Abstract: A balance and an elastic, force reducing dynamometer. The dynamometer, is of the type having a plurality of plate springs and a laterally oscillating wire clamped between a pair of wire clamping heads which are shifted under load only in a direction parallel to the clamping heads. This result is achieved by mounting the wire clamping heads in approximately the center of the corresponding one of two plate springs with a pair of struts. In alternate embodiments of the invention, both struts which mount a clamping head may be straight, one strut may be straight and the other strut offset, or both struts may be offset. The elasticity of the struts and the ratios are variable and adjustable within wide limits.