Magnetospeed V3 or Labradar?

[Canuck1977]

Hi guys, what would you get for a chrony, a Magnetospeed V3 or the Labradar? Why?

Let me know,

Cheers

 

[Sierra770]

I am a Magnetospeed fan. Cheaper, compact, accurate enough, you can use it at a busy range and most of all....Magnetospeed's customer service is outstanding.

 

[spife7980]

I went with the ms3 for the above reasons but I can't deny that labradar would be handy to just be able to record every shot

 

[kujuak]

Just got a Labrador after studying the subject. Works great for me and I have zero mechanical/computer aptitude. No issues with other shooters so far. Really nice to not have to worry about lightening and I can chromo several rifles without changing setup. Also, obviously no impact on POI of rifle so I test for grouping and can adjust sights at same time. Much more money, but sheesh we're shooting expensive rifles, expensive brass, ++$$ 000 scopes, so what the hey!

 

[NY700]

I have a magnetospeed. It has worked well. Appears consistent. It's easy to use and no issues with others at the range. But for me the major issue was just cash! Had I been in a position to allocate the funds I would go Labradar. The idea that I could have it set up at basically ever range session. Tracking shots. Seeing speed variation and fall off with barrel wear in real time. I think if your big into reloading and by that I mean you like to play, it's not just about working up a load and that's it but that your going to try lots of stuff then I think the labradar is a no brainer. Although my rig appears to group well with the magnetospeed I can't help but wonder could it have been better with out it on there and there is a poi shift.


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[Supersubes]

The labradar is so simple to use, I end up using it more than I would the other two types. Mine has been dead reliable. I leave it on 12" of offset always, and just plop in on the ground next to the gun. I haven't changed a setting on it in months. Only issue i have is when i set it too close to a muzzle brake.

 

[mikehotel]

Labradar works for me, set up is simple.

I use a battery pack from amazon; https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EA1P8OI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[TF160 Guy]

I started with the Magnetospeed, sold it and now have the Labradar. Go with the Labradar. The MS had some quirks that I didn't care for and don't have to deal with in the LR.
For instance:
Melted strap because of a heated can or barrel.
A retention strap that takes 3 hands to secure.
Trying to remember which spacer to use.
Experimenting to get the right spacing so the bayonet will read.
And the most painful of all, the cost of a new bayonet when you shoot one (do this once and the price of the Labradar isn't so expensive).
On the plus side for the MS the customer service is great and it provides good data.
I've had no issues with the Labradar. From my first use it is easy to use and has had no problems. The battery pack is worth the extra money.

 

[lash]

I started with the Magnetospeed, sold it and now have the Labradar. Go with the Labradar. The MS had some quirks that I didn't care for and don't have to deal with in the LR.
For instance:
Melted strap because of a heated can or barrel.
A retention strap that takes 3 hands to secure.
Trying to remember which spacer to use.
Experimenting to get the right spacing so the bayonet will read.
And the most painful of all, the cost of a new bayonet when you shoot one (do this once and the price of the Labradar isn't so expensive).
On the plus side for the MS the customer service is great.
I've had no issues with the Labradar. From my first use it is easy to use and has had no problems. The battery pack is worth the extra money.

Yikes! I've had my V2 since before there was a Labradar and have never had any of these issues. And I use mine on my suppressor too.

But there's no doubt in my mind that the Labradar is a good product and I cannot say that I'll never have one. I think that the choice should be based on your usage and frequency of use. Well, cost aside.

 

[SporterII]

I used both simultaneously last week. Pulled my Sporter out of my pack and mounted it wile another shooter set his Lab next to my muzzle. First two rounds indicated the same number. Second two were no data for the lab. Muzzle blast had disturbed it. Got data from all four on the MS. Slid it back into my pack.
ETA: the brand new shooting chrony I dumped into the trash can at that range , well that' was a pile.

 

[SHMtastic]

Depends on where you shoot. Busy range, then definitely go with the mag speed. If you have a quiet place to shoot, I'd hands down get the lab radar.

I got the MS prior to the lab radar coming out. When I do load development, I load one round for an idea on velocity, going up in the range I want to test, then do my load dev with out the bayo on, and do final velocity test with five rounds after I've settled on my load.

