How much chronograph do I need?

I'd like to get a reasonable chronograph so I can get actual measurements for my muzzle velocity, but I'm not keen on spending lots of $$. Can anyone recommend a minimal chronograph that will yield reliable results without breaking the bank?

@RandyTheHack Please define “lots of $$.” A ProChono DLX works for me, but I don’t know what your budget is to suggest anything.
 
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What I'm reading here and there in the forums, I'd hope to get a competent chronograph well under $100... hoping that it can be accomplished for less than $50. I know I can spend $100 - $200 or more, but I've been shooting for 50+ years and have never felt the need for a chronograph.
@RandyTheHack Those details help some. Check out the link below. This question has been asked a few times that I’ve seen on the forums. You can search the forums for similar threads.


I bought a ProChrono DLX and never bought another. Not much else I can tell you from experience. I use mine to aid in diagnoses, repairs, tuning and ammo testing.
 
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@RandyTheHack Those details help some. Check out the link below. This question has been asked a few times that I’ve seen on the forums. You can search the forums for similar threads.


I bought a ProChrono DLX and never bought another. Not much else I can tell you from experience. I use mine for to aid in diagnoses, repairs, tuning and ammo testing.
Thanks, @Ezana4CE , that's what I was searching for, but had not been able to find. Thank you!!
 
I bought one off Amazon for $20 something... It works quite well, but if you are using it for breakbarrels/springers, can be a pain. Main reason is that this type that clamps on the end of the barrel doesnt like to stay in place and gets loose/moves after a few shots. If you are using it for a pcp or pumper, this wont be a problem, but a stand-alone unit that you shoot over is the way to go. Also, if you want to quick grab another gun & see the fps, you wont have to re-install in on the other gun.
 
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You dont... a Chrony and a Rangefinder are the two worst tools an airgunner can have. You'll find out very quickly that your '1200fps' airgun that shoots 'one inch groups at 40 yards' is actually shooting 820fps and your groups are at 19 yards!

Seriously though, the aforementioned Caldwell is great.. and if you keep an eye on the Classifieds, you can find some crop up. I ended up with a Pro Chrono off the classifieds for cheaper than a new Caldwell. Good luck!
 
I bought one off Amazon for $20 something... It works quite well, but if you are using it for breakbarrels/springers, can be a pain. Main reason is that this type that clamps on the end of the barrel doesnt like to stay in place and gets loose/moves after a few shots. If you are using it for a pcp or pumper, this wont be a problem, but a stand-alone unit that you shoot over is the way to go. Also, if you want to quick grab another gun & see the fps, you wont have to re-install in on the other gun.
I never clamp mine on . I just rest it on the bench and test the barrel in the yoke thing ..lol.

For $30+/- I grab it first .

I like the pro crony one over cadwells. ( the dxl with blue tooth ). See guys complain on the cadeell app if apple useres . I think for the little bit extra money the procrony is nicer ..

Ya, the dxl

 
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Agree with many others. I have a Caldwell and a fx pocket. You def don’t need the fx but the Caldwell is only around 100 dollars. A chrono is something you will buy once so a 100 dollars is pretty budget in the overall scope of this sport. I wouldn’t personally go below one in quality. I actually ordered it before my first pcp even.
 
As much as I like my expensive chronograph, the fact its powered by 9v is a pain, I just bought a rechargeable 9v last night because I often forget to switch my chronograph off and it'll burn through a battery very quickly when left on. The 16$ one I posted above has an internal rechargeable battery. I personally don't need more than 1 chronograph so I opt out from buying another or more. The rechargeable 9v battery costs around 4-5$ from aliexpress if anyone else runs into such issues.

Onto quality, a lot of members here have the units I posted above and noted they run to those often first, so that speaks enough towards quality. For 16$-20$ you cannot really go wrong. If the 16$ one I posted above sales end, there are others of the same variety for 20$ on aliexpress or 30$ on amazon.

-Matt
 
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Thing is what your after. The cheap china bolt on is fine for at the muzzle .

If you want ranged results like at 30 y or whatever you'll need the pro crony type that sets up down range and easy to shoot through + Bluetooth to read off your phone at the bench..

You don't need bluetooth, your scope should be able to read the result heh.