AllOutdoor Review – Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph
Chronographs are an interesting piece of technology. Either shooters use them religiously for developing reloads, collecting data to create D.O.P.E. cards (data on previous engagement), or they avoid them entirely thinking it is too much work for what they are worth. I might be an outlier in that I have used the “old school” chronographs that had the enormous rabbit ears, only worked on sunny days (but not too sunny), and required perfect positioning near the muzzle or no data would be registered. Old chronographs always had this smoke ‘n mirrors mystique about them. For those myriad of reasons, I was hesitant to review the Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph. That is no knock against Athlon Optics, its simply for all the aforementioned reasons and then some. The shooting industry hadn’t taken the headache out of chronographs (until now). The Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph was about to change my mind about everything though. Let’s dive in to see how it performed!
Athlon Optics Coverage on AllOutdoor
- Athlon Optics Introduces the Ares HLR Lightweight Hunting Riflescope
- AllOutdoor Review: Athlon Optics ARES ETR UHD 3-18×50 APRS6 FFP IR MIL
- AllOutdoor Review – Athlon ARGOS G2 UHD 8x42mm Binoculars
- AllOutdoor Review: Athlon Optics Helos BTR GEN2 2-12×42 FFP IR
Specifications – Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph
The Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph (SKU: 707301) has an MSRP of $499.99. The chronograph’s dimensions are 3.5″ wide by 2.7″ high by 1.2″ deep while the tripod that comes with it has dimensions of 4″ high by 1.2″ wide. Collectively, the tripod and chronograph weight almost less than 1/2 Lb (9 ounces). The rest of the important specifications for the Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph can be read below as presented by Athlon Optics:
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion, Rechargeable
- Battery Life: 6 Hours
- Operating Range: 14°F to 122°F
- Memory/History: 50 Sessions / 100 Shots per Session
- Display Size: 2.4”
- Display Type: Transreflective LCD Screen
- Display Resolution: 240 x 320
- Radar Type: Doppler Radar
- Velocity Range: 65 – 5,000 FPS
- Velocity Accuracy: +/- 0.1%
- Tripod Mount: 1/4-20 Thread
- Connector Type: USB-C
- Chronograph Weight: 4.7 Oz
- Tripod Weight: 4.3 Oz
Standout Features – Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph
When it comes to the Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph there are quite a few features and characteristics that make it desirable to own. Some simple and some more complex. Being small, compact, and portable is a nice convenience. Also, having a rechargeable battery and a waterproofed exterior. Then, once you couple in the fact that Athlon has made their own Ballistics App to accompany the chronograph – and you have not just a singular product – but an ecosystem of data to tap into if you are looking to collect ballistic data, you realize that this chronograph is not like those of the past.
- IP67 Waterproof
- Rechargeable Battery
- Compact Size
- Large LCD Screen
- Athlon Ballistics App Compatible
- Firmware Update via Bluetooth
Athlon Lifetime Warranty – Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph
In the rare event that your red dot should ever require service, warranty, or replacement of any kind, Athlon Optics has set the bar for customer service. The Athlon Lifetime Warranty that covers all of their optics also covers your Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph as a lifetime warranty that is fully transferable to future owners of products and no receipt is needed. So, whether you gift something to a friend or pass it down to a family member, the next owner in line is still covered. Whether this chronograph takes a tumble out of a gun case, or some other unforeseen scenario, you are still covered.
When things go unexpectedly or accidents happen, rest assured, Athlon Optics carry a lifetime transferable warranty. Athlon guarantees to repair or replace your product if damaged through normal use.
No charge; No receipt; No Registration required.
A Word from Athlon Optics on the Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph
Athlon makes ballistic calculations effortless with the Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph. Using Doppler radar, it tracks your projectile without attaching anything to your barrel—so it won’t change your zero or disrupt barrel harmonics. That means you can test loads and confirm real-world velocity while keeping the same accuracy you trust on target.
Because it doesn’t rely on muzzle blast to trigger, the Velocity Pro reliably captures shots from suppressed rifles and firearms equipped with muzzle brakes, compensators, and other muzzle devices. And with a wide measurement range of 65 to 5,000 fps, it’s built to handle everything from low-velocity projectiles to high-speed rifle rounds—giving you dependable data across a massive variety of setups.
What’s in the Box? Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph
One of the most common and recurring questions I receive reviewing firearms and their related products is, “what’s in the box?” Meaning, what do you all get with your purchase. This is important because what you do and do not get will dictate what type of accessories you need to additionally buy depending on what you want your end-product to look like. All this being said, this is everything that you will receive:
Included in the Box:
- Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph
- Cardboard Box
- Allen Key
- USB-C to USB Charging Cable
- Tripod
- Owner’s Manual
- Carrying Case
What’s the Upsell? What’s the 30-Second Elevator Pitch?
So, what’s the upsell? What’s the metaphorical and literal 30-second elevator pitch? For the Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph, you’re looking at several prominent traits that might tip the scale in favor of Athlon Optics as opposed to a competing manufacturer at a similar price-point.
- Intuitive Interface – Quickly switch between Average Velocity, Standard Deviation, Extreme Spread, Deviation from Average, Kinetic Energy, and Power Factor
- Point and Shoot Precision – Just align the chronograph to your target and shoot
- Reliable Data Capture – Ability to Track the Correct Bullet when Multiple Shooters are Present
Range Experience – Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph
So, how did the Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph perform out on the range?… To test this chronograph, I used it to collect data on a rifle that was suppressed, not suppressed, and I even fired some of the newly announced 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak ammunition that has been souped up with an additional 300 FPS (feet per second) compared to normal 6.5 Creedmoor ammo.
Taking the chronograph out of the box, everything was intuitive. That being said, I still read the very short owner’s manual to make sure I wouldn’t be missing anything. Once the chronograph was charged via its USB-C cord, I was able to take it to the range begin collecting some data.
The owner’s manual states that the chronograph should be setup 4 feet away from the muzzle of your firearm, and I found that to be very forgiving. So, that was nice to see. Also, the fact that it can collect velocities down to 65 FPS and up to 5,000 FPS makes this chronograph very valuable. So, whether I am testing a crossbow or a magnum varmint cartridge, the Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph should be able to pick up almost anything.
While shooting suppressed, un-suppressed, and with some spicier 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak ammunition, I noticed no change in the chronograph’s ability to pick up velocity readings. It was instant and fast every time. Cycling through different data strings of fire was easy, too. Everything about the Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph‘s user interface was simple and easy to work with. Large buttons that easily actuate when pressed, a simple menu to navigate, and the ability to change what color or brightness the display is – so it is the easiest for you to see depending on your indoor or outdoor lighting conditions – all made me really enjoy using this chronograph.
Final Thoughts
So, what are my final thoughts on the Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph?… Overall, it was an incredibly intuitive chronograph to setup and use out in the field. It was easy to figure out, not overly complex, and easily works regardless of the muzzle device you might have on a firearm and even if the chronograph isn’t perfectly positioned near the muzzle. All of the horrors I have experienced with old school chronographs were non-issues with this newer model from Athlon. For an MSRP of $499, I fully believe that this chronograph is worth it.
In closing, I want to say thank you to Athlon Optics for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their new Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph is something worth spending your money on? Would you potentially deploy it to shoot a league or competition? As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Athlon Optics and their Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback and engagement.
Athlon Optics Social Media Channels
The post AllOutdoor Review – Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph appeared first on AllOutdoor.com.