I'm getting new chronograph. Cant decide between a garmin xero or athlon rangecraft. Only $100 difference. Any preferences? Thanks.

I’m not at all familiar with either of these units, but have considered buying a new chrono myself. I visited Mr Google and found the following…

“The Garmin Xero is generally considered the better chronograph due to its superior reliability and ease of use, particularly its consistent shot detection and simpler app, while the Athlon Rangecraft may have an edge for users who want an integrated ballistic solver within its app. The Garmin is praised for consistently registering shots regardless of placement, even at indoor ranges, and for having a more user-friendly mobile app. However, some users find the Athlon's app to be better and note it can pick up shots faster, though it requires more precise placement.

Garmin Xero C1 Pro
Pros:
Reliability: More consistent and reliable at picking up shots across various conditions and placements.
Ease of Use: Simpler and more user-friendly app with easier phone pairing and data exports.
Versatility: Works well in different environments, including indoor ranges.
Support: Benefits from Garmin's extensive experience with portable electronics and support infrastructure.
Cons:
Does not have an integrated ballistic solver in its app.

Athlon Rangecraft
Pros:
Integrated Ballistic Solver: Features a ballistic solver integrated directly into its app, which is a key feature for some users.
Potentially Faster Readings: Can pick up shots faster, though this often depends on precise setup.
Cons:
Less Reliable Setup: Requires more precise placement to register shots, often needing to be almost perfectly perpendicular to the muzzle.
Missed Shots: More prone to missing shots if not set up correctly.
Potentially Slower App: While it has a ballistic solver, the overall app functionality and pairing may be less streamlined compared to the Garmin.”

There are a number of YouTube videos on the web going into a comparison of the two units. Might be worth having a look at 1 or 2 to help in your decision mate.

I'm interested in this answer as well. I have a 25 year old Crony. It works but its getting pretty long in the tooth.

-DallanC

I have the Garmin and like it.

A friend sold his Garmin to get the Athlon and I think he regrets it now. t picks shots from the benches beside him and if another shooter 2 or 3 benches is shooting a centerfire with a brake (me) it will pick up my shot.

I read an article last year after the Athlon release, that it is using older technology.

RePete, I have heard the same about athlon picking up close shots. its only $100 cheaper than the garmin. I believe Ill get the garmin. I already have several of their gps, fishfinders, watches. maybe i need to buy stock in their company. I just sold a shooting chrony, and trying to get rid of my magneto speed. Thanks for everybody's reply.