Fox Dial Scales
5 Things To Know
- A purely mechanical analogue dial with zero electronics to fail in the wet or cold.
- The 60lb model reads in 2oz steps, covering all UK carp scenarios.
- A 120lb version in 4oz steps suits catfish or overseas specimens over 60lb.
- Rain, frost, condensation and heat do not affect the mechanical movement.
- A single dial face carries both kg and lb markings for quick reading either way.
Fox Dial Scales Review
The Fox Dial Scales are a solid, no-nonsense analogue option from one of carp fishing's most trusted brands. The build quality is good, the single revolution dial mechanism is reliable, and the zero-battery design means they'll never let you down on the bank.
Where they struggle is in a competitive landscape that has moved on. The Korda Dual Rev offers Reuben Heaton manufacturing quality with a finer 1oz graduation at a similar price, and the budget digital options provide backlights, tare buttons, and independently verified accuracy for less money.
For the Fox loyalist who wants a reliable dial scale with that distinctive brand identity, these deliver exactly what they promise. The 60lb capacity covers UK carp fishing comfortably, and the stainless steel construction will last for years.
But if you're buying purely on merit without brand loyalty, the alternatives offer more for the money. The Korda Dual Rev edges it on engineering quality within the analogue space, and the Wychwood Dual Screen makes the strongest case for going digital.
A 7.4 overall for a good product in a very competitive field.
How well is it built?
Fox's build quality has always been a strong suit, and the Dial Scales carry that reputation. The single revolution dial mechanism has a traditional feel to it, and the body construction is solid enough to handle being knocked around in a tackle bag without complaint.
The dual metric and imperial dial face is clearly printed and easy to read in good light. The stainless steel hook and hanging point are robust, and the zeroing adjustment has a positive action that holds its setting reliably.
At 60lb capacity with 2oz graduation, it's pitched squarely at UK carp anglers. The construction feels like it's built to last several seasons of regular use, which you'd expect from Fox.
Where it sits below the Korda Dial options is in the engineering refinement. The single revolution mechanism means the needle travels the full dial face in one pass, giving 2oz graduations.
The Korda Dual Rev uses a dual revolution system where the needle goes around twice, allowing finer 1oz readings from the same 60lb capacity. But for a branded analogue scale from a reputable manufacturer, the build quality is solid. An 8.0.
Accuracy
The single revolution dial mechanism is tried and tested technology.
It's not as precise as the Korda Dual Rev's dual revolution system, which achieves 1oz graduation by sending the needle around twice, but it does the job for general carp fishing where you need a reliable weight rather than a record-book reading.
The 2oz graduation means you're reading to the nearest 2oz, which is standard for a single revolution dial scale at this capacity. In practice, the needle settles to a clear position and gives you a consistent reading when you weigh the same object twice.
Like all analogue scales, parallax is a factor. If you're not looking at the dial dead-on, you can easily misread by an ounce or two.
The dual face showing both kg and lb is helpful, but on a scale this size the markings can feel a bit crowded when you're trying to read precisely.
Without any published calibration or testing data, it's difficult to make specific accuracy claims beyond practical experience. The Fox Dial performs reliably for session weighing, but it doesn't have the certified pedigree or independent verification to compete at the top end.
A 7.5 is fair.
Ease of Use
Dial scales are inherently simpler than digital in one respect: no batteries, no buttons, no menus. Hook your weigh sling on, lift, read the dial. The zeroing adjustment is straightforward if a bit fiddly with wet hands.
The lack of a backlight is the familiar dial scale limitation. After dark, you're reaching for the headtorch every time. If night sessions are a regular part of your fishing, this is a genuine practical drawback.
The 60lb capacity is well-suited to UK carp fishing but doesn't extend to catfish or continental trips. If you want a dial scale with more headroom, the Reuben Heaton EVS goes to 120lb.
The stainless steel hook hanging point is simple and effective but means you're relying on the sling loop not slipping. Some anglers prefer a karabiner or T-bar for that extra security. It's not a big issue, but it's worth thinking about.
Overall usability is fine for what it is. No surprises, no complications, but no features that make your life easier either. A 7.0.
Is it good value for money?
This is where the Fox Dial Scales face their toughest challenge. Fox's brand positioning means these are priced as a premium option, but the feature set doesn't quite match that premium positioning against the current competition.
At a similar price you could choose a digital set instead, if you prefer an electronic readout to a mechanical dial. Or the Korda Dial, which uses Reuben Heaton internals and offers a more sophisticated dual revolution mechanism.
The Fox name carries genuine value in terms of brand trust and consistency, and if you're already invested in Fox tackle, keeping your setup uniform has a certain appeal. The build quality is solid, and like all dial scales, there are no batteries to worry about ever.
