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Athlon Optics Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph (Page 1 of 4)
Posted: 5/1/2025 1:37:25 PM EDT
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Just a heads up that Midway has them in stock finally. Looks like they are a touch more expensive than originally stated. $399. Id imagine other retailers will start showing stock soon. I just snagged one. Been needing to upgrade for a long time. One of my buddies has a Garmin and I loved it but not the price tag. This was a little easier to digest price wise but again I think it went up. I thought they were advertised as $350 Will post what I think when it arrives. Usually midway is very quick for me.  |
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| I've been seeing the Garmins at $450 lately so if the real price difference is only $50 it won't sound as compelling as before assuming it performs as well, but glad to see some competition none the less... It should keep both motivated to keep improving the software if nothing else. |
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Originally Posted By DVCNick: I've been seeing the Garmins at $450 lately so if the real price difference is only $50 it won't sound as compelling as before assuming it performs as well, but glad to see some competition none the less... It should keep both motivated to keep improving the software if nothing else. Oof guess I shoulda looked a little harder on that if that's the case Oh well |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Oof guess I shoulda looked a little harder on that if that's the case Oh well |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
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That is pretty common to have a preorder promotion of an introduction discount or some extra freebie accessories. If you preordered I am pretty sure your price is locked in……unless it’s CTD, then all bets are off. I look forward to using the Athlon. I bought it from EuroOptic. Lately I have been using my CED chronograph that I hadn’t used in years. My club range is often too busy to set up a down range screen set up. The Athlon will be used a lot more. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
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Athlon lists it on their website at $472.48 MSRP I would be interested in a thorough review of the software and also the ease of how it exports to excel. I am not impressed with Garmins shotview ETA Most of the usual suspects have it listed for $399, there are a few that still show the $349 pre-order price... one site I'd STAY AWAY FROM is https://southernprecisionoutdoors.com -they show 18 in stock at $349 BUT they ONLY take online direct payments (venmo, Paypal etc) - if no CC option offered its a sure sign of a scam site... IMO ETA... They have a lot of high dollar products listed. I mean $9000 drones and $4000 scopes... Every product page I looked at, next to the buy now button, only showed the online payment options - but at the bottom of every page they show a static 'about us' page that features the Visa/Mastercard/AE CC logos, so maybe their legit after-all - I can't find anything searching the net except they do have a business registration in Ga that is about 3yo... If you just have push that button, Id be careful and check them out closely... something smells fishy. ETA2... OK so... the local chamber of commerce site has a positive rating for them and 66 reviews I didn't read... I added an item to the cart and went into their checkout... there was an option to pay with CC so... when I checked that it asked me for all the expected info... I bailed at that point... it looks they may be legit after all and I may be all wrong about them... I'll have the 2.99 plate of crow. |
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Just to be clear I did not pre-order anywhere I had been watching them closely to come in stock though Will post up what I think. It'll be leaps and bounds better than my old one regardless. I was really struggling with it as it doesn't work indoors and I rarely get a good spot to use it. Generally a specific trip just for chronograph readings were the norm With this one I should be able to use it anywhere easily Midway already has it shipped ups. I've had things come next day from them on ups ground before so we will see if I get lucky again |
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Same. My old Shooting Chrony is such a pita to use, and I once again lost one of the sky screen pieces  Already OOS at Midway. Pre-ordered from Europtic just now at $349 ETA> arrived 13 May Attached File |
And then, he arrives at the last item on his bucket list...
