Accu-Measure Fitness 3000 Personal Body Fat Tester Reviews

• It's not a fancy gadget, but it does the job!

  
  By A1J6B00Z1D6PS4 on 2007-01-09
  This little plastic product is so quick and easy to measure your body fat percentage that you almost feel like it can't be that accurate.
  
  But just for kicks I had my body fat measured with one of those fancy electronic machines several times before using the Accu-Measure calipers.
  
  The average of three readings for the electronic device was 26% body fat while the Accu-Measure showed 25.5%. Not bad considering this product is a whole heck of a lot CHEAPER than the electronic body fat machines.
  
  I'm trying to get my body fat down to single digits and these Accu-Measure calipers will help me track my progress. VERY affordable and they REALLY work!
  
  

• Too simple for even semi-serious measurement

  
  By A2BWD21IGC2B64 on 2007-03-11
  These calipers are not up to any form of reliable measurement, because its premise is far too simple.
  
  The instructions include no equations of any kind, and the pinch is intended only for the abdominal skin-fold. Once you measure the skinfold, you take the result (in millimeters) and compare to a color-coded chart which pairs a man/woman's age and measurement to show the bodyfat percentage within the colored stripes of (ideal, overweight, obese, etc.).
  
  This is too simple for a bodyfat measurement. There was no regard for body weight, height, or other skin-fold areas. It would have been nice if the instructions at least included equations so that I could measure myself more accurately on my own--but, no.
  
  Granted, the "click" feature is pretty cool, and lets you know exactly how much pressure to apply while measuring. However, if you're a trainer or someone seriously trying to lose body fat and measure your progress, you'll need normal calipers with formulas. This is too basic. A toy.
  
  

• Simple and Does the Job

  
  By A8PA3OZ0G61JF on 2007-08-15
  This caliper works well and the "click" feature takes the guesswork out of the correct pressure to use. The chart that's included with the documentation is possibly too simplified, but there are sufficient online resources for using the calipers to determine body fat. I consider it a good value for the home user.
  
  

• Excellent Product for the Money

  
  By A2ECW6TYK6XXL9 on 2008-02-29
  My first reaction was "This plastic thingy-a-jigamus will accurately measure my body fat?" In a nutshell, the answer is YES. In fact, at work we have a health and fitness coach. She has a two-thousand dollar Tanita bio-electric impedance scale. The difference between her scale and this plastic tool is amazing. The deviation is within 2%. Just practice using it and you will be just fine. When I first used it the average difference between three readings is 2 to 4 mm. Once I got used to it, my readings were consistenly on the money, and I was able to accurately get the same reading even the following day.
  
  Next to a pistol and a rifle (I'm a staunch Second Amendment and US Constitution supporter), I would say this is a must have in every household - especially if you are a bodybuilder, or just want to track your weight (or I should say fat) loss.
  
  ************************************************************************
  Updated April 2, 2008.
  
  Okay. I've been using this thing for over a month now. Just wanted to let you know that I have been consistently losing fat, and that the readings between this tool and the $2000 electric scale is still within 2% deviation. The key is consistency. As long as your readings are consistent, you can be rest assured that you will know whether your body is losing fat, muscle, or both. Again, it's a great tool to have.
  
  

• Most-used Caliper among bodybuilders and fitness models

  
  By AV211MBO3P6YA on 2006-03-25
  This fat caliper is sure to be used by you on a weekly basis if you want to evaluate your fat levels. Recomended by Tom Venuto (www.TomVenuto.com) this caliper is what the pros use, and they're easy enough for you to use as well. After a few tries you will become consistent with using them just above your supperilliac crest (hip bone).
  
  Anyone can use it! Simply squeeze, listen for the *click* and then read your measurement. There are no biased readings as you would get from pressure-sensitive models, especially for the ones that cost so much more.
  
  Get this caliper and start measuring your lean body mass / body fat percent consistently today!
  
  
  
• meh..
  By A1TX23RN2T2NTR on 2006-11-10
  i guess i need to read better, cause i didnt see that this thing was made of plastic...i thought it was a little more solid. i mean im sure they all work the same, but for $12 you should get a little better quality imo.
  
  oh well, it does work though.
  
  
• These are not good calipers
  By A2VJ9CCR14MDXI on 2007-07-25
  A fitness manual referred these calipers to me as the cheapest most accurate self-measurement body fat % device out there. The fitness manual has been correct about just about EVERYTHING else except these. I've lost around 6-10 lbs of fat (15 lbs total) and at least one pant size and yet my caliper reading has not changed at all. I do multiple readings just to make sure, with different amounts of skin pinched off, and still don't see any significant change in reading on the calipers. The advertisements for this that it is the ideal way to measure body fat is true for calipers in general, not this one specifically. In general, calipers are almost as accurate as submersion in water (which works because fat floats muscle sinks), but the drawback is that you need to go to a special facility to get the submersion test done. Unlike this calipers which measures only one skin fold on your stomach, other calipers measure skin folds on multiple parts of your body (you usually do 4 different places each time) for their accuracy. In short, I would recommend sucking up your anxiety over letting someone else measure you and get a real set of calipers or you won't be able to tell for sure if you're losing weight from fat or muscle.
  
