Baseball is an outdoor game that requires pitchers to throw balls while a batter hits the ball to score points. A pitcher must know how to throw a baseball.
Pitch speed is essential in baseball. A player can improve by measuring the speed and carrying out drills to improve. A Radar Gun is a device that measures the speed of a moving object. There are different types of radar guns, and they include Pocket radar, Jugs radar gun, and Bushnell radar gun.
Pocket radars are by far the most popular ones. If you are looking to buy a pocket radar, you may get overwhelmed with the choices you have. We have compiled just the guide for you to help to decide the best pocket radar for yourself.
Let’s get started.
Pocket Radar & It’s Types
Pocket Radar makes two types of radar guns which are the ball coach and the smart coach.
The smart coach has more features than the ball coach, but they both measure speeds between 25 to 130 MPH and a distance of 120 feet.
Jugs gun is a standard radar gun, and it is very dependable. Jugs radar gun measures speed in the 5 to 140 MPH range with an accuracy of +/- 0.5 MPH and a distance range of 300 ft. Bushnell radar gun is very accurate. It can measure care speeds as well as speeds of objects as small as a baseball. It measures speeds between 10 and 200 MPH with an accuracy of +/- 1 MPH and a distance of 90 feet.
Both the Bushnell and Pocket radar is radar guns for measuring exit velocity. Exit velocity is a measure of the power behind a hit. Bushnell and pocket radar guns are high-performance speed guns with numerous features, but they have different price points.
The pocket coach is a middle ground, high-performance radar gun with a price range between $300 and $500. At the same time, the Bushnell offers heap radar guns with performance matching its price point. The price range of the Bushnell is around $100.
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Best Baseball Radar Guns - Top 10 Picks
Let’s look at all the best radar guns
1
Stalker Radar Pro II Radar Gun
The Stalker Radar Pro II Radar Gun is one of the most expensive speed guns on the market. Still, it is very accurate and popular among professional players. It is legal in tournaments, and it is top-rated. This radar gun has an accuracy of +/- 0.1 MPH and a range of 300 feet.
It can also measure speeds between 1 and 890 MPH, and it has other units such as kmph, knots, and m/s. The device comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery that can last up to 2 hours after a full charge.
It also comes with a low battery indicator. The device can recall ten previous readings, has a casing from hard plastic and comes with a 2-year warranty. This hard plastic makes the speed gun durable and usable underwater up to a maximum depth of 2 feet.
Key Features:
- 10 Readings memory
- Accuracy of +/- 1 MPH
- Measures speeds between 1 and 890 MPH
- Range of 300 ft. from target
- Rechargeable Li-ion battery
- The battery lasts up to 2 hours after full charge
- Options for display unit such as MPH, kmph, knots and m/s
Specification:
- Brand: Stalker Radar
- Package Dimensions: 15.5 × 15.5 × 10.5 inches
- Weight: 10.28 lbs.
Pros
- Easy to use
- It gives accurate results
- Its gun-like design makes it easy to maneuver during a game
- It is durable because its casing is from hard plastic
- You can use this gun underwater up to a maximum depth of 2 feet
- Large, easy to read display
- low battery indicator
- Ability to recall ten previous readings
Cons
- A little bit heavy
- The battery doesn’t last for long
- No Bluetooth connectivity
2
Pro Radar System with Smart Display
The Pro Radar System is the most affordable pro-performance radar system. It has a lot of features that make it suitable for coaches with training facilities. The system has a pro radar module and a smart display. Mount the system on the module with multiple mounting configurations.
The system is durable and weather resistant. It gives instant feedback, improving pitching, ball exit velocity, shooting, throwing, and various skills. The system measures speed between 25 and 130 MPH with an option of a KPH unit.
It has a range of 200 ft. from the target and an accuracy of +/- 1 MPH. The system can recall up to 25 previous readings, and it has a clear memory function. The system also has a wide viewing angle and is easy to mount. The batteries are long-lasting and portable.
Key Features:
- 25 Readings memory
- Accuracy of +/- 1 MPH
- Measures in MPH and KPH
- Range of 200 ft. from target
- Measures speed between 25 and 130 MPH
- 4 C-batteries or USB power options
- Weather-resistant
- Auto-on function
- Memory clear function
- Adjustable sensitivity
Specification:
- Brand: Pocket Radar
- Package Dimensions: 22 × 13 × 6 inches
- Package Weight: 9 lbs.
