Refractometers

[MightyCow9]

Hey guys. I am looking to buy a refractometer for easy testing during batching of my OG. Does this one look like what I want?

Main stats I can figure would matter would be
-Range (this goes to 25% alcohol by volume)
-Divisions (this one is .2%, which I figure is about 0.003 specific gravity)
-Accuracy (this one is .2% alcohol.

Would I be doing right to get one of these? Do you guys use them?

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Wine-Alcohol-Grape-Refractometer-25-VOL-40-Brix-A1_W0QQitemZ270363345381QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?hash=item270363345381&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

[gwbbc]

Get one as soon as possible, you will never regret it.
The normal Ebay price is $20-30 range. Make sure its at least 0-25 and ATC.

[mwedge]

Refractometers are great. I have been using one for at least 12 years. Would not brew without one. The one you listed is ok. I would get one with a smaller brix scale range say 0-32. The rough conversion to specific gravity is to multiply the brix by 4. so the one listed has a 0 - 40 range which would give you at the highest reading on the scale a 1.160 gravity beer, which I doubt you would be brewing.

Also note, which I am sure you are probably aware of, you can not use the readings as is post fermentation as the alcohol affects the reading. There are some calculations built in to pro mash that will give you good estimates when using a refractometer after fermentation.

[kking]

I have also been using one for years and they are worth the money, agree with getting one with a smaller range as Mark says. When using be aware that you will get different readings based on the wort temp at the time, cooled wort will give a more accurate reading than boiling wort.

[MightyCow9]

Sweet. I ordered one with the 0-32 brix scale. I am looking forward to this time saver.