10 Best Ballistic Chronographs 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Xero C1 Pro is a compact ballistic chronograph designed for enthusiasts who want accurate velocity readings for various types of projectiles, from bullets to paintballs. One of its major strengths is its impressive accuracy, measuring velocities from 100 fps to 5,000 fps, which makes it versatile for different shooting activities. The ease of use is another plus; simply turn it on, point it, and shoot, making it user-friendly for both beginners and experienced shooters alike.

Portability is also a highlight, with a compact design that fits easily in your back pocket. This makes it an excellent choice for those who attend shooting ranges or outdoor events, as you can carry it without hassle. Additionally, the backlit display is easy to read, even in low-light conditions, ensuring that you won't miss important data.

On the technological side, the Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair it with the ShotView app, enabling you to track your results and analyze data effectively. This feature can benefit users who want to take their shooting accuracy to the next level by comparing velocities and other metrics. The 6-hour battery life, while decent, may not be sufficient for extended sessions at the range. Users should plan accordingly to avoid running out of power. Additionally, while the device is built to be durable with an IPX7 water-resistant rating, some users might wish for more ruggedness in harsher environments.

The Garmin Xero C1 PRO Chronograph is a highly capable device designed for precise measurement of projectile speeds ranging from 100 to 5,000 FPS. It's well-suited for various types of ammunition including arrows, slugs, pellets, and paintballs. One of its most notable strengths is its accuracy, achieved through radar detection, which doesn't require additional attachments that could affect your shooting setup. This ensures consistent and reliable readings without compromising on performance.

The compact and lightweight design, weighing only 25 grams, adds to its portability, making it easy to carry in your back pocket and set up when needed. Additionally, it features a backlit display and buttons for ease of use, even in lower light conditions. The device is also Bluetooth enabled, allowing you to pair it with the ShotView smartphone app to track shots and measure deviations, enhancing its data storage and connectivity capabilities.

With an IPX7 water resistance rating, the Xero C1 is built to withstand tough outdoor conditions, adding to its durability. However, a potential drawback is its limited battery life of 6 hours, which might require carrying additional power sources for extended use. The included Signature Series Power Bundle and accessories like the microfiber lens cloth and USB cable provide added value. This chronograph is an excellent option for hunters and shooting enthusiasts who need a reliable and portable tool for ballistic data collection.

The Competition Electronics ProChrono DLX Chronograph is a robust option for measuring projectile speed, boasting impressive accuracy with a margin of error of just ± 0.5%. This precision is bolstered by updated circuitry and an improved shot clock, making it reliable for serious shooters and archery enthusiasts.

It features built-in Bluetooth connectivity and a comprehensive operating system, allowing for easy data management and storage of multiple shot strings, which is a plus for users who want to track and analyze their shooting performance over time. The unit is fairly compact, with dimensions of 18 x 5.25 x 3.5 inches and a weight of 2.7 pounds, making it reasonably portable despite its plastic construction, which may not be the most durable material for rough outdoor use.

The 2-year warranty and half-price repair guarantee provide some peace of mind regarding the product's longevity and reliability. This chronograph is best suited for hobbyists and entry-level competitive shooters who value accuracy and data connectivity, while those needing a more durable, heavy-duty option may need to consider other models.