5 Best Baseball Radar Gun Picks for 2023
Paul Hall
In this article, I’ll guide you through the features, pros, and cons of some of the best radar guns for baseball on the market today.
When it comes to selecting the right radar gun for baseball, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Each player and coach has unique needs and expectations.
From the thrill of tracking the speed of a blazing fastball to analyzing the spin and movement of a curveball, the radar gun is an indispensable tool that can elevate your understanding of the game.
Whether you’re an aspiring major leaguer or a Little League coach, the right radar gun can make a significant difference in how you approach and excel in the game of baseball.
So, let’s embark on this journey together to explore the top radar guns that can help you measure success on the diamond.
In a hurry?
Here are my top 5 baseball radar guns sorted according to different budgets and requirements:
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Pocket Radar – Smart Coach
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The SmartCoach Radar is a versatile tool that can be used on its own or in conjunction with the companion app, which is compatible with both Apple and Google Play.
Opening the box revealed a Quick Start Guide, a return information pamphlet, and a limited warranty.
Additionally included in the package is a Pocket Radar-branded holster which features a belt clip and velcro closure to keep the SmartCoach Radar secure and within easy reach.
Operating the SmartCoach Radar is straightforward. Turning it on is as simple as pressing the mode recall button, putting it in standard radar mode.
A quick press and release of the button captures my speeds. For continuous mode, I just hold down the mode button, though it’s worth noting that this can drain the batteries more quickly.
Thankfully, they’ve included a micro USB charging port, which allows me to connect a power bank for continuous power, saving me from frequent battery replacements.
For this reason I gave the battery life a rating of 10.
The accuracy of this radar is pretty impressive, with just a marginal error of plus or minus one mile per hour.
The No products found. comes with various modes, including a clear mode to wipe local data and a units mode that toggles between kilometers per hour and miles per hour.
When I paired it with the Pocket Radar app, a world of advanced features opened up.
It offered video with an embedded speed display, remote speed monitoring and control, and the ability to download, track, and share speed data and videos.
The app automatically recorded each pitch as a separate clip, each around eight seconds long, with the speed displayed in a black box in the upper right corner of the video.
However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks to consider. First, the device provides velocity readings to the nearest whole mile per hour, not tenths.
Second, it registers speeds only at or above 25 miles per hour. While this won’t be an issue for most applications, it could limit its utility in certain cases.
Pocket Radar – Ball Coach
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This next product is another Pocket Radar device. This baseball radar gun is similar to the first product I talked about.
But this is a more budget-friendly option you can try out. Of course, you will not get all the features of the first Pocket Radar device.
Still, you do get some extra add ons with this radar gun though. I’ll talk about that more next.
To begin with, you are getting a great deal with the No products found. radar gun. Not only do you get a tripod, charger pack, cleaning cloth, and case for your radar gun.
But you also have the same capabilities as the first Pocket Radar I talked about. This includes being able to track speeds up to 130 MPH.
This device can also be used in a 120 feet radius. However, you cannot use this version of the Pocket Radar with your phone.
So, many of the convenient and more state of the art features are excluded from this purchase.
For example, you can’t record videos, or download your speed data. Still, this is a highly accurate product that can really take your training to the next level.
So, definitely consider getting this if you are interested in a great radar gun but don’t have the budget for the Smart Coach.
Bushnell – Velocity Speed Gun
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If you’re seeking a budget-friendly radar gun that won’t break the bank, the Bushnell – Velocity Speed Gun is worth considering.
While it may not offer the same level of performance as some higher-end radar guns, it serves as a solid option, especially for newcomers to baseball looking to get serious.
This radar gun can accurately track speeds up to 110 miles per hour, making it suitable for most beginners.
It also boasts a respectable range of up to 90 feet.
Using the No products found. is pretty easy, just hold down the trigger and the current speed will be displayed.
As soon as you release the trigger, the radar gun will show you the maximum speed you have reached
Its user-friendly interface allows you to switch between miles per hour and kilometers per hour, though it lacks the option to display speed in feet per second.
Powered by two C batteries, it also includes a handy rainproof bag for protection during outdoor use.
NET PLAYZ – SMARTPRO Baseball Trainer
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The NetPlayz Smart Pro is a budget-friendly option for baseball players seeking a hands-free radar device.
The radar’s ultra-wide angle feature makes it versatile, capable of recording speeds ranging from 3 to 150 mph (5 to 199 kph).
Additionally, the speed recall feature enables you to track and compare your previous hitting, pitching, or swinging speeds, helping you strive for personal improvement.
The large LED display is bright and clear, making it easy to read from a distance.
Moreover, the voice notification function announces reading speeds, allowing you to focus entirely on your practice.
The No products found. comes with a stylish carrying case for portability, enabling you to take it anywhere for practice, whether on the field or in your backyard.
