Spring scale for setting drags

[jzumi]

Does anyone happen to have recommendations for this? I want to reset my 50VISX.

I have found that most of the readily available stuff really ain't so good or don't have the peak weight hold.  I have also found the Chatillon IN-050 at ScalesGalore but it's over $120 with shipping.

Before I bite on that, I just want to see if there might be alternatives.

Thanks!
John

[Keta]

Spring scales generaly are accurate in the mid range.  For setting drag on reels "close" is good.  If you want closer you can weigh known weights and mark the scale or do like I did and calibrate the scale for the target weight.  I had 30+ spring scales scales at one time and could calibrate them to be accurate for the settings I used.  I use lighter scales for lower drag settings

Unfortunatly I am down to only a pile of 8# scales I try to sell  for trigger scales.

[MACflyer]

Check Amazon Mougerk store. I purchased a spring scale to 110lb for $8.99. Works fine!

[day0ne]

Buy once. Go for the Chatillon but be sure to get the IN-50M, not the plain IN-50. BTW, that's a good price but you might try looking on ebay.

[Brewcrafter]

Agree - the Chantillons are excellent scales.  Not cheap..I have two friends that rely on them and it is first rate, but $$$$ - john

[Keta]

My scales cost me $0.00 for a large box full and they are accurate, more so in the middle of their range but acceptable for setting drags. 

[Rocket Dog]

Buy once. Go for the Chatillon but be sure to get the IN-50M, not the plain IN-50. BTW, that's a good price but you might try looking on ebay.

I am looking for one as well. Whats the difference between the "M" and none "M" scales?

[alantani]

so, this is going to be a slightly convoluted answer.  i have both scales.  let's say that i have a 50 pound line class reel and i want the drag set to 15 pounds of drag.  i will have a digital scale at home, and it stays home because salt water will chew it up.  i will use the digital scale to set the drag to 15 pounds.  these scales are aways exact!!!

now that my reel is exactly 15 pounds, i will use the reel to calibrate my spring scale to 15 pounds. the shimano spring scales and the weston spring scales are always a little off.  once calibrated, tape off the adjustment so that no one can monkey with it.  then you can take your spring scale on a fishing trip and not have to worry about accuracy or saltwater!!!!

here is the digital scale

https://www.amazon.com/Dr-meter-Fish-Scale-Built-Measuring/dp/B0CNRTGFCQ/ref=sr_1_37?crid=1WHYOO3AYG63R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Mgy47Vxwr9exVTBP4GXLLPDM3jmfiLnDthD0hdeBd_AxP6X1XNGLXRM9hRPupSawDM7yxt2Qh_esZQlrUYOPAe9mDZqBNmBGM0e-IlWxQifNPh8AXH959Z8liPJXL5sHpV_NQAKO1qjC1C1Sigs6TvRfjqnsZUIUxLM2Ti8uP2hvHViRKGtWo_EdxXpVPFPLO0iZTb3hB1fyDHmmL5ygHb9Zoo7sZk3WqAqrNc2_ZhzTseIq5_yQ4qlm6scnWPc8FI1lnIKQvKeNoGUZwch6uYoz5v3JZ5CF2Hum_2a4tLr5THLCGiePkX8jG_JO1ehHmFtiRQkhLggsZrSaY99Xwl7ShJ45GB4qPsX2hmIZ0BUC-PPqv-rdJlON8vZngG6yffDJD6_eO5nqQpXmcng2lrLkCm8FRzJc3G8IQcCfiraPFr6FlYXXaxgDHJPGczot.GIHoQCx-CWaC4arXcvg1ssjNVEeZ8kCDlpde7R8QZoM&dib_tag=se&keywords=digital+scale+luggage&qid=1741557998&sprefix=digital+scale+luggage%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-37

here is the spring scale

https://www.marine-deals.co.nz/fish-weighing-scales/shimano-stainless-weighing-scale-22kg?srsltid=AfmBOor84JyhhTTZjRdyL4e4W341APtL8ACSfyy8p4vw3xEcp-c5SYha

[day0ne]

Buy once. Go for the Chatillon but be sure to get the IN-50M, not the plain IN-50. BTW, that's a good price but you might try looking on ebay.

I am looking for one as well. Whats the difference between the "M" and none "M" scales?

The M version has a marker or telltale that shows the maximum pull. The non-M doesn't have that.

[Alan M]

I calibrate my scale with water, a gallon weighs 8#

[Squidder Bidder]

Buy once. Go for the Chatillon but be sure to get the IN-50M, not the plain IN-50. BTW, that's a good price but you might try looking on ebay.

I am looking for one as well. Whats the difference between the "M" and none "M" scales?

The M version has a marker or telltale that shows the maximum pull. The non-M doesn't have that.

+1 - Without the telltale, you'll drive yourself nuts. I have a Manley which tops out at 50# and a Chatillon 100M. I've used the Manley but the Chatillon is new and I haven't used it yet so I can't report on it.

The Manley is fine. I found that its telltale deforms a bit after a while and then you have to rig something to keep it in place so that it is usable. Even though it is brass we left Manley on the boat for a summer season and it did get some corrosion on it.