Caldwell Velociradar vs. Garmin Xero

rustyinbend

GySgt USMC 1976-1992
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Minuteman
  • Dec 9, 2018
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    Bend, Oregon
    Velociradar shows available and ready to buy on the Caldwell site for $499 with free shipping. Decided to order one, even though I love the simplicity and super-small form-factor of my Garmin Xero. If this Caldwell gadget is able to provide multiple programmable down-range drops, velocities, and accurate BC's, that data for me could be a game-changer. I'll let y'all know whether I love it or hate it. Being a "Gadget Guy" ... I just couldn't stop myself.
     
    Velociradar shows available and ready to buy on the Caldwell site for $499 with free shipping. Decided to order one, even though I love the simplicity and super-small form-factor of my Garmin Xero. If this Caldwell gadget is able to provide multiple programmable down-range drops, velocities, and accurate BC's, that data for me could be a game-changer. I'll let y'all know whether I love it or hate it. Being a "Gadget Guy" ... I just couldn't stop myself.
    Thanks for being the tester on this. Looking forward to your reports……
     
    Let us know how stable it is on that tripod. I've seen too many Labradar's tip over like a windsail and I think this Velociradar has a potential to do it too since that that tripod looks so small.
     
    If you have a 12ga, can you see if it's able to measure non-slug shotshell velocities (#7.5, #8, etc.)? It advertises shotgun compatibility but I got a feeling it's slugs only.
     
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    I believe the BC's are captured within 100yds which probably aren't very useful depending on what you're doing. Looks like it still needs a trigger and to be pointed properly. I'd be happy to be wrong, but this seems like too little too late.
     
    Having used the garmin for a while now, I have absolutely no desire for a better screen. It displays what I need it to, and the phone app works flawlessly. Not sure sure how LR can improve on it and get me to switch.
     
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    I believe the BC's are captured within 100yds which probably aren't very useful depending on what you're doing. Looks like it still needs a trigger and to be pointed properly. I'd be happy to be wrong, but this seems like too little too late.
    Ultimate Reloader just did a quick review that showed a screen with BC's and downrange velocities showing out to 500 yards in 100 yard increments. I'm hopeful that screen is "real".
     
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    Ultimate Reloader just did a quick review that showed a screen with BC's and downrange velocities showing out to 500 yards in 100 yard increments. I'm hopeful that screen is "real".
    Update ... it looks like this table is "constructed" from the 100-yard data, not actual measurements beyond 100 yards. More details when I get the gadget and have a chance to play with it. Not sure if this will be enough to be the game-changer I was hoping for ... we shall see.
     
    I believe the BC's are captured within 100yds which probably aren't very useful depending on what you're doing. Looks like it still needs a trigger and to be pointed properly. I'd be happy to be wrong, but this seems like too little too late.

    Seems like it'd be possible to work up some way sub-maximum loads and capture BC at lower velocities. Ain't no way I'm going through that kind of effort, but some folks have a lot of spare time.
     
    I've had one for about a week and have had it at the range twice. I'm using if with an android phone .
    With android the tutorial isn't installed so so I'm kinda winging it a bit. You can't get into the app without signing in.
    With out the app it works just like any other chronograph but adds BC, you can choose between G1&G7.
    It weighs just over 3 pounds and the build quality is quite robust.
    The included stand is light weight plastic and does not support the weight of the crony well.
    I used it setting on the shooting bench without the stand and this worked well.
    There are quite a few features on this app that nothing else I have used offered ex dope setting.
    So far I'm very pleased with it and a more stable stand would be great.
     
    Last edited:
    Ultimate Reloader just did a quick review that showed a screen with BC's and downrange velocities showing out to 500 yards in 100 yard increments. I'm hopeful that screen is "real".
    Has that guy ever hated anything he features on his show? Serious question.

    It just feels like everything he films is actually a paid promo. Maybe he’s straight up, but I dunno man, I dunno…
     
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