Which chronograph?

[Leo_B]

I'm looking into chronographs. It is obvious the Garmin Xero is the current prom queen. But budget is also a factor. I've found these options from Midway, my usual goto.
Athlon Rangecraft $399.99
Garmin Xero C1 refurbished $429.99
Garmin Xero C1 new $499.99
So, experiences/thoughts/comments on the Athlon?
Consider Garmin refurbished to save $70?
Go only with the new Xero?
And I know there's a new and probably even better Garmin but just can't consider $700.
Finally, anywhere selling them for better prices?
Thanks for any and all input.

 

[std7mag]

I'm still using my Chrony Beta Master. Then truing my velocity or BC shooting at distance.

While it would be nice to have one of the Doplar systems, I might actually invest in the Shot Marker.
Gives all of the info at the target.

 

[JB10]

I have the Athlon since it came out. I have used it only about 7 times out. Never have had any issues so far. Has recorded every shot. I would not hesitate to buy it again.

 

[Turkeytider]

I have the Athlon since it came out. I have used it only about 7 times out. Never have had any issues so far. Has recorded every shot. I would not hesitate to buy it again.

Agree. My Athlon has been great in evaluating different factory loads. IMHO , can’t go wrong with any of them. Depends on how much you wish to pay.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I'm looking into chronographs. It is obvious the Garmin Xero is the current prom queen. But budget is also a factor. I've found these options from Midway, my usual goto.
Athlon Rangecraft $399.99
Garmin Xero C1 refurbished $429.99
Garmin Xero C1 new $499.99
So, experiences/thoughts/comments on the Athlon?
Consider Garmin refurbished to save $70?
Go only with the new Xero?
And I know there's a new and probably even better Garmin but just can't consider $700.
Finally, anywhere selling them for better prices?
Thanks for any and all input.

I think Bruno’s has the Gamin for $449.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

There was a fellow at the range. With the Athlon range craft. He likes it very much. I have an older Caldwell . I don't use it much though. I load for accuracy VS velocity.

 

[jlshaw]

I'm looking into chronographs. It is obvious the Garmin Xero is the current prom queen. But budget is also a factor. I've found these options from Midway, my usual goto.
Athlon Rangecraft $399.99
Garmin Xero C1 refurbished $429.99
Garmin Xero C1 new $499.99
So, experiences/thoughts/comments on the Athlon?
Consider Garmin refurbished to save $70?
Go only with the new Xero?
And I know there's a new and probably even better Garmin but just can't consider $700.
Finally, anywhere selling them for better prices?
Thanks for any and all input.

I have owned an Athlon for a few months.
My experience with it has been entirely positive.
I can't say how it compares to other chronographs of its type. It's a whole lot better than the old style chronographs I had.
Good luck!

 

[BuffaloBill]

My Athlon has been working great. I found mine for $350 at the time. This past Black Friday a local Fleet Farm advertised them at $299. Not sure how many they had, etc.

 

[mdram]

when i log into eurooptic it says the rangecraft is 317

 

[Leo_B]

when i log into eurooptic it says the rangecraft is 317

You must have the magic login. When I go to their site it says $399.99 like everyone else.

 

[Leo_B]

I think Bruno’s has the Gamin for $449.

Yep, they sure do. Out of stock.

 

[mdram]

You must have the magic login. When I go to their site it says $399.99 like everyone else.

i have bought a bit from there, and forgot i do get a discount for a prs membership, but they have other discount programs too

 

[BHP9]

I have the Garmin and it does everything I want and need.

Stay away from refurbs, you're getting someone else's problems.

 

[JFrank]

I’ve built a lot of very good ammunition without a chronograph.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I think there will be perfectly good Garmin CI’s show up here in the classifieds from those upgrading to the C2.

 

[SKWERLZ]

I recently upgraded from a magnetospeed sporter to garmin C1.
Damn!
That garmin is NICE!

 

[swd]

I’ve built a lot of very good ammunition without a chronograph.

You certainly can. But they have a lot more uses than just building ammo. They're extremely useful for new cartridges and finding out if the powder you're trying is the right one. Making sure new lots of powder are the same as your old one and adjusting the load if not. Finding out when your barrel is speeding up or slowing down and adjusting the load back into tune. And knowing the general health of your barrel over time.

If you don't shoot a lot or competitively it's not necessarily a necessity but for many competitive shooters it's more than just a little useful. And if you truly want to get the most out of your gun and cartridge it just makes life a whole lot easier.

 

[JFrank]

You certainly can. But they have a lot more uses than just building ammo. They're extremely useful for new cartridges and finding out if the powder you're trying is the right one. Making sure new lots of powder are the same as your old one and adjusting the load if not. Finding out when your barrel is speeding up or slowing down and adjusting the load back into tune. And knowing the general health of your barrel over time.

If you don't shoot a lot or competitively it's not necessarily a necessity but for many competitive shooters it's more than just a little useful. And if you truly want to get the most out of your gun and cartridge it just makes life a whole lot easier.

I certainly agree with your assessment and use my Garmin for the same propose although for several years of the decade I’ve been shooting competivly, I built quality ammunition with just a paper target and little regard for speed. Now that I have a Garmin I still use a paper target with the same appoach.

 

[Zshooter]

I have the Garmin C1 and a shooting buddy has the Athlon. Readings are about the same when put them side by side.

The Athlon reads the shot much faster than the Garmin C1.

My Garmin C1 only came in a box with a charger cord and a plastic tripod.

The Athlon comes with carrying case and metal tripod.

The Athlon was $200 less.

 

[Turkeytider]

You certainly can. But they have a lot more uses than just building ammo. They're extremely useful for new cartridges and finding out if the powder you're trying is the right one. Making sure new lots of powder are the same as your old one and adjusting the load if not. Finding out when your barrel is speeding up or slowing down and adjusting the load back into tune. And knowing the general health of your barrel over time.

If you don't shoot a lot or competitively it's not necessarily a necessity but for many competitive shooters it's more than just a little useful. And if you truly want to get the most out of your gun and cartridge it just makes life a whole lot easier.

Strictly an informal, recreational range shooter that only shoots factory match ammo. Nevertheless, I’ve found my Athlon to be a very useful tool in evaluating different brands and lots. It has certainly taught me one major reason why it is so difficult to put consecutive rounds on small targets ( 2”-4” ) at 500 yards!