Did a group buy with my long time shooting buddies on one of these. Not something you need all the time, so none of us wanted to throw down the coin on this. Everyone putting in $150 was much more tolerable. I couldn’t wait to get to the range to test it so I used an air rifle in my back yard and to my amazement it read everything from Gamo pellet rifle to spicy .243 hand loads. Absolutely wild having it read everything down range. Super simple to use, so the only mistake we made was pointing it at a steel target while shooting, and it was trying to give us velocity readings of the steel plate swinging. I cannot recommend one of these enough for someone that uses shooting sports as their main hobby.
Without a doubt this one of the best chronographs on the market. I can't think of anything better on the market for the price that they charge. You hardly never see anyone use it to measure not the velocity but the standard deviation of the ammo. I was totally impressed with its use when Rib Ski from the AK Operator's union used to determine velocity and standard deviation of the 7.62X39 rounds from different manufacturers. Turns out that one of the inexpensive rounds was superior to the match ammo. It would be nice to see a video presentation on why a small standard deviation in velocity helps with accuracy and precision when shooting.
I'm glad yours has worked out. Ours has been ok for pistol, but despite following the instructions step by step every time, it only reads rifle shots at random intervals. Not fun when shooting $4/round 28 Nosler :(
@@TheHumbleMarksman I'm sure you've seen the different setting in the menu, I think our problem was the muzzle break just had too much oomph. The Labrador was fine with 9mm and .22lr, worked about 1/5 of the time with 5.56 and 0/20 with 28 Nosler
I picked up a chrono last year, the upside down one (timer on top) and could not get it to work in the sun at Mission 160. Literally had to wrap the frame in cardboard and tape to get it to work. Appeared to be blinded by the reflection off the gravel. I tried tarps, all kinds of stuff. Even then it missed a shot or two out of 10. So 1 out of 100 is awesome.
I did an independent study on that as well, Competition Electronics replaced it for half of current retail. Own your mistakes, learn from them and move on. A guy at the club showed me the operation of his LabRadar; if the replacement C.E. takes another shot to the head I'll pony up for the LabRadar next time.
My friend”s would not work at all. Turns out our club’s fairly shallow pistol bays messed it up. When we set it up on the 50 yard bay that was significantly wider too, it worked fine. My $125 device works well enough for me.
Recently shot level 2 match and I shot open. I chronoed my rounds twice using pro chrono LTD. The reading I got was 171 pf. At the actual match, the Lab radar reads it at 180 fp. I wonder why.
After shooting one Caldwell myself and having 2 others shot by buddies I finally bit the bullet. Haven't gotten it yet but we'll see. So far, I'm excited it most likely wont get shot...
@TheHumbleMarksman I'm excited but a little cautious about the temp parameters. I live in the desert southwest so it's 110 for about 3 months straight. But I haven't heard any complaints about that being an issue yet
I have been planning on picking up a magneto speed, and had debated the difference (beyond the $300). It is interesting how you can get output at different ranges on the lab radar. My only real concern with the lab radar is if I go to a public range. I am not sure how that is impacted by other bullets going down range where with the magneto speed I am sure I am confident I am reading my rounds. But I understand the lab radar is expecting to pick up something close by, so this may not be an issue.
There are several potential fixes. 1. You can adjust the trigger sensitivity to reduce the probability that a nearby shot will trigger the Labradar. Even if it does trigger, since it won’t see your bullet, it won’t give you a reading. However, it will display an error message because it will think that it missed a shot. 2. You can configure the Labradar to use Doppler readings to trigger instead of the microphones. So if it sees a bullet go downrange, it will use that data. It does draw more power though, so you should use an external power source instead of AA batteries. 3. You can use a recoil trigger - this is what I do. I have only used my Labradar with my rifles, strapping the trigger to the barrel, stock or scope using velcro cable organizers. Plugging the recoil trigger into the Labradar disables the microphones, so there is no way that shots going off nearby will interfere. This is the trigger I use: pietrecoiltrigger.com
The lab radar is great, but the magneto speed tends to be more durable and possibly more accurate. If you’re only shooting rifles and shooting at public ranges, the magneto speed may be a better solution. If you’re going to shoot pistols, go lab radar. With magneto, be sure you realize you’ll get A POI shift from adding weight to the barrel. I use mine for long range rifle to get velocity nodes. Then when I go to seating depth testing, I pull it off until I get my final load. Then I put it back on for velocity/ES/SD confirmation.