  
• Great little device
  By A2TNXUDZ3FBOZ2 on 2008-09-11
  Considering the price and simplicity of this little tool, I really like it a lot. As other reviewers have said, it does take a little getting used to to ensure repeatability though. Here's why:
  
  These calipers use a clever little "half arm" sticking out from the side to help you to gage how hard to pinch before taking your reading. At the tip off this half arm is a little round tip that, as you pinch the calipers closed, nestles into a little pocket (on the long arm where Accu-Measure is printed). The problem is that you just have to pay careful attention to when that little round tip is fully seated in its pocket and not pinch to squeeze the calipers any more than that.
  
  I consider myself pretty technically inclined and it has taken me a few weeks to get very comfortable and repeatable with squeezing it just right. Now it's no problem at all.
  
  I will say though that an even greater source of variability in measurements (at least for me) is where specifically you measure. There's a little diagram that shows approx where to pinch your gut to measure. I found though that the more I move outward toward my side, the lower the body fat measure. I'm not all that concerned with the specific percentage...I've been using the calipers to mostly gage progress. And I can do this by looking at the millimeters of "pinched fat" and seeing that slowly reduce over time.
  
  You just have to be VERY specific about pinching at EXACTLY the same location and not moving the location around inadvertently. Today I measured 20mm in one location (easily repeated 3 times very accurately) and 1.5 to 2" away (toward my side) measured 14mm (again easily repeated 3 times in a row).
  
  So in short, the calipers are an awesome tool and will read VERY repeatably as long as you pay close attention to what you are doing. I can't vouch for how accurately they translate mm of pinched fat into % body fat. I'd imaging that there are lots of factors beyond the control of these little calipers that affect the accuracy of that correlation. But if all you need to do is track progress, this is a perfect tool for me.
  
  
• good one
  By A1Q1EDBSXEGX6L on 2006-11-04
  Good one. Thought it is pain in xxx, to calculate the formula, but if you build a exceel sheet with formulas, all you need is plug in the number of readings of this tester..that's it.
  
  
  
  
• not sure about the accuacy
  By A32UP97BE5B2R3 on 2007-11-27
  this product was recomended to me by my fitness coach. It's apparently highly reputable in the body building world. but for the average gal like me i find it kinda frustrating to use. the drawings in the instructions showing you where to measure are confuing to say the least. just remember to pinch 1 inch above your hipbone and always measure in the same place and you should be fine. but this thing is also kinda a pain to read. i have to have my boyfriend read it and then i try to read it in the mirrorand I end up guestimating where the click actually occured. but if you're looking for a general reference as to your body fat this one is cheap- more accurate than the once that send electronic pulses through you(they only measure half your body)and easiy enough to use that as long as you measure regularly you 'll get a sense of where you are.
  
  
• Very good product.
  By A3KDH35C223VG5 on 2007-09-18
  This device is a little piece of plastic that simply gets the job done. After some practice i am getting practically the same results with the three point calculations and the one point calculation with the chart provided with the accumeasure 3000. I am getting the same BF% that my doctor gets, so that means the thing actually works perfectly. I suggest you find the formula for the 3skinfold method as it is more accurate than the one skinfold method witht he chart provided. The device seems cheap and could actually probably be cheaper, but it gets the job done with great accuracy, so I dont see the need to buy any other expensive equipment. This is what you need to track fat loss properly. Fully recommend.
  
  
• Works as described
  By A2GO6NWSU06KF3 on 2008-07-17
  This product works as described. The biggest thing with it is the learning curve for taking measurements. I would recommend playing with it & using it often in order to get the hang of it. This should be used to track progress in terms of the measurement size, rather than using the body fat chart provided. I would recommend this product to someone who would like to have a starting point & track progress as they move along.
  
  
• This is a good cheap way to check your bodyfat level
  By A1KBGTTB16Y103 on 2008-08-26
  I was frustrated with the way my Omron Bio-Impedance Body fat analyzer (Omron HBF-306C Fat Loss Monitor) would give me different numbers based on if I'd had a glass of water, or the time of day, or the position of my arms, shoulders or elbows - so I decided to try the Accu-Measure Caliper to see if all of these variables would diminished in number. I found that they did, but the Caliper has far less precision. I liked how the electric body fat analyzer would give me a precise number down to a tenth of a percent while a one millimeter difference in a skinfold using the caliper would be the difference between 15.4% and 13.6%. I now use both body fat testers but I would say that I prefer the electric one.
  
