Baseball Players of all ages are looking to use the best radar guns out there. These radar guns are used for both personal training purposes as well as competitive league pitching competitions.
Radar Guns come in many different shapes, styles, and sizes. You can even buy more advanced ones that have lasers on them to make it easier for you to get more accurate readings since they are measuring faster pitches thrown at speeds up to one hundred miles per hour!
This Article will go through our Best Baseball Radar Buyers Guide!
Radar Gun: Review
A device that uses Doppler shift to measure the speed of baseballs and other objects. Also used by physicians and scientists for various purposes.
Radar guns can be used in sports like baseball, cricket or golf to track the speed of pitched or hit balls. They are also extensively used in non-sports events, like in dance halls to calculate dance tempo.
They are also used by physicians/scientists for various purposes related to movement of objects through air or space.
Types of Radars
There are three types of Radars commonly used today: Doppler Radar, Laser Radar, and Optical Radar.
- The Doppler type is very similar to technology police use with their patrol cars when they use a “radar gun which uses Radio waves that bounce off of the target object and return to the radar gun.”
- The Laser type uses “A beam of light is bounced off the baseball which then reflects back at the gun. The duration that it takes for this reflection measures how fast the pitched ball is moving.”
- Optical Radars are similar to laser radars, but instead they use infrared beams to track the ball movement.
The top rated radar gun for sale is the CED M2 which has all three of these types in one device that also features a game timer, stopwatch, temperature readout and much more! The price range for these different models typically vary between $80-$200 dollars depending on the model selected.
The CED M2 comes with a limited one year warranty and has many reviews that are highly rated.
If you’re looking for the best radar guns, then you should definitely take a look at these reviews before making your purchase. There are several different models available to choose from which will work great for personal training as well as competitive league pitching competitions.
Best Baseball Radar Buyers Guide: Our Top Picks for Best Radar Gun
- Pocket Radar Ball Coach
- Stalker Sport 2 Radar – Deluxe Package
- Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun
- Jugs Gun
- Bushnell 101911 Velocity Speed Gun
- Pocket Radar Ball Coach
Though it isn’t compatible with the Pocket Radar App
The Ball Coach Radar is a high-tech radar instrument that measures the speed of a ball in flight. It’s a high-end radar gun and a performance monitor that tracks your speed and other stats, giving you a complete picture of your workout. This radar measures the speed, time, and distance of thrown or batted balls.
The Ball Coach radar is the intelligent and simple way to get better faster by displaying important data like hitting power, pitching speeds, serving speeds, and shot speeds immediately. Measures from 25 mph to 130 mph and is accurate to within +/- 1 mph (+/- 2 kph), has 120 feet of range on a baseball and 25 deep memory.
Accurate Speed Radar in the Palm of Your Hand
The high-impact plastic used in the Ball Coach Radar is similar to that utilized in hockey helmets, making it durable enough to withstand even the most rough and tumble batting and pitching sessions and practices.
The Ball Coach Radar weighs only 15 ounces, making it ultra portable and easy to travel with; slide it into your bag and you’re good to go, whether you’re at the field or in the backyard.
Features:
- Constant-On / Personal Training Mode provides versatile hands-free use
- There are 4 modes, each with a unique purpose: Constant On, Clear Memory, Change Units (MPH and KPH), and Immediate Shut
- Previous 25 speed readings may be stored in long-term memory
- Simple for beginners (simply press and release the button when speed appears)
Specifications:
- Accuracy: +/- 1 MPH (+/- 2 KPH)
- Battery Life: With rechargeable AAA NiMH batteries (not included), over 4,000 readings in user-triggered mode or over 2 hours in Constant-On mode.
- Battery Life: You can hear readings over 2,000 times using AAA alkaline batteries (not included), which equals about 1 hour in constant-on mode, or 56 hours in user-triggered mode
- Range: 120 feet on a baseball
- Weight: 4.5 ounces with batteries (included)
- After 30 seconds in user-triggered mode or 5 minutes without speed readings in Continuous-On Mode, the device uses a special algorithm to turn off automatically.
- Measures: 25 to 130 MPH (40 to 209 KPH)
- Size: 2.3 x 4.7 x 0.8 inches (W x H x D)
- Stalker Sport 2 Radar – Deluxe
The Stalker Sport 2 is the ideal baseball tool, offering fast and simple reading of pitching and running speeds. With (2) active speed windows, you may quickly and efficiently measure pitching and running speeds. Stalker Baseball guns are used by all 30 Major League Baseball clubs.
Stalker Baseball guns outperform other “toy radar” guns in every way with speed, accuracy and distance. And with the Stalker Sport 2’s Pin Seeker technology you can lock onto a player or ball quickly.