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Originally Posted By DVCNick: I've been seeing the Garmins at $450 lately so if the real price difference is only $50 it won't sound as compelling as before assuming it performs as well, but glad to see some competition none the less... It should keep both motivated to keep improving the software if nothing else. Interested in how this Athlon option compares. |
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Originally Posted By Blowout: I bought my Garmin for $450 last fall. A member provided a link in the "where to find" thread, but that deal has come and gone. Interested in how this Athlon option compares. We're local to each other, I pre ordered the Athlon from S&S archery if you wanna do a range day sometime and compare the two I'm game. |
Watching the kids shoot Pieeater's 1919 was great. Nothing warms the heart more than seeing a little kid kneeling in a pile of brass and links.-Pthfndr after the Nov 13th NorCal shoot
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Originally Posted By GySgt_D: Same. My old Shooting Chrony is such a pita to use, and I once again lost one of the sky screen pieces Already OOS at Midway. Pre-ordered from Europtic just now at $349 Lol I think mine is also that sort of chronograph. White box with some green lettering. 100ish back in the day. Lost the sun shades long ago. Very hard to work with. I figured they'd go quick. I got the in stock notification while I was on the road. I was getting antsy about getting back to a computer to get it ordered |
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JBO's has them in stock ATM for $400. But it least it will be free shipping since the order will be over $90. https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Athlon-Rangecraft-Velocity-Pro-Radar-Chronograph-p/athlon-707301.htm |
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Delivery says Monday but its already in my city this morning So theres a chance Ill get to post some pics of it today Not sure if Ill get to use it this weekend but Ill definitely be able to throw some shots at the indoor range next week |
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Impressively quick I've got my 629 I'm carrying today. I might go on over to the indoor range and throw a couple of magnums just to get a feel for using it Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Impressively quick I've got my 629 I'm carrying today. I might go on over to the indoor range and throw a couple of magnums just to get a feel for using it https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/161977/1000009416_jpg-3531100.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/161977/1000009417_jpg-3531102.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/161977/1000009418_jpg-3531103.JPG You're killing me smalls! I ordered 2-12.... no telling when I'll get mine. At least I know i don't need to buy a case! |
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Range session went well Easy to use and setup. I shot a .22lr 617 with a 4" barrel. A Mk4 with a 4.5" barrel and a can. Then the 4" 629. I used CCI SV for the .22 and the 44 got a 250Gr HP with 14 grains of HS6 No issues. It recorded all shots but 1 and that was due to me going fast on the trigger. 3 surprising take aways from using it today. My 617 shoots a little bit faster than the MK4 with a can. That surprised me. CCI SV can have quite the extreme spread. The few shots that went lower in velocity I was also able to feel in recoil and verify by what the chrono was putting out Lastly my 1200FPS 44 magnum load doesnt quite seem to be 1200FPS on this chrono. Id imagine my older chrono was giving higher readings by about 50 FPS or so Ive connected the app to it. It allows you to view all the data and also name sessions so you can organize the data easily Ill upload some screen grabs of the data Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Range session went well Easy to use and setup. I shot a .22lr 617 with a 4" barrel. A Mk4 with a 4.5" barrel and a can. Then the 4" 629. I used CCI SV for the .22 and the 44 got a 250Gr HP with 14 grains of HS6 No issues. It recorded all shots but 1 and that was due to me going fast on the trigger. 3 surprising take aways from using it today. My 617 shoots a little bit faster than the MK4 with a can. That surprised me. CCI SV can have quite the extreme spread. The few shots that went lower in velocity I was also able to feel in recoil and verify by what the chrono was putting out Lastly my 1200FPS 44 magnum load doesnt quite seem to be 1200FPS on this chrono. Id imagine my older chrono was giving higher readings by about 50 FPS or so Ive connected the app to it. It allows you to view all the data and also name sessions so you can organize the data easily Ill upload some screen grabs of the data https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/161977/1000009421_jpg-3531322.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/161977/1000009422_jpg-3531323.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/161977/1000009423_jpg-3531324.JPG Great thread OP. |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
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Originally Posted By Blowout: Nice it comes with a case. those screen grabs look good too. Let us know how it exports to a computer for data storage and manipulation. Imagine there's no drama there but would be nice to just confirm it if I didn't already have a LR and Garmin, I'd get one! I will have to play with it a little bit Hooking it up to the computer doesnt seem to do anything off hand other than engage the charging I do see there is a tab to export data from the app. It appears to convert the data to a xls document so that should make it pretty easy. But it does appear you have to go through the app to do this at the moment place holder for xls document screen grab Attached File |
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Originally Posted By dryflash3: I'm setting the toggle to keep this thread out of the archives. Great thread OP. Ill update it as I shoot some more things Hopefully one day I can use it back to back to a garmin and see how close they are to each other in velocity readings I will probably use the chrono often since it is very easy to use |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Ill update it as I shoot some more things Hopefully one day I can use it back to back to a garmin and see how close they are to each other in velocity readings I will probably use the chrono often since it is very easy to use Originally Posted By chase45: Originally Posted By dryflash3: I'm setting the toggle to keep this thread out of the archives. Great thread OP. Ill update it as I shoot some more things Hopefully one day I can use it back to back to a garmin and see how close they are to each other in velocity readings I will probably use the chrono often since it is very easy to use 
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Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
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Originally Posted By chase45: I will probably use the chrono often since it is very easy to use THAT is the key thing with these new small radar based units. I have chrono'd effectively every rifle round fired since purchasing the Garmin over a year ago because it is so dang simple to setup. With the old optical chrono I would basically chrono a load once at workup and that was it, never had ongoing data to ensure consistency or track temperature impact. The Garmin can be purchased under $500 pretty consistently if you watch /r/gundeals or other sources, but the Athlon still comes in cheaper. I expect the Garmin may always be more expensive due to the brand name attached but the competition as has been stated above could drive the price a bit lower, or at least ensure ongoing improvements (via software updates or future gen2 models). |
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Originally Posted By Grumple: I need an upgrade as well. I will wait for garmin or Athlon to post sales . Not paying $400 or 499. To save $50, how many missed opportunities will you forego waiting for unicorn pricing? ETA: I see you mentioned upgrade, so I guess infinity. 
