Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Tanita HS-302 Solar Digital Scale Review
Best Feature:
Made with biodegradable resin and has built-in solar cells
Worst Feature:
Only measures body weight
Best Uses:
Monitor weight in bathrooms with plenty of light
Pricing:
$68.99 (3-year warranty)
Overview
Headquartered in Japan, Tanita is one of the world leaders in precision electronic scales. Tanita’s HS-302 Solar Digital Scale has received above average online reviews for its accuracy and is perfect for the environmentally-conscious consumer. Like the original model (HS-301), HS-302 has advanced solar cell technology built in that eliminates the need for electric power or batteries. To improve on HS-301, Tanita engineers replaced the primary construction material in HS-302 with Terramac, an ABS plastic made with biodegradable resin, to further protect the environment and landfills. The HS-302 is sold online at The Competitive Edge for $68.99 and is backed by a 3-year warranty. While the HS-302 maintains the accuracy and durability expected from a brand like Tanita, it lacks some of the bells and whistles of similarly priced, non eco-friendly scales.
Product Report Card Grade
We give Tanita’s Solar Digital Scale HS-302 a B+ because it is a good scale that accurately measures body weight. We also really like that it is solar-powered and manufactured with biodegradable resin, so it is very environmentally friendly. We deducted a few points, however, because it is relatively expensive for a scale that only measures body weight and doesn’t store any user profiles.
Date Reviewed
January 2012
January 2012
January 2012
Pros
accurate body weight readings; easy to use and read; good warranty; environmentally-friendly; large platform can accommodate a wide variety of food sizes
complete and accurate assessment of current fitness level; storage of up to 4 personal profiles; easy to read screen; visual characterization of BMI makes it easy to read/understand
complete and accurate assessment of current fitness level; after the initial set-up, the scale is very easy to use; instantly recognizes up to 8 different users as soon as they step on scale; automatic wireless data transmission to online tracking website; ability to set personal goals and share data through online tracking website; ability to measure fat mass vs. lean mass; low profile is especially ideal for older people concerned with falling down
Cons
needs enough light to run (artificial light has to be a certain wattage and no more than 8ft away from the scale); does not calculate body fat percentage or BMI; does not store weight measurement records
only stores most recent measurement in your personal profile; accuracy of body fat percentages can vary unless instruction manual is closely followed; short warranty; should not use if you have a cardiac pacemaker or other medical devices that could be impacted by electrical current
pricey; cannot upload any historical data to online tracking website; accuracy of body fat percentages can vary unless instruction manual is closely followed; should not use if you have a cardiac pacemaker or other medical devices that could be impacted by electrical current; some complaints about spotty customer service
Warranty
3-year limited warranty
1-year limited warranty
1-year limited warranty
Dimensions
Measures 12" x 13" x 1.9" (L x W x H) and weighs 5.1 lbs.
Measures 12.2" x 11.8" x 2.1" (L x W x H) and weighs 4.7 lbs
Measures 12.6" x 12.6" x 0.9" (L x W x H) and weighs 5.1 lbs.
Fitness Indicator Measurements
Only measures body weight.
Measures body weight, fat mass and BMI.
Measures body weight, fat mass and BMI.
Measurement Accuracy
Weight is measured in .2 lb (.1 kg) increments under 200 lbs (100 kg) and in .5 lb (.2 kg) increments between 200 - 330 lbs (100 - 150 kg).
Weight is measured in .2 lb (.1 kg) increments. Body fat percentage is measured from 5 - 60% in .1% increments. BMI is rated from 7.0 to 90.0 in .1 increments.
Weight is measured in .2 lb (.1 kg) increments.
Multiple User Profiles
No
Stores up to 4 user profiles and will display previous measurements for comparison. It also has "guest" setting that allows others to use the scale without storing their information.
Can keep track of up to 8 users and can automatically differentiate between individual users once they step on the scale.
Power Source
Features built-in solar cell that can draw power from ordinary household light in addition to sunlight.
Powered by 4 "AA" batteries. Battery life is approximately 1 year when used 4 times a day.
Powered by 4 "AAA" batteries. Battery life varies depending on use (~6 months to a year)
Product Design
The scale is white and has a rectangular shape. There is a small black circle around the 1.2" LCD display screen.
The scale comes in chrome/silver with a large LCD screen and has a sleek, modern look.
The scale has an Apple-esque design. It comes in white or black and has a glass top.
ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to read screen display
- Accurate body weight readings
- 3-year warranty
- Environmentally-friendly
- Large platform can accommodate a wide variety of food sizes
Cons
- Needs enough light to run. Artificial light has to be a certain wattage and no more than 8ft away from the scale
- Does not calculate body fat percentage or BMI
- Does not store weight measurement records
Key Features
Product Dimensions
The HS-302 is 12" x 13" x 1.9" (L x W x H) and weighs 5.1 lbs.
Accuracy
Under 200 lbs (<100 kg), the HS-203 will calculate your weight at .2 lb (.1 kg) increments. Between 200 - 330 lbs (100 - 150 kg), it will calculate your weight at .5 lb (.2 kg) increments.
Solar Powered
Don't let the word "solar" scare you into thinking that you'll have to leave all the shades up in your bathroom. The HS-302's built-in solar cells can draw power from ordinary household light in addition to sunlight.
Eco-friendly
Since the HS-203 is made from biodegradable materials, it emits less carbon dioxide than products with petroleum-based plastic, and, ultimately, it will break down more easily once it reaches a landfill at the end of its life.
Product Design
The HS-302 comes in a pure white, rectangular shape. It is a classic, unobtrusive design that can blend into the background of any interior.
Screen Display
The HS-302 has a 4-digit, 1.2" LCD display.
Reputation
If you want an accurate, eco-friendly scale with no frills, the HS-302 is for you. Consumer reviews are generally positive, and, in my opinion, the 3-year warranty offsets the occasional negative review relating to glitches in the scale's solar technology.
Reviews
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