Stalker Scout Package includes:
- Stalker Sport 2 Radar
- A Wall charger
- 6 AA NiMH rechargeable batteries
- Comprehensive User Manual
- Hard Carry Box
- Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun
Velocity™ is the only radar that displays both pitching speed and MPH simultaneously, giving coaches & players instant feedback on every throw. It is compatible with all baseballs, softballs and pucks.
Knowing the speed at which a player throws or runs may swiftly alter a coaching decision. The Bushnell Velocity speed gun determines the speed of an object within plus-or-minus 1 mph. The Bushnell Velocity is equipped with digital signal processing technology that can measure the velocities of baseballs up to 90 feet away and moving cars out to 1500
It’s also simple to obtain a player’s 40-time or evaluate the speed of a tennis serve due to its ease of use. The Bushnell Velocity is simple to use, with a point-and-shoot pistol grip that shows the greatest speed when the trigger is pulled.
The Bushnell Velocity radar gun features simple point-and-shoot operation, with a simple trigger pull. No more fumbling around with buttons or touch screens, the Velocity radar gun is made using comfortable grips that have a trigger located right where the index finger falls.
The speed may be read on a large LCD display. The trigger must be pressed while aiming the Velocity at the target. Keep in mind that your target’s direction of travel should remain parallel to you and not perpendicular to you as a quick guide to accuracy.
Specifications:
- Baseball/softball/tennis ranging from 10 – 110 mph (90 ft. away)
- Warranty: 2 years
- Accuracy at +/- 1 mph
- Auto racing ranging from 10 – 200 mph (1,500 ft. away)
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 8.4 x 6 inches (W x H x D)
- Weighting at 19 ozs
Operating Tips:
- Keep your target’s course of travel in a straight line with the speed gun and not at an angle to get accurate speeds.
- The relative speed of a target as it approaches or departs from the Speed Gun will be measured by the Velocity Speed Gun. If the target is in a straight line, the calculated speed will be precise to within 1 mph.
- When you move either to the right or left of the target, the displayed speeds will become increasingly unreliable while the indicated speed decreases as you leave this center. This is due to the “Cosine Effect,” which is typical to all Doppler radar systems.
- The Velocity Speed Gun requires only fresh, alkaline “C” batteries, both inserted positive (tip) end first and with the negative ends facing you (towards the battery cover).
- Jugs Gun
The Jugs Radar Gun is a great device for measuring the speed of pitches thrown by players of all skill levels. The durable, ergonomically designed Lite-Flite radar gun is easy to use, features a large LCD display with backlight and has a range of 5-140 MPH.
The Jugs Radar Gun can be used for training and instruction by coaches who need accurate pitch speeds to design proper pitching drills
The Jugs Radar Gun can also be used for games, in which a pitch speed is needed to determine a play. For example, a catcher may need to know the pitch speed to determine if he should attempt a throw out at second base on a steal attempt. Or the pitch speed might be necessary for determining whether or not to challenge a runner trying to score from third base.
The Jugs Radar Gun is also used for leisure, ensuring safety in sports activities by measuring speeds of balls thrown back to participants. The Jugs Radar Gun can be used for games played with tennis ball machines and more.
Features:
- The JUGS Gun comes with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) state-of-the-art technology
- ACCURATE AND DEPENDABLE
- The JUGS Gun has an accuracy index of ±0.5 mph.
- Measures both MPH and KPH
- Speed range of 5-140 mph (8-224 kph).
- Distance range is up to 300 ft.
- Data port for transmitting data to a display or computer.
ONLY THE JUGS GUN GIVES YOU ALL THESE QUALITY FEATURES:
Operates in two user-friendly modes— Continuous mode and Trigger mode.
- Trigger Mode: The speed of the pitch is read by pulling the trigger. The radar gun keeps its accuracy for the duration you select in the menu. 5 seconds is the default.
- Continuous Mode: The device detects the speed of the pitch and automatically calculates it, then clears itself to read the speed of the next pitch.
FAST,LAST and FAST/LAST Functions:
- FAST captures readings at the release point.
- LAST captures readings at the plate.
- FAST/LAST captures both.
- Bushnell 101911 Velocity Speed Gun
The Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun is a compact and accurate radar gun designed for coaches, players or hobbyists who wish to have an affordable yet high-quality product. Knowing how quickly a player throws or runs may have an impact on coaching choices.
You might think that 15 mph above the limit is no big deal when you learn what they’re doing on the track. The Bushnell® Velocity™ will display +1.0 miles per hour using digital technology and DSP (digital signal processing). From up to 90 feet, measure the speed of a baseball, or from as far away as 1,300 feet.
Features:
- Point-and-shoot pistol grip that’s simple to use
- +/- one mph accuracy
- Large, clear LCD display with a 5-digit LED digital display.
- Once the trigger is released, it reaches its maximum speed.