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Tom Sawyer.
"If The Rules brought us to this, what use are they?"
"If The Rules brought us to this, what use are they?"
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Originally Posted By NEW-N-IMPROVED: JBO's has them in stock ATM for $400. But it least it will be free shipping since the order will be over $90. https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Athlon-Rangecraft-Velocity-Pro-Radar-Chronograph-p/athlon-707301.htm JoeBob dun out of stock. |
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For those that want the best price, check Sportsman's Guide daily. They have coupon codes that make it possible for them to sell items at less than MAP. These change every 1-3 days, be sure to watch for codes that do not specifically exclude electronics. Best coupon code I've seen recently is a flat $50 off orders over $250. That would bring the pre-tariff price for club members from $315 to $265. Non-members pricing went from $349 to $299 with free shipping. The Buyer's Club is not worth $60/year for me, and I already used the 90 day trial within the last year, so I'm not eligible for that. The price now is up to $399 and $359. Athlon is a solid company, working very hard to establish themselves. They are not going to let this product fail, especially in the early days, so it's safe to assume the Rangecraft is one helluva deal at $299 vs the Garmin at a best price if you can find it of $450. |
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Originally Posted By chase45: I will have to play with it a little bit Hooking it up to the computer doesnt seem to do anything off hand other than engage the charging I do see there is a tab to export data from the app. It appears to convert the data to a xls document so that should make it pretty easy. But it does appear you have to go through the app to do this at the moment place holder for xls document screen grab https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/161977/1000009424_jpg-3531391.JPG |
| Besides charging the unit, I can also transfer files directly from the Garmin unit with a USB connection- I open file explorer to the root drive level and the Garmin is listed as a drive to open, then navigate down the folders to the one that has the files - the Garmin are *.FIT and are not easily readable without their SDK. Hopefully the Athlon uses a different more open format. Probably the best way is the XLSX/PDF options in the app. |
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Originally Posted By Normlizer: Thank you OP for the little review. Just ordered one from eurooptic for $360. Time to retire the old shooting chrony. That’s where mine is coming from. Not a peep out of them yet for shipping it. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
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Originally Posted By SyberSniper: Besides charging the unit, I can also transfer files directly from the Garmin unit with a USB connection- I open file explorer to the root drive level and the Garmin is listed as a drive to open, then navigate down the folders to the one that has the files - the Garmin are *.FIT and are not easily readable without their SDK. Hopefully the Athlon uses a different more open format. Probably the best way is the XLSX/PDF options in the app. The simplest common format would be an ASCII text file. You can use any number of different tools to read that, even Excel. |
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Originally Posted By Trollslayer: The simplest common format would be an ASCII text file. You can use any number of different tools to read that, even Excel. Maybe a more tech savvy person can do it. But Im a mid 30 something and finding it difficult to locate after hooking it up to the computer to try and get files off it Its like the computer is simply lacking a driver to recognize it Not quite as easy as say plugging in a USB or SD card and being able to find it and pull out data Ive got it hooked up right now to a computer but Im still not finding anything |
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Originally Posted By Strikefirst: I have shopping confirmation from cameralandny. My preorder was 314.99 out the door. Still waiting on mine from S&S Archery 
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Watching the kids shoot Pieeater's 1919 was great. Nothing warms the heart more than seeing a little kid kneeling in a pile of brass and links.-Pthfndr after the Nov 13th NorCal shoot
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Originally Posted By chase45: Maybe a more tech savvy person can do it. But Im a mid 30 something and finding it difficult to locate after hooking it up to the computer to try and get files off it Its like the computer is simply lacking a driver to recognize it Not quite as easy as say plugging in a USB or SD card and being able to find it and pull out data Ive got it hooked up right now to a computer but Im still not finding anything Have you tried exporting from the app? Attached File My pdf reader read the xls or whatever that was exported to it without problem. I think the app has to do the exporting, not the chrono. |
And then, he arrives at the last item on his bucket list...
