The Rimik CP40 seems to be the most practical hand-held electronic cone penetrometer of the three tested. It has the most data storage, provides a comfortable operating height, and performed well in the repeatability testing. The newest version is called the Rimik CP40II. The manufacturer says that the software for data manipulation has been improved. The updated model costs $5,100, about as much as the $5,200 Eijkelkamp Penetrologger.

If budget is the deciding factor, the Spectrum Field Scout SC–900 provides accurate data and costs just $1,495. Expect to spend a lot longer in the field trying to collect information because of the Spectrum Field Scout SC–900's rejection of all data whenever the probe is inserted too quickly or too slowly.