- Ranges from 6-110 mph in tennis/baseball/softball
Other Measuring Devices
- Markwort Radar Speed Sensor Baseball
Product Description
The size and weight of a real baseball are preserved when using the mini-size baseball. It’s a great practice tool for any age or skill level, and it looks and feels like a genuine thing. Practice throwing and develop pitching techniques with this training aid that imitates the look and feel of a real baseball.
The pitch speed is displayed in mph on the pitcher’s screen after throwing the ball. With 8 changeable pitching distances (20, 30, 40, 46, 50, 60.5, 70 & 80)
The ball’s flight is tracked by Grip Sense technology as soon on contact with the bat as possible, allowing it to record speed automatically. For pitching/throwing training only; not meant to be hit with a bat or on hard surfaces. string measuring and instructions are included. The best training tool for pitchers!
The Glove Radar is a tiny Doppler radar that measures 3 ounces and comes in a sturdy, attractive plastic box. It’s attached to any baseball glove with a multi-strand nylon paracord with a breaking strain of over 300 pounds.
The glove-mounted radar has been shown to take a beating from baseballs at speeds in excess of 100 mph. It typically records ball speed between 12 mph and over 100 mph within 1 mph of more expensive radar guns that measure ball speed in the same relative location.
It’s a very low-powered radar that transmits considerably less power than mobile phones and portable phones. It is powered by a tiny 3 volt lithium camera battery. The Glove Radar is authorized for sale and use in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. It is produced in the United States.
The Glove Radar can easily be attached to the back of any glove. The receiver of the ball or multiple tossing partners in non-game situations wears the Glove Radar, which then reacts to the oncoming ball just before it reaches the glove. A long range capability isn’t required, unlike most radar speed guns.
The cover is fastened with two screws, which can be unscrewed to access the internal battery. Attachment to virtually any ball glove is made easy by a sturdy, weather-resistant nylon cord. The ball being caught is cushioned by a rubber pad molded onto the housing surface next to the glove.
The internal electronics are in “sleep” mode until the push-button On switch is depressed. The ball speed is calculated and displayed on the display in miles per hour when a ball is about to be caught in the glove and receives a velocity signal from it. After an inactivity period of approximately one minute, the Glove Radar goes into sleep mode for best battery conservation.
Specifications:
- Triangular shape of 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 1 3/16 inches
- Speed Units in Miles Per Hour (MPH)
- Accuracy within 1 mph of typical sports radar speed guns placed at comparable catching locations
- Weighting at 3 ounces
- With a 40 inch, 1/8-inch diameter, weather-resistant, durable nylon cord
- Display Type: 2 1/2 Segment LCD
- Speed Ranging from 20 to 120 MPH
- DL-1/3N, 2L76BP, 3 Volt, Lithium CR-1/3N, 160 mAh
- It has a lifespan of 30 hours and over 5,000 speed tests (5000 speed measurements)
Factors To Consider When Buying A Radar Gun
- Battery life is an important factor to consider when purchasing a radar gun. A battery that dies too quickly will render the device useless, especially if you are at practice or in the middle of a game.
- Usefulness is also something to consider when buying a baseball radar gun, since some models are only able to be used for certain situations. If you are a pitcher, it would be in your best interest to buy a radar gun that measures pitching speeds instead of batting speeds. This will avoid the need for a separate gun when doing bullpen work or warming up before a game.
- The accuracy of the measurements is another thing to consider when purchasing a baseball radar gun. While some models may be more accurate than others, the ability to measure speeds within a certain range of accuracy is important. For example, you do not need a gun that can measure speeds to the nearest .001 miles per hour if it only measures up to 99 miles per hour.
- Budget is another important factor to consider, as it is an upfront cost that may influence other purchasing decisions. Lower-cost models will likely be less expensive but are usually not as sturdy or durable. As the price increases, you can expect a more accurate, durable model with added features.
- Portability is another factor to consider when purchasing a baseball radar gun. If you will only use the device within your practice or game, then it is unnecessary to spend extra money on a portable model. However, if you want to be able to use the same gun for multiple purposes on different fields, then portability is an important feature.
What Factors Come Into Play When Measuring Baseball Batting Speeds?
There are many factors that come into play when measuring speeds at which baseballs travel off of a bat. Some of these include: Bat Size and Material, Swing Speed, and Angle of Approach to the Ball.
- Bat Size & Material
The size of a baseball bat will have an effect on the speed at which you are able to hit a pitched baseball. Also, different materials for bats may cause changes in speed readings due to differences in strength and flexibility among bats.
- Swing Speed
The faster you swing your bat at impact, the faster the ball will be traveling off of it when it leaves the bat. As mentioned above though, factors such as Bat Size/Material can affect this measurement.