It also includes thoughtful accessories like a tripod, tuning fork, and a silicone hammer to enhance measurement accuracy, along with a flannel bag for storage.
One important point to note is that the NetPlayz Smart Pro requires 5 AA batteries, which are not included.
Although it may not be a top-of-the-line product, the NetPlayz Smart Pro is a reasonable investment, especially for those new to baseball.
Just keep in mind that some users have reported occasional inaccuracies in its recordings.
Stalker Sport – 2 Radar
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The Stalker Sport radar gun from Applied Concepts in Plano, Texas is a remarkable device, capable of measuring baseball speeds ranging from 5 to 150 miles per hour.
In the standard package, you’ll find the radar gun itself, six rechargeable AA batteries, a convenient wall charger, a tuning fork, and a durable hardshell padded case.
The Stalker Sport boasts five buttons on the back – two blue, two silver, and one red. The blue buttons serve as your menu and select options, allowing you to tailor the gun’s settings to your preferences.
The two silver buttons are for transmitting radar signals and recalling the last five recorded speeds. The red button, as you might guess, controls the power.
Featuring a 2.5-inch by 1-inch LCD display window, this gun showcases speeds in both miles per hour and kilometers, depending on your preference.
It provides peak pitch speeds straight from the pitcher’s hand, adjustable down to whole numbers if you prefer.
In the upper right corner, you’ll find the speed as the ball crosses home plate, offering two distinct readings.
The 9-pin side connector permits you to purchase additional accessories, such as a stopwatch cable for simultaneous run time measurements and pitch timing, as well as a 12-volt DC power cord for extended usage.
The pros of the No products found. are numerous.
Its compact size, measuring 8 inches in height and 6.5 inches in length, and weighing just 1.75 pounds, makes it an ideal companion for long days at the ballpark.
Its accuracy matches up with the best in the market, as guaranteed by Applied Concepts.
However, there are some downsides. In direct sunlight, the rear LED display can be difficult to read, a significant drawback for summer baseball games.
Also, the gun’s construction, though sturdy, doesn’t feel as robust as some competing radar guns.
My Ratings Explained
I chose these six key features for rating baseball radar guns because they encompass the most critical aspects that a user, whether it’s a coach, player, or enthusiast, would consider when evaluating the performance and value of a radar gun.
Here’s why each factor is important:
Price
Price is often a significant consideration for anyone looking to purchase a radar gun. The budget of the user may determine the available options.
It’s important to balance the features and quality of the radar gun with its cost to ensure that it offers good value for the money.
Accuracy
The primary purpose of a radar gun is to measure the speed of a baseball accurately. Accuracy is crucial for making informed decisions about a player’s performance or for scouting.
A radar gun with high accuracy is essential for reliable data.
Battery Life
Battery life is a practical concern, especially for those who use the radar gun frequently. Long battery life ensures that you won’t run out of power during important games or practices.
It also contributes to the overall user experience.
Data Logging
Many radar guns offer data logging capabilities, allowing users to record and review multiple measurements.
This feature is valuable for tracking a player’s progress, comparing different pitches or players, and for statistical analysis.
Data logging can provide a wealth of information to improve performance.
Speed Range
Baseball radar guns come with varying speed ranges. It’s important to consider the speed range that matches your specific needs.
Some radar guns are designed for youth or amateur leagues, while others are suitable for professional or college-level games.
Choosing the appropriate speed range is crucial for obtaining accurate measurements.
Overall Impression
The overall impression of a radar gun encapsulates the user experience as a whole.
This includes factors like ease of use, build quality, user interface, and additional features that enhance the product.
An overall positive impression often results in higher user satisfaction and better value for the money.
How Accurate Are Baseball & Softball Radar Guns?
So, how accurate are radar guns for baseball, and how do you know that these products will actually work?
To begin with, the devices I listed in this post all work well and will give you accurate readings.
So, you won’t have to worry about getting a high-quality product if you stick to the items I listed here.
Usually, there is a margin of error between one and two miles per hour on most high-quality radar gun products.
However, if you decide to spend less money, or go with a product that is not well built, then your radar gun won’t be as accurate.
Not using the radar gun correctly will also mess with the results you see on your radar gun. So, for the most part, these products are well built and accurate.
You just need to get the best baseball & softball radar gun to get the results you want.
Conclusion
Radar guns are an essential piece of equipment for any baseball player that wants to get serious about training.
Still, you might not know which brands and products are right for you. In this post, I went over everything you need to know about these products.
This way you can find the best radar gun for you. Go back and look at my top list to see which gun will help you reach your training goals.
In particular, though, I recommend getting my first option, the No products found..
This product gives you the best value for your money, and it is highly versatile. So, consider buying it if you want a quality baseball radar gun.