You could do it quicker with fewer rounds with a lab radar. I don't regret my MS, it's extremely accurate, I've only had a few rounds not register over the hundreds fired through it.

I think I'd always have the lab radar on, even if I didn't store the data, but simply to have it. It'd be nice to know in a string of twenty how the velocity changes.

Just my two cents...
SHM

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[Milo 2.5]

In theory, a Labradar would be superior to anything on the market. But I've watched guys waste a lot shots just on placement of it, you'd think the learning curve would not be that tough. A couple guys who sold MS's to buy the labradar are now rebuying the magneto speed. Though a guy can biff a shot or 2 with a MS also.
I own a MS and want a labradar, but something keeps telling me not to, I don't need the best, just something that works.

 

[kujuak]

At the range yesterday.Labradar came along. 4 other guys at the range, nearest guy set up right next to me ( he comes to the range more to talk than to shoot) Used Labrador with a Savage 99,Finnwolf,Winchester 71,Mosin M38, Remington 700 ,and myAI/AT with no adjustment of Labrador location.I set it about 1 foot to right of rifle and about 10" back from muzzle, eyeball measurement.Rifles shot off bench rest, off my elbows, and off bipod with AI/AT. When I moved to shooting out to 600yds I shifted the aim of the Labradar a little bit.Our range does not have "lanes" and berms are not in a straight line array, so you aiming direction varies up to 20 degrees from 90degrees to the firing line. Bottom line, worked really well. dropped readings on about 4 shots out of 100 rds fired.No pick ups from near by shooters. Really a huge help in my shooting/reloading.Convenience when shooting multiple rifles and multiple targets can't be beat in my humble opinion.I taped a 2" length of soda stay to the little sighting notch to help in aligning Labradar to target, helps a lot. And, with the memory card I can go home and
record details of loads/ velocities/SD, and put with pictures I take of target results on my computer. Just too cool to an old non techie coot like me.

 

[diverdon]

I waited for the V3 magneto speed. There seemed to be a lot of improvements from the v1 and v2. It works well, so I guess I'll use it until the Labradar v3 comes out then decide.

 

[_Raining]

I have a magneetospeed and it has fallen off the barrel a few times of use. That nervous feeling that the magneetospeed is going to get loose and fall off or of not knowing exactly how it is effecting POI or group size made me get a Labradar. I have had no issues with it, but none of my rifles are suppressed or breaked so I can't say for sure it works flawlessly in all situations with any rifle so I have not sold the magneetospeed. But for now, with my current rifle systems and my current shooting range, I don't see myself ever putting the magneetospeed on any of my rifles.

 

[lash]

If your MS has fallen off, then you are not getting something right. I've never had mine come off or even loose through many hundreds of rounds on many different rifles. This includes various rifles of guys at the range and my .338 LM. I've done a complete OCW of 30 rounds full power loads more than once on my .338 without any movement at all.

There is a proper method that will ensure it is on correctly and most important is to keep the strap buckle off of the barrel and in the open section of strap. Otherwise the buckle will not hold.

 

[Iron Worker]

I just started using the MS . Its a little bit of a hassle to set up,but nothing compared to screens on tripod . I have a golden retriever,I don't need another yellow dog .

 

[TripleBull]

I got the LR in part so I could chrono all shots during load development. It's been reliable, mostly missing when I forget to re-position when changing targets. For a data whore like me, it's a good fix.

 

[viking78]

Im wrestling this dilemma too.
In EU area, Labradar dobbler is not powerfull as the US/CANADA model.
Deam, this is a dificult decision.

 

[Doctorhvac]

I have both and much prefer the ease of use and setup on the LR. No barrel harmonics to worry about Etc. I do wish they would update the app so you could name the strings though.

 

[Milo 2.5]

In theory, a Labradar would be superior to anything on the market. But I've watched guys waste a lot shots just on placement of it, you'd think the learning curve would not be that tough. A couple guys who sold MS's to buy the labradar are now rebuying the magneto speed. Though a guy can biff a shot or 2 with a MS also.
I own a MS and want a labradar, but something keeps telling me not to, I don't need the best, just something that works.

Haha, I get to quote myself.
I own both today, both top shelf, the LR is great when outside interference not wanted, but my MS v3 gets the job 95% of the time. I have had results skewed using the MS twice, I do not see others issues. My group size does not increase, and if there is a POI shift, it is irrelevant to me during load dev.

