Lab radar

[SKanez]

Garmin; pay once and don't look back!
Happy Happy Happy!!!!!

Agreed.

The chrono is such an invaluable tool, I cannot imagine not wanting to make life as easy (and reliable) as possible.

I see the "stiff price" mentioned a lot but somehow, some way, guys have no trouble justifying yet another rifle, scope, hunting jacket (or pants) etc. but god forbid investing in something that gets used at the range each time.

 

[Mike6158]

What is this "justifying" word that you used?
One doesn't justify a need

 

[MarkInPA]

I still have one of the old style with sky screens. It works for me MOST of the time. It seems to have trouble with light in the early morning which is when I like to shoot during the summer. I have been wanting to upgrade but, it seems like there are other models coming online to compete with the Garmin. I can't help but wonder if I am patient and can wait it out a few years if the prices will come down.

 

[clemens]

I understand new technology etc.. but the price of said technology is outrageous. I understand the get what ya pay for. Or buy once cry once idea. The prices seem way over the top. Garmin GPS units for dash for cars and trucks are in $500 dollar range. Why I never bought one in my OTR days. Way to pricy. Saving up coins to buy one. Lol. All have amazing day.

 

[KonoctisWigwam]

I understand new technology etc.. but the price of said technology is outrageous. I understand the get what ya pay for. Or buy once cry once idea. The prices seem way over the top. Garmin GPS units for dash for cars and trucks are in $500 dollar range. Why I never bought one in my OTR days. Way to pricy. Saving up coins to buy one. Lol. All have amazing day.

The problem is we don't get very much these days for $500. You can still get a Chrony for about $125, and they do work ok, just a bit clumsy to setup. I have used them, but never owned one. I felt like I was buying once, crying once with the LabRadar v1, but the technology improved. LabRadar v1 still works pretty good, though, IMO.

 

[jebel]

I owned a LabRadar v1 (large form factor) for several years and now own a LabRadar v2 (small form factor).

I used the v1 in a lot of ways - with an inertial trigger in loud environments, without when less so, and primarily for rifle but also archery. While there was a learning curve to get the most out of it initially, overall I was very pleased with it.

When the smaller units came out, I chose the LabRadar LX over the Garmin Xero because I preferred the color screen quality and liked the BC calc function LabRadar has introduced. It was a weak preference and I'm sure I would have been happy with either. I do shoot the LX in loud environments and no longer need an inertial trigger, though it came with one as an option. Good performance overall.

We're now in a time with multiple offerings for Doppler radar units and different techniques coming out, like Caldwell's chirp radar. That's good for us all.

Many people are selling their original LabRadars (v1) to upgrade. They're still very good units and can be had at good prices. Still worthwhile. FYI, the older unit can track velocities out to around 100 yards because of the large form factor (bigger receiver). Smaller units (LabRadar and Garmin) can only operate within about 20 yards due to small size.

Whatever unit you end up with, become familiar with how to upgrade the firmware and keep the unit up to date, as they keep improving. Good stuff.

 

[Mike Matteson]

I got a LabRadar a couple of years back. I now also have a Garmin. So it's cry twice. I have in the pass purchase others. I am thinking I am making a collection of them. With the one I had purchased for my sons, I think I could string them out to the 100yd target and have one about every 10yds. My oldest son is about 200 miles away. So I am planning on giving him the LabRadar unit. It's got the case, stand and all the other item need. I paid top prices for it at that time and the Garmin too. Next time I think I'll duck!
**** this rabbit hole is deep!