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Yes, sometimes you have to do a little detective work and reconfigure or tweak something- if you are not comfortable with it, don't do it. Some techie will come along and solve the issue.... It would be interesting to see if there is any cross compatibility between the two brands or it their apps can interact with the other unit. |
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Originally Posted By GySgt_D: Have you tried exporting from the app? https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/3906/1000010113_jpg-3534256.JPG My pdf reader read the xls or whatever that was exported to it without problem. I think the app has to do the exporting, not the chrono. It exports from the app fine. More curious if it could stand alone |
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Originally Posted By Jetpig: Anybody get word on Euro Optic shipping please post update. I just looked at Foolsbook. As of an hour ago EO says the first preorder units are boxed and going out today and they’re still working the preorder pile that they got. They alluded to other places that shipped before them have locations closer to the Athlon warehouse. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
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Used mine again today to get some velocity readings from several different 38 loads of mine and 3 different guns No issues and got some cool data. From a 642, 3" 686 and a 4.25" 66. It was neat seeing the velocity gains between barrel lengths My HBWC load was a bit warmer than I figured. The one interesting tid bit is my sub 2" barrel 642 shot faster than my 3" 686 with the wadcutters. Riddle me that The 686 doesnt lose as much velocity with the 3" barrel as I thought it would Curious as to what standard deviation is acceptable for pistols or what I should normally see or want to see. Im not use to having this much data available to pick apart |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Used mine again today to get some velocity readings from several different 38 loads of mine and 3 different guns No issues and got some cool data. From a 642, 3" 686 and a 4.25" 66. It was neat seeing the velocity gains between barrel lengths My HBWC load was a bit warmer than I figured. The one interesting tid bit is my sub 2" barrel 642 shot faster than my 3" 686 with the wadcutters. Riddle me that The 686 doesnt lose as much velocity with the 3" barrel as I thought it would Curious as to what standard deviation is acceptable for pistols or what I should normally see or want to see. Im not use to having this much data available to pick apart Tight gap between cylinder and forcing cone is faster than a wider gap. I’d check cylinder gaps with feeler gages. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.
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Originally Posted By SteelonSteel: Tight gap between cylinder and forcing cone is faster than a wider gap. I’d check cylinder gaps with feeler gages. Could be I might give it a measure Heres some of the data collected today 148GR HBWC load with 3.5 grains of 231. 4.25" 66 - 810 FPS 3" 686 - 770 FPS 642 - 780FPS 160GR 358439 Cast Keith HP with 4.0 grains of 231. Standard 38 load 4.25" 66 - 792 FPS 3" 686 - 764 FPS 642 - 744 FPS 160GR 358439 Cast Keith HP with 4.5 grains of 231. +P loading. I dropped off the 642 here as the +P version really pushes the POI high in it so I dont use it. 4.25" 66 - 897FPS 3" 686 - 852 FPS 160GR 358439 Cast Keith HP with 8.2 grains of HS6. This is a 38/44 loading I have duplicated. This one is near magnum and HIGH PRESSURE. DO NOT USE IN ALLOY FRAME 38s 4.25" 66 - 1162 FPS 3" 686 - 1103 FPS |
Battle Of West Appalachia Survivor
Athlon Optics Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph (Page 1 of 4)
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