Product Spotlight: Athlon Velocity Pro Chronograph
Hi, Caleb from Brownells here. Today I’m joined by Dustin from Athlon Optics to take a closer look at the Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro, a new radar-based chronograph. This unit is designed to work across a wide variety of shooting setups, and Dustin walked me through all the major features.
Introducing the Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph
The Velocity Pro can measure velocities from 65 to 5000 feet per second. That covers everything from archery and air rifles to pistols and high-powered rifles. It runs on an internal lithium battery and charges via USB-C. It is easy to top off the charge using the same cable you use for other devices or with a power bank if needed.
Durability Built Into the Design
The unit is built with durability in mind. The body has reinforced 45-degree corners that help protect it from falls or bumps. Dustin shared a story about a prototype that was hit by recoil from a 50 BMG and launched several feet. That kind of durability was carried over into the final design.
It includes an aluminum tripod that provides excellent stability. This is particularly useful in windy conditions or uneven terrain.
Radar Technology and Placement
The chronograph uses Doppler radar technology. While other systems on the market use radar, Athlon spent a lot of time refining the Velocity Pro to minimize interference from things like muzzle brakes and suppressors.
It uses a 30-degree detection cone. This means you can place it between 4 to 10 inches beside or in front of your muzzle without needing perfect alignment. Unlike older systems that required exact placement, this unit is much more forgiving and convenient.
Simple Controls and Fast Operation
There are only three buttons on the Velocity Pro. You have power, up and down, and an option button that also serves as delete. It is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly.
Setup is straightforward. Power it on and follow the on-screen prompt for positioning. From there, you can select Quick Start or New Session mode. Quick Start skips entering bullet weight and goes straight to velocity tracking. You can add more detailed data later if needed.
On-Screen Data and Session Tracking
The Velocity Pro gives real-time readings including minimum and maximum velocity, average velocity, standard deviation, extreme spread, and kinetic energy. This data is viewable directly on the screen during your session.
For more advanced tracking, the chronograph connects to the Athlon Ballistics app, where you can store and review all of your session data.
Athlon Ballistics App Features
The app allows you to create individual profiles for different rifles and bullets. You can name and organize sessions based on date, firearm, or load. All data is saved to the cloud so you can retrieve it later if you change devices.
This is especially helpful for reloaders and shooters who are serious about documenting their performance. You can go back and compare data over time, across different conditions, or with varying bullet types.
Real Use Scenarios
If you are switching between different bullet weights or testing new loads, the Velocity Pro gives you consistent data that helps with zeroing and ballistic tracking. For example, switching from a 75 grain to a 55 grain load in your AR platform becomes easier when you can see the exact velocity change and adjust your optics accordingly.
The app lets you pull up previous sessions to match ballistic data with current shooting conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro is a solid chronograph for anyone who wants fast, accurate, and reliable velocity data. It is rugged, easy to use, and backed by a companion app that makes long-term tracking simple.
Thanks to Dustin from Athlon Optics for helping walk through the features. If you have questions or need more info, feel free to contact the Brownells Tech Line. We are always here to help.
