Introduced in mid-2025 as Athlon’s first-ever offering in this category, the Rangecraft Velocity PRO Radar Chronograph provides a compact yet capable radar chronograph designed for versatile field use. It is designed to capture velocity data without the extensive setup or vulnerable sensor placement traditionally associated with legacy chronographs, making it immediately relevant to shooters, armorers, and ballistic professionals who prioritize efficiency and portability.
The Velocity PRO measures approximately 4.5″ (L) × 3.0″ (H) × 1.5″ (W) and is housed in a rugged polymer composite shell that strikes a balance between strength and weight. The exterior finish and ergonomic contouring helped the unit (and its associated carrying case) tuck securely in gear bags or range packs, and the shell’s construction gave confidence it could endure repeated handling without cracking or flexing. Athlon noted the Velocity PRO holds an IP67 rating for the device, and the sealed button interfaces and gasketed seams offer a reassuring level of resistance to dust, light spray, and incidental moisture—enabling use on range days with light rain without fear of immediate malfunction.
The back face of the Velocity PRO is minimalist yet functional; a clear 2.4” backlit two-color LCD display dominates the layout, presenting captured shot data and other information in crisp numerical form and easing visual interpretation at a glance. Beneath the transreflective polymer display screen sits the sensor array, which operates using Doppler radar technology to measure projectile velocities without requiring the bullet to pass through legacy optical skyscreens or timing gates. In practice, this allows for consistent measurement of both rifle and pistol speeds with minimal setup alignment, and Athlon’s internal processing to deliver repeatable results across a wide spectrum of forearm calibers.
At the top of the unit are three buttons; Power (PWR)/Return (RTN), Option (OPT)/Delete (DEL), and “OK” buttons are clearly marked for rapid access to key functions such as starting/ending a session, toggling between stored sessions, and adjusting display brightness. The device’s software programming is intended to capitalize on intuitive buttonology.
On the sides of the device, controls were kept simple. Two up/down buttons provide menu navigation, allow access to shot review, and manipulation of setting adjustment, all while giving responsiveness and are large enough to be handled with gloves or under cold conditions. A USB-C port on the opposite side—protected by a fitted rubber plug—allows the internal rechargeable battery to be connected (with USB cable provided) and charged. Once fully charged, the battery delivers up to six hours of continuous operation, enough for extended range sessions without frequent stoppages.
The front of the Velocity PRO is unremarkable and flush to allow the Doppler full sensor range and make the necessary detections.
The bottom of the Velocity PRO features a standard 1/4″-20 tripod thread, enabling attachment to the included lightweight aluminum tripod (or any other common aftermarket tripod base). The supplied tripod offers 4” of height and a 4” triangular base.
Athlon’s onboard software and menu system serves as the primary interface for configuring device behavior. Users and define measurement parameters, set calibration offsets, and manage session data directly on the unit. Alternatively, the device’s bluetooth Low Energy connectivity can pair the chronograph to Athlon’s Rangecraft mobile app on iOS and Android, allowing quick data transfer, shot tagging, export of velocity datasets (CSV), and long-term tracking of performance metrics. This wireless integration can significantly streamline post-session analysis, negating the need for manual note-taking or post-range transcription.
The Rangecraft Velocity PRO Radar Chronograph is offered in a tactical black and grey finish for a subdued, range-appropriate aesthetic.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Excellent (5/5): At an MSRP of $499.99 that was in line with other premium radar-based chronographs, the Rangecraft Velocity PRO Radar Chronograph offers performance comparable to established competitors such as the Garmin Xero C1 Pro. It delivers consistent velocity data using Doppler radar technology without reliance on ambient lighting or downrange sensor placement, eliminating many of the limitations associated with traditional optical chronographs. Setup is minimal, operation is self-contained, and the unit remains safely positioned at the firing line. Compared to older radar systems like the Longshot’s LabRadar LX ($599.95) or Caldwell’s VelociRadar ($604.99)—which are larger, more accessory-dependent, and often criticized for software or setup complexity—the Velocity PRO presents a more streamlined alternative like the Garmin Xero C1 Pro ($599). While it does not compete on price with legacy budget optical chronographs, such as the ProChrono DLX Bluetooth ($169.99) from Competitive Electronics or Caldwell Ballistic Precision 2.0 Chronograph ($164.99) its modern radar implementation, comparable accuracy, and inclusion of a fitted carrying case help justify excellent cost within the current market segment of similar products.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): In use, the physical setup of the Velocity PRO proved intuitive and easy to deploy, with a nearly instant, one-button launch process. While slightly larger than the Xero C1 Pro, this increased size resulted in a noticeably larger and easier-to-read display. However, the screen of the Velocity PRO also featured a more reflective surface, which in brighter outdoor environments proved somewhat problematic at times when attempting to read the display while positioned behind the rifle. The larger buttons and overall size fit more comfortably in the hand than the Xero C1 Pro, which felt almost too small. Physical controls on the device itself were logically arranged and required little familiarization; however, in-app buttonology was somewhat more difficult to navigate, as certain options and commands were buried under multiple layers of menus and proved less intuitive. That said, the application’s charts effectively consolidated collected data into a single point of review and could be easily exported in either .jpg or .xls formats for post-session analysis. Portability remained good despite the larger footprint, and the included carrying case simplified transport and storage. Overall ease of use between the Velocity PRO and the Xero C1 Pro was effectively equivalent, with the larger screen being the most meaningful ergonomic distinction between the two.