Pros
- Wide viewing angle
- Portable battery for on-field use
- Long-lasting battery
- Adaptive brightness to lighting conditions
- Weather-resistant
- Accurate with full 3-digit display
Cons
- Difficult to connect to Pocket Radar application
3
Jugs Gun- Sports Radar Gun
The Jugs Gun sports radar gun is an accurate and dependable speed gun. It measures speeds between 5 and 140 MPH with an accuracy of +/- 0.5 MPH. It reads speeds in both MPH and KPH with a range of up to 300 ft. the Jugs gun has two modes of use: the continuous mode and the trigger mode.
To use the continuous mode, pull the trigger twice while pulling the trigger once for the trigger mode. The data on the screen stay for as long as you set it in trigger mode while the data clears off and reads a new speed in continuous mode.
The gun also features a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology that transfers readable signals to the computer through the data pot. Another feature of this device is its battery. The device has 6 NiMH rechargeable batteries that take 2 hours to charge and last up to a week fully. The device is durable and comes with a 2-year warranty
Key Features:
- 6 NiMH rechargeable batteries
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology
- Accuracy of +/- 0.5 MPH
- Readings in MPH and KPH
- Measures speed between 5 and 140 MPH
- Range of 300 ft. from target
- Data port
- Trigger and continuous modes
- FAST, LAST, and FAST/LAST functions
Specification:
- Brand: JUGS sports
- Dimensions: 6 × 12 × 17 inches
- Weight: 6.3 lbs.
Pros
- 2 hours recharge for batteries
- Long-lasting battery for up to a week
- Accurate and trustworthy equipment
- Easy to capture speeds at a significant distance up to 300 ft.
- Trigger mode displays speed on the screen for the duration you set
- Continuous mode displays speed and clears itself to read another speed
- Better game observation when you connect the data port to a computer
- The FAST function reads speed at the release point
- The LAST function reads speed at the plate
- The FAST/LAST function reads speed at the release point, and the plate
Cons
- You have to replace all batteries if one battery is down
- It has more weight than similar guns
4
Sports Radar Speed Gun SR3800
The Sports Radar Speed Gun is a highly durable device with a range of 130 MPH at an accuracy of +/- 1 MPH. The device has a 2.9V battery that can last up to 12 hours in continuous mode and 60 hours in activation mode.
To use this device, point it at the target and pull the trigger. Pulling the trigger displays the speed of the object immediately, and to see the pitch and plate speed, pull and hold the trigger.
The Sports Radar Speed Gun has a microprocessor that determines the accurate speed. A data port that shows statistics when you connect it to a computer. The device has high durability and a 1-year warranty
Key Features:
- Accuracy of +/- 1 MPH
- Measures speed up to 130 MPH
- Speed display in MPH and KPH
- Microprocessor
- Data Port
- Lightweight
- High Durability
- 2.9V batteries
Specification:
- Brand: Sports Radar
- Dimensions: 12.5 × 3 × 9.5 inches
- Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Pros
- An accurate device with accuracy up to +/- 1MPH
- Easy to use
- The microprocessor measures the accurate speed
- Data port displays statistics on a computer
- High durability with low-impact resistance
- 12 hours of battery life in continuous mode
- 60 hours battery life in activation moe
- Reads target, pitch, and plate speed
Cons
- Brief Warranty
5
Pocket Radar Smart Coach
The Pocket Radar Smart Coach is an affordable speed gun with various features. The device is portable and exports data to a mobile app. This data helps a player and coach monitor metrics to improve performance. You can use the device remotely in hands-free mode and share videos with anyone.
The Pocket radar smart coach has a recall memory of 25 previous readings and endless recall memory if you store the data in the cloud. The device measures speed between 25 and 130 MPH with an accuracy of +/- 1 MPH. The device also has a maximum distance of 120 ft. from the target.
The device has Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities, and it is compatible with iOS and Android devices. The device comes with 2 AAA alkaline batteries that can take about 1500 readings in manual mode. There is an audio speed call-out function, and the device comes with a 2-year warranty.
