Monday, June 11, 2007

I am often asked for a suggestion on which Handheld Radar Gun to use to clock the speed of a baseball pitch. Which one will work? In truth, they will all work. You just need to know how to use each model to make it work. Baseballs and softballs are small targets moving very fast. Here are a few key elements to remember when using a radar gun for these sports:

The radar gun needs to be within 100 feet of the pitcher.
Do not have any obstructions between the radar gun and the pitcher, such as the backstop.
You must point the radar gun directly at the ball.
You must be as close to the line of travel as possible. (Standing behind the catcher is best)
The fastest speed is within 1 foot of the pitcher.
Pull the trigger during (or before) the windup.

Failure to account for any of these may result in an inaccurate reading, or no reading at all. My suggestion for a good Baseball or softball Sports Radar Gun is as follows:

Bushnell Speedster II Radar Gun
JUGSpeed Cordless Radar Gun

Ryan