 

[viking78]

Can you use suppressor with MS?
LR that´s not an issue.
For MS you can get this kit from MKmachinign, would be a big help in those barrel harmonic troubles.

MK Machining Gen III Magnetospeed Mount

MK Machining Gen III Magnetospeed Mount We’ve made substantial improvements to our very popular Magnetospeed Mount for better performance.

mkmachining.com

 

[spife7980]

Can you use suppressor with MS?
LR that´s not an issue.

Yeah, when I had my msv3 it was used almost exclusively on a can.

 

[USSRangerSM]

labradar

 

[viking78]

A lot of guys keeps saying, LR is finicky.
Is that sight in the biggest issue and the right spot searching for the LR.
About 12-15" off set and depending are you shooting with a brake or suppressor, about same amount from the blast.

There´s few kind of good vs videos on tube.





DON recomends microphone if use a suppressor, that a nother 50$ for LR cost.

 

[Mark1954]

I’ve never had an adjacent shooter trigger my LR. An extra charging die tube laying on the sighting notch make aiming easy. External battery is a must and I don’t have any AA batteries installed because I’d hate to have a leakage incident. Love my LR.

 

[6brshooter]

I see a poi shift with magneto speed, but I've never had a problem with it affecting accuracy. I do load work ups with it on.

 

[99106]

I like my LabRadar but hate it as well. This will come across as a rant, but I'm happy with it. Just giving my experiences. I've never had a problem with it triggering due to sound from suppressed or unsuppressed, brake or not. The alignment to target is the PITA especially if you're shooing prone on uneven ground. I placed high hopes one the MK machining sight and it helps but it's not idiot proof and I'm living proof you can always make a better idiot. I have accepted the fact I have to load sighters just to dial in the LR before I start an actual load dev string. Sometimes I get lucky, but I'm not lucky often.

if you get one, definitely get the external battery. Then you can get aggravated at the rubber flap that never seems to go back into place. While your at it buy the big metal useless base so you can steal the ball head off and chunk the oversized metal plate. Then go buy the aluminum collapsible base only to realize you probably needed a baby tripod. I already feel like the damn yard sale guy going to the range sometimes and this just adds to that feeling on some days.

I know I'm probably missing something simple but scrolling, creating or deleting strings or activating it is a pain too. Mine has also been known to disconnect in the middle of string resulting in me having to physically touch the LR to disarm or turn off and on to get bluetooth back. It's a 1000% better than dealing with my Beta Chrony, but it can be aggravating. I've debated getting a MS because it just seems simpler.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

At the range yesterday.Labradar came along. 4 other guys at the range, nearest guy set up right next to me ( he comes to the range more to talk than to shoot) Used Labrador with a Savage 99,Finnwolf,Winchester 71,Mosin M38, Remington 700 ,and myAI/AT with no adjustment of Labrador location.I set it about 1 foot to right of rifle and about 10" back from muzzle, eyeball measurement.Rifles shot off bench rest, off my elbows, and off bipod with AI/AT. When I moved to shooting out to 600yds I shifted the aim of the Labradar a little bit.Our range does not have "lanes" and berms are not in a straight line array, so you aiming direction varies up to 20 degrees from 90degrees to the firing line. Bottom line, worked really well. dropped readings on about 4 shots out of 100 rds fired.No pick ups from near by shooters. Really a huge help in my shooting/reloading.Convenience when shooting multiple rifles and multiple targets can't be beat in my humble opinion.I taped a 2" length of soda stay to the little sighting notch to help in aligning Labradar to target, helps a lot. And, with the memory card I can go home and
record details of loads/ velocities/SD, and put with pictures I take of target results on my computer. Just too cool to an old non techie coot like me.

What were your settings set on? I have a LR and unless I'm at my house range, I struggle. I typically have to put it on doppler to get reliable pick up of shots. The trigger is the culprit. But when I'm at the public range, I pick up all kinds of shit on doppler.

 

[99106]

Fairly certain it's on doppler.

 

[secondofangle2]

I have both and I'm on my 3rd MS (one was sold, one was shot, and one I still have). Main reason I still have MS too is because I sometimes shoot in a tunnel range where the LR won't pick stuff up and when space is an issue and I don't want to carry a Pelican with the LR in it and a tripod or base and all that.

