Stylus For Gauge - Do I really need one?

There are much less expensive stylus force gauges; digital ones available for under $150, and yes you do need one.

I paid <$20 for mine. It's a Shure. It's still not clear to me how knowing my VTF to .001g will make my setup better.

You can always use a $25 Shure gauge like I do. You need to fine tune your tracking force and VTA by ear, anyway. If you're not constantly changing cartridges or arm wands, just use the Shure to make sure you're not accidentally way over the manufacturer's maximum tracking force, and follow Lloyd Walker's advice for fine tuning your turntable setup.

And, yes you do need a tracking force gauge of some description.

If you want an inexpensive stylus force gauge, get the Shure model - - probably about $20-25 bucks. It's pretty darn accurate - - although not as precise as the fancy digital models.

You most definitely need a VTF guage. If you want to buy the last one you'll ever need, check out the one offered by member Ans for $95. I have no interest in this guage other than being a very happy owner of one. The Shure is a good way to go if you're using high compliance cartridges, but the results can be off. This can be a problem with higher end cartridges. Just my opinion.