Shopping for a lab balance or scale usually comes down to a trade-off between fine readability and generous capacity. These two used instruments show that trade-off clearly: one is an analytical balance built for small samples at very fine resolution, the other is a precision balance with a much larger capacity but a coarser read. The real question is which weighing job matches your routine, so start with sample size and the level of detail you need. There is no single right answer for every lab, and this comparison is about finding the one that fits.
Quick Verdict
If your priority is analytical-level precision for small samples, the Acculab ALC-210.4 is the better match. If you need room for larger load sizes, the Ohaus SPX2202 gives you extra headroom for less money. The price difference is visible in the table below, but the bigger difference is in the capacity and readability trade-off.
At a Glance
| Product | Listed Price | Capacity | Readability | Price indicator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acculab ALC-210.4 | $300.00 | 210 g | 0.1 mg | |
| Ohaus SPX2202 | $206.15 | 2200 g | 0.01 g |
Both are used units, so inspect the physical condition before you buy. The spread between the two listed prices is roughly $94, which matters only if that difference would otherwise be spent on the extra capacity or the extra resolution. Let the typical weight of your samples guide that choice.
Where Each Product Wins
- The Acculab ALC-210.4 wins for analytical precision. Its fine resolution lets you detect very small weight changes, which is what many research, medical testing, and industrial applications expect.
- The Ohaus SPX2202 wins for capacity and price. It offers far more capacity at its listed price, making it practical for larger samples, containers, or batch weighing.
- When it comes to stated condition, the Ohaus title explicitly says Tested Working, while both are listed as used. If a verified working unit is your priority, that title is a useful signal.
Acculab ALC-210.4 Analytical Balance Scale 210 g x 0.1 mg
The Acculab is an analytical balance with a 210 g capacity and 0.1 mg readability. That level of resolution means it can pick up very small weight changes, which makes it a strong fit for analytical chemistry, medical testing, or industrial quality work where fractions of a milligram matter. The $300.00 listed price is the higher of the two, and the 210 g maximum is a real constraint if you ever need to weigh heavy objects. For precise small-sample measurements, the Acculab gives you the fine resolution that the Ohaus cannot match. Its limiting factors are capacity and cost, so only choose it when the 210 g limit and $300 price work for your routine.
Ohaus SPX2202 Precision Balance 2200g x 0.01g Tested Working Lab Scale
The Ohaus SPX2202 is the capacity-focused choice. It reads to 0.01 g, which is perfectly useful for routine lab weighing, but not as fine as the Acculab's 0.1 mg. What you gain is a top capacity of 2200 g for a listed price of $206.15. The title describes it as Tested Working, and the unit was previously maintained on an annual calibration schedule during its service life, with the most recent calibration certificate no longer current because it was removed from service. If you weigh larger samples or do general lab work where 0.01 g resolution is enough, this balance gives you more weighing room.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the Acculab ALC-210.4 if your priority is analytical-level resolution for small samples and you can work within its smaller capacity limit. It suits applications where tiny changes in weight matter, and the price difference reflects the precision you get. Choose the Ohaus SPX2202 if you need a higher-capacity balance and want the additional reassurance of a Tested Working designation. It handles larger items directly without forcing you into multiple smaller weighings.