Key Features:
- 25 previous readings memory
- Endless recall memory for cloud storage
- Accuracy of +/- 1 MPH
- Measures speed between 25 and 130 mph
- Range up to 120 ft. from target
- 2 AAA Alkaline batteries
- Readings are in MPH and kmph
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Hands-free capabilities
- Wireless display through a mobile app
- Audio speed call-outs
- Immediate shut-down
Specification:
- Brand: Pocket Radar
- Dimensions: 4.5 × 2.25 × 0.75 inches
- Weight: 4 ounces
Pros
- Easy to use
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices
- An accurate and portable radar gun
- The device displays exit velocity, pitching speed, shooting speed, and serving speed
- Audio call-outs of speed
- Durable material from high-impact plastic
- Pocket radar app records shareable auto-edited videos
- You can export data to a CSV file
- Suitable for remote coaching and training
Cons
- Batteries run out quickly with approximately 1 hour of use in always-on mode
6
Pro-Level Speed Training Tool and Radar Gun
The Pro-level speed training tool is also known as the pocket radar ball coach. It is similar to the Pocket Radar Smart Coach. It measures speed between 25 and 130 MPH at an accuracy of +/- 1 MPH and a range of 120 ft. maximum from the target.
The device has hands-free capabilities with self-guided drills to improve a player’s performance. The device is versatile for different sports, including baseball, cricket, tennis, etc. The material is high-strength plastic and highly durable.
The device is easy to use with a recall memory of 25 readings. Still, it is not compatible with the Pocket Radar app. The device uses alkaline batteries, and it comes with a 2-year warranty
Key Features:
- Flexible and easy to use
- Portable
- Accuracy of +/- 1 MPH
- Supports hands-free mode
- Measures ball speed between 25 and 130 MPH
- Range of 130 ft.
- 2 AAA alkaline batteries
Specification:
- Brand: Pocket Radar
- Dimensions: 4.6 × 0.8 × 2.3 inches
- Weight: 4 ounces
Pros
- Ideal for measuring serving speed, shot speed, pitching speed, throwing speed, etc.
- Suitable for sports such as hockey, softball, tennis, baseball, etc.
- Easy to use
- Suitable for coaching with hands-free mode
- An accurate device with an extensive range
- Durable material from high-impact plastic
- The device can recall 25 previous readings
Cons
- Not compatible with Pocket Radar app
- Requires precise positioning for accurate readings
7
Bushnell Speedster III Radar Gun
The Bushnell Speedster III Radar gun helps measure the speed between 10 and 200MPH, and it has an accuracy of +/- 1 MPH. The device has a range of 90 ft. It has a pistol grip that makes it comfortable to hold.
The device has digital speed processing (DSP) and Radiofrequency (RF). DSP measures accurate speeds while the RF technology transmits data to the Bushnell Speedscreen. Monitoring metrics on a computer helps with coaching and improving a player’s performance. The device is easy to use, and it comes with a 2-year warranty
Key Features:
- Measures speeds between 10 and 200 MPH
- Accuracy of +/- 1 MPH
- Range of 90 ft.
- The device can display readings in MPH and KPH
- Digital speed processing (DSP)
- Good grip
- RF (Radio Frequency) technology
- 2 C batteries
Specification:
- Brand: Bushnell
- Package dimensions: 9.3 × 9.2 × 4.1 inches
- Package Weight: 2.1 lbs.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Pistol grip makes holding the gun comfortable
- RF technology transmits data to a Bushnell Speedscreen to monitor metrics
- DSP measures accurate speeds
- Measures speeds within 10 and 200 MPH at an accuracy of +/-1 MPH
- Takes readings automatically in continuous mode
Cons
- No recall memory
- Requires precise positioning for accurate readings
- The package does not contain batteries
8
Sports Sensors Glove Radar
Sports sensor glove radar is a small triangular device that measures ball speed from any distance before catching the ball. The device has an accuracy of +/- 1 MPH, and it measures speeds between 10 and 120MPH.
To use the sports sensor glove radar, attach it to the back of the glove. The radar weighs 3 ounces, and it is from plastic. The device uses a 3V Lithium battery that lasts for over 30 hours of continuous use, and it comes with a 6-month warranty.
