The 12 Best Baseball Radar Guns of 2019

Do you want to know how fast your pitch is? A radar gun measures the speed of any puck or ball you can hit, throw or kick. Sub-par radar guns are not only difficult to use, but their readings are also not always accurate. Buying a radar gun is not just about the price. There may be a lot of choices online, but they aren’t all the same. Selecting any product requires mandatory self-research. You have to be careful with your choice, or you won’t get your desired result. Luckily we’ve done that for you below!

This guide will help you determine the best radar guns on the market today. We will discuss the factors that should be taken into consideration when buying a radar gun. At the end of this guide, you will have a clearer idea about what you should look for when purchasing a radar gun. We’ve carefully hand-selected the ones we’ve chose to review and speak about. We have divided the list into 3 categories – most expensive ($$$$), mid-priced ($$$), and most affordable ($ - $$).


Most Expensive Radar Guns On The Market:

Stalker Radar Pro II Radar Gun Deluxe Package

The Stalker Radar Pro II Radar Gun Deluxe Package is perfect for top-level collegiate, Semi-Pro and Major League Baseball teams. It accurately and quickly measures the speed of any objecting moving on the water, through the air or over land. The 500' range of the device is perfect for measuring your baseball pitching speed. It can be used to determine the peak speed of your pitch.

The Pro II is also equipped with a vehicle mode that allows you to measure the speed of vehicles on water or land up to 2 miles away. This device filters out other objects traveling in the opposite direction of the target object. The Pro II also has a carnival and tennis mode. You can use the carnival mode to determine how fast midway game balls are. The tennis move measures the peak speed and the decelerating live speed.

PROS:
-
Accurate
- Easy to Use
- Comes With A Rechargeable Battery
- Durable Carrying Case

CONS:
- Pricey ($$$$)

 

The Pocket Radar/Pro Radar System’s on-field operation lasts all day thanks to its batteries. It has over 300' of range on large objects and 200' on a baseball. The device is equipped with several mounting configurations. It also works well with standard battery solutions and USB power supply. By using this device, you can get immediate feedback on your throwing shooting, pitching, and serving speed. By doing so, you can enjoy an interactive experience. It can be used to measure the speed of a ball in baseball, tennis, softball, hockey, cricket, volleyball, hockey and lacrosse. It can be viewed clearly even when you are 100' away.

The device is also weather-resistant and features a full 3-digit display as well as a wide viewing angle. It automatically adjusts brightness according to lighting conditions. This radar gun provides up to 200' of range on a baseball and over 300' on larger objects.

PROS:
-
Lightweight
- User Friendly
- Auto-off Features to Save Battery Life

CONS:
- Doesn’t Work With Pocket Radar App

 

This device has a speed range of up to 300'. It works in 2 modes – Continuous mode and Trigger mode. The Jugs Gun measures KPH and MPH. It is equipped with DSP technology. The device has a speed range of 8 kph to 224 kph and a distance range of up to 300’. The readout display is also easy to read. The device transmits data to a computer or display.

The recall feature allows you to view the last 5 pitches you threw. This radar gun is powered by 6 rechargeable batteries, so you can use it for an entire week. Batteries recharge in only 2 hours. It is capable of reading velocities from a low speed of 5 to 140 miles per hour.

PROS:
- Accurate
- Long Battery Life
- Has A Data Port (Connect to a Computer)

CONS:
- Replace All 6 Batteries Even If Just 1 Is Dead

 

Mid-Priced Radar Guns On The Market

Best Mid-Priced Radar Gun: Sports Radar Sports Radar Speed Gun SR3800

The Sports Radar Sports Radar Speed Gun SR3800 can provide a range of 130' on baseball and tennis balls. It is capable of reading accurate ball speeds for different sports such as softball, auto racing, bowling, and more. To use the device, you only need to point it to the target object and then pull the trigger. It will display the speed of the target object. To view the plate and pitch speed, you only need to pull and then hold the trigger.
The device is equipped with a sophisticated microprocessor that computes speed. The Hands-Free Mode lets you read the speed of different target objects without another individual being present. The Data Port allows you to connect the radar gun to a computer for statistics tracking.

The SR3800 is resistant to high impact and lightweight, so you can bring it anywhere. It is powered by 2 9V batteries that provide up to 12 hours of use in Continuous Mode. Trigger Mode provides up to 60 hours of battery life. It is backed by a Limited Warranty (1 year).

