Labradar worth the money difference over standard chrno?

BCR#1 said:

For those that have upgraded from a standard unit, was it worth the investment? It would be mainly used for .22LR comparisons but also pistol/rifle center fire.

Bill

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I would buy one! it’s very advance

For me, it was worth it. It will give chronograph data out to 200 yards, which obviously allows you to get pretty detailed with your load development. Also, set-up and take down are a breeze, and having it connected to your phone, and using the matching phone app, allows you to have all the data right there, you can print off whatever you want. Way easier to use than the Oehler 35P I was using.....

I'm very happy with mine.

Jonny V nailed it.

I just purchased one and am very happy with it. Setup is easy and coupling it with the iPhone makes shooting/recording strings a breeze.

I’ve had mine for several years and it has been great. Plus if you do any indoor shooting its the only one that I know that will work unless your range lets you setup in front of firing line.

Want one. But my Caldwell unit hooked up to my iPad does all I need for my load development at the moment.

I only use it for new loads which happens less than I initially thought it would.

Here is a snip from my last outing where I ran 14 different loads. I've got another batch to run with my cast bullets but so far only have the 45acp ready and I'll be doing 9mm and 44 mag also.

Not bad for $68 total after tax

I'm happy enough with mine...wish the iOS app would read in imperial instead of metric only is really the only downer that comes to mind
I use the arkco base on mine- leave it on when you pack it back in the bag- it fits perfectly
https://arkcomachine.com/

Reeferman said:

I’ve had mine for several years and it has been great. Plus if you do any indoor shooting its the only one that I know that will work unless your range lets you setup in front of firing line.

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This is exactly why I want one. I shoot at an indoor range a lot and getting data would be nice...

I have used one and loved it. When my current light-gate chrono dies I will upgrade to a Labradar.

I had a Caldwell and got the LabRadar so I could use it at the indoor range. Love the LabRadar!. Purchased at Bobcat Armament where I believe they still have some available.

BCR#1 said:

For those that have upgraded from a standard unit, was it worth the investment? It would be mainly used for .22LR comparisons but also pistol/rifle center fire.

Bill

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YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES. AND YES.
Their app could use improvement, but it’s so much nicer using the Labradar rather than a shoot through. I did like my Caldwell, but love my labradar. Good luck. BTW, around Black Friday they usually have a 50$ off sale, if you want to wait.

So the app only displays metric data?

Nature Boy said:

So the app only displays metric data?

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The LabRadar iOS app is configurable for either metric or english units, grains or grams, ft-lbs or joules.

Rich Phelan said:

The LabRadar iOS app is configurable for either metric or english units, grains or grams, ft-lbs or joules.

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How do I change from Metric to Imperial on the phone? I'm on the latest Firmware on the unit.

The app is configurable as @Rich Phelan noted. I’m on an iPhone and you need to swipe in from the left hand side to get a settings link. You can then set the app settings as well as the LabRadar settings if connected to a unit. I’ve found the app disconnects from the LabRadar at various times (Bluetooth), but you can always reconnect and no data is lost. I find the app easier to create a new string and “ARM” the device than using the on device interface. I always use an SD card so the data is preserved on the card and then transfer that to my computer. You can’t specify string IDs or add notes. There are a few other bugs that aren’t fatal but would be nice if fixed. The app is workable, it just needs another revision with updates.

BCR#1 said:

For those that have upgraded from a standard unit, was it worth the investment? Bill

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I was going to respond "No, but I bought it anyway." I agonized for years about buying one and bought one a year or so ago. So much more easy to use.

My Caldwell worked fine but I would install it 10 feet downrange and

1) I would forget to turn it on and have to wait 1/2 hour for a target change. or.

2) I would not have it lined up properly with the target and my shooting position and have to wait 1/2 hour for a target change

3) the wind would blow off the shield or the entire unit would be blown over and I would have to wait 1/2 hour.................................

4) It was not attached properly to my phone and I would have to wait...................

5) I would shoot the wire support and ................

6) I would shoot the sun screen and..............

7) I finally shot it dead center and replaced it with another Caldwell and repeated steps 1 through 5 again and again.

After this post I can definitely say IT WAS WORTH IT.

AJC1 said:

This is exactly why I want one. I shoot at an indoor range a lot and getting data would be nice...

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It works very well for indoors where I do 90% of my shooting. The app could use some work

lordpaxman said:

The app is configurable as @Rich Phelan noted. I’m on an iPhone and you need to swipe in from the left hand side to get a settings link. You can then set the app settings as well as the LabRadar settings if connected to a unit. I’ve found the app disconnects from the LabRadar at various times (Bluetooth), but you can always reconnect and no data is lost. I find the app easier to create a new string and “ARM” the device than using the on device interface. I always use an SD card so the data is preserved on the card and then transfer that to my computer. You can’t specify string IDs or add notes. There are a few other bugs that aren’t fatal but would be nice if fixed. The app is workable, it just needs another revision with updates.

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thank you...I knew the rest besides how to set the settings...got it now...thank you very much.

BCR#1
You won't regret the purchase.

I have one. Bought it at retail. Really great idea. Friend has one and likes it.

First couple times I used it, dandy.

About the fourth or fifth time, it just didn't work. I wrote them by email. Person who answered assumed I was mentally defective and essentially told me I was doing something wrong; their units always work. Sent another email and this time the same person told me I could send it back at my expense; they would check it and find nothing wrong; and I could pay for the return shipment.

It's still on the shelf. I bought a Caldwell (Shooting Chrony seems to have disappeared). The Caldwell works fine.

I played with one when they cam out. Battery life was very low vs my chronographs. I have some that have been using the same 9v battery for more than a year.

It works better on larger bullets, doesn’t seem to be able to “see” little ones as well as they go down range.

Have to use the optional trigger for some firearms.

I haven’t found the need to get rid of the three others I have but will get one sooner or later. Like everything else I seem to say I’ll never need.