Athlon Rangecraft mini-review

[wolfmangreg]

This! I run the Prochrono DLX and while it is accurate I only pull it out when there's a problem with a gun or im just VERY curious. If the lighting isnt just perfect and the stars haven't aligned, or the birds aren't chirping that day... it won't work. Who wouldn't want a chrono recording away safely out of harms way while shooting bench sessions or testing new ammo!
Thanks for the review Greg, love my Midas Tac as well....my favorite scope i reckon
If you can update this thread long-term we'd appreciate!

Will do!

Have the same ProChrono model, and an older Caldwell (Ballistic Precision, I think- without BlueTooth). A lighting kit on the screens helps with both, but is a pain to set up & still isn't foolproof. Both throw errors I can never seem to fix, and just plain miss shots. The ProChrono especially struggles with .177 pellets.

@Hylander piqued my curiosity, so got both the opticals out today. Wanted to compare their results with a 50-shot string from the Athlon that was recorded a few days back, using the same rifle/ammo/tune, & in very similar weather/lighting. All started with a 230 bar fill.

Athlon: 50 shots, 50 data points. Average - 924 fps. SD - 3.2 fps. ES - 11 fps.
Caldwell: 20 shots, 18 data points. Average - 922 fps. SD - 3.6 fps. ES - 11 fps.
ProChrono: 20 shots, 17 data points. Average - 917 fps. SD - 4.2fps ES - 15 fps. ***
*** ProChrono numbers include one outlier, second shot in the string. Didn't give mulligans for the Athlon or Caldwell, so kept it.

A bit surprised that the differences are inconsequential, unless one is trying to slide in juusst under a power limit (say 20 fpe limit for field target).

The shots vs. data points numbers tell a tale, and this is with the opticals having near perfect light conditions. So does the fact that I didn't even consider doing 50 shots with either optical chrony, but would've left the Athlon on for a full tin without a second thought, if I had the time & inclination to shoot a session that long.
What you don't see in the numbers is the time & effort to set up the opticals vs the radar unit. Stark contrast.

Also want to mention- @pan60 makes a very good point. Apps are frequently updated, so there's a good chance the experience has improved significantly since some of the negative reviews. If I start having significant issues with the Athlon app, will definitely report here. If you don't see that update... safe to assume it's smooth sailing for me.

 

[Billm]

I would love to see it in action next to my Garmin. My Garmin missed its first shot a couple of days ago. Maybe that was because I mistakenly loaded a .30 mag with .25 29.5gr pellets. It didn’t pick it up and it didn’t hit the backstop . I wish my Garmin was brighter and I’ve had some weird synchronization issues with the app. These small radar units sure beat the older units with sky screens, like I used for bow tuning.

 

[Hylander]

@wolfmangreg
Thank you for doing that comparison test.
My Caldwell works great indoors with the lighting kit. I just finished running numbers on 5 of my Pellet guns. Yes, the initial setup is a pain and use is not as friendly as the radar units.
I just can't decide whether or not to by a unit or another PCP rifle

 

[Billm]

@wolfmangreg
Thank you for doing that comparison test.
My Caldwell works great indoors with the lighting kit. I just finished running numbers on 5 of my Pellet guns. Yes, the initial setup is a pain and use is not as friendly as the radar units.
I just can't decide whether or not to by a unit or another PCP rifle

If it works for you, why replace it. I threw away my optical chrono 3 years ago because I was missing a screen, or I’d still be using it.

 

[Hylander]

If it works for you, why replace it. I threw away my optical chrono 3 years ago because I was missing a screen, or I’d still be using it.

Considering it for portability to take to the range.
Setting up at the range is a pain. And then I get lots of errors if the weather and sunshine are not perfect. But I could use that money for more important things as I am on a tight budget.

 

[Scriv]

I would love to see it in action next to my Garmin. My Garmin missed its first shot a couple of days ago. Maybe that was because I mistakenly loaded a .30 mag with .25 29.5gr pellets. It didn’t pick it up and it didn’t hit the backstop . I wish my Garmin was brighter and I’ve had some weird synchronization issues with the app. These small radar units sure beat the older units with sky screens, like I used for bow tuning.

