suggestions for buying a chronograph

[aznpos531]

just as the title suggests, i'd like to get some first hand feedback on some of the chronographs out there being used by you guys. Please list out some of the pros and cons of the chronograph(s) you've used as well as some good places to get one. I've searched the forums and mostly got ways to avoid buying a chrony (pop can chrony, microphone chrony etc.).

I'll be using the chrony to test out different upgrades and how different factors affect the velocity and the power (joules). money isn't really a factor as i can always save up and get it later.

thanks in advance!

[chaosnemesis]

I have a madbull chrony (black...I think it's the second version) works like a charm. Alu. Construction runs on 2 AAA. There are 5 modes(I think. Sorry I don't have the unit in front of me just going by memory) fps/mps/rps/rpm/joules by weight selection. It is rated to be one I the best in terms or accuracy. Very portable. it's a little larger than your fist.

The modes are displayed by cycling through the unit. There are other units that displays all the info at the same time, but the problem is the numbers are rather small. My unit is um.. Big

[ILLusion]

Xcortech x3200 is quite possibly the best chrony that I've ever used.

I've used every airsoft chrony readily available on the market, as well as the real steel Shooting Chrony F1, and I have to say Xcortech x3200 is the best one to date.

I would put it just one notch above the Madbull, but the Madbull trails in a very close second. If the Xcortech x3200 had a metal body instead of a plastic one, it would take a greater lead, but besides that, the function set, adjustability and quite possibly the greatest display layout of ALL airsoft chronies ever made, I would have to say it wins, hands down.

It's why out of all of the chronies I've ever owned, it's the only one I've kept.

[aznpos531]

Thanks for the replies! Both seem like pretty good chronies. People i talked to seemed to like shooting chrony but they couldn't tell me why. I hear they can be cumbersome with lighting issues and such (i'm probably using my chrony in the basement mostly).

[ILLusion]

Shooting Chrony is ultra accurate, and the very high end models have tons of features that are great, but there are two things that I don't like about them:

1) High cost, especially for the higher end models with the extra features
2) Large build. They can fold up for transport, but are still quite large, especially if you want to use them indoors, you have to set up a very bulky lighting setup for it.

This is why airsoft chronies are still the best for our application, as they are lit with a self-contained infrared LED setup.

[aznpos531]

Thanks for all the info so far. Greatly appreciated! Definately not going for the shooting chrony...right now I'm leaning towards the Xcortech because of the layout of the display. Gonna do more research before I commit to anything tho. Do you guys know of a store that sells there where I can see them side by side? I'll admit I'm a sucker for aesthetics

[ILLusion]

Come out to the airsoft convention and you may be able to see them side-by-side.

I can bring the Xcortech one (if I have any left, I think I might have one left), and Jugglez may have the Madbull one. You'll have to ask him about that though.

[Styrak]

I have a blue Madbull chrony. Uses a 9v battery.

Pros:
- made out of aircraft aluminum, the thing is fricking bulletproof, solid construction
- consistent readings
- FPS/RPS/Joules @ weight readings
- bright red readout

Cons:
- Sometimes doesn't register, this can be remedied by shooting again (duh), or if the problem persists you may need to clean the sensor (I've done this 2 or 3 times in a year or so). The reason for this is if you break BB's off the inside or shave off BB's by shooting them down the side of the tube, the sensors can get a buildup of BB bits/shavings that affect it's readings
- readout can be difficult to read in very bright sunlight, but fine otherwise

[Crunchmeister]

For a cheap, reliable chrony, I also second the Madbull portable. I have the older blue one like Styrak and it's a great little tool. At about $100, it's a great buy.

[m102404]

The Blue Madbull is small and "stashable", which is good. I toss it into the kit bag whenever I head out to games/events. Small, lightweight.

Good quality batteries are key....forget the $1 specials. When you get wonky readings, change the battery.

If you don't shoot straight through it...you can chip bbs on the shell (which to it's credit is strong enough and protects the sensors well enough so there's not damage done). The bb chips, dust and fragments muddy up the sensors...but it's really easy to take apart and blow out the junk.

The only times I've had to clean it out have been when I've let groups of other guys chrony their rifles....you have to shoot straight through it (the opening is 1" in diameter)...not just in the general direction...LOL

Testament to how rugged it is...

I'm not sure that I'd want something larger or with more things on the display. 99.99% of the time, I just want to know the FPS....and that's what it shows.

[Crunchmeister]

Originally Posted by m102404

99.99% of the time, I just want to know the FPS....and that's what it shows.

And you hit the nail on the head right there. If you know how fast you're shooting, that's all that really matters most of the time. Having other calculations and modes and shit is nice, but rarely does it get used. I only use the velocity and round / second modes. That's all I need.

[Styrak]

Originally Posted by m102404

Testament to how rugged it is...

I've dropped mine etc many a time.

[aznpos531]

all the input is greatly appreciated. I think i'll make my final decision at the convention on the 21st when i see them.
thanks again! you guys are great