❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Radar Guns & Speed Sensors
1. What is the best radar gun for baseball and tennis?
The Pocket Radar Smart Coach delivers ±1 MPH accuracy plus app overlays, making it the top pick for baseball and tennis. For a budget bullpen option, the Bushnell Velocity is reliable and often under $100.
2. How does a radar gun measure speed?
Radar guns use the Doppler Effect, sending radio waves that bounce off a moving object. The change in frequency between the emitted and reflected waves allows the gun to calculate speed in real time.
3. Do radar guns work through a fence or backstop?
Most radar guns cannot measure accurately through glass, chain-link fences, or netting. Obstructions can distort the signal, so place the gun in front of the backstop or use a side angle at open field level.
4. Do you need a license to operate a radar gun?
For personal, sports, or recreational use, no license is required. Law enforcement devices may require certification depending on jurisdiction.
5. Pocket Radar vs Bushnell: Which is more accurate?
Both advertise ±1 MPH accuracy. Pocket Radar Smart Coach holds calibration better at longer distances and adds video/app data. Bushnell Velocity is great for quick reads but lacks logging features.
6. How far can a radar gun measure speed?
Sports radar guns usually measure within 50 to 300 feet. Higher-end models, like those used in law enforcement, can track speed at distances over 1,000 feet.
7. Are radar guns reliable for baseball, tennis, and golf?
Yes. Devices like the Pocket Radar Ball Coach and Bushnell Velocity are trusted for accurate speed tracking across multiple sports with up to ±1 MPH accuracy.
8. What features should I look for in a radar gun?
Key features to consider:
✅ Accuracy (±1 MPH or better)
✅ Speed range and distance
✅ Battery type (rechargeable or replaceable)
✅ Display readability
✅ Hands-free or tripod compatibility
9. Can radar guns track both incoming and outgoing speed?
Yes. Many radar guns support bidirectional tracking, measuring speed of objects moving both toward and away from the device — useful for pitching drills, races, and training.
10. What’s the best affordable radar gun for beginners?
The Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun is a great entry-level radar gun. It provides ±1 MPH accuracy and works well for baseball, softball, and basic speed measurement tasks.
11. Can I use a radar gun for tennis, soccer, or golf?
Absolutely! Many radar guns are multi-sport compatible and can measure serve speed, ball kicks, and even golf swing velocity with impressive accuracy.
12. Are hands-free radar guns useful for training?
Yes. Hands-free models like the NetPlayz Radar or DRM Speed Sensor are ideal for solo practice and allow for continuous speed measurement without needing a second person.
13. What speed range should I look for?
Look for radar guns that cover at least 10 to 150 MPH. For baseball, softball, and tennis, this range is sufficient to track performance accurately across all skill levels.
14. Do radar guns require calibration?
Most consumer radar guns are pre-calibrated and require no setup. Professional or law enforcement models may require periodic calibration for certified use.
15. Can I track and save speed data?
Yes. Smart radar guns like the Pocket Radar Smart Coach sync with mobile apps to log data, review video overlays, and analyze trends over time.
16. Can I use a radar gun for lacrosse?
Absolutely! A radar gun for lacrosse helps measure shot speed during drills and games. Models like the Pocket Radar Smart Coach and DRM Hands-Free Speed Radar are ideal for tracking lacrosse ball velocity with high accuracy.
17. How accurate are consumer radar guns compared to pro models?
Entry-level radar guns like the Bushnell Velocity can be accurate enough for youth and recreational use, but they typically have more variation and are more sensitive to angle and distance. Pro-grade models from Stalker, Jugs, and Pocket Radar offer tighter accuracy and more consistent readings, which matters more as the level of play increases and decisions carry higher stakes.
18. Where should I stand to get accurate pitch speed readings?
The most reliable readings usually come when the radar gun is positioned in line with the path of the ball—either directly behind the catcher or directly behind the pitcher, at a safe distance. The more off to the side you are, the more the recorded speed will drop due to the cosine effect. Check your gun’s manual for recommended distances and angles, and try to keep your setup consistent.
19. Do I need a pro-level radar gun for youth baseball or softball?
Not usually. For youth and early recreational levels, a solid consumer or prosumer radar gun like the Bushnell Velocity or Pocket Radar Ball Coach is more than enough. Pro-level radar guns become worthwhile when you’re working with high school, college, or travel teams, or when velocity is tied to recruitment and serious long-term development.
20. What’s the difference between Pocket Radar Ball Coach and Smart Coach?
The Ball Coach focuses on delivering fast, accurate speed readings in a compact form—perfect for on-field use when you just need reliable numbers. The Smart Coach builds on that by adding a full video + data app system, letting you record, tag, and review swings and pitches over time. Ball Coach is ideal for simple sessions; Smart Coach is better for data-driven training and long-term tracking.
21. Can one radar gun track both pitch speed and exit velocity?
Many modern radar guns, including Pocket Radar and pro-level Stalker models, can measure both pitch velocity and batted ball exit velocity. The key is positioning and timing: you may need to reposition slightly or adjust your workflow to capture the metric you’re targeting. Some systems and apps make this easier with labeling and data management tools.
22. Is a swing speed–only radar worth it if I already have a normal radar gun?
A specialized swing speed radar like the Sports Sensors Swing Speed Radar is most helpful if you’re heavily focused on bat speed training and want a dedicated, easy setup around a tee or cage. If your current radar gun already captures exit velocity and you’re comfortable using it in that role, a separate swing-only unit is optional rather than required.
23. Should I get a radar gun with app integration?
If you’re a coach, instructor, or serious player who tracks progress over time, app integration is extremely useful. Systems like Pocket Radar Smart Coach make it easy to connect video and velocity, review sessions later, and share data. If you just want to know “how hard was that pitch?” in the moment, a simple, non-connected radar gun is often enough.