PROS:
- User-Friendly
- Durable
- Reliable
- Lightweight

CONS:
- Short-Warranty Period

 

The Pocket Radar Smart Coach/Bluetooth Enabled Radar Gun allows coaches and athletes to monitor and record their performance and progress. It is used by college coaches and the MLB. The device has an accuracy rate of +/- 1 mph.

You can export or store the information in your cloud account. The companion app that is downloadable creates video clips for improved training and coaching experience. The application is available on Android and iOS and provides remote display, speed, data export, and audio call-outs.

The radar gun is equipped with AAA Alkaline batteries and Constant-On function. The device comes with a Quick Start Guide, free app, wrist strap, belt case, and 2 batteries. It is also backed by a 2-year warranty. The radar gun can be used to accurately measure the velocity of a puck or ball in tennis, softball, baseball, hockey and more.

PROS:
- Easy To Use
- Discreet
- Well-Written Manual

CONS:
- Batteries Drain Fast

 

The Pocket Radar Ball Coach measures the fastest velocity of a ball. It’s a speed training and pro-level tool designed for self-guided drills or one-on-one coaching. The device also offers hands-free operation, which makes it easy to use. It allows you to determine your pitching speed, serving speed, shot speed, throwing speed, and hitting power.

The Pocket Radar Ball Coach is capable of measuring from 25 to 130 miles per hour with an accuracy rate of +/- 1 mph. It provides a range of 120' on a baseball. The device can be used to measure the speed of a puck or ball for cricket, lacrosse, tennis, volleyball, softball, and other sports. It is made from high-impact plastic, so it will perform well even in challenging sports environments.

The device can store up to 25-speed readings. The batteries provide 2 hours of use in Constant-On Mode and 4000+ readings in its user-triggered mode.

PROS:
- Lightweight
- Battery Lasts Long
- Personal Training Mode Offers Hands-Free Operation

CONS:
- Correct Positioning Required For An Accurate Reading

 

Most Affordable Radar Gun: Sports Radar Tracer SRA3000 Sport Radar Gun

The Sports Radar SRA3000 is lightweight, weighing only 0.8 pounds. It provides MPH and KPH readings. You only need to choose the one you want. The Sports Radar SRA3000 is a cordless handheld device that provides an accurate measurement of your speed. It shows the measurement on its 3-digit display. The device has a Continuous Mode and Trigger Mode. It is capable of reading pitches up to 60 feet away.

The radar gun also has a Quick Mode that reads pitch and bat speeds. When you set the device in Continuous Mode while it’s on a tripod, it can record the speed of a vehicle from 300 feet away. The device is powered by 6 batteries that can provide up to 100 hours of use. It has an auto-shutdown feature that prolongs battery life. The device is capable of measuring from 10 to 199 miles per hour. This quality is usually found in more expensive models.

PROS:
- User-Friendly
- Lightweight
- Comes with a Speed Tuning Fork and Soft Case
- Auto-Shutdown Function Prolongs Battery Life
- Limited Warranty for 1 Year

CONS:
- Involves Learning Curve

 

Bushnell Speedster III Radar Gun

The Bushnell Speedster III Radar Gun features an ergonomic design, which makes it easy and comfortable to use. It is equipped with RF technology, allowing you to measure anything from race cars to ball speeds. The device also allows you to broadcast measurements in real-time on a display screen that is compatible with the device.

It works with Bushnell SpeedScreen, so you can share your measurements anytime without any setup needed. The Bushnell Speedster III is the ultimate recreational and sports radar gun. It is also offered at a very reasonable price.

The radar gun is textured and user-friendly. It features a Continuous Mode that provides automatic readings. The Bushnell Speedster III Radar Gun provides an accuracy rate of +/- 1 mph. It uses 2 C batteries.

PROS:
- Shows the Fastest Speed After Releasing Trigger
- Continuous Mode Offers Automatic Readings
- Comfortable To Use

CONS:
- Small Angles Can Affect The Accuracy

 

Players of all skill levels can use the Sports Sensors Swing Speed Radar. It measures the swing speed of softball and baseball players as well as golfers. The device helps players improve their swing by measuring their swing speed, choosing bat or club characteristics that fit their swing type, checking their swing consistency, and identifying the best speed. Baseball players can improve their bat speed to guarantee constantly solid contact. The device provides velocity feedback in real-time, allowing coaches and players to fix swing mechanics and determine improvements.