There are plenty of you tube videos doing just that. Both units perform really well, for me it came down to location of the buttons, and the appearance of the screen. It's a great time to be a shooter.

 

[Scriv]

Couldn’t wait to start using this unit after it showed up on my porch, courtesy of the HAM Pumpkin Carve & Athlon Optics (thanks again @Athlon Optics for your generosity & forum support)!

Have used optical chronographs for decades. Long before turning total air(gun)head, used them for archery & my .357 Magnum hand loads. Since the conversion, used them frequently for tuning, pellet & slug testing, and as a general diagnostic tool. Have burned through quite a few 9v batteries.

While acknowledging the usefulness of chronographs & employing them frequently, stubbornly (& irrationally) resisted moving on from optical chronies, despite the frustrations all of them produced- missed shots, random errors, issues getting them to work with phone apps, having to get lighting and positioning just so, etc. Had I known just how much simpler & user friendly the Athlon would be, would’ve ponied up the cash long ago!

Bear in mind it’s way too soon to comment on long term durability, reliability, etc- only three sessions so far, about 300 shots. And can’t make any comparisons to its radar based competition, having never used any of them.

The chronograph:

• Claims ~6 hours battery life, & appears it will meet or exceed that. Well over three hours of up time so far, and shows more than half of its capacity remains.
• Screen is large enough & quite crisp, making it easy to read.
• Menus & navigation are very simple & intuitive. Athlon really nailed this.
• Setting the unit up for use is also dead simple. The included, aluminum mini-tripod screws right in. Eyeball estimated the recommended distance behind & to the side of the muzzle, pointed in the right direction, good to go.
• Has not missed a shot to date, nor given any questionable results. Mostly .22 pellets, but also shot some .22 slugs & a couple magazines of .177. Speeds from ~800 to just under 1000 fps. Have tested in near dusk lighting, on a sunny day from a shaded position, and at an indoor range that is not very well lit in my opinion. No worries, handled it all.
• The quality hard case fits the chronograph, tripod & charging cord while taking up very little space in my range pack.

The app:

• Not as intuitive as the chronograph itself, but picked it up pretty quick after a bit of messing around. Has a database of projectile specs & scope reticles similar to Strelok.
• No problems with data sync. Wondered if deleting recording sessions on the chronograph to save space would also delete them from the app, but it doesn’t. Once the session has been synced, it stays available in the app even after deleting from the chrony, until you delete it from the app.
• Sessions can be individually exported to Excel/Google Sheets files.

Side note- Have read in a few threads here & elsewhere that the Athlon may pick up shots from nearby shooters in addition to your own. Had shooters to either side of me while at the indoor range & it didn’t happen. Maybe because both were shooting powder burners (AR-15 derivatives I think), so their projectile speeds were likely way higher than the 600-1800 fps the unit looks for when in airgun mode. Will report back when I’ve had the chance to shoot next to other airgunners.

The main point I’d like to convey with all of that chatter is that it’s really, REALLY easy to use. So fast & simple to set up that I’ll likely use it every time I shoot from a bench- no reason to not use it!
With a taller tripod or other means of getting it to the right height, no reason to think it won’t work well when shooting from bucket & sticks too. Will test that out soon.

Great review by the way. Having a radar chrono I upgraded to a Garmin, but have the opinion that you can't go wrong with either one. It just comes down to what matters to you. Well done.

 

[wolfmangreg]

Great review by the way. Having a radar chrono I upgraded to a Garmin, but have the opinion that you can't go wrong with either one. It just comes down to what matters to you. Well done.

Thanks for the kind words!

Good time to update the review, though it's a rather boring update. ~1500 shots recorded now, still zero misses or errors.
Have yet to test it while shooting near another airgunner to see if it picks up shots "a lane over", but will report back when I do.

Knock on wood, no problems with connectivity or syncing either.

 

[Scriv]

Thanks for the kind words!

Good time to update the review, though it's a rather boring update. ~1500 shots recorded now, still zero misses or errors.
Have yet to test it while shooting near another airgunner to see if it picks up shots "a lane over", but will report back when I do.

