Jeff423
US Veteran
Includes stand and case. I'm not a fanatic about velocity but $200 has got me interested. Thanks Garmin.
Is Lab Radar a buy @ $200?
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Ugh - I’ve had a CED chronograph for about 15 years. Bought a LabRadar less than 6 months before the new Garmin unit came out. I’d much prefer the Garmin, but at $200 the LabRadar certainly is better than no chronograph. Be aware though that you may need an external microphone - I did for several rifles when suppressed.
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I've used the LabRadar for several years without aftermarket gadgets except for a base to mount it on. It has quirks like all six chronographs I've used in the last forty+ years, but I've yet to find a need for external microphones (whatever they are), sighting gizmos, etc. My LabRadar has worked well straight-out-of-the-box.
I found the instruction manual to be a poor one unless you have an average to good background in computer technology. I don't.
I found the instruction manual to be a poor one unless you have an average to good background in computer technology. I don't.
might want to consider waiting a little bit till the new garmin competitors come out and gets tested. Reportedly, garmin prices are starting to drop
At $200 for a Labradar, I would get it, especially if you do not currently have a chronograph. I have the CEC optical chronograph that works well but still misses a number of shots and as is with all optical chronographs, inconvenient to set up. As a BD gift from my eldest daughter, I received the Garmin Xero C1 last month. Had it to the range only once so far but it is really neat. The convenience, set-up and portability of the Labrador or the Garmin type units are a real benefit.
elgatodeacero
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I really enjoy my Labradar, I have the original version which is fairly large compared to the current small Labradar and Garmin units. I have used it for many years now, and it’s only shortcoming is standard velocity .22 lr from a rifle barrel is usually too quiet to trigger the unit, but I don’t really use it for rimfire.
$200 is a steal for a used one.
$200 is a steal for a used one.
OP
Jeff423
US Veteran
There is one for sale near me for $200.00. The "Thanks Garmin" refers to Garmin's newish device that has caused a big price drop in Lab Radar units.
I have had a Lab Radar for many years, I have never needed to use any external microphone with mine but I do not use it with my suppressed firearms.
For the suppressed firearms I use my Magnet-O-Speed which works wonderfully
At $200 I probably would have already bought it, taken it home, and given it a try
As has already been mentioned in this thread every chronograph has some idiosyncrasy. You just need to get used to them
For the suppressed firearms I use my Magnet-O-Speed which works wonderfully
At $200 I probably would have already bought it, taken it home, and given it a try
As has already been mentioned in this thread every chronograph has some idiosyncrasy. You just need to get used to them
Yendor357
Member
Not me.
That’s $200 you could put towards a Garmin that works flawlessly, and fits in a shirt pocket. The little Garmin is so easy to live with, I chrono just about every shot now.
That’s $200 you could put towards a Garmin that works flawlessly, and fits in a shirt pocket. The little Garmin is so easy to live with, I chrono just about every shot now.
Bought the Garmin and it is a great little chronograph. A buddy of mine has the Lab Radar and does a lot of long-range rifle load development. The one thing I am told the Lab Radar does that the Garmin doesn't is provide down range velocities enabling ballistic energy calculations. I do not load for long range so that feature was not a consideration for me, and I bought the Garmin and love it.
I'm still using my 40 year old Oehler 35P.............Admittingly, those Garmins seem to be the "Cat's Meow"!
Yendor357
Member
A ballistic app will tell you the velocity's loss at whatever increment you desire.
That little Garmin Is just so handy and easy to bring along. Convenience is the Garmin’s strong point. The average shooter will use the Garmin more. Like I said, I chrono everything now.
That little Garmin Is just so handy and easy to bring along. Convenience is the Garmin’s strong point. The average shooter will use the Garmin more. Like I said, I chrono everything now.
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Nope. There's a competitor to the Garmin that's due out in May for $350. Assuming it shows up. It's called the Athlon Rangecraft.
Rodan
Member
There's a reason it's so cheap. Don't waste your money.
I very nearly bought a Labradar... was hovering over the 'add to cart' button several times. The reports of issues kept me from buying, and then the Garmin came out and I bought one. I have no regrets... it's the best thing since sliced bread if you have need for a chrono. I ended up giving my Caldwell away.
The new Athlon Chrono should drive the prices down a bit, and the Athlon may be even better than the Garmin... who knows. I have several Athlon optics and they are excellent.
I very nearly bought a Labradar... was hovering over the 'add to cart' button several times. The reports of issues kept me from buying, and then the Garmin came out and I bought one. I have no regrets... it's the best thing since sliced bread if you have need for a chrono. I ended up giving my Caldwell away.
The new Athlon Chrono should drive the prices down a bit, and the Athlon may be even better than the Garmin... who knows. I have several Athlon optics and they are excellent.
I have been using a Labradar every week for 9 years.
For $200. IMO it is a good buy.
I use mine primarily for CF rifle loads and have had very few instances where there were issues.
It was a quantum leap over the Oehler sky screen system I had used for years.
I also own a Garmin, and yes it is "a better mouse trap".
But, if I did not own a chrono I would jump on the Labradar for $200.
For $200. IMO it is a good buy.
I use mine primarily for CF rifle loads and have had very few instances where there were issues.
It was a quantum leap over the Oehler sky screen system I had used for years.
I also own a Garmin, and yes it is "a better mouse trap".
But, if I did not own a chrono I would jump on the Labradar for $200.
scooter123
Member
The last time I checked none of the radar based chronometers were capable of clocking shotshells so for me they are a pass. Which means next time I work up a new target load I still have to get out my old fashioned chrono and keep my fingers crossed I don't shoot the chrono. BTW, I shoot competitive Skeet and powder availability is still problematic.
I've run the gamut with chronographs. I bought a LabRadar when they arrived on the scene. In my opinion, LabRadar sat on their laurels. They had a great concept but failed to deal with the unit's problems. It drove me nuts with missed shots and a lousy phone app. Yes, it does provide down range velocities, but that's really just a novelty. I sold mine at a loss when I bought a Garmin. The difference is light night and day. About the only good thing I can say about LabRadar is that it's big, orange and hard to lose. The Garmin is small enough that I can misplace it without much effort.
OP, I suggest you spend the money for a Garmin. Or take a look at LabRadar's LX model. I can't vouch for the LX, but it looks to be a Garmin competitor. One hopes that LabRadar learned their lessons with their original design. I still have a bad taste in my mouth over their first unit, so I'd be wary that they didn't really learn much.
OP, I suggest you spend the money for a Garmin. Or take a look at LabRadar's LX model. I can't vouch for the LX, but it looks to be a Garmin competitor. One hopes that LabRadar learned their lessons with their original design. I still have a bad taste in my mouth over their first unit, so I'd be wary that they didn't really learn much.
The new muscle on the market is the Caldwell Velociradar. It supposedly gives you the velocity at different points down range. I have the Magneto Speed and will stick with that until the price comes down. If you can find it, the Velociradar is about $550.
