Update: New Garmin Chronograph

The Norseman · Oct 20, 2023

I see Garmin is getting into the Shooting
Sports with their new Xero C1 Pro Chronograph
using Diopter technology.

Looks promising. Check it out on their site.

$600, not for the weak or meek!

Wonder how long before a diopter chronograph
shows up on Smart Phones?

dsgrouse · Oct 20, 2023

Now that is handy. I don't like how the lab radar is so fussy. I wonder how this will work under real world conditions.

rockquarry · Oct 20, 2023

dsgrouse said:
Now that is handy. I don't like how the lab radar is so fussy. I wonder how this will work under real world conditions.

How is it "fussy"?

I've had six chronographs, including the LabRadar, in the last forty or so years and used all of them considerably, often chronographing well over a hundred rounds per session. All had quirks but nothing of significance.

Nemo288 · Oct 21, 2023

Seeings how this is also a doppler radar, I don't expect it to be any less "fussy" than the LabRadar.
It has a smaller antenna and less power but also does not attempt to track the projectile continuously out to 100 yards.
Guess we will find out from the first few users reports.
It sure looks handier to set up than the LabRadar mostly because it's smaller.
It better be good given the price.
When it comes to fussy I would rate the optical chronos at #1
Then the magnetic and radars.
Their operation is so different it's hard to compare "ease" but once setup and running the Magnetospeed is the easiest of the bunch to use while shooting.
I'd use it more often if it didn't have serious limitations as to which weapons it will work with (no double barrels, pistols, or short revolvers).
And forget shooting for groups while chronographing too.
I have fitted it to a 3" 696 but that's pushing it (see picture).
They all have shortcomings as rockquarry has mentioned but the LabRadar is the only one I use now as it has the fewest of those shortcomings and gives the most data.
It's the only current chrono that will give you the real BC of your load at a given range (without setting up additional equipment downrange).
I don't see the Garmin doing that.

There are a couple of reviews already on the Tube:
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBgc-OvHEVQ[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXMilgPvrfY[/ame]
Velocity comparison of the Garmin Xero C1 and Magnetospeed v3
(They only differ by 2 fps!)

oldman10mm · Oct 21, 2023

I see one in my very near future. I've been wanting a LabRadar but couldn't find one in stock.

Krogen · Oct 21, 2023

Over on "another site" Labradars are going for fire sale prices. They showed up yesterday after Garmin's product was released on the 19th. You might spend $375 to $400 for a Labradar with assorted add-ons. No tax and possibly shipping included from the private party sales.

Garmin entered the shooting market a while ago. They have a slick device for clay shooters too. It will tell you where your shot cloud went in relation to the bird. We have one at the club and it's very informative.

IMNHO, Garmin is getting set to eat Labradar's lunch! However, I plan to keep my Labradar; at least for the near term. A buddy ordered a Garmin. He can be the early adopter (guinea pig). Besides, the Labradar is big and orange. I'll be less likely to lose it.

rockquarry · Oct 21, 2023

oldman10mm said:
I see one in my very near future. I've been wanting a LabRadar but couldn't find one in stock.

Except for quicker setup, the Lab Radar has nothing over the much older Oehler P35. I've had a P35 for over thirty years, but havent used it since buying the LabRadar eight or ten years ago.

Mike0251 · Oct 21, 2023

Oh baby I need one of these..already signed up for available notification!

stansdds · Oct 22, 2023

And here I am still using an old F1 Shooting Chrony, the red one! I do like the concept of a radar chronograph and Garmin is now bringing competition to the radar chronograph market which is a good thing.

The Norseman · Oct 23, 2023

Compact

I’ve seen several videos of Xero C1 Pro
Chronograph now. I didn’t realize how
small it is (3.03" x 2.38" x 1.36").

That would be convenient to carry
and use.

Looking forward to seeing more reviews.

pantannojack · Oct 23, 2023

I have found Garmin the most difficult of hand held GPS's to get useful info out of. The Magellan 315 the most useful for strategic thinkers. I am still on Crony foldup but they closed business.

Chubbs103 · Oct 24, 2023

I'm intrigued. I like that you don't have to go forward of the firing line for setup or adjustment. Additionally, in the summer it is really hot here. If I wait until evening and shoot in the shaded area I prefer, it wreaks havoc with my traditional chrono.

I've been really tempted by the Labradar, but haven't ponied up the money. This might seal the deal for a doppler chrono.

zeke · Oct 24, 2023

If was still spending much time working up loads, would gladly pay the freight for one of these if it passes limited time test (reliable). Especially for the ease of set up and transport. Just thinking of all those years using an F1 makes me wince. While it worked most the time, a huge pita to set up, adjust and pack up.

Mike0251 · Oct 25, 2023

Ok gents, insert sad face lol. I searched everywhere, not in stock including Garmin which states 5-8 weeks. Ummm, ok, its not released yet I'm thinking.

So I called Garmin. Yes Mike we released it a short time ago, IT SOLD OUT IN 2 DAYS! She went on to say we never expected this! It was crazy.

Maybe in time for Christmas I hope, makes a fantastic present to myself!

Borderboss · Oct 25, 2023

I just ordered one on the Garmin site. This thing is too cool not to have it. I'm going to like knowing the true velocity of some of the ammo I'm shooting in the guns I'm shooting them in.

Mike0251 · Oct 25, 2023

So did I. Tired of setting up the other stuff lol.

LittleCooner · Oct 25, 2023

I have a tenancy to retain that which I purchase and I intend to keep my LabRadar as it meet my needs and has minimum problems. I am on several shooting forum and people are dumping their LabRadars at firesale prices. Garmin may have a better product, but over the years, their "hunter grade" GPS units have been substandard in my opinion to the competition on the market. If anyone needs a chrono, you may want to look at a used LabRadar, the prices are crazy low on some of the places I see them listed for sale. The new hot blonde is in town and folks are dumping the current gal to go after the new hottie.

Borderboss · Oct 25, 2023

If LabRadar works for you, that's great. I looked at it a while back and found it just too big to deal with, at least in my opinion.

goatsnguns · Oct 26, 2023

I have an Oehler 35P That has never been out of the case. This new Garmin looks pretty good to me, so much easier to set up. I am going to start developing loads for my small bore rifles and I am wondering, is it worth the money to replace the 35P......Any opinions and or advice is appreciated.

Mike0251 · Oct 26, 2023

Gary I have 2 already, Caldwell G2 which by the way works great, its just a pain to drag out and setup as is the other one a CE prochrono which worked well too even after my late wife creased the top of it with a round lol. I'll fire sale the G2 when the Garmin shows up, the CE I'm keeping as a memento.
I reload everything and need to update my xcell spreadsheet, the Garmin is the hot ticket in my opinion and I can't wait!

Update: New Garmin Chronograph

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