I have a magnetospeed, worst money I’ve ever spent. It has to be right under the projectiles path and I still get loads of errors and yes we have changed the settings and done all of the trouble shooting. Not an item I would recommend but it sounds like this one won’t be any good either from the reviews I’m seeing. I’m buying another basic Caldwell
It kinda seems like overkill for this application, but skyscreens tend to be fussy, and Magnetospeeds aren't set up for pistols. From what I've heard, tiny fast bullets are the bane of a Labradar, so you shouldn't experience the typical headaches with it.
...Oh, personally, all I have is a couple of Chrony's. The oldest one never worked with the diffusers unless the sun was full strength and directly overhead. It does okay without the diffusers IF you have a uniform, fairly bright overcast. The newer Chrony isn't nearly as picky about lighting, and switching between diffusers / no diffusers on a particular day will usually yield some results.
When you want to spend an extra $400 on a device that chrono's your ammo 10PF hotter than a traditional chrono. EDIT @2:05 you explain why. Sounds like with all the setup it's actually more complicated than a traditional chrono - your climate, range/bays, lighting may be the key factor - but my $100 Chrono has been great.
Did a group buy with my long time shooting buddies on one of these. Not something you need all the time, so none of us wanted to throw down the coin on this. Everyone putting in $150 was much more tolerable.
I couldn’t wait to get to the range to test it so I used an air rifle in my back yard and to my amazement it read everything from Gamo pellet rifle to spicy .243 hand loads.
Absolutely wild having it read everything down range. Super simple to use, so the only mistake we made was pointing it at a steel target while shooting, and it was trying to give us velocity readings of the steel plate swinging.
I cannot recommend one of these enough for someone that uses shooting sports as their main hobby.
Without a doubt this one of the best chronographs on the market. I can't think of anything better on the market for the price that they charge. You hardly never see anyone use it to measure not the velocity but the standard deviation of the ammo. I was totally impressed with its use when Rib Ski from the AK Operator's union used to determine velocity and standard deviation of the 7.62X39 rounds from different manufacturers. Turns out that one of the inexpensive rounds was superior to the match ammo. It would be nice to see a video presentation on why a small standard deviation in velocity helps with accuracy and precision when shooting.
An outstanding tool. The long range guys I know use it all the time. One built in a extended battery pack.
I'm glad yours has worked out. Ours has been ok for pistol, but despite following the instructions step by step every time, it only reads rifle shots at random intervals. Not fun when shooting $4/round 28 Nosler :(
Ive heard more than one story like this… for $550…..hmmmm
I have no experience with it for a rifle - that sucks to hear
@@TheHumbleMarksman I'm sure you've seen the different setting in the menu, I think our problem was the muzzle break just had too much oomph. The Labrador was fine with 9mm and .22lr, worked about 1/5 of the time with 5.56 and 0/20 with 28 Nosler
Today we tried it. It works fine with short guns but with PCC for some reason it missed most of the shots
@@keimolantio unfortunately I have heard this too. I still use my 15yr out $89 Chrono that still works great. If it ain’t broke… why buy one that is…
I picked up a chrono last year, the upside down one (timer on top) and could not get it to work in the sun at Mission 160. Literally had to wrap the frame in cardboard and tape to get it to work. Appeared to be blinded by the reflection off the gravel. I tried tarps, all kinds of stuff. Even then it missed a shot or two out of 10. So 1 out of 100 is awesome.
Over the years I have shot 2 chronys. I do believe I need one of these.
I like the color! 🍊 Carry On
Super glad I made the investment. The Lab Radar Chrono is awesome.
I just shoot my own cronos. I don't need my friends for that. 😁
I did an independent study on that as well, Competition Electronics replaced it for half of current retail. Own your mistakes, learn from them and move on.
A guy at the club showed me the operation of his LabRadar; if the replacement C.E. takes another shot to the head I'll pony up for the LabRadar next time.
On purpose?
@@t41flyer I don’t know if it’s on purpose or not. I commented on this two years ago I don’t even remember what that was commenting too.
I wanted to be shocked, but I guess you saved me by not actually putting the link in the description. Thank you!
I actually saw you filming this at DPC!!!!
