When you're shopping for a lab balance, the first fork in the road is usually range versus readability. The Ohaus Scout SPX8200 and the A&D FX-300iN are both new open-box precision balances, but they solve very different weighing problems. One offers a huge capacity; the other offers very fine resolution. The right pick comes down to what you'll weigh, how precise the result needs to be, and which missing parts you're prepared to replace.
Quick verdict: For precision-oriented tasks, the A&D FX-300iN is the stronger fit. If you need a larger weighing range, the Ohaus Scout SPX8200 deserves serious attention.
Think about your typical sample size first. If you are weighing out tiny reagents or running precise formulations, precision matters more than range. If you are checking larger quantities, a big weighing range saves you from using a second instrument. That split is exactly what separates these two balances.
At a glance
| Product | Listed price | Key catch |
|---|---|---|
| A&D FX-300iN | USD 330.00 | No original box; directions missing and asset tag attached |
| Ohaus Scout SPX8200 | USD 68.40 | No weigh pan or top pan support; no factory packaging |
Where each product wins
The A&D FX-300iN wins when your samples are small and your tolerance for error is tight. Its 320 g capacity and 0.001 g readability make it a natural fit for analytical and biological laboratory tasks. The Ohaus Scout SPX8200 wins when you need to handle heavier items and want a balance that can move around the lab. It gives you an 8,200 g capacity at 1 g readability, and it is intended for a broad set of laboratory settings.
Product notes
A&D Electronic Precision Balance Model FX300iN
The A&D FX-300iN is the precision-first pick. Its 0.001 g readability and fast 1-second stabilization time let you work with very small sample masses and get a settled reading quickly. That makes it a better match for analytical-style lab work than a coarser portable balance. The catch is the condition details: the unit is new open-box but arrives without its original box, the directions are missing (you'll need to download them digitally), and a company asset tag is attached to the bottom. If you can live with the missing paperwork and the extra tag, the high resolution and legal-for-trade design justify the higher listed price for finer lab tasks.
Ohaus Scout SPX8200 Portable Precision Balance 8200g x 1g No Pan
The Ohaus Scout SPX8200 is the range-first pick. With 8,200 g capacity and 1 g readability, it can handle larger samples and coarse check-weighing tasks that would exceed the A&D's 320 g limit. It is intended for biological, dental, medical, microbiological, and physical laboratories, so it suits multi-purpose lab environments. The limitation is significant: this new open-box balance does not include the removable stainless steel weighing pan or the top pan support, so it can't weigh samples out of the box. The balance powers on and is positioned as a replacement unit for someone who already has those components or wants to restore an existing SPX8200. If you have a spare pan, this is a practical route to adding a large-capacity portable balance; if not, factor in sourcing the missing parts before purchase.
Final choice by use case
Go with the A&D FX-300iN when your work is about small masses and high resolution, especially if legal-for-trade output matters. Go with the Ohaus Scout SPX8200 when you need a big weighing range and portability.