Knock on wood, no problems with connectivity or syncing either.

I have a feeling that you're not going to have any issues. I saw a podcast that was sponsored by Hornady, and features a couple of guys from Garmin, one being the head engineer. I know that it's not athlon, but I was impressed by their approach.

 

[PG1 Airgunner]

If it works for you, why replace it. I threw away my optical chrono 3 years ago because I was missing a screen, or I’d still be using it.

Couldn’t wait to start using this unit after it showed up on my porch, courtesy of the HAM Pumpkin Carve & Athlon Optics (thanks again @Athlon Optics for your generosity & forum support)!

Have used optical chronographs for decades. Long before turning total air(gun)head, used them for archery & my .357 Magnum hand loads. Since the conversion, used them frequently for tuning, pellet & slug testing, and as a general diagnostic tool. Have burned through quite a few 9v batteries.

While acknowledging the usefulness of chronographs & employing them frequently, stubbornly (& irrationally) resisted moving on from optical chronies, despite the frustrations all of them produced- missed shots, random errors, issues getting them to work with phone apps, having to get lighting and positioning just so, etc. Had I known just how much simpler & user friendly the Athlon would be, would’ve ponied up the cash long ago!

Bear in mind it’s way too soon to comment on long term durability, reliability, etc- only three sessions so far, about 300 shots. And can’t make any comparisons to its radar based competition, having never used any of them.

The chronograph:

• Claims ~6 hours battery life, & appears it will meet or exceed that. Well over three hours of up time so far, and shows more than half of its capacity remains.
• Screen is large enough & quite crisp, making it easy to read.
• Menus & navigation are very simple & intuitive. Athlon really nailed this.
• Setting the unit up for use is also dead simple. The included, aluminum mini-tripod screws right in. Eyeball estimated the recommended distance behind & to the side of the muzzle, pointed in the right direction, good to go.
• Has not missed a shot to date, nor given any questionable results. Mostly .22 pellets, but also shot some .22 slugs & a couple magazines of .177. Speeds from ~800 to just under 1000 fps. Have tested in near dusk lighting, on a sunny day from a shaded position, and at an indoor range that is not very well lit in my opinion. No worries, handled it all.
• The quality hard case fits the chronograph, tripod & charging cord while taking up very little space in my range pack.

The app:

• Not as intuitive as the chronograph itself, but picked it up pretty quick after a bit of messing around. Has a database of projectile specs & scope reticles similar to Strelok.
• No problems with data sync. Wondered if deleting recording sessions on the chronograph to save space would also delete them from the app, but it doesn’t. Once the session has been synced, it stays available in the app even after deleting from the chrony, until you delete it from the app.
• Sessions can be individually exported to Excel/Google Sheets files.

Side note- Have read in a few threads here & elsewhere that the Athlon may pick up shots from nearby shooters in addition to your own. Had shooters to either side of me while at the indoor range & it didn’t happen. Maybe because both were shooting powder burners (AR-15 derivatives I think), so their projectile speeds were likely way higher than the 600-1800 fps the unit looks for when in airgun mode. Will report back when I’ve had the chance to shoot next to other airgunners.

The main point I’d like to convey with all of that chatter is that it’s really, REALLY easy to use. So fast & simple to set up that I’ll likely use it every time I shoot from a bench- no reason to not use it!
With a taller tripod or other means of getting it to the right height, no reason to think it won’t work well when shooting from bucket & sticks too. Will test that out soon.

I have also been running this Athlon chrono for about three months and I agree with most of your points. Easy to use, read and sync to my
Phone app.
I have run 177, 22 and 25 cal projectiles without an issue.
I have even been lazy and didnt charge the unit up so I grabbed my portable battery brick for my cell and plugged it into the Athlon and it runs and charges simultaneously. So you can go all day with an external power source.
Now…The app is ok to use. It could be more intuitive but you can figure it out. It has a limited pellet selection within the app and my biggest complaint is that you cant add a pellet or slug profile yourself.
When I use the app on my iPad the app wont fill the ipad space…it will only orientate in one position.
It does export to spreadsheets but I wish it would export the graphs.
The graphs on the app are really nice…but I cant share them outside the app which is counter productive.