To measure your swing speed for baseball, you only need to hang the radar on a fence, batting cage or pop-up net about 5' behind or in front of you while you hit off a tee or swing in the air. You can also mount the device on a tripod. It uses 3 AA batteries.

PROS:
- Computes Bat Speed or Clubhead between 20-200mph
- Transmission Level Meets FCC Requirements
- The Rugged Design Makes It Durable

CONS:
- Lacks A True On/Off Button

 

Most Accurately Priced Radar Gun: Bushnell Velocity Speed Radar Gun

The Bushnell Velocity Speed Radar Gun determines an object’s speed from up to 90' with an accuracy rate of +/- 1 mph. It can also measure the speed of a moving car from 1500'. The radar gun’s point & shoot operation makes it easy to use. You can use the device for tracking pitching speeds and race cars. It has a large LCD display as well.

To get accurate readings, keep the travel direction of the target in a direct line with the device. If you want to know the fastest speed of your target, you only need to release the trigger. The Bushnell Velocity Speed Radar Gun uses alkaline C batteries.

PROS:
- Large LCD Display
- Easy-To-Use
- +/- 1 MPH Accuracy
- 2 Year Warranty
- Durable

CONS:
- Not Suitable For Those Looking For Chronograph-Level Accuracy

 

The Sports Sensor Glove Radar is backed by a limited warranty for 6 months. It can calculate the speed of a ball from 12 to over 100 miles per hour. The device is glove-mounted and can withstand the beating of baseballs at speeds beyond 100 miles per hour. The Sports Sensor Glove Radar transmits less power than portable phones and mobile phones.

It comes in a sturdy, stylish plastic case, which protects it from dirt, moisture, and dust. The radar uses an N/3 size 3V lithium camera battery.  You can attach the device to the back of your glove. It will measure the speed of the target before it’s caught. This can help players improve their velocity performance and accuracy.

PROS:
- Battery Last Over 30 Hours Of Non-Stop Use
- Device Switches To Sleep Mode After Idle Period of 1 Min
- Speed Range: 20 - 120 MPH
- Robust

CONS:
- Short Warranty Period

 

The SKLZ Bullet Ball Baseball Pitching Speed Sensor measures speeds of up to 120 miles per hour. The device is capable of adjusting to distances from 46' to 60' 6". It can be used by pitches of all skill levels and ages. They can use this device to improve their pitching performance.

If you don’t want to use a radar gun, you can use this radar baseball to determine how quick you throw a baseball or an object.  The SKLZ Bullet Ball Baseball Pitching Speed Sensor gives your pitch velocity automatically. It is as small as a 9" baseball, so you can bring it anywhere and anytime you want. The SKLZ Bullet Ball measures 1.1" x 1.5" x 1.4" and weighs 5.6 ounces.

PROS:
- Accurate
- Suitable For Anyone Wanting To Measure and Improve Pitching

CONS:
- Occasional Bug: Doesn’t Reset After Some Pitches

 

Buyer’s Guide: Finding The Right Radar Gun

Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Radar Gun For Baseball:

Distance:

When choosing a radar gun for baseball, you need to know your position as a coach or parent. If you want to measure the speed of major league baseball players, you have to get a radar gun that has a higher distance range. You also need to consider at which distance you will be standing. Will you stand far from the home plate or right behind it? If you are coaching little league baseball players swinging youth baseball bats, you don’t need a radar gun that has a high distance range. On the contrary, if you are coaching high-school and collegiate-level players swinging BBCOR bats, you might want one that can cover a wider distance!

Accuracy:

A radar gun should accurately measure the trajectory and speed of the ball. Expect accurate radar guns to be expensive. You have to compare the features and performance of the radar gun with other options. Read reviews about the radar guns you’re interested in to get an idea about their performance. It is also important to keep in mind that the accuracy of a unit depends on various factors such as its model, age, and last calibration.

Purpose:

Ask yourself why you want to get a radar gun? Is it for pitch speed improvement or base running speed improvement? Maybe you just want to get a radar gun for a session reviewing. If that’s the case, you need a radar gun that can record your progress, so you can monitor your pitch speed. Your purpose will definitely affect your choice of a radar gun. If you want to improve your pitching technique, consider investing in more expensive radar guns.

