Shot timer?

[NavyChief]

OK, so I'm in the market. I'm looking at three right now on Midway...

Competition Electronics Pocket Pro 2 Shot Timer - $115

Competition Electronics Pocket Pro Shot Timer - $125

PACT Club Shot Timer 3 - $140

As far as I'm concerned, the prices are close enough that's not really a factor. I just want to get the best one I can (in this price range). It will be used primarily for self-timing/self-evaluation, but I can see it be used some in my CHL classes for demonstration purposes. I already see the PACT has a fixed 3-second delay, which seems like a drawback, but I'm not sure how much significance I should attach to that - after all, it seems like the PACT is so popular it's almost become a generic name for shot timers.

What say ye all?

[Brian D.]

I didn't click the links but will list the features my shooting group has found most useful through the years:
1) Random delay countdown and instant start options, both have their uses. Unless you're only going to ever time yourself, and for some reason want the exact same delay from each draw/low ready start.
2) Ability to set up a second beep. That gives you a fixed amount of time to do something like get your carcass to cover, engaging or not engaging a target along the way. There are also a bunch of existing drills that include a time limit; beating that second beep with your last shot of the string builds confidence, skill, etc....assuming you got the hit!
3) Sensitive enough "hearing" from the device that it picks up whatever you might want to shoot from say a .22 rimfire rifle. Apparently they even make timers that will function with the report of Airsoft guns but I don't have any experience with those.
4) Good strong clip to hold the timer securely wherever you choose to wear it.
5) A good warranty. You can keep the moisture off them with zip lock bags but eventually the cold/heat take their toll on the electronics, if you're a year-round shooter. Hopefully later than sooner. I have no idea how the various companies stand behind their products in that regard.

[djmac1964]

We use the Competition Electronics Pocket Pro, and Pocket Pro 2, at our club, and have been very happy with both. If I remember correctly about the only difference is in the display, with the Pocket Pro 2 showing more info in the screen. I know that both have a random start setting, and I believe both can be set up with a specific delay time, but cant remember for sure, or how long the delay time could be set at.

[Bruenor]

I see mostly the CED 7000 at the USPSA matches, so that's what I picked up.
Works great I have no complaints, this thing has more features than I can possibly need.

http://www.shootersconnectionstore.com/ ... -P168.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

illuminated LCD display,
times,
splits,
review (Last 10 STRINGS)
Silent operation for visual starts,
Spy mode,
stop watch mode,
adjustable soft beep for dry fire use,
Auto-Start mode,
Instant Start
Random delay start
Countdown mode
Built in rechargeable battery so you don't have to buy Alkaline batteries all the time.

CED makes some nice timers.

[Morne]

Use an app on your phone

[Brian D.]

Use an app on your phone

Will that app work while the phone is inside a zip lock bag? Seriously, I have no idea. Moot point though...if one only goes shooting on nice days.

[djthomas]

Phone apps have their uses, but I've found that they aren't always as reliable as a quality, dedicated timer unit. Nothing like hearing the initial beep, running through your paces then getting to the end and finding that the app lost count after your second shot, or never started recording at all.

[Sevens]

Definitely no way a phone app can totally hang with a dedicated shot timer, no way. HOWEVER... it is a full 100% difference in price. The app I am using is free and absolutely, completely useful and totally enjoyable.

For a guy like our favorite Navy Chief, always on a very tight budget, I think it makes sense to at least mention it.

The other thing I would mention specifically to Navy Chief is that we always use dedicated shot timers at Fun n Gun, you could get hands-on playtime with one there to maybe help you decide. FnG isn't all too far off.

[TSiWRX]

Anyone have hands-on with the Double-Alpha SHOTMAXX, particularly in the indoor context?

[jeep45238]

I've been using the competition electronics Pocket Pro for several years without issue (except the stupid 9V batter....would rather have AA to use my rechargeable ones in it).

It's not sensitive enough for dry-fire in my opinion, but there some of the smart phone timers are supposed to have enough sensitivity for dry-fire. Haven't had much luck with it myself though.

[AlanM]

I've been using the competition electronics Pocket Pro for several years without issue (except the stupid 9V batter....would rather have AA to use my rechargeable ones in it).

It's not sensitive enough for dry-fire in my opinion, but there some of the smart phone timers are supposed to have enough sensitivity for dry-fire. Haven't had much luck with it myself though.

There are 9v rechargeable batteries and chargers available (even at Walmart) you know.

[jeep45238]

I'd rather have the compatability with the charger I already have (AA and AAA). Less to keep track of in inventory. It's a very, very minor ding against the unit.

I find that the random starts keep you from developing a pre-determined 'flinch' for the go pedal.

[dl1911]

Always been tempted to get one of these since it would just be for my own use, not at a match.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/267013 ... shot-timer" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anyone have any experience with them?

[CCIman]

lotsa free shot timers for android...and my S5 is rain proof... how acccurate do you need to be: you are not Jerry Miculek?

[jeep45238]

Always been tempted to get one of these since it would just be for my own use, not at a match.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/267013 ... shot-timer" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anyone have any experience with them?

The reviews I've read about them are positive. They are supposed to have an accelerometer onboard, which makes sure it doesn't pick up the shots of nearby shooters. I'm tempted if my current timer every dies.