Best Baseball Radar Guns In 2024 (Our Top 5)

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Best Baseball Radar Guns In 2024 (Our Top 5)

Written by Chris

Published on February 22, 2024

Are you a baseball player or coach looking to improve your skills and track your progress? One tool that can help is a baseball radar gun. I remember when my son first used a radar gun at a private pitching lesson. Seeing those pitch speeds gave him a whole new perspective on his performance and helped him benchmark to evaluate progress. By measuring pitch speed and exit velocity, radar guns provide valuable insights into a player's game and help identify areas for improvement. In this article, we'll discuss the top 5 best baseball radar guns on the market, the importance of using a radar gun in baseball, and how to use one effectively.

5 of the Best Baseball Radar Guns in 2024

Pocket Radar Smart Coach Gun
Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun
Stalker Sport 2 Radar Gun
Pocket Radar Ball Coach
SKLZ Bullet Ball Baseball Pitching Speed Sensor

#1. Pocket Radar Smart Coach

Features

Brand: Pocket Radar Smart Coach
Accuracy: +/- 1 mph
Distance: up to 120 feet
Measuring speed capacity: 25 to 130 MPH
Weight: 4.5 ounces
Dimensions: 2.3 x 4.7 x 0.8 inches (W x H x D)
Battery life: <1 hour in constant on-mode

Leading off is the Pocket Radar Smart Coach. Pocket Radar offers two models: the Ball Coach and the Smart Coach. Both have similar ranges and accuracy, measuring speeds from 25 to 150 MPH up to 120 feet away. They also have internal memory, but they only store the last 25 entries. The Smart Coach app, however, saves your data indefinitely and makes it easy to export into a spreadsheet.

While the Ball Coach provides speed readings, the Smart Coach does more, connecting to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. This allows you to incorporate speed readings into videos—a handy feature if you’re creating content for recruiters or colleges.

Both models can be operated manually or in hands-free/continuous mode, but only the Smart Coach has remote control capabilities. You can place it on a tripod or fence, then control it from the stands using your smartphone. The Pocket Radar is beginner-friendly, featuring a clear display, automatic triggering, built-in memory, and an always-on mode.

Our opinion

We are in love with the Pocket Radar Smart Coach. My son and I have been using this for over a year now and couldn't be happier. At his age, I don't want him to overly focus on pitch speed so we primarily use this for exit velocity in hitting drills. We've compared it to much more expensive tools used at our practice facilities and its accuracy is on point, usually within 1 mph. Aside from its accuracy, its portability is a huge bonus. It is much easier than hauling around one of those big radar guns.

Much like the Bushnell, if you are a scout or a coach who needs to track speeds at long distances then the Pocket Radar might not be the best option for you.

If you are a baseball parent, coach, or player who has access to an angle in the direct flight path of the baseball within 100 feet then the Pocket Radar is an easy choice.

#2. Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun

Features

Accuracy: +/- 1 mph
Distance: up to 90 feet
Measuring speed capacity: 10-110 mph
Weight: 19 ozs
Dimensions: 4.3 by 8.4 by 6 inches (WxHxD)
Warranty: 2 years

Batting second is the Bushnell Velocity Speed Radar Gun, an affordable point-and-shoot option that ranks among the best baseball radar guns. While no radar gun is 100% accurate, this model claims a +/- 1.0 MPH accuracy. However, in our testing, results were sometimes inconsistent, with readings 5-7 MPH lower than expected.

Despite the occasional inaccuracy, this budget-friendly gun is ideal for younger players who don't need a pro scout’s radar. It’s versatile, covering speeds from 10 to 110 MPH, and can be used for multiple sports. Lightweight and easy to handle, it’s popular in youth sports, thanks to its point-and-squeeze trigger and large LCD. However, if you need precise readings from a distance, this isn’t the tool for you. For Little Leaguers curious about their velocity, this is a great choice.

#3. Stalker Sport 2 Radar Gun

Features

Accuracy: +/- 1 mph
Distance: up to 300 feet
Measuring speed capacity: 5 to 150 MPH
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Dimensions: 8.00 x 6.50 x 3.00 in
Battery life: 3 Hour Battery Life
Includes 2-year warranty

Batting in the 3 spot is the Stalker Sport 2 Radar, crafted by an industry leader and considered one of the best on the market. It measures speeds from 5-150 MPH with an impressive accuracy of within 0.1 MPH. Its user-friendly design and pinpoint accuracy rival even more expensive models, and it works from up to 350 feet away, surpassing many other radar guns.

The large, easy-to-read LCD screen simplifies operation: just point, pull the trigger, and get an instant, accurate speed reading, whether you’re in front of or behind the object.