My friend”s would not work at all. Turns out our club’s fairly shallow pistol bays messed it up. When we set it up on the 50 yard bay that was significantly wider too, it worked fine. My $125 device works well enough for me.
Interesting. I’m gonna have to get this thanks. Anything else to go with that you recommend?
Recently shot level 2 match and I shot open. I chronoed my rounds twice using pro chrono LTD. The reading I got was 171 pf. At the actual match, the Lab radar reads it at 180 fp. I wonder why.
Muzzle reading vs 10’
No mention about multiple target ranges; is it prone to pick up shots from lateral positions? Or does it only have eyes for MY bullets.
I have used it indoors but on a mostly empty bay - I don’t know
After shooting one Caldwell myself and having 2 others shot by buddies I finally bit the bullet. Haven't gotten it yet but we'll see. So far, I'm excited it most likely wont get shot...
it's a game changer - expensive but worth it.
@TheHumbleMarksman I'm excited but a little cautious about the temp parameters. I live in the desert southwest so it's 110 for about 3 months straight. But I haven't heard any complaints about that being an issue yet
naaah , my $60 caldwell got me thru all my matches , I'm good. Shades ? never used them :)
You don’t have sun like we do because the sun forsakes NY
I have been planning on picking up a magneto speed, and had debated the difference (beyond the $300). It is interesting how you can get output at different ranges on the lab radar. My only real concern with the lab radar is if I go to a public range. I am not sure how that is impacted by other bullets going down range where with the magneto speed I am sure I am confident I am reading my rounds. But I understand the lab radar is expecting to pick up something close by, so this may not be an issue.
I think the shot detector will help reduce picking up bad shots
There are several potential fixes.
1. You can adjust the trigger sensitivity to reduce the probability that a nearby shot will trigger the Labradar. Even if it does trigger, since it won’t see your bullet, it won’t give you a reading. However, it will display an error message because it will think that it missed a shot.
2. You can configure the Labradar to use Doppler readings to trigger instead of the microphones. So if it sees a bullet go downrange, it will use that data. It does draw more power though, so you should use an external power source instead of AA batteries.
3. You can use a recoil trigger - this is what I do. I have only used my Labradar with my rifles, strapping the trigger to the barrel, stock or scope using velcro cable organizers. Plugging the recoil trigger into the Labradar disables the microphones, so there is no way that shots going off nearby will interfere. This is the trigger I use: pietrecoiltrigger.com
The lab radar is great, but the magneto speed tends to be more durable and possibly more accurate. If you’re only shooting rifles and shooting at public ranges, the magneto speed may be a better solution. If you’re going to shoot pistols, go lab radar.
With magneto, be sure you realize you’ll get
A POI shift from adding weight to the barrel. I use mine for long range rifle to get velocity nodes. Then when I go to seating depth testing, I pull it off until I get my final load. Then I put it back on for velocity/ES/SD confirmation.
I have a magnetospeed, worst money I’ve ever spent. It has to be right under the projectiles path and I still get loads of errors and yes we have changed the settings and done all of the trouble shooting. Not an item I would recommend but it sounds like this one won’t be any good either from the reviews I’m seeing. I’m buying another basic Caldwell
The best chrono is the one available to borrow when you need it.
It kinda seems like overkill for this application, but skyscreens tend to be fussy, and Magnetospeeds aren't set up for pistols. From what I've heard, tiny fast bullets are the bane of a Labradar, so you shouldn't experience the typical headaches with it.
...Oh, personally, all I have is a couple of Chrony's. The oldest one never worked with the diffusers unless the sun was full strength and directly overhead. It does okay without the diffusers IF you have a uniform, fairly bright overcast.
The newer Chrony isn't nearly as picky about lighting, and switching between diffusers / no diffusers on a particular day will usually yield some results.
As much as I have had to monkey with my load at open velocities - it is appreciated
When you want to spend an extra $400 on a device that chrono's your ammo 10PF hotter than a traditional chrono. EDIT @2:05 you explain why. Sounds like with all the setup it's actually more complicated than a traditional chrono - your climate, range/bays, lighting may be the key factor - but my $100 Chrono has been great.
👍
You don't even know how many I have shot mine so 120 each were cheapest lol countless shade supports 😂😂
labrador
Two years later…Garmin enters the chat 😂😂😂. Massive Orange box becomes obsolete.
But the UI is from USSR Sputnik program, it's hideous
The pain in this endorsement is palpable.