- Angle Of Approach To The Ball
One last factor that goes into measuring batted ball speeds is the angle at which you approach the ball. A level or slightly uphill approach to the ball will help give you more speed off of the bat than a steeply downhill one.
When Is It Necessary To Buy / Use a Radar Gun?
For many this is a question of when not if. For Coaches and Players looking to improve their game, Baseball Radar Guns are an invaluable tool. They will help you identify your weaknesses, while providing affirmation of your strengths.
Young players can use them in tryout situations, or simply use it as a means to better understand the techniques they are learning in practice. Coaches could use them to monitor and instruct, whether it be someone trying to break into a team or an existing player looking to push themselves further.
The statistics recorded by Radar Guns offer coaches and players alike the best insight possible about their performance levels. Leading sports professionals know this already; they embrace the challenge of the tape measure, the stop watch and the radar gun. When it comes to training, tracking improvement or measuring performance against standards you can trust – Radar Guns are your ultimate coach.
What Do They Do?
The traditional use for a radar gun is to clock the speed of thrown baseballs where it is used by coaches during practices and games. They are also used to clock the speed of pitched baseballs, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “baseball guns“.
However, their use does not just stop with Baseball, Radar Guns can be used in Cricket and even Tennis where serves are being measured. Whether you are looking to improve your game or want a piece of equipment that will enhance your coaching sessions, a Radar Gun is the perfect purchase.
How Do They Work?
The Radar gun operates by sending out a beam of light and measuring how long it takes for the reflected light to return to the machine; this gives an accurate speed reading. Once you know how fast the beam of light moves and how long it takes to reach its target and return, you can calculate the distance between these two points. As we all know: Speed= Distance ÷ Time, so divide one into the other and there’s your answer!
What Is The Average Speed Of A Baseball?
On average, batted baseballs in MLB games are traveling around 90-100 mph (145 – 160 km/h). These speeds can vary depending on whether or not it is game day or practice day, where balls hit in batting practice may be moving faster than those during game situations.
How To Use / Read The Radar Gun?
There’s nothing complicated about using a radar gun when it comes time for your turn at bat. All that’s involved with these devices is pointing and clicking! While you are swinging at the ball, the radar gun will emit a beeping sound which you will need to listen for in order to get your reading.
Another simple trick you can use is to point the barrel of the gun into the air instead of at the pitcher or batter. This way you can get an accurate speed reading without having to worry about too many other factors. For example: If you were practicing hitting on your own and wanted to see how fast your swing was, pointing towards nothing would give you an accurate result while running around would not!
What Are Some Other Uses?
There are several different ways in which Radar Guns can be used outside of Baseball. While they’re primarily for measuring batted balls during games and practices, they can also be used to measure pitches and even serve speeds during a tennis match!
But what about the use outside of sport? Well, with a little bit of creativity anything is possible! One way you could use your Radar Gun is during range practice. Have a look at this range from before where they clocked bullets being shot from rifles with their radar gun: YouTube.
Accuracy Rating
You don’t want to be spending money on a radar gun that doesn’t deliver an accurate reading! While you might find some which seem like they’re delivering the goods, it’s important to remember that this is one piece of sporting equipment where “you get what you pay for“.
The more expensive models are typically going to offer the most reliable data, which is why you should be looking to spend at least $30 – $50.
What Is The Difference Between Cheap & Expensive Radar Guns?
The difference between Expensive and Cheap isn’t always easy to see. However, there are some key differences that any mindful buyer should look out for before making their next purchase.
For example: Cheap radar guns are often not very durable and may be slow to deliver their results.
On the other hand, Expensive Radar Guns will be faster at measuring speeds and will give you numerous additional features which could come in handy during your coaching or practice sessions.
The Key Features Available On A Radar Gun
Depending on your intended use of the radar gun, there are several different features available to help enhance this piece of equipment.
When you’re looking to buy a radar gun for Baseball or softball it’s important to realize that these devices will only be able to measure speeds for balls traveling over 60 mph. That means you’ll need to look for a device that can measure speeds up to, and over 100 mph.
Other features that you may want to consider include:
- Decibel Reader (helps with noise level measurement)
- Shot Detection (allows you to track the speed of individual projectiles such as bullets or tennis balls)
- Bluetooth (connects your Radar Gun to your smartphone or tablet)
- USB Connection (helps with data transfer to other devices, PCs, Laptops & Smartphones/Tablets)
- Video Recording (1080P HD video recording for quick and easy data sharing)
There are other features included which can make your life much easier while playing, practicing or coaching. Definitely take the time to check out all of the options available before you make a purchase!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a product that’ll help you improve your game then look no further than the Radar Gun. This is one device that will give you the data you need to improve your play, and it can be a fun piece of tech for players and spectators alike!