Key Features:
- Triangular design
- Microwave Doppler radar
- 3V Lithium battery
- Readings are in MPH
- It measures speeds between 20 and 120 MPH
- The accuracy of the device is +/- 1 MPH
- Durable nylon cord
Specification:
- Brand: Sports Sensors
- Dimensions: 4.2 × 4.2 × 2 inches
- Weight: 3 ounces
Pros
- Portable and easy to use
- Affordable with a small triangular design
- Ideal for personal practice
- The battery lasts fr about 30 hours in continuous mode
- Microwave Doppler radar attaches to the back of the glove
- Measures speed from any distance before catching the ball
- Measures speed between 20 and 120 MPH with an accuracy of +/- 1 MPH
- You can mount the radar on your glove because of the nylon cord
- The nylon cord is durable, has tensile stress and can withstand pressure from balls at high speed.
Cons
- Warranty is for a short period
- No previous readings memory
- It shows speed only in MPH
- It is loose because it does not secure tightly on the glove
9
Sports Radar Tracer SRA3000 Sports Radar Gun
The sports radar tracer is an accurate radar gun that measures speeds between 3 and 199 MPH with an accuracy of +/- 1 MPH and a distance range of 60 feet. The device uses alkaline batteries that last up to 100 hours.
There’s a low battery indicator that shows when the battery is low. The gun operates in different modes. It has an auto-shutdown feature that conserves energy when the device is not in use. The device also has a 1-year warranty and an attractive price.
Key Features:
- Range of 60 ft. with an accuracy of +/-1 MPH
- It measures speeds between 3 and 199mph
- Displays readings in MPH and kmph
- 6 AAA alkaline batteries
- Auto-shutdown
- Three-digit display
- Low battery indicator
- Point and shot technology
Specification:
- Brand: Sports Radar
- Dimensions: 6 × 2.25 × 7.5 inches
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
Pros
- The radar gun detects speed within 10 and 199 MPH and a distance range of 60 ft.
- It is an accurate device with an accuracy of +/- 1 mph
- The device uses 6 AAA alkaline batteries that can last up to 100 hours
- There is a low battery indicator to show when the batteries are down
- There is a Quick mode that measures both bat and pitch speed
- The point and shoot technology displays the speeds seconds after pulling the trigger
- There is an auto-shutdown feature that preserves energy
Cons
- No previous readings recall memory
- Smaller distance range than competitors in the same category
10
Stalker Sport 2 Radar
The Stalker sports 2 Radar is an accurate radar gun that comes with NiMH rechargeable batteries. The batteries last fr 3 hours, and the device has a low battery indicator. The device can measure speeds between 5 and 150 MPH, and it also has the option of displaying the readings in KPH.
The device has two active speed windows to measure two speeds simultaneously and display them on the screen. The device comes in a hard case for easy transportation. The radar has a range of 300 ft maximum from the target and a function that can recall five previous readings.
The device comes with a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product.
Key Features:
- 6 AA NiMH rechargeable batteries
- Wall charger
- User manual
- Five previous readings memory
- Measures speed between 5 and 150 MPH and a range of 300 feet
- An accurate device with an accuracy of +/-1 MPH
- Readings are in MPH and KPH
- Stopwatch function
- Two active speed windows
- Hard case for transportation
- Low battery indicator
Specification:
- Brand: Stalker Sports
- Dimensions: 6.5 × 3 × 8 inches
- Weight: 1.75 lbs.
Pros
- Easily rechargeable
- Battery life lasts for about 3 hours, and there’s a low battery indicator
- The device measures speeds between 5 and 150 mph with an accuracy of +/- 1 MPH
- Distance from the target can be up to 300 ft.
- The device measures pitching and running speeds simultaneously on the two active speed windows
- It can also capture both release and plate speed at the same time and display them on the screen
- Suitable for all levels of baseball
Cons
- Limited warranty
- Five recall memory is low
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below is a compilation of frequently asked questions about baseball radar gun and their answers. Do well to follow through.
Take a look at other training equipment, HERE
What is the best baseball radar gun app?
There are different baseball radar gun apps, and they all have their peculiarities. Some of the best baseball radar gun apps are:
- Speed Gun App
- Speed Gun
- Speed Reporting Radar Gun
- Ball Speed Radar Gun App
- Radar Mobile Speed.
Speed Gun App is a popular, easy-to-use app, and it measures the speed of moving objects with one touch. You can use this app to measure the current rate of movement on foot and in a vehicle.
Speed Gun is a lightweight app without extra features. The app analyzes the distance to an object, pitches it on the map, and measures the speed. However, the interface is not user-friendly.
Speed Reporting Radar Gun is a straightforward but versatile application. This app is not limited to measuring speed in sports; it also measures moving cars and people’s speed. You can also choose the unit of measurement convenient for you and connect the app to speed measuring sensors around you.
