VPI Classic Platter- Naked or better with a mat?

I'm using an Acoustech electronic stylus force gauge--have for years. I'm wondering if anyone is using the same and found this: When I put the gauge down on the aluminum platter, it won't zero out. It flits about with positive and negative numbers. I move it to a different location and it zeros out fine. I never had this problem with my original Scout acrylic platter. I can't get an accurate VTF reading without the gauge sitting at zero before I drop the needle. Thoughts?

Do you have the cart near the scale when zeroing?  My benz ruby will move the scale a few hundredths of a gram easy making it tough to calibrate, I now add a sheet of lint free fabric to the scale and zero with the cart docked.

On my Classic 3 SE Sig...  one thing I appreciate about this table is it's ability to sonically sort out all kinds of accessories I want to try.

Any item I try results in a different sound. This is, after all, a plus. To be able to "tune" your tt to your liking is a good thing as long as you have an understanding of the differences.

I always go naked. (I don't own a periphery ring). I find big differences in the Stillpoints LP 1 vs the VPI center weight. I usually prefer the Stillpoints. I'm in the process of having a VPI center weight machined to accept different materials. Just from my own test, I've used carbon fiber, vinyl, and ebony gaboon. All have a different sonic signature.

Regarding static, my expensive but well worth while investment in an Audio Desk cleaner solves the static problem.

Hey guys I've been using a Herbies Way Excellent II mat for the past few weeks and find this way better (pardon the pun) than the naked platter. Highly recommended!

Hey guys--reviving this thread. For those using the Classic platter--are you using the small round disc (about 1.5" diameter) over the spindle and under the record so that when the clamp is applied the record does not "dish"? This came with my original Scout acrylic platter but I've lost it and am finding that when I clamp down on the Classic platter the record edge lifts a little bit as the center is depressed. With the Scout and the disc the clamp would basically flatten the record right out to the edge. Thoughts?