At Manatee, in South Florida, Lab Radar rules.
In Manatee, in South Florida, Lab Radar is the most cussed-out product.
Quite often I see them on benches with nothing on the screen. Owners play and play, wasting tune time, trying to get them to work properly. Ask and the answer ranges from the muzzle brake, too close to the muzzle, too far, not close enough, slanted wrong etc. Just a guess but a version of this failure seems to be with near if not 1/2 of the users.
Then I hear about updates, stands, extra batteries, the sun, temperature, other shooters etc.
When it works and it does often for many, I ask why they have it there all the time. The answer is usually a variation of, "so I know". Often I note that they are not the best grouping shooters on the range. Sometimes think it's a form of status symbol and there's lots of that with benchrest shooters.
I use my chronograph to check on loads I develop. Then put it away. To me they are not a tool for development as they tend to detract from the target results. So many are enamored with single-digit ES, small SD and ignore how awful their groups tend to be in spite of what the electronics show.
I say get what you like. It's your money. Then develop your loads with the target results as your guide. Finally, check to see just how fast it shoots as a reference point for ballistic performance, powder lot, temperature, and component changes.
