New Grower Questions about a couple Hanna pH meters (on a budget)

[Slow2Gro]

Hello all,

I have a question about a couple pH meters.
I'm trying to scrounge up some money to get a pH meter as I desperately need one, but there's no way I can afford a nice one right now.

I basically would like to know what the difference between a few meters are and if they are worth it (or better than using drops atleast).

Hanna HI 99104
and
Hanna HI 98107

Is the design the only thing really different on those, or is the top one for soil or something? Is one of them better than the other? Of course I would expect the one that is a little more expensive to be better, but is it really?
Or are any Hanna meters good meters?

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[Muddy]

They both appear to be very similar, just different designs. Both are for liquids, the first one is just a pocket design. I've had a Hanna Combo for about a year and a half now. Works great, no issues. Depending on what kind of water you are using, one that measures ppm can also be handy. I use rain water and have to buffer it with cal/mag. Without being able to measure ppm I wouldn't be able to do that.

 

[Slow2Gro]

Cool thanks for that Muddy.
I never thought about testing ppm, for some reason I was thinking that was only something you tested for Hydro setups.
I'm not looking to spend much, actually I don't have much to spend and I probably shouldn't even be spending $30 with Holidays and birthdays coming up.

I'll be using it for Tap water or Distilled water.
I have been searching reviews and quite a few people haven't been happy with Hanna meters. I thought Hanna meters were the ones to get?
I've seen quite a few people recommend the Milwaukee pH 600 (which just happens to be $10 cheaper).
I'm having troubles finding reviews for cheaper pH meters. There's always Amazon, but I like finding more than just one place with reviews.
I'll have to look to see if I can find a decently cheap ppm meter and then see if I can find a combo meter that would be cheaper than buying a pH meter and a ppm meter (although I'm not sure if I actually have the budget for that).
Thanks again Muddy

 

[BuddyLove]

i'm all for the least expensive, when it comes to anything. i love sales, and saving cash period. however, whem we're talking meters... you've got to have one thats, (1)accurate, (2)does what you "need", and in my opinion, (3) ease of use, and ease of calibration. don't cheat yourself and get frustrated with something inferior.... especially when first starting out, i believe good meters are crucial!. i use theoakton10 for ph, and the fabulous "TRUNCHEON" from Blue Lab for ppm/ec. in my opinion, after researching and talking to growers these are the best, for my needs of growin weeds!.

Cool thanks for that Muddy.
I never thought about testing ppm, for some reason I was thinking that was only something you tested for Hydro setups.
I'm not looking to spend much, actually I don't have much to spend and I probably shouldn't even be spending $30 with Holidays and birthdays coming up.

I'll be using it for Tap water or Distilled water.
I have been searching reviews and quite a few people haven't been happy with Hanna meters. I thought Hanna meters were the ones to get?
I've seen quite a few people recommend the Milwaukee pH 600 (which just happens to be $10 cheaper).
I'm having troubles finding reviews for cheaper pH meters. There's always Amazon, but I like finding more than just one place with reviews.
I'll have to look to see if I can find a decently cheap ppm meter and then see if I can find a combo meter that would be cheaper than buying a pH meter and a ppm meter (although I'm not sure if I actually have the budget for that).
Thanks again Muddy

 

[Slow2Gro]

Thanks for that WR, but when you're on a budget and don't have the money you don't have the money.
I understand that a more expensive meter would be better, but I don't have the money, period.
I also like how people say, well just wait till you do have the money. Well it's not as easy as that as everyone's situation is different.
I have $30 MAX to spend and that's it. That's $30 that I'll be spending on myself instead of Xmas for my kids and 2 of my kids birthdays less than a month after Xmas and we're living paycheck by paycheck.
So I only have to spend what I have to spend and then I don't even really have that to spend.
Thank you though for that information and suggestion on a meter.