Back in December 2023 I released a written review of the Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph - https://www.ocabj.net/garmin-xero-c1-pro-chronograph-review/ - and in it I basically stated the Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph has become the #1 chronograph on the consumer market, supplanting Labradar, Magnetospeed, and all other doppler and optical based chronographs.
The Garmin Xero C1 Pro is a doppler-based chronograph that is similar in size to a GoPro camera at an MSRP of $600.
The Xero C1 Pro is ready to go out of the box (assuming you charge it - via USB) as it comes with a mini-tripod suitable for prone or bench/table top. Without reading the manual, the user will be able to get up and running as the menu system is very intuitive and has onboard guidance when activating the radar, informing the user how far to position the unit from the barrel.
Without much though, the user will be able to reliably pick up shots with a basic aiming of the unit downrange.
Shot strings can be reviewed on the unit's legible screen and can also be synced to a smartphone via Bluetooth to the Garmin ShotView app. Bluetooth is seamless and once the app is paired, the shot strings will often sync in the background as long as the phone is within Bluetooth range.
The Garmin Xero C1 is recharged via USB-C although the battery is not readily removed.
After well over a year using the Garmin Xero C1 Pro, I will have to say that using a chronograph is common practice given how little room it takes in transport and in how quick it is to setup. No need to setup a large chronograph unit (Labradar) or setup a chronograph on the gun with respect to the boreline (Magnetospeed). There is room in the Garmin in most any bag or pack, and can fit in the large pocket of a jacket.
If you do not already own a Garmin Xero C1 Pro, you should get one. Even if you already own a Labradar, Magnetospeed, or an optical chronograph, the ease of setup and use of the Garmin will save you lots of time and give you so much convenience in data collection.
Pros:
The Garmin Xero C1 Pro is a doppler-based chronograph that is similar in size to a GoPro camera at an MSRP of $600.
The Xero C1 Pro is ready to go out of the box (assuming you charge it - via USB) as it comes with a mini-tripod suitable for prone or bench/table top. Without reading the manual, the user will be able to get up and running as the menu system is very intuitive and has onboard guidance when activating the radar, informing the user how far to position the unit from the barrel.
Without much though, the user will be able to reliably pick up shots with a basic aiming of the unit downrange.
Shot strings can be reviewed on the unit's legible screen and can also be synced to a smartphone via Bluetooth to the Garmin ShotView app. Bluetooth is seamless and once the app is paired, the shot strings will often sync in the background as long as the phone is within Bluetooth range.
The Garmin Xero C1 is recharged via USB-C although the battery is not readily removed.
After well over a year using the Garmin Xero C1 Pro, I will have to say that using a chronograph is common practice given how little room it takes in transport and in how quick it is to setup. No need to setup a large chronograph unit (Labradar) or setup a chronograph on the gun with respect to the boreline (Magnetospeed). There is room in the Garmin in most any bag or pack, and can fit in the large pocket of a jacket.
If you do not already own a Garmin Xero C1 Pro, you should get one. Even if you already own a Labradar, Magnetospeed, or an optical chronograph, the ease of setup and use of the Garmin will save you lots of time and give you so much convenience in data collection.
Pros:
- Small, lightweight
- Intuitive menu system
- Ready to go out of the box
- Long battery life
- Reliable shot detection
- Variety of mounting options (third-party accessories)
- Functional phone app (ShotView)
- Non-removable battery
- No downrange velocity readings
- Highly dependent on ShowView app for off unit data analysis
