you insert into the panel into the recess in the middle of the back of the unit. You also need to set the units that the scale will use, either kg or lb, by setting a switch on the back of the scale. Default is set to pounds so I left it.
Setting Up The Scale
After inserting the batteries I started the unit up and hit the set button to enter my height and body type (regular/athletic) into the unit, which it remembers for future use. I also entered my wife’s stats so that she can use the scale as well.
From then on when you step on the scale it will remember which person you are (Person 1-P erson 8), and use your stats to calculate everything from body fat percentage to total body water. There is no need to turn the scale on either as it will turn itself on when you step on it. It will automatically decide which person you are when weighing you.
When you step on the scale it will tell you what your weight is, and if you stay on the scale for a few more seconds it will calculate all your other stats as well.
Using The Scale
I’ve been using the scale for a couple of weeks now, and here are my first impressions:
- Seems to be accurate enough with the scale readings matching or being close enough to other scales we use, and the one at the doctor’s office this week when I had an appointment.
- It’s easier to use than our old body fat scale. Our old scale doesn’t save our personal stats, needs to be turned on by clicking a toe button, and then you have to enter your sex and height every time. This scale you just do that once and save it.
- The blue lighted display is super easy to read, versus our old scale that has a simple LCD display that can be hard to read at times.
- Love having that extra data that it calculates, despite the fact that I’m not sure how to use it quite yet.
So there you have it. I love the scale so far because it’s easy to use, it’s accurate, it looks great and it makes checking your weight and body fat percentage so much easier by removing un-necessary steps that other scales ask you to perform.
While the scale may not be as advanced as some others that I’ve seen, like the Withings scale that has Wi-Fi and Ipod/Android apps, it does a good job of what it does at a price that’s affordable for most folks. Definitely a good scale to check out if you’re in the market for a body fat scale.
Have you tried the EatSmart scale, or any other body fat scales? What are your impressions?
