Not sure which REDATS wheel balancer to choose? Comparison of W-820, W-870, and W-890

24 April 2025 by Tomasz Szymański

Choosing the right wheel balancer can make a real difference in your car service’s daily workflow. But how do you pick a machine that actually meets your needs – not just one that looks good in a catalog?

REDATS offers several top-tier models in the W8 series – and while they might seem similar at first glance, the details can make a big difference in real-world use.

That’s why we’ve put together a clear comparison of features, differences, and practical uses of the W-820, W-870, and W-890 models. No fluff – just what really matters when you’re working in a car service.

Not every wheel balancer fits every car service – here’s what to consider

Buying a wheel balancer isn’t just about getting something that “spins the wheel.” It needs to match the pace and workflow of your car service. That’s why before you make a decision, it’s worth asking yourself a few simple questions:

How many customers do you serve each day?

If you’re dealing with high traffic and every minute counts, a balancer with automation and fast measuring time is a must.

What kind of wheels do you usually work with?

Passenger cars? Vans? Motorcycles?

Do you care about extra features?

A laser indicating where to place the weight, automatic parameter detection, ESD system, or auto positioning — these features can seriously make your work easier.

What about operator comfort?

Monitor layout, keyboard position, foot pedals, braking system — all the little things that determine whether working with the machine is smooth or just plain annoying.

A properly chosen balancer isn’t an expense — it’s an investment. One that pays for itself quickly when it matches the real needs of your car service.

W-820, W-870, and W-890 – what sets REDATS premium wheel balancers apart?

The W8 series from REDATS is a lineup of premium-class wheel balancers. All three models offer fast measuring time, solid construction, and features that genuinely improve everyday work. But the differences between them are significant enough that it’s worth taking a closer look before you decide.

REDATS W-820 – for those starting out with wheel balancing

This model has everything you need to get started:

Handles wheels from 8 to 35 inches.
Comes with an automatic arm for reading distance and diameter.
Works in STANDARD, ALU, and ALS modes.
Measures a wheel in just 5.5 seconds.
You can use it to balance wheels for passenger cars, off-road vehicles, and even motorcycles.
Features like hidden weight mode, and dual-operator support make it a versatile machine for everyday use.

REDATS W-870 – for busy car services with higher traffic

This model takes things up a notch.

Large, clear monitor and a user-friendly keyboard.
Handles 8–35 inch wheels and features an automatic arm + Easy Sonar Data (ESD) system that automatically detects rim width.
Comes with 7 ALU programs for better precision with alloy rims.
Built-in laser for precise weight placement at the 6 o’clock position.
Foot brake for securing the wheel during weight installation.

REDATS W-890 – for professionals who want it all

This is the most advanced model in the W8 series. If you’re after full automation and top performance, this is it:

Automatically reads all wheel parameters (distance, diameter, width – via built-in sonar).
7 ALU programs and 5.5-second measurement time.
Auto-positioning system locates the unbalanced spot for you.
Electromechanical brake lets you stop the wheel with a single button.
Comes with laser, LED workspace lighting, hidden weight mode, optimization, dual-operator mode, energy-saving function – all included.
Perfect for high-volume services that need speed, accuracy, and the full package in one machine.

	W-820	W-870	W-890
Wheel size	8-35 inches	8-35 inches	8-35 inches
Measurement time	5,5 s	5,5 s	5,5 s
ALU programs	3	7	7
Weight placement laser	❌	✔️ (6 o’clock)	✔️ (6 o’clock)
Brake	❌	Foot brake	Electromechanical
Auto positioning	❌	❌	✔️
ESD system (rim width measurement)	❌	✔️	❌ (built-in sonar)
Motorcycle wheel balancing	✔️	✔️	✔️
Two-operator mode	✔️	✔️	✔️
Optimization function	✔️	✔️	✔️
Eco mode / energy saving	✔️	✔️	✔️
LED workspace lighting	❌	❌	✔️

FAQ: Which wheel balancer should I choose for my car service?

Not sure which model will work best in your car service? Or maybe you’re wondering what exactly comes in the box? We’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions from customers – with clear, straightforward answers. No marketing fluff, just what you really want to know before buying.

Do all of these balancers work with alloy wheels?

Yes – all three models (W-820, W-870, W-890) support alloy wheels. However, they differ in available functions. The W-870 and W-890 come with 7 ALU programs, allowing for more precise adjustment depending on the wheel type.

What if I have no experience using a wheel balancer?

All models in the W8 series are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. The W-820 is perfect for beginners – it has a simple interface and three basic operating modes. The W-870 and W-890 offer more automation, which can actually make learning even easier.

Do all models include cones and protective covers?

Yes, each balancer comes with a basic set of centering cones and a protective cover.

Do all models automatically measure wheel parameters?

Yes, every machine has an automatic arm that measures the wheel’s distance and diameter. Additionally, the W-870 feature an ESD function (rim width measurement), and the W-890 does it via a built-in sonar in the protective cover.

Is the weight placement laser available in all models?

No – the laser (positioned at 6 o’clock) is available only in the W-870 and W-890 models. It’s a useful feature for precise placement of stick-on weights on alloy rims. The W-820 doesn’t include this option.

Which REDATS wheel balancer is right for you?

All three models from the W8 series are reliable tools – the only question is: what does your car service actually need?

W-820 is a great choice if you’re just getting started with wheel balancing and want a solid, all-round machine.
W-870 is perfect for shops where speed, comfort, and precision matter – ideal for handling higher volumes.
W-890 is the ultimate in automation – if you want to get the most out of your wheel balancer, this is the one to go for.

See how it works in practice!

We’ve shared a video on our YouTube channel where Hubert shows you the differences between these wheel balancers.

If you’ve got 5 minutes to spare – definitely check it out!

Check the availability of REDATS wheel balancers in our store!

No more guessing – choose the model that fits your car service and see if it’s available right now. Click here.

Have questions? Get in touch – we’ll be happy to help you choose the right machine and clear up any doubts!