Chronograph. Go cheap or invest heavy?

Bluefish

WKR
Joined
Jan 5, 2023
Messages
809
Just picked up a garmin tonight, $600. It’s tiny compared to a lab radar. About the size of a gopro. I thought it would give speed at different ranges like LabRadar, so far it does not appear to do this. Might have to let it go and just use the lab radar as that has been a very useful tool as some of the bullets I use are not as advertised for bc or unpublished.
 

CoHunter1991

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 12, 2021
Messages
165
Wanted to resurrect this. I am just looking to measure the true velocity out of my factory hunting loads. Can I get away with the Caldwell or ProChrono? Also using it with arrows would be a plus.
 

Venatic

FNG
Joined
Sep 3, 2019
Messages
68
No wait for the new Athlon to be available or the cheapest “accurate “ is to get the MagnetoSpeed Sport. The ones you mentioned are not what I consider reliable data.
 

Weldor

WKR
Joined
Apr 20, 2022
Messages
2,131
Location
z
Wanted to resurrect this. I am just looking to measure the true velocity out of my factory hunting loads. Can I get away with the Caldwell or ProChrono? Also using it with arrows would be a plus.
They both work. Used a Prochrono for years.
 

CoHunter1991

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 12, 2021
Messages
165
No wait for the new Athlon to be available or the cheapest “accurate “ is to get the MagnetoSpeed Sport. The ones you mentioned are not what I consider reliable data.
I was thinking about doing that also but wasn't sure it was overkill for my purpose. Wonder when they will be available. I hesitate the Magneto because of barrel harmonics
 

Venatic

FNG
Joined
Sep 3, 2019
Messages
68
Magneto’s definitely change POI but very accurate velocity readings although doubt they work for archery. I have had all of them in the past but I use mine multiple times a week so I get my money’s worth and want the best and most convenient method and right now it’s Garmin and I am sure I will try the Athlon once it’s available just to see.
 
OP
TheCoyote

TheCoyote

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 28, 2021
Messages
190
OP here,

Just to give you all an update after about 6 months of borrowing an old caldwell from a friend I broke down and bought a Garmin Xero on a Black Friday deal ($475 shipped). Wow what a difference!

The Garmin sets up in about 15 seconds and never misses a shot. The app keeps all the data organized and accessible. I can use it for my bow or rifle very easily. It's like going from a horse to a motorcycle! If you want the 23 reasons why it is better just PM me.

Spend the extra money to get a Garmin or maybe a new Athlon. Or better yet; convince a friend that he needs one and then just borrow it.
 
Joined
Jan 12, 2025
Messages
30
I bought a Caldwell when I started reloading. The measurements it gave me were very suspect when it did read. Things like 4000+ fps 450 bushmaster, 300 Rum at 1200 fps. Sometimes the numbers seemed legit but I never fully trusted it, may have just been the dumb redneck running it. Bought a Garmin and now I never shoot without it, just to easy to not use. It picks up everything from my little girls BB gun to 50gr vmaxs at the speed of light and never misses a shot.
 

Halligan

FNG
Joined
Sep 19, 2024
Messages
65
Thinking about that new athlon, seemed like the S2H boys thought it could be a garmin killer if it delivers on performance, especially given that its being listed @ $472 on the athlon website.
 
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
840
Location
Colorado
Thinking about that new athlon, seemed like the S2H boys thought it could be a garmin killer if it delivers on performance, especially given that its being listed @ $472 on the athlon website.
It’s on presale on S&S archery for $350. Even less with the rokslide coupon code.
 
OP
TheCoyote

TheCoyote

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Feb 28, 2021
Messages
190
S&S is totally great to work with. I’ve purchased from them a number of times And wouldn’t hesitate to buy from them again.
 
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