But in a head-to-head value comparison against the Korda Dial at a similar price, the Korda's Reuben Heaton engineering gives it the edge. And against the budget digital options, the Fox can't offer a backlight or instant tare.
A 7.0 for value reflects stiff competition rather than a poor product.
Pros
- Solid Fox build quality with stainless steel hardware built to last
- No batteries required with a reliable single revolution dial mechanism
- Dual metric and imperial dial face for quick reading in either unit
- Zeroing adjustment holds its setting reliably between sessions
- Trusted Fox brand with consistent manufacturing standards
Cons
- No backlight makes reading difficult during night sessions
- Single revolution mechanism gives 2oz graduation where the Korda Dual Rev achieves 1oz
Features and Specifications
| Feature | What this means |
|---|---|
| Analogue Spring Balance Mechanism | Purely mechanical dial with zero electronics. No batteries to run flat, no screens to crack, no circuits to short out. The simplest, most reliable weighing technology available. |
| Dual Metric and Imperial Dial Face | Both kg and lb markings printed on a single sweep of the dial. Read either unit at a glance without any mode switching or button pressing. |
| 60lb Capacity with 2oz Graduation | Covers all UK carp fishing scenarios. The 2oz graduation is coarser than digital alternatives at 1oz, but perfectly adequate for general weighing where exact ounces are not critical. |
| Stainless Steel Hook and Hanging Point | Corrosion-resistant hardware that handles years of wet slings, damp hands, and rough storage without degrading or weakening. |
| Thumb Screw Zeroing Adjustment | Quick mechanical zero before each weigh. Simple and effective, though worth checking after transit as the screw can shift with movement in your bag. |
| All-Weather Mechanical Operation | Rain, frost, condensation, heat. None of it affects a mechanical dial. These perform identically in a January frost and a July heatwave, which is something no digital scale can claim. |
| 120lb Version Available | Same reliable mechanism in a higher capacity model with 4oz graduation, for anglers targeting catfish or fishing abroad where specimens can exceed 60lb. |
How It Compares
See how the Fox Dial Scales compares with other dial fishing scales on overall score and current price.
| Name | Price | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Fox Dial Scales | £29.75 | |
| Reuben Heaton 7000 Series Digital Scale | £59.99 | |
| Wychwood Dual Screen T-Bar Scales 60lb | £23.99 | |
| Korda Digital Scale 132lb | £75.34 | |
| Korda Dial Scale Dual Rev 60lb | £89.99 | |
| Reuben Heaton EVS Specimen Hunter Scales | £89.99 | |
| Reuben Heaton 9000 Series Digital Scale | £39.99 | |
| Reuben Heaton 8000 Series Microweigh | £11.99 | |
| Avid Carp Digital Scales | £64.99 |
Useful Information
External angler reviews
About this rating
eTackle looks for trusted, exact-match review sources and combines them where independent sources are available.
- Total Fishing Tackle : 4.2/5 from 6 reviews.
- Amazon UK : 4.4/5 from 18 reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Fox dial scales accurate?
They provide consistent, reliable readings with a standard 2oz graduation for practical session weighing. No independent testing data is published, but the single revolution dial mechanism is proven technology. For record-level claims, independently verified digital options offer more certainty.
How do Fox Dial scales compare to Korda Dial?
The Korda Dual Rev uses a Reuben Heaton manufactured dual revolution mechanism which gives finer 1oz graduation by sending the needle around twice. The Fox uses a single revolution mechanism with 2oz graduation. Both are no-battery analogue options at similar price points. For analogue precision, the Korda has the edge. For Fox brand loyalty and ecosystem consistency, the Fox works well.
Do Fox scales need batteries?
No. The Fox Dial Scales use a purely mechanical single revolution dial mechanism with no electronics. There are no batteries to replace, no screens to crack, and no circuits to corrode. They work every time you pick them up.
Are Fox or Wychwood scales better?
Different categories. The Fox is an analogue dial scale with no batteries needed but no backlight. The Wychwood Dual Screen is digital with CARPology-verified accuracy and dual backlit screens. For most anglers, the Wychwood offers more practical features. The Fox appeals to those who prefer analogue simplicity.
What weight can Fox Dial scales measure?
The capacity is 60lb with 2oz graduation, which comfortably covers any carp caught in UK waters including a wet weigh sling. If you need more capacity for catfish or continental trips, consider the Korda Digital at 132lb or the Reuben Heaton EVS at 120lb.
Should I buy dial or digital fishing scales in 2026?
Digital for most anglers. Backlights, instant tare buttons, and independently verified accuracy make digital more practical for general use. Dial if you want zero-maintenance scales with no batteries that will last decades. The Korda Dial is the best analogue option if you go that route.
Korda Dial Scale Dual Rev 60lb
Reuben Heaton 8000 Series Microweigh
Reuben Heaton EVS Specimen Hunter Scales
Avid Carp Digital Scales