I had some trouble with triggering with the LR early on, but learned after calling LR help line that with TBAC/cans you have to put it in front of muzzle regardless of what instruction manual says. Also, it really has to be pointed in the right direction, but after the MK Machining sight thing, that's NEVER been a problem ever again. Now it works almost without fail.

It's true the app and the BT get fucked up here and there but I'm guessing that will get hammered out.

You do need an ANKER external battery for it. I got one with 28,000 mAMPs for like $50 and it serves multiple purposes. That and the SD card are great.

The problem with the MS as mentioned is changing it between guns/cans/barrels, etc. Giant PITA especially if you have to change the fucking spacers. With a hex wrench no less. Plus, you can't do load development with it on, which of course you want to to measure SDs allong with group size and speed. No point in having a bughole if your SD is all over the place right?

Well, you *may* find on this gun or that, that MS doesn't affect group size or POI. But don't assume that's the case if you switch guns. And if you're shooting 338 LM, you sure as hell don't want your POI to be off.

LR is the way to go, or get it and the sporter and have the best of both worlds. Run them both and compare results, etc. Use whichever one you think is right for the application/day.

 

[Rocketmandb]

Holy zombie thread, Batman!

With that said, it's worth resurrecting. I get asked about my LR at the range all the time, especially about comparing it to the MS and other chronos. I immediately tell them to discount the shade-based chronos. Tried them, hated them. I've never owned a MS, but have used them a few times. Between the LR and MS, I've found that they both work well, but that the ease of setup of the MS is so superior that it justifies the extra cost.

If you get one, as others have mentioned, an external battery is key. AAs will last one long day and that's it.

Also, do not buy the shitty base plate. Get a small shitty tripod off Amazon instead. It works better, is easier to lug around, and is half the cost.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

Holy zombie thread, Batman!

With that said, it's worth resurrecting. I get asked about my LR at the range all the time, especially about comparing it to the MS and other chronos. I immediately tell them to discount the shade-based chronos. Tried them, hated them. I've never owned a MS, but have used them a few times. Between the LR and MS, I've found that they both work well, but that the ease of setup of the MS is so superior that it justifies the extra cost.

If you get one, as others have mentioned, an external battery is key. AAs will last one long day and that's it.

Also, do not buy the shitty base plate. Get a small shitty tripod off Amazon instead. It works better, is easier to lug around, and is half the cost.

you mean the LR?

 

[6brshooter]

you mean the LR?

Why? The magneto literally straps on the barrel, takes 30sec to do it correctly and plug in display. Mine is a v1 bayonet and v3 display, I've only used it on varmint(.800")- mtu(1") diameter barrels and never needed anything but the thinner pad. Clears 22-30cal bores just fine.

My routine, open box slide bayo on to clear any brake. Make sure pad is on barrel only, not cattywompus on barrel and brake. Tighten strap by hand and then tighten wingnut. Plug in cord to bayo and display, begin shooting. Both labradar and magneto are easy compared to setting up a screen photocell chrony. That just plain sucks, line up chrony with rifle and target. Get the same height for repeatability, get behind gun and look through chrony to target, damn it's off a bit. Get up and fiddle with it...10min later it's all set. Get ready to shoot and a bug flies through a screen and trips err1 symbol, get up and reset... screw that.

 

[BLKWLFK9]

Why? The magneto literally straps on the barrel, takes 30sec to do it correctly and plug in display. Mine is a v1 bayonet and v3 display, I've only used it on varmint(.800")- mtu(1") diameter barrels and never needed anything but the thinner pad. Clears 22-30cal bores just fine.

My routine, open box slide bayo on to clear any brake. Make sure pad is on barrel only, not cattywompus on barrel and brake. Tighten strap by hand and then tighten wingnut. Plug in cord to bayo and display, begin shooting. Both labradar and magneto are easy compared to setting up a screen photocell chrony. That just plain sucks, line up chrony with rifle and target. Get the same height for repeatability, get behind gun and look through chrony to target, damn it's off a bit. Get up and fiddle with it...10min later it's all set. Get ready to shoot and a bug flies through a screen and trips err1 symbol, get up and reset... screw that.