  
• Good for keeping track of your results
  By A1SWCIAPRQ5TSO on 2007-01-17
  This is a good thing to keep track of your results, You can see the results which makes you more likly to keep up the good work.
  Good Luck-
  Tim Harrington
  Worcester, Ma
  
  
• Does what it's designed to do
  By A2QNXG8CDNF07P on 2007-03-13
  Plain and simple... a product that does what it's designed to do.
  
  
• Body Fat Calipers
  By A3PZMPPUVXI2PH on 2007-12-14
  This product is very straight forward. It appears to be accurate regarding expectations with respect to other data. The product was easy to order and was delivered very promptly.
  
  
• Excellent deal
  By A3RLEYY2G9HYAU on 2007-03-08
  The product is great and I received it right on time. Great seller.
  
  
• Terrible Product
  By A3C7B2H6ORHERI on 2007-03-11
  If you are looking for accuracy and durability do not by this product!
  
  
• Handy
  By A3RJYB6RKWPUW7 on 2008-01-24
  Though not the most sophisticated , it is accurate and provides feedback without relying on a 2nd party which may not be available.I think it is a great tool to help in fat loss , recommended by Tom Venuto.
  Accu Measure Fitness 3000, along with motivation, a good plan & journal will put you on the road to success.
  
  
• Great Value
  By A16FFF6SOOIZ43 on 2008-08-03
  The accu-measure is a great product. With a little practice you get results that are consistent enough to track any fitness program, and you really can't beat the price. I've been using it several times a week for more than a month now, and the feedback is invaluable.
  
  
• Skin fold body fat measurer
  By A1BL9PXYUIQS53 on 2008-08-13
  Excellent, simple to use and quite accurate Alhamdulillah. For the price it came it is well worth it.
  
  
• Great tool to measure your body fat at home
  By APPY6LU3TUUUQ on 2008-08-13
  I love it! It is so easy to use, and I have used it to track my fat loss on a weekly basis. The Accu-measure 3000 is quick and reliable. I would recommend it to anyone who's serious about shedding fat.
  
  
• great
  By A1ENP6NY7D7ROI on 2008-09-16
  i really like it, its nice to know if you are losing (or gaining) body fat or lean body mass and this product allows you to do that not only privately, but also frequently.
  
  
• didn't receive item, but got full refund
  By A327DO9L034OS2 on 2007-07-09
  after ordering this item, we were told it was no longer in stock. we did receive a prompt refund though.
  
  
• Difficult to use
  By A6BZ63SW5CSAL on 2008-06-27
  I should have known that cheap plastic calipers wouldn't work very well. My main gripe is that you are supposed to squeeze the calipers together until you hear a click. Maybe my unit is defective, but the click is basically silent, and I almost always continue squeezing beyond where I should have stopped. I have resorted to trying to look at the calipers as I squeeze, although this is a little tricky. Tyring to stand up straight, pinch my skin, squeeze the calipers, and try and watch to know when to stop, all at the same time, is a little awkward and overwhelming. Would not recommend.
  
  
• Cheap but still not worth it.
  By AOZZ80ZWF0GV7 on 2008-07-27
  You get what you pay for I guess. The caliper is made of cheap plastic, the readings can vary greatly depending simply on how much pressure you apply. The is a small button on the left hand side of the caliper that is supposed to "click" to let you know when you have pressed hard enough. The button was out of alignment with the caliper on the one I received, you almost have to bend it to get the button into the slot. I tried using it a bunch of times but I don't have any real faith in the measurements I'm getting with it. This one is a bust.
  
  
• Handy tool
  By A1M5Y0DRKE82UB on 2008-08-06
  Does what its supposed to do, but could have included more formulae with the package for skinfold tests on other areas. Beats me as to why they didnt include something which would cost them next to nothing!
  
  This is good for measuring your fat percentage, but not for tracking consistent progress. It can only give you readings like 19.5%, 18%, 16%, etc.. not in between. So if you want to track weekly or even monthly progress this is not the tool
  
  
• Bad design, inaccurate results.
  By A36LGU2A3OILEB on 2008-09-14
  The tester has a moving plastic piece in the middle that you are supposed to set all the way to the right before making a measurement. This makes it almost impossible to take accurate measurements. Also the instrument doesn't click so you don't know how much pressure to use.
  
  
• Measure
  By A2VDIS279JBZA1 on 2008-10-23
  Good tool and great price. These sell for $20+ on some sites. Very good tool and useful to keep track of your progress.
  
  
• Mediocre tool for assessing body fat
  By AGGAQLXPVGM5D on 2008-10-26
  Assessing your body fat is an accurate method of determining your level of fitness and health.
  
  This caliper is small and convenient. However, there are pitfalls. As you squeeze your skin fold, there is some variability from one measurement to the next due to its light construction. It is not durable over time with repetetive use and I question its validity beyond a 1 year time interval. Mine broke a little over 15 months at the 'hinge' opposite to the slide rule.
  
  Conclusion
  
  It is a portable, small tool for assessing your body composition but its durability over time is questionable (as is its accuracy).
  
  

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