Overall I would recommend it just because it is spot on, easy to use and read and seems to hold up well

 

[wolfmangreg]

@PG1 Airgunner - Right there with you on the app, could be more intuitive & the ballistics calculator portion is both a bit limited and dated.

You can add a projectile though (added the AEA 21.9 grain .22 a few months back) - will try to 'member how I did it.
Might have to retrace my steps & take screenshots.

The graph thing is a bummer. Only exports the portion that is visible on screen at the time, limited to 10 shots.

 

[PG1 Airgunner]

@PG1 Airgunner - Right there with you on the app, could be more intuitive & the ballistics calculator portion is both a bit limited and dated.

You can add a projectile though (added the AEA 21.9 grain .22 a few months back) - will try to 'member how I did it.
Might have to retrace my steps & take screenshots.

The graph thing is a bummer. Only exports the portion that is visible on screen at the time, limited to 10 shots.

absolutely. yea, if you can remember how to add projectiles that would address my biggest issue with the app. thanks for letting me know…Imwill try some more on it

 

[Solo1]

@PG1 Airgunner - Right there with you on the app, could be more intuitive & the ballistics calculator portion is both a bit limited and dated.

You can add a projectile though (added the AEA 21.9 grain .22 a few months back) - will try to 'member how I did it.
Might have to retrace my steps & take screenshots.

The graph thing is a bummer. Only exports the portion that is visible on screen at the time, limited to 10 shots.

So it would seem the garmin does have an edge in certain areas

 

[PG1 Airgunner]

So it would seem the garmin does have an edge in certain areas

like everything else…pros and cons

 

[wolfmangreg]

So it would seem the garmin does have an edge in certain areas

Suspect you're right- but can neither confirm nor deny, having zero experience with the Garmin (or any other radar chronograph aside from the Athlon).

My comments regarding the ballistics calculator portion are largely based on experience with Strelok. Feature wise it's closer to the old free Strelok than to Strelok Pro; for example it doesn't have the option to calculate BC by entering speed at multiple distances. The built in projectile database is missing some new(er) offerings, AEA pellets for example. Kinda feels like the projectile database is a virtual copy of pre-sanctioned Strelok.

 

[PG1 Airgunner]

Suspect you're right- but can neither confirm nor deny, having zero experience with the Garmin (or any other radar chronograph aside from the Athlon).

My comments regarding the ballistics calculator portion are largely based on experience with Strelok. Feature wise it's closer to the old free Strelok than to Strelok Pro; for example it doesn't have the option to calculate BC by entering speed at multiple distances. The built in projectile database is missing some new(er) offerings, AEA pellets for example. Kinda feels like the projectile database is a virtual copy of pre-sanctioned Strelok.

whatever it is, it sucks

 

[wolfmangreg]

@PG1 Airgunner

Starting from here, tap the area for projectile profile (where I have AEA 21.9 entered):


Next, tap + ADD:


Should give you a completely blank profile that you can populate:

 

[PG1 Airgunner]

@PG1 Airgunner

Starting from here, tap the area for projectile profile (where I have AEA 21.9 entered):
View attachment 20310

Next, tap + ADD:
View attachment 20311

Should give you a completely blank profile that you can populate:
View attachment 20312

I never would have figured that out. Thanks. I am not sire I want to measure all of the specs but who knows…I will look into it more

 

[wolfmangreg]

I never would have figured that out. Thanks. I am not sire I want to measure all of the specs but who knows…I will look into it more

Most of the info is easy enough to measure, BC is the tough one.
Still have Strelok Pro on an old, offline phone- send me velocity numbers at two distances & I'll run them to get the BC. I personally use the average speed of 10 shots at the muzzle & average speed of 10 shots at 50 yards.

 

[PG1 Airgunner]

Most of the info is easy enough to measure, BC is the tough one.
Still have Strelok Pro on an old, offline phone- send me velocity numbers at two distances & I'll run them to get the BC. I personally use the average speed of 10 shots at the muzzle & average speed of 10 shots at 50 yards.

Really appreciate the info on how to add projectiles. That gives me a better starting point than I had before