I was clarifying b/c he mentions the plate base vs mini tripod. obviously the MS doesnt use those. I have a V2 MS and a LR, so i like both.

 

[Rocketmandb]

I was clarifying b/c he mentions the plate base vs mini tripod. obviously the MS doesnt use those. I have a V2 MS and a LR, so i like both.

Yes - for the LR

 

[viking78]

Well, i took change and ordered a Labradar dobbler and the microphone, so to be sure that nothing gonna
start to be a bitch if there will be those moments.
I do sure hope that it would not, it´s just so much money again that i do not want to tell my wife?.
But like thay say, it aint a hobby, if it aint take all off your money?

 

[secondofangle2]

I see there is now an auxiliary microphone for $44 you can get for airguns and the reviews say it works for suppressors and subsonic rounds so you don't hvae to put the unit in front of the can, as I noted above. The reviews on Midwayusa.com rave about it and say no more missed shots.

This thing along with the MKM sight thingie can probably pay for themselves in wasted ammo in short time. Of course they also increase the investment in the unit. So now you need what? LR unit, tripod/base, auxiliary battery, auxiliary microphone, and MKM sight. That's a lot of accessories to have to but to make it work properly. Not to mention, DO NOT DROP IT! So, get a pelican or similar case too.....

 

[viking78]

This one is also quite nice idea, for the Labradar.

Labradar S ight Mount | eBay

Sight mount for Labradar chronograph. This sight mounts solidly on the Labradar. I added a sighting hole to the sight mount. The sighting hole can both do the initial setup of the red dot and fill in when the battery dies.

www.ebay.com

Or this one.

Labradar F iber O ptic S ight | eBay

Fiber optic sight for Labradar chronograph.

www.ebay.com

 

[Cerwinski]

I'm using my V3 until a "Labradar Gen2" or whatever comes out. My range gets pretty busy at times.

 

[viking78]

Is there coming Labradar Gen2

 

[Cerwinski]

LOL no but I wish there was. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

 

[viking78]

LOL no but I wish there was. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

I was one moment like WTF, i just ordered 670,00€ LR and there´s new model coming
Good to know you were just pulling me off

 

[flyright]

arkcomachine.com for a LR base is very nice. I've been using one for the last year and a half with their ball head mount and absolutely zero regrets.

 

[Jonthebennett]

I’ve used both. Both have their merits.

Magneto has been off by a few FPS here and there nothing too drastic. It is a bit cumbersome to set up. Switching between rifles is annoying because you may need to adjust the spacers. I also don’t like setting it up that close to the bore. I’m always afraid that I’m going to accidentally hit it with a round.

Labradar has been dead nuts accurate every time I’ve used it. It’s simple to set up. I don’t own one so I can’t speak to battery life etc., but I have heard it requires the accessory battery pack. Can someone who owns confirm?

 

[Alabusa]

I haven't had any issues with my LabRadar since I got a printed sight for aligning it. Aligning it was a bit of a pain in the ass before I got the sight. That was my only complaint.

I only use lithium batteries in mine and get about 5 range trips out of a set of batteries. Each trip is 3 or more hours and the LR is in use the entire time. I see absolutely no need in getting the battery pack for my use.

 

[Jonthebennett]

Thanks that’s helpful

 

[Goin'Hot]

I've only taken my LR out twice in the past year. It frustrates me to no end. I can't get it to consistently pick up suppressed shots.

I'm also getting ready to start load development for a 416 Barrett and 375 CT. Both have terminator brakes and I'm afraid of blowing the LR apart with their blast.

My MS has never come loose or missed a single shot...

 

[Alabusa]

I've only taken my LR out twice in the past year. It frustrates me to no end. I can't get it to consistently pick up suppressed shots.

I'm also getting ready to start load development for a 416 Barrett and 375 CT. Both have terminator brakes and I'm afraid of blowing the LR apart with their blast.

My MS has never come loose or missed a single shot...

Since the Terminator ports are angled back, set the LR just ahead of the muzzle and off to one side a bit. Set the "distance from muzzle" setting to 18. This should be safe and work dependably. It is also how I have mine setup for my brake. However, my brake is on a 300WM.

 

[TACC]

Great thread

Still debating, was leaning towards the V3, now I dont know