#4. Pocket Radar Ball Coach

As a baseball dad, I can confidently say that the Pocket Radar Ball Coach is a game-changer. We actually started out with this model before eventually upgrading to the Smart Coach. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and the 120-foot range is more than enough for tracking ball speed. The accuracy within 1 MPH is remarkable, making it perfect for measuring pitching speeds, exit velocity, and speeds in various sports like tennis, and hockey.

The ease of use is another standout feature. With trigger capabilities, timing is no longer an issue, which is great for self-guided drills or one-on-one coaching. The 25 memory recalls allow for easy progress tracking over time. It’s no surprise that the Pocket Radar Ball Coach is considered a pro-level speed training tool.

Overall, I highly recommend starting with this product if you're serious about improving sports performance. It's accurate, easy to use, and has a long battery life, making it a must-have for any athlete or coach.

#5. SKLZ Bullet Ball Baseball Pitching Speed Sensor

If you don’t want to carry around a radar gun and are just curious about your pitch speeds, the SKLZ® Bullet Ball Baseball with built-in radar capabilities might seem like a good fit. This regular-sized baseball claims to accurately measure speeds up to 120 MPH.

However, my experience with it was disappointing. My son and I struggled to get it to work; it didn’t show pitch speeds for weeks, and when it finally did, the readings were inconsistent. We tested it against other radar devices, and the SKLZ ball never matched the readings, making it feel more like a novelty item than a serious tool. While the concept is fun, especially for young players, it’s just not reliable enough compared to other devices. Now, it’s ended up in our batting practice bucket.

What is a Baseball Radar Gun?

A baseball radar gun is a device that measures the speed of a baseball in flight. It works by emitting a signal toward the ball, which reflects back to the gun, allowing it to calculate the ball's speed. There are two main types used in baseball: Doppler radar guns, which use radio waves that bounce off the ball, and laser radar guns, which use a laser beam to achieve similar results.

Importance of Using a Radar Gun in Baseball

Radar guns offer numerous benefits for players and coaches. For pitchers, tracking pitch speed can improve accuracy and consistency, highlighting areas for improvement. For hitters, measuring exit velocity helps track progress over time. Scouts and coaches use radar guns to evaluate players and develop targeted training plans by combining radar data with video analysis and biomechanical assessments. This comprehensive approach helps in identifying a player’s strengths and areas needing improvement.

Radar Guns in Youth Baseball

You’ve probably heard that radar guns are not suitable for youth players. The truth is, like any tool, their value depends on how they're used. In the right hands, a radar gun can actually protect a player's arm by monitoring velocity during off-season throws, potentially flagging overuse or injury. Additionally, radar guns can introduce healthy competition into practices, a vital aspect often missing at the youth level.

With so many options available, we’ve highlighted our top 5 baseball radar guns to help you choose the best one for your needs. Consider the features that matter most to you, and use our breakdown below to make an informed decision.

How to Use a Baseball Radar Gun

Using a baseball radar gun effectively requires some knowledge and skill. Here are some tips and best practices:

Position the radar gun properly: Place it directly behind the catcher or pitcher for pitch speed, and behind the hitter for exit velocity.

Hold the radar gun steady: Keep the gun still to avoid affecting accuracy.

Use a tripod or stand: Stabilize the gun for more accurate measurements.

Avoid obstructed views: Ensure a clear line of sight to the ball.

Avoid extreme temperatures: Temperature extremes can impact accuracy.

Calibrate the radar gun: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for calibration.

Practice and experiment: Try different angles, positions, and drills to optimize your use.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Radar Gun

Technology: Decide if app connectivity, video recording with embedded speed readings, and easy sharing are important features for you.

Skill Level: Match the radar gun to your needs. Youth coaches may not require the advanced features of a model used by MLB scouts. Opt for simplicity if it suits your level.

Budget: Radar guns vary widely in price, from $20 to thousands. Consider your purpose and ensure the device meets your expectations in terms of portability, technology, accuracy, and battery life.

Accuracy: Precision is crucial, especially if you're aiming for improvement or scouting opportunities. Even a few MPH can make a significant difference.

Portability: Choose a lightweight, discreet radar gun that’s easy to carry, especially if you’re traveling frequently to games.

Distance: Some models need to be within a specific range to provide accurate readings, so check the distance requirements.

Battery Life: Ensure the radar gun has a reliable battery life, so it doesn’t die mid-game, disrupting your tracking.

Final Thoughts on baseball radar guns

A baseball radar gun is a valuable tool for players, coaches, and scouts. By measuring pitch speed and exit velocity, it helps identify areas for improvement and track progress over time. When choosing a radar gun, consider factors like accuracy, ease of use, and durability. With some practice, it can become an important part of your training toolkit, offering insights that contribute to better performance and player development.

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