Ball Speed Radar Gun App is the most accurate for measuring the speed of moving objects. It can recognize balls in a video and calculate their speed.
Radar Mobile Speed measures the speed of objects and also determines the distance between objects. The app enters the shortest distance to the target and follows the target. The app also has an excellent interface design.
How accurate is the Ball Coach Pocket Radar?
The Ball Coach Pocket Radar measures the relative speed of an object in the direction that is directed towards or away from the radar’s antenna. The Pocket Radar Technology measures the speed with an accuracy of +/- 1 MPH
Can I use my phone as a radar gun?
Yes, you can. To use your phone as a radar gun, install a radar detector application on your phone for the phone’s storage. There are different radar detector applications. Some of the best applications include Speed Camera Radar, Cobra iRadar, Escort Live Radar, Radar Beep, and Radarbot.
Are radar gun apps accurate?
Radar gun apps are accurate, especially the expensive ones. Ball Speed Radar Gun app, which measures the speed of moving objects, is the most accurate radar gun.
How much is a radar gun for baseball?
There are different radar guns, and they all have different prices.
- Stalker Radar Pro II + costs $1579. It measures up to 890 MPH with an accuracy of +/- 0.1 MPH and a distance range of 300 ft.
- The Jugs Gun costs $1195. It measures up to 140 MPH with an accuracy of +/- 0.5 MPH and a distance range of 300ft.
- The Pocket Radar Smart Coach SR1100 costs $400. It measures speeds between 25 to 130 MPH with an accuracy of +/- 1 MPH and a distance range of 120 ft.
- Bushnell Speedster III costs $160. It measures speeds between 10 to 200 MPH with an accuracy of +/- 1 MPH and a distance range of 90 ft.
- NET PLAYZ Smart Baseball Trainer costs $78. It measures speeds between 0 and 150 MPH with an accuracy of f +/-3 MPH and a distance range of 29.5 ft.
How much does a pocket radar cost?
There are two radar guns from Pocket Radar, and they are the Smart Coach and the Ball Coach Radar.
The Smart Coach is more expensive and versatile than the Ball Coach Radar. Some features of the Smart Coach that are absent in the Ball Coach include uploading videos to other apps and exporting data to a CSV file.
Other features of the Smart Coach include displaying speed and video simultaneously, adjustable speed ranges, audio speed call-outs, auto-on capabilities, and so much more.
The Smart Coach and ball coach measure accurate speeds and exit velocity off the bat. They have hands-free capabilities and clear memory functions. They both measure a distance range of 120 ft. and come with a 2-year warranty. The Smart Coach costs $400 while the Ball Coach costs $300.
How do you use a Pocket Radar by yourself?
Hold the Pocket Radar up vertically like a camera phone and ensure that the radar lens beam is directly in line with the object you want to measure. When the object is in motion, tap r hold the more prominent button, like taking a picture. The speed of the moving object will appear on the display
Do pocket radars read slow?
To measure accurately with a Pocket Radar, ensure that the object is directed towards or away from the radar’s antenna. If there is a deviation from this, the pocket radar will measure a slow speed instead of the accurate speed.
Can I rent a radar gun?
Radar Sports has a rental service that makes it easy for customers to rent radar guns to suit their needs. Call a Radar Gun specialist to rent a radar gun to guide you to the radar gun that satisfies your requirements.
Afterward, fill out and return a rental form that you will receive by fax or email. Then, the service ships the radar gun and the components for set-up to you.
How do you know how fast you throw?
You can use a radar gun to measure your throw speed or use the traditional method. The traditional way is using the formula, Speed = Distance / Time. Measure the distance your throw covers, and the time it takes to cover that distance. This formula gives your speed in feet per second. To get your speed in miles per hour (MPH), multiply your speed by 0.682
What does peak mean on a radar gun?
A radar gun measures the speed of a moving object. Peak speed is the same as the fastest speed the object moves. The radar gun always displays the peak reading.
Conclusion
Baseball gun radars measure the speed of pitches and exit velocity, and they show the metrics on a computer. These metrics help improve a player’s performance and skill. This article reviews the top ten baseball radar guns.
An evaluation of different conditions, such as accuracy and range, is provided. Kindly through the article thoroughly select the radar gun that best suits your needs.
