I've had my Labradar for about two weeks now. I thought I'd share some impressions after a couple of trips to the range in case some of you are considering purchasing one, as I know there aren't that many reviews out there yet. For some context, I'm a devoted Oehler guy and an avid handloader. I've had an Oehler 35P for several years, and I've used it a lot.
If you're a Magnetospeed fanboy, fear not! I won't be casting aspersions on your beloved device (though you can count me among the folks who don't want anything touching the end of their barrels).
POSITIVES
- There have been several write-ups on Labradar precision vs. the 35P, but suffice it to say I took several known loads in three different rifles to see if I got similar numbers, and I most certainly did. Even the standard deviations where in-line with previous results. I'm using Firmware v1.1.3, which is the most current.
- Once I got the settings and positioning of the device correct, I had ZERO dropped shots or shots that failed to read. Position of the radar relative to the muzzle is critical, especially with regard to fore and aft placement. On my first trip, I had the muzzle way too far forward of the device, and it wasn't picking up shots when triggering by microphone (it worked fine when trigger was set to "doppler," but that's NOT the way you want it set, as it's then sending RF energy out constantly and eating your batteries much faster). After a call to Richard at Labradar, and a pleasant 20-minute conversation in which he answered all my questions, he got me straight, and I had no more issues triggering by microphone.
- It's easy to set up. Did I mention that it's easy to set up? If you've used a chronograph at all, you know that setup is the WORST thing about them, and the Oehler is the absolute worst of them all (despite being the most reliable and precise of the bunch). If it weren't for setup, most serious reloaders would have their chrono at every range session. Well, with the Labradar, you can have it at every range session, as it takes only a minute to set up, and no tripod is required if you have the table-top stand (which I highly recommend).
- I fired dozens of shots from my AR-15, and it registered every single shot. The new firmware release addressed an issue in which .223 caliber bullets were often missed/dropped by the radar. It seems to work great now.
- Customer service is GREAT. The trouble is, the tech support phone number is almost impossible to find on the website until you click "BUY NOW" and scroll all the way down to the page footer for the 6-point font. Call the number, however, and you'll be transferred to one of the most helpful technicians with whom I've had the pleasure to work with (Richard).
NEGATIVES
- It eats AA batteries. In all fairness though, it's a freaking radar powered by AA batteries (what do you expect)? I strongly recommend you pick up a USB power pack and run it off that. I have a Mophie Powerstation Duo, and it went all afternoon without losing a bar's worth of juice. Get something like this, charge it before heading to the range, and it'll be a non-issue.
- The user manual is in its infancy, and it could stand some improvement. The flow charts that show how to navigate back and forth between modes might as well be written in Cyrillic, but the truth is that the device isn't that hard to figure out even without it. There's a learning curve, so you shouldn't expect to power it on and begin cranking out shots immediately. There are quite a few options that aren't explained as thoroughly as I'd like, so don't be surprised if you still have questions after digesting the guide. 20 minutes reviewing the manual would be time well spent though, and I'm a guy who normally skips the instructions.
- The table-top stand came with a very "jenky" swivel head affixed, and mine wouldn't tighten properly. Frankly, it was crap. They must know it too, because as soon as I mentioned that it wasn't working to Richard, he said he'd be sending me a replacement. The gen 2 head that I received is a big step up in beefiness and quality, and it's a quick change out. If you'd prefer to run this thing via a tripod, that'll work just as well and won't require the table-top stand.
CONCLUSION
All in all, I couldn't be happier with this thing. The "negatives" I listed above are trivial. The Labradar works as advertised, and I love it. Buy one, or buy my used 35P, as I won't be needing it anymore. This thing is going to change the way I use chronographs, as there is no going back to skyscreens, tripods, and paper rolls.
Last edited by richardca99; 03/13/16.
