cM3go

Anyone know a good device to use to calculate % body fat? There's the tape, and the pinch tool, but I can't see how those are acurate. I remember in highschool the nurse use to put a device up to our biceps to calculate the % bf, but don't remember what it was or how much it would cost.

Reddly9007

there are electronic ones, you can probably find them in a sporting goods store. They might be a little more accurate then the pinchers

Gixxster

Actually, I found that the caliper (pinchers) are more accurate then the electronic ones. Althrough there is a certain technique to using the caliper so I would think that it is difficult to use on yourself.

body fat measurement tool/caliper

ccannizz11

Go here: http://walking.about.com/cs/calories...fatmonitor.htm

I've found #5 (the handheld one) to be the best

Adam_Schwartz

Electronic ones are pure crap - at one point one my wife got told me I was 29% bf which is complete bullshit. The calipers are fine, assuming you take more than 2-3 measurements. Take 8-12 measurements to get a better reading.

EdgarFanCLS

My gym has an Omron (#5 from the list) which I've found to be reasonably accurate. Even so, I usually take 2 readings in a row just to be sure one isn't way off from the other.

FYI - Amazon.com sells them for $38

oneilc

I have a scale which reads out your % bf. It's a bit pricey but I needed a scale so I figured what the hell! Check it out

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...s=hpc&n=507846

TheTriads

any sporting goods store will have them.

TLover

I have a handhled one that measures the electrical resistance when you hold it with both hands. Probably not very accurate, but I mostly use it to see if my body-fat percentage is dropping.

YBA

The best way to get your body fat % is to get an autopsy done on yourself.

The second best would be hyrdostatic.

Skin calipers are quite good but it's not easy to get it done properly...

GunnmeTaLCURA04

can you tell me how a scale reads body fat %? i mean. you just step on it!!!

youngTL

Electrical resistance.

youngTL

The electronic ones are wildly innacurate! Drinking something salty can even change the readings...

And good idea to take multiple measurements to damp out the error.

BEETROOT

The electrical ones are good if you want to measure progress/fat loss. They may not be exactly accurate, but they will be fairly consistent over time. Plus they only take a couple seconds to use.

The calipers are good but you really need to know what you are doing, and take multiple measurements...

oneilc

The answer is bioelectric impedance

vas25tl

Does anyone know a good tool?

I just did 2 diff test.

TEST ONE (link)

Got 17.5%

TEST TWO (link)

Got 29%


Seems like there is too much of a difference here. Anyone have any insight where I could get a little more accurate answer?

Agent0r

BMI is a sorry excuse of body fat %

1st link gave me 7.5%

2nd link gave me 24.1

Pisses me off when they say BMI is you body fat, what terrible mis-representation.

Ive never done hydrostatic or bodpod BF% measurements (the only 2 i would trust), but I know im for sure under 10% so id say the first link is relatively close

FiftyFive

These are two different tests, hence the difference.

UNCTYPE-S

Most BF percentage tests they sell are inaccurate out there. Unless you are submerged in water, the pinch test is the next best element.

If you're just throwing your height/weight onto an online program, you are wasting your time. $0.02

nfnsquared

Yep, thread revival....

Cyber Monday deal at Buy.com: Omron HBF-516B Body Composition Monitor Scale, 45% off, $65 shipped.

Omron HBF-516B Body Composition Monitor Scale

UNCTYPE-S

Save your money and go spend that $65 on healthy food.

jkr_j32a2

This is very true. body calipers and a 7 point test site would be the most accurate other then doing a dexa scan.