With Black Frog's nagging, er, advice still floating around in my head from months ago, I perused the Cabela's archery catalouge looking at bow scales and such.

Todd had recommended the Hanson scale, which they have but they are pricey on, but another option caught my eye.

It was the hand held scale that you hooked to the string and drew like it was a release. For someone that will probably use a scale infrequently, the portability of this scale appealed to me. It also has an indicator that measures peak draw plus will read what holding weight is.

Any reason why this type of scale shouldn't be considered?

It's this one-

holy crap! Range, yer actually thinking of cracking open the wallet?!?[:-]

I have one. They're fairly cheap and not very accurate. Heck for a 12pack of beer I'll "donate" it to you.

Cabelas wants $28 for that (but could probably find it cheaper elsewhere). FS Discount has the 100# Hanson that will be much more accurate and last you a lifetime for $39. Spend the extra $11 and be happy, for once. [8D]

You can "calibrate" that handheld modle for a certain poundage, and it'll be close for that useage. But over a wide range I find that it isn't very accurate.

I was in your position a few years ago & went the cheaper route with one of these scales. Just like BF said, not very accurate at all. If you really want to try one of these, send me your address & it's yours. I know it's hard to justify spending a little more for something you probably won't use real often, but in this case it's worth it.

Got one..not terrribly accurate...however once you find a consistent "technique" and verify with an accurate scale, then it will work OK.

Mine always weighs 3 pounds low..but if I don't draw completely with my back muscles, I'll get a couple pounds variance in addition.

I don't pay any attention to draw weight anymore..I crank the bow up and take measurements...then keep an eye on my measurements for any changes..and I adjust arrow spine to the poundage, not the other way around...

Thanks for the info guys.

Jeepnut, PM sent

Not that I didn't appreciate your offer Todd, It's just that I'm certain when you found out what kind of cheap swill I would send, you'd change your mind

I really don't think I would use a scale too often, so it will be fun to play around with this type to see what I can do with it.

You forget that I play in a band at least once a week.

There is no such thing as cheap swill..... Just that some swill is a little more refined than others.

Range, PM back at ya.

I never really used it much and it probably is decent enough for most things a bowhunter needs. But being an engineer and a bit anal, I just couldn't stand it not being exact.

But then I'm not the kind of guy that would go taping lead weights to my bow either.

I'm sure it will enjoy its new home.

I also have one of those (or similar). It is not accurate.

My biggest pet peeve with them is that I would always hit my sleeve when I would use it in the colder months. That would really throw it off.

Definitely go the Hanson route. Even if you only use it 4 or 5 times a year it is worth it.

Plus, if you get the 200 pound model you can then weigh your deer with it too.

You know, being a cheap bas, er skate and fan of multi-tasking, I thought of that.

Cabelas has a scale that weighs up to 320#, with readable increments starting low enough to be used for a bow.

Why wouldn't that work?