The Best Digital Fishing Scales – Comparison Test
In this review, we will cover some of the best digital fishing scales on the market, with a specific focus on the coarse angling scene. So whether you’re gearing up to weigh a new personal best or land a competition-winning fish, we have you covered.
Accompany me, Daniel O’Neill as I provide you with an in-depth review of the best digital fishing scales currently available. We will cover both the benefits and drawbacks of each product, as well as my own informed opinion that will hopefully help you to make a better decision when purchasing a digital fishing scale.
Why Trust My Best Digital Fishing Scales Review?
I am an avid UK angler with over fourteen years of angling experience, and whether I was using digital scales to weigh the mighty beluga sturgeon, trophy-sized trout or hard-fighting carp I always found that digital fishing scales are invaluable pieces of equipment to add to any angler arsenal.
This experience has helped me ensure that I provide accurate and honest opinions, and therefore, I am confident that my comparisons will be able to assist you in making a well-informed choice.
The Best Digital Scales at a Glance
Reuben Heaton 7000 Series – Best For Durability
Wychwood Dual Screen T-Bar Scales – Best For Lifting Heavier Fish
Korda Digital Scales – Best For Battery Life
DAIWA Digital Scales – Best For Budget
FOX Digital Scales – Most Popular
Korda Digital Scale – Best For Battery Life
Pros
- Simple to use
- High battery life
- Reputable Company
Cons
- Limited user testing
- Not suitable for catfish and sturgeon anglers
Although the new Korda digital scales have not been user-tested as much as the other options on this list, they remain a strong option due to their superb battery life.
They are currently trending as an up-and-coming product in the coarse fishing scene but of course, as Korda is so reputable, you can be sure to receive a high-end product.
The Korda digital scales have a clean, simplistic display and are easy to use. Furthermore, they are waterproof and shockproof, which I feel is a vital component for any digital scale, after breaking my old scale by dropping it in the lake. The max capacity is 132lb, so if you’re an avid catfish or sturgeon angler, it would be best to look elsewhere.
Reuben Heaton 7000 Series – Best For Durability
Pros
- Tough polycarbonate body
- Waterproof and dustproof
Cons
- You need to pay extra to upgrade to the RH7060 model built for heavier species.
The Reuben Heaton 7000 series is built for durability with a tough polycarbonate body and a stainless steel hook and hang point, it is one of the toughest models on the market, and it is both waterproof and dustproof and is charged at a 9v power source. It has a clean display with a backlight function and a separate memory backup power.
The RH7030 has a max capacity of 30KG however the RH7060 has a max capacity of 60KG, the 60KG model is more expensive, so the species you intend on targeting will drastically impact your choice of model.
Wychwood Dual Screen T-Bar Scales – Best For Lifting Heavier Fish
Pros
- Weighs up to 60lbs
- True grip handle
- Night light display
Cons
- Batteries not included
The Wychwood dual screen has a maximum capacity of 60lb making it an ideal carp fishing scale unless you plan on beating the current UK carp record at 68 lbs. It has many features, such as a true grip handle, which I find perfect for weighing heavier fish as this grip helps to better engage your back when lifting.
It includes a karabiner safety clip as well as an in-built night light display and hi-impact casing. It does require 2 x AAA batteries which are not included when purchasing the scale.
Daiwa Digital Scale – Best On A Budget
Pros
- Calibrated for accuracy
- Backlit function for nighttime
- Relatively Cheap
Cons
- No batteries included
The Daiwa digital scale is a T-bar design that is calibrated for accuracy, meaning it should provide accurate refined results. It measures weight in both kilograms and pounds which I find is a great feature as many anglers prefer various metrics depending on personal preferences.
The display comes with a backlit function for nighttime and it also has an audio beep when locking the weight. Once again no batteries are included with this product and it takes 2x AAA to operate.
Fox Digital Scales – Most Popular
Pros
- Compact Design
- User Friendly
- Low battery indicator
Cons
- Difficult to source
Designed with the intention of carp fishing these scales can weigh up to 60lbs with ease, they require 2x AA batteries to operate and they are built for simplicity ensuring they are user-friendly and compact.
One of my favourite features on this scale is the simple zero button (0.00) which you press once you have attached your wet weight sling. You can also easily switch between kilograms and pounds as well as view a low battery indicator. Furthermore, the Fox scales are supplied with a protective PU hard case.
FAQs
Are digital scales accurate?
Yes, all high-end products are accurate, however, it’s important to note how much weight the individual scale can register. If the weight is beyond the scale’s max capacity it will not register correctly and an ‘err’ message may appear on the screen.
How do you weigh a fish at a competition?
Each competition or event will have a different set of rules on how each fish should be weighed. Usually, a specific scale will be required before entering the competition and all scales should be approved by a marshal before getting started. Furthermore, if fishing on boats is involved, sometimes anglers may be asked to return to shore to weigh their fish as it may be inaccurate with the swaying motion of the water. Overall, it is important to check the rules at the event you are entering before taking part as they will greatly differ depending on your location.
How do I weigh a carp?
You should keep the carp inside your landing mat until you are ready to weigh it. Once you are ready you should wet the unhooking mat, weigh sling and your hands before handling the fish, this helps to retain the fish’s protective coating and scales. After zeroing your sling, gently slide the carp from the unhooking mat into the weigh sling. Lift the weight sling and scales into the air suspending the fish directly over your unhooking mat and keep your scales upright. Once you have recorded the weight gently lower the carp back onto the mat.
The Last Word
We hope today’s guide has assisted you in purchasing a suitable digital scale while also answering any questions you may have had. It is best to look for a scale that will be accurate, easy to view at night, have strong battery life and most importantly have a high enough weight capacity suitable for the species you intend to target. We trust that today’s guide has enabled you to make an informed decision on the best scale suited to your individual needs. Until next time, tight lines.