Battery Life/Charge:

If you are buying a radar gun that uses rechargeable batteries, you should know which batteries the gun uses and what size. After all, you don’t want the device to stop working while you are using it. You usually need AA/AAA batteries that should last for twenty-four hours of continuous use. If you don’t want to worry about buying enough batteries for the entire baseball season, you should go for a radar gun that uses rechargeable batteries.

Portability and Use:

You should be able to use your radar gun without any problem and bring it anywhere you want. Radar guns are available in a wide range of sizes. These devices can be as large as the Jugs Gun - Sports Radar Gun. You can also find small radar guns like the Pocket Radar Ball Coach. Just because the device is large doesn’t mean that it is better than the small ones. You have to consider what you really need in a radar gun to get the right one for you.

Price Point:

How much are you willing to spend on your radar gun? Expensive radar guns usually provide more accurate readings, greater durability, and better range than cheap ones. Most expensive radar guns are powered by rechargeable batteries, which can help you save money and time in the long term. If you are a coach or you’re a junior/little league player, you may want to get a $100 to $200 radar gun. Consider investing in a more expensive radar gun if you’re a major league coach or scout.


Frequently Asked Questions About Radar Guns:

How does a speed camera or radar gun work to measure pitching speed?        

A radar gun works as a receiver and a radio transmitter. It transmits a radio wave at a predefined frequency, and its receiver analyzes the radio wave that bounces back off the baseball. If the distance traveled by the radio waves is shorter than the distance it traveled towards the object, the wavelength will be shorter. This means that baseball is moving towards the device.

If the distance traveled by the radio waves is longer on its return trip, the wavelength will be longer. This means that baseball is moving away from the device. A radar gun determines how fast the baseball is moving by measuring the changes in the wavelength.

How accurate are radar guns? 

Radar guns can provide an accurate measurement of your pitching speed. Whether you are using this device to measure the speed of a moving object or your speed, you can trust a radar gun to give you an accurate reading. Some radar guns, especially the expensive ones, are extremely accurate that they are capable of measuring up to 1 mile per hour.

In fact, these devices have been so accurate that they’ve been presented as evidence in court in the past. The more sophisticated your radar gun is, the more accurate the device is. An affordable radar gun may be accurate for a normal athlete as well.

How far do you have to be to measure pitching speed with a radar gun accurately?     

If you want to measure your pitching speed with a radar gun, you should be about 100' away from the device. The distance range of the device depends on its price. Expensive devices provide more distance range than the cheap ones. Handheld radar guns are actually easy to use.

Most models require you to push the trigger to record the speed of an object and then let it go to determine its fastest speed. If your device is equipped with a constant-on mode, you don’t have to push the trigger down all the time.

If you are at a 90-degree angle to the action, you may not get an accurate reading. You have to be in front or directly behind the object to get a precise reading.

Does the MLB use radar guns or speed trackers?

The MLB makes use of radar guns to determine how the effective a pitcher’s work is. There should be a significant differential between off-speed pitches and fastballs.  Radar guns are also used to know if the velocity of a pitcher drops, which can be an indication of arm injury.

Scouts are capable of telling whether the pitch is working or not. They can also determine whether there is an injury or not. The radar gun can convince pitchers and staff that an examination is required. Radar guns are also used to measure the ball’s speed after contacting the bat. These devices estimate the velocity of a pitched ball.

What else can I use a speed tracker for?

Speed trackers are not only used in baseball. It is also used to measure hitting and pitching speed for other sports such as tennis, softball, volleyball, cricket, and more. This device can be used to measure fast-moving objects such as any vehicle.

Speed trackers make athletes aware of their velocity. They can use this information to improve their performance. Knowledge of one’s capacity and external feedback helps boost power output. Speed trackers can be used to monitor a player’s ball velocity.


Final Verdict:

Radar guns for baseball help athletes determine and keep track of their throwing intensity. This is crucial for players with the previous injury who wants to gradually increase their throwing intensity or wishes to manage their workload. Radar guns can also benefit players who are preparing for a season and want to build their arm’s ability to handle stress gradually. Coupled with a baseball pitching machine, these products will ensure in improving many baseball skills.

Using radar guns allow players to document and slowly improve their performance. These devices can also help improve their pitching speed. Pitchers who know the velocity of their pitch during training are more capable of increasing their velocity than those who don’t have any idea about how fast their pitch is.

You need to consider your needs and budget when choosing a radar gun. Various factors will affect your decision, such as your purpose, battery life, portability, and distance. By taking these factors into consideration, you can find the best baseball radar gun for you.