The Best Sports Radar Guns for Tracking Speeds

In the world of sports, knowing something is fast doesn’t tell you much. However, when a hitter has a good idea of how fast a pitcher’s fastball is, or when scouts can accurately measure the speed of a sprinter, this gives real-life information that can alter the outcome of a game or sports program. We made this guide to showcase some of the best radar guns on the market so that regardless of your unique needs or price range, you can find the perfect product to take your coaching, scouting, or training to the next level.

Shopping for a Radar Gun

Here are some things to look for:

• Accuracy: A radar gun is not worth much if it doesn’t give accurate speed readings. For the average person, a ±1 mph speed reading should be really helpful to determine the approximate speed of a car, ball, runner, or whatever else you measure the speed of. However, for professional coaches or scouts, finding a radar gun that is even more accurate can give you better insight into a player’s performance.
• Range: The range at which a radar gun is effective is another key factor. If you are going to be near the field, this will not be quite as important. However, if you are a scout taking speed measurements from the stands, finding a great long-distance radar gun that doesn’t sacrifice accuracy is your best bet.
• Functionality: Some radar guns include advanced functionality that can take a player’s training or speed analytics to the next level. For instance, the ability to implement video along with speed readings can give great insight into how a player’s form and release affect the speed of a thrown baseball. Additionally, some products can produce readings for you over time so that you can track how a player’s training is affecting his or her performance on the field.

Top Pick: Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun

If you’re looking for a reliable radar gun with a range that is ideal for most coaches and sports, the Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun is for you. Featuring a 90-foot range for tracking the speed of sports balls and a very respectable ±1 mph accuracy, this radar gun is incredibly simple to use and displays speed almost instantly. It scores major points for having great battery life and can be used to measure the speed of cars. If you’re not sold on dropping a heap of money on a radar gun for your coaching or training needs, this product from Bushnell gets the job done at a fraction of the cost.

Best Value: Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Golf/Hunting Rangefinder

While not a radar gun per se, we’re including the Gogogo Sport Vpro Laser Golf/Hunting Rangefinder on this list due to its excellent speed mode, which can measure the speed of an object from 12-186 mph. Ideal for golf and hunting, this product also has simple range-finding functionality and a golf-specific mode with many useful features. Given this item’s budget-friendly price and surprisingly handy speed mode, it’s likely your best option as a coach on a tight budget.

Best Features: Pocket Radar Smart Coach

For those willing to spend a little extra for next-level functionality, the Pocket Radar Smart Coach is a modern coach’s dream. Featuring iOS and Android app functionality, this device can be used to record auto-edited videos with embedded speed data so that you can analyze both player form and speed to optimize player performance. This product also allows you to track data over time to see if your coaching is truly improving real-world performance. With instant speed readings and impressive ±1 mph accuracy, this is a tool that is definitely worth the price.

Best Accuracy: Jugs Gun

For those valuing accuracy above all else, the Jugs Gun is the best of the best. Featuring a speed range of 5-140 mph and a  ±0.5 mph accuracy range, this is a product that is built by and for professionals. It’s also ideal for baseball since it allows one to record readings for both a ball’s release speed and its speed at the plate. Beyond its unbeatable accuracy, this radar gun also sports a distance range of up to 300 feet so that you can get accurate recordings even while removed from the action on the field. Factor in its long-lasting rechargeable batteries and user-friendly design, and you can see why the Jugs Gun is a staple for baseball scouts all over the world.