The 9 Best Crane Scales

The Modern Step (around $50) can register weights of up to 660 pounds in 0.2 pound increments, giving you the ability to test larger objects without sacrificing accuracy. The stainless steel rotary hook should be more than capable of holding those items up for as long as necessary.

Hunters and sport fishermen should consider keeping the Moultrie Game (appx. $159) on hand, as it's an easy and clear way to determine how much your new prize weighs. It has a 400-pound capacity, but we won't let anyone know that you added a few dozen pounds when you told the story.

The PrimeScales Industrial (around $200) has one of the largest faces on the market, and its LCD screen can be seen from across the room. It comes with a swivel bracket for wall mounting as well, so you can rotate it so as to be visible regardless of where you're standing.

It doesn't have the ability to dangle huge items, like feral hogs or massive marlin, but the Klau Portable (around $24) can stash easily in your glove compartment or toolbox for those times when you need to quickly weigh produce or smaller animals.

You don't need to stand right next to your load with the Zenith Wireless (around $299). It transmits its readings up to 200 feet to the remote handset, letting you evaluate the size of dangerous or disgusting items without having to put yourself in harm's way.

It's not pretty, but the Pollux Heavy-Duty (around $535) certainly lives up to its name, as it can support a whopping 11,000 pounds without breaking a sweat. It's easy to see how it does it, too, with its over-sized steel eye hook and durable fixed shackle.

While the name doesn't exactly inspire confidence, the Generic Digital (around $63) can accomplish everything you need a scale to do. Its clean, white LED display is as easy to read as it gets, even in direct sunlight, reducing the likelihood of mistakes.

The sleek black WeiHeng Professional (around $51) issues its reports in pounds, kilograms, or jin, making it a smart choice for any business with international dealings. Switching between the measurements is as easy as pressing a button for a few seconds.

With its aluminum-cast casing and high, firm hook and shackle, the Klau Industrial (appx. $130) is stout enough to handle the heaviest of applications. As such, it's ideal for farmers and ranchers, as it can weigh hay bales as easily as large slabs of meat.