New Caldwell G2 Chrono?

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tcj

tcj

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Has anyone tried the new Caldwell Precision Chronograph G2 - and if so, what did you think of it?
 
It seems like it would make it more reliable/accurate in varying lighting conditions and based upon the price (including light kit) it isn't bad. But, I would like to hear from people who actually have used it before buying one.

Since I shot my last one I have been on the lookout for a new one. The Labradar looks great but is a whole bunch of $$$ and I am concerned about post-warranty service on that unit. The Magneto chrono won't work for me as not all of the handguns I would like to use it on have rails.
 
I owned a Comp Elec until I put it out of its misery.

It worked fine except was a little sensitive to lighting conditions outdoors.

Was just looking for something that would work better for me and could be used outdoors or at an indoor range.

If I was confident in the long-term life/service of the Labradar (not enough history to know about it or the manufacturer) I would just suck it up and the pay the $$$ as it seems like the best fit for my needs.

If it weren't for some of the guns I want to chrono I could use the Magneto one as that is the next closest for my wants.

The G2 - on paper - looks good as the light source is built-in rather than an add-on and Caldwell (and their parent company) have been around for a while.

Was just hoping that someone had bought one already so I could take advantage of their education first.
 
I've a CE with the bluetooth adapter. Works well, best with sun up. I have trees that affect it when sun is going down in the afternoon. The app for the Android works decent, have to keep phone screen on to have it record.
 
tcj said:
I owned a Comp Elec until I put it out of its misery.

It worked fine except was a little sensitive to lighting conditions outdoors.

Was just looking for something that would work better for me and could be used outdoors or at an indoor range.

If I was confident in the long-term life/service of the Labradar (not enough history to know about it or the manufacturer) I would just suck it up and the pay the $$$ as it seems like the best fit for my needs.

If it weren't for some of the guns I want to chrono I could use the Magneto one as that is the next closest for my wants.

The G2 - on paper - looks good as the light source is built-in rather than an add-on and Caldwell (and their parent company) have been around for a while.

Was just hoping that someone had bought one already so I could take advantage of their education first.
Click to expand...

I know this is not on the product info you are asking about, The Caldwell is relatively new.

The company will/would fix it replace it at 1.2 price. I live in Solar Flare Florida. The COMP Electronics has never given me a bad reading. It is a proven unit. I went through 2 Chrony brands that would not function in the Sun at all.

Some reviews

Most reviews from a search seem to be pretty good.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=762649
 
tcj said:
Was just hoping that someone had bought one already so I could take advantage of their education first.
Click to expand...

All I can offer is that I have the first version of the Caldwell. It has the IR kit and for the most part works just as it should. It once gave readings that should have been loads that would have blown up my barrel but all involved had the opinion I had some weird sun thing going on. Hasn't done it since.

I'm certainly interested because that upside down mount will probably make it less prone to that issue. I'll be lurking to see what gets said about the G2.
 
I am looking at chronographs as well. While the labradar is very appealing to me, swmbo will not allow the cost.

The G2 looks interesting and at midway looks to be in my budget. I hear good things (mostly) about caldwell. I wish there were more reviews and information regarding the g2. I am still trying to decide if i want to pull the trigger. I reload 10mm and plan to reload .45, 9mm, maybe .223 and possibly other rounds. I have some 10mm i want to get chronographed to see were i am on mh loads before reloading any more.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
 
Midway USA has them on sale for $189.99, less than I paid for mine.

I've taken mine out twice. It's my first chronograph. I've used it outdoors, both times on sunny days. No errors so far.

It's pretty easy to set up; it may be impossible to assemble it incorrectly.

The mobile app is easy to use. I'd like some more complete instructions for using the app but the basic function is pretty intuitive.

My only nitpick is that the included tripod could be beefier. A friend of mine suggested that it might be possible to add a ball-type connection that would make it easier to adjust and more stable.
 
Crunchy Frog said:
Midway USA has them on sale for $189.99, less than I paid for mine.

I've taken mine out twice. It's my first chronograph. I've used it outdoors, both times on sunny days. No errors so far.

It's pretty easy to set up; it may be impossible to assemble it incorrectly.

The mobile app is easy to use. I'd like some more complete instructions for using the app but the basic function is pretty intuitive.

My only nitpick is that the included tripod could be beefier. A friend of mine suggested that it might be possible to add a ball-type connection that would make it easier to adjust and more stable.
Click to expand...
Thanks, i think i am going to get it since it is on sale. Hopefully i will be has happy as you are with yours.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
 
Well, i ordered it. Should be here on my birthday (Aug 4). I have a camera tripod i got from my grandpa. I will see if it will work or not...if it doesn't i will order the ball-head you linked. Thanks for sharing that info. I can't wait to get this so i can start testing my ammo i have loaded and start reloading more again.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
 
I think Comp Elec will repair it for like 1/2 price (can't remember exactly) even if it somehow managed to move right as you took the shot and hit it.

Don't know if this would help with you lighting issue but it might be worth a try if you get it repaired.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=799110
Might or might not help.
 
Last edited:
I received the G2 quickly from midwayusa (2 days). Unfortunayely, I have not have any available free time to use it yet. I have never used a Chrono before, but when I get around to using it I will give my impressions.

The unit seems pretty solid and well made. The tripod is light and seems pretty stable. I did order the suggested tripod ball type connector which is a lot nicer than the part supplied. The part supplied had some wiggle in it. I look forward to finally putting some numbers with my loads and knowing what my loads are doing and how I need to adjust them.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
 
I picked up a "new in the box" RCBS chrono yesterday for $50. It works very good so far. It was a hit at the range, everyone wanted to test their loads! I guess we sent 200 rounds through it in full sun and it was giving realistic numbers.

It has a "gimicky" look to it, looks like a bullet, but it packages up nicely and it came with a heavy duty tripod with built in level, a builders level to level the unit and a 16' tape measure to get the distance right.

I think I came out okay

I was saving up for a LabRadar unit but this might have just saved me a bunch of money(or allowed me to buy another gun LOL!)
 
I have had this chronograph for almost a year now. It works great. I generally use it outside on bright sunny days, and it has given me no errors at all. The tripod is pretty light weight but I like that about it. I did get a ball connector to make adjusting easy....and it is. The app connected to the chrono with no issues and I found the app very user friendly. I definitely recommend this chrono to anyone looking for one.
 
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