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The Velocity PRO demonstrated solid durability under regular range use, handling routine transport, incidental impacts in range bags, and outdoor exposure without issue (although despite our best efforts could not time the evaluation with rainfall). Its enclosed housing avoided the fragility common to optical chronographs and maintained reliable performance even when positioned close to the muzzle. As such, it was also removed from being positioned downrange, and not at risk of strike common to screen or gate chronographs. As with most integrated electronic devices, long-term battery serviceability/longevity will remain a consideration, though no issues were encountered during testing and it recharged without problems. The included carrying case was press-fitted for the device and all accessories, and offered additional protection during transport. End-users should avoid rigid weapon-mounted configurations, because although the Velocity PRO has an IP rating, Athlon did not state on its website or in the product specs if the unit was IK rated for shock resistance or to withstand direct firearm recoil impulses. Such rigid mounting methods will transfer the impulse directly into the unit and could affect the sensor’s calibrations.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional perspective, the Velocity PRO was engineered around a streamlined measurement workflow, focused on reliable Doppler-based velocity acquisition and efficient data review. Memory storage of the Velocity PRO could allot for a maximum of 500 shots to be recorded in total. Core device functions—including unit configuration, shot string review, screen color/backlight, and basic system settings—were accessed through a straightforward menu structure that required minimal user navigation before or during live fire. The end-user could select the Quick-Start option to immediately begin, or configure the session as needed based on platform and projectile (which only still took less than a minute to perform). The larger display relative to other chronographs improved direct readability of shot data and reduced dependence on external monitors or a smartphone for real-time confirmation. Initial open-source user feedback and reports indicated that some first-release Velocity PRO units exhibited interoperability issues when operated in (very) close-proximity to other Doppler-based chronographs. Athlon has addressed these observations by clarifying that the Velocity PRO is designed for single-device operation and that its emissions profile and internal electronics are not intended for clustered or co-located radar use (so there is the possibility for electronic interference if used as such). Review of notable issues also showed some of the complaints also centered around end-user misuse (such as placing the unit too close to the bore). During evaluation for this review, no such interference was observed when the Velocity PRO was operated adjacent—at an approximate spacing of six-to-eight inches—to a Garmin Xero C1 Pro and approximately two feet off bore (well within the operational profile stated on-screen). This suggests that most end-users are unlikely to encounter interoperability limitations under normal use conditions. The primary operational impact of this design constraint would apply to range operators or match officials, who should consider device spacing and electrical layout when deploying multiple chronographs simultaneously for organized events. Comparative range testing revealed that the Velocity PRO consistently reported projectile velocities that differed by a minor margin—often 10-20 feet per second, either higher or lower—when compared directly to the Xero C1 Pro regardless of pistol or rifle caliber. These variances were minor and fell within expected tolerances for consumer-grade Doppler systems. The differences are likely attributed to variations in radar hardware characteristics, signal resolution, sampling methodology, and proprietary velocity-calculation algorithms built into the unit. Without laboratory-grade instrumentation and controlled reference standards, it is not feasible to determine absolute velocity “truth” in projectiles or among commercially available chronographs while in field. Consequently, consistency within a single measurement system remains the most critical factor. Thus when used as a standalone reference, the Velocity PRO demonstrated repeatable, internally consistent results suitable for end-user load development and performance-based analysis. The included all-aluminum tripod also added a level of sturdiness when pressing the buttons or withstanding sudden gusts of wind on the range where other, lighter polymer tripods were less robust.
- Weight – Good (4/5): The Velocity PRO weighed in at 4.7 ounces and was slightly heavier and larger than other compact radar chronographs available, but this difference was not operationally significant in terms of field use. The added size primarily supports a larger display and buttons that did not meaningfully detract from portability. When compared to other similar products; like Garmin’s Xero C1 Pro (3.7 ounces), Longshot’s LabRadar LX (11.5 ounces) or Caldwell’s VelociRadar (69 ounces), or legacy radar or optical chronographs that require added external sensors, tripods, or sky screens, the Rangecraft Velocity PRO Chronograph remained substantially more compact and easier to deploy. The included carrying case further mitigated its minimally increased size, making transport and storage straightforward.
Overall Rating – Good (21/25)
Product Link: https://athlonoptics.com/product/rangecraft-velocity-pro-radar-chronograph/
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.