The new unit is chunky but actually surprisingly light (200 g), which is great if you want to carry it with you in your bow bag, and it’s not too fiddly for bigger hands. The edges of the ‘box’ are smoothed out and the lid has a QR code with information on how to use the scale, how to measure F.O.C, scale recalibration and more. Last Chance never disappoint on their instructions and top pro tuning tips. The unit is 1.5’’ (4.5cm) high and just under 5’’ (12.5cm) long. The lid opens and can be fixed anywhere between 90 to 180 degrees flat, should you need a better view of the LCD screen. A great extra is that it comes with the 2 AAA batteries, stored at the back inside the unit itself, right next to the battery receptacle, giving you a convenient pocket for spares.
First use
The scale comes calibrated, but LCA recommend you recalibrate anyway. Instructions walk you through everything; just make sure to put the scale into calibration mode with the required 200g calibration weight (which can be purchased additionally for just $10). Open the unit, and on one side is a receptacle with the rubber arrow holder and an in-built blue LCD screen, on the other the scale surface and four buttons. The scale is automatically set to ‘grain’ measure. The unit will switch off automatically after 3 minutes if not in use. The scale has eight different types of measurements which can also be used by rifle shooters.
Feature: Inbuilt F.O.C. Cradle
The F.O.C. Cradle is a super convenient feature! Attached to the inside lid is a plastic ‘flap’ to house the arrow which helps measure the F.O.C! Hence why the lid can be laid down flat so as not to interfere with the arrow shaft in front of you. When tuning, measuring and weighing the components, you often have to move away from the scale and use something else to balance the shaft, but this clever little addition keeps everything compact while I am in my working space. Love it.
Feature: Rubber Arrow Holder
The removable rubber arrow holder is helpful for measuring the weight of the finished shaft with all its components, but it can also be used to prop up or hold small bits and pieces so they don’t get lost. Simply place the rubber holder onto the scales, press the tare button (marked Z/T) and it will tare the weight (reduce it to zero on the display) so you can measure the component weight only. ‘Mode’ button will switch measurement units; grains are perfect for your arrow components, ounces for stabiliser weight, for example.
Feature: Count Function
The Count Function is my favourite extra and is an excellent feature for those who work with a lot of small components like screws and so on. Here’s how it works: place a small plastic container on the scale and press the ‘C’ button to activate the count mode. As you hold the button, the screen will move from 0 to 25 pieces. You can fix it at that and put 25 items of the same screw for example. The scale will measure the weight of 25 units, you lock it by pressing the ‘C’ button again. If you then put an unidentified number of same items, it will count how many there are for you. How cool is this? If you want to put more items, then simply go through the process again and choose the number you wish to lock, by pressing the “Mode” button; the range will appear as 25, 50, 75, and 100 pieces.
The verdict
I could not be happier with it. Initially I thought it may be a little chunky, because I was comparing it to other smaller units, but after having used and played with all the functions, I stand corrected. It is not only a steal for just $54 (a replacement rubber mat alone is $8), but also lightweight and multifunctional – I can do everything to an arrow in the same space, without having to move about with all the components. It sits nicely on top of the non-slip Archer’s mat, which gives me all the tips and shortcuts I need. Everyone should have one of these. Full points on practicality, functionality, presentation and ease of use.
Use – For arrows, stabiliser weights, broadheads, other small components
Max weight rating – 3,086.47gn/7.05oz/200g
Measurement units – (gn / oz / ozt / ct / g / t / tl / dwt)
Included – Rubber Arrow Holder, 2x AAA batteries, instruction sheet, sticky pads
Accuracy – 0.01g accuracy
