Caldwell VelociRadar Chronograph: Easy and Accurate Velocity Testing

Serious rifle shooters understand that precise data is critical to making accurate shots at extended ranges, and that’s why they’re going to love the new VelociRadar from Caldwell. The VelociRadar is safer and simpler to operate than traditional hooded chronographs, and the Chirp radar provides more precise muzzle velocities than competing radar systems. In addition, the new VelociRadar makes accessing important ballistic data faster and simpler than ever before, and that’s why it’s one of the most exciting new products for shooters in 2025.

The key feature that sets the VelociRadar apart from competing chronographs is its sophisticated Chirp radar. Unlike other radar chronographs that record velocity at a single point, the Chirp radar design collects data points at multiple points. This provides extremely accurate muzzle velocity measurements which are critical to long-range accuracy, but the Chirp radar also offers drag data. Because of this, the VelociRadar is capable of determining a bullet’s ballistic coefficient and instantly providing shooters with an advanced DOPE chart with precise adjustments. This means that shooters will no longer have to rely on factory velocities (which are often inaccurate due to variations in barrel length, atmospheric conditions, and so forth) when building a ballistic chart. Accurate data translates to accurate shooting and improved first-shot hit probability.

Unboxing the VelociRadar

The VelociRadar measures 10.75 inches long and 8 inches tall, meaning that this sophisticated radar system is smaller than a single sheet of notebook paper. It also means that the radar can be easily carried in a range bag. Along with the radar Caldwell provides a tripod stand with a floating ball head (1/4-20) that threads directly into the radar itself. In addition to the radar and tripod a manual, recoil trigger cord and a USB-C charging cable.

One of the first features you’ll notice when unboxing the VelociRadar is the heavy-duty rubber armor on the corners of the unit. Life is tough for tripod chronographs, and I know very few that haven’t been blown over during a windy day at the range. The VelociRadar’s rubber armor greatly reduces the risk that a bump or drop will damage the internals. Much as I hate to admit, one of the first things I did while unboxing the radar was accidentally tip it over. To my great relief, no damage occurred. Caldwell understands the rough-and-tumble realities of a day at the shooting range and they built the VelociRadar to be tougher than competing radars. That just may save you a call to customer service and a long wait while your radar gets repaired.

The buttons on the VelociRadar are large, easy to see, and simple to operate. Like many shooters, I prefer simplicity over sophistication, but the Caldwell manages to provide easy access to your shooting data. On the left side of the radar, you’ll see four directional arrow buttons that allow owners to scroll up, down, left and right through the menus. On the right side there are power, enter, back, and arm buttons. Basic operation is quite simple, even for those who don’t like high-tech gadgets.

There’s an external port that allows you to attach the recoil trigger (more on that briefly) as well as the USB-C charging port. A USB-C charging cord is provided, but if you lose it you can find a replacement cord at most pharmacies, groceries, or airport electronics stores. The initial charge took about two hours to complete.

At the Range

The VelociRadar sets up quickly using the tripod mount and when the unit is powered on owners will be prompted to scan the QR code to download the Caldwell app. It only takes a moment and I believe it’s worthwhile (you’ll be able to connect your radar to the phone via Bluetooth and all your DOPE charts and ballistic data will be available anytime), but Caldwell doesn’t require the use of the app to access the most important features of the unit. I operated the VelociRadar with and without the app without issues.

There are four primary menus at the bottom of the screen: String, Shots, Dope, and Settings. The first step was to go to the Settings menu and change the sensor from recoil to acoustic. The VelociRadar allows the shooter to trigger the radar using acoustics or recoil. To use recoil activation, simply wrap the sensor around the firearm and plug the recoil activation cord into the port on the VelociRadar. Having these two options is very important, especially for anyone who shoots at a public range. When I was testing I used acoustic activation because I was using a rifle equipped with a muzzle brake (plenty loud to activate the sensor, trust me) and there was no one else on the range. However, if you must share a range with another shooter you do not want their shots triggering your chronograph. In that case, the recoil trigger makes perfect sense.

Before shooting you’ll need to align the radar with the target. With competing radars this can be a challenge, but Caldwell actually incorporates a peep sight into the top of the radar so you can aim it precisely at the target. The ball head tripod allows you to angle the radar as needed to perfectly align with the target, and the wing-style lock clamps the radar in position when it is properly aligned.

When you select a new string the radar screen will turn green when the radar is ready to fire. Once you fire the velocity and shot number will appear. As you continue to shoot you’ll collect data, and the VelociRadar will provide minimum and maximum velocities, average velocity, extreme spread, standard deviation, and ballistic coefficient.

When you’ve finished shooting you can examine every shot in the string by pressing the right arrow. Press the right arrow again to access the DOPE chart, which is one of the coolest features of the VelociRadar. Once upon a time, shooters gathered their velocity data at the range and then had to input those figures into a ballistic calculator to determine DOPE, but since the new VelociRadar does all this immediately you’ll have a detailed DOPE card when you leave the shooting range.

Why the VelociRadar is a Great Option for Shooters

Having access to data and an instant DOPE card is enormously valuable to shooters and hunters, especially if you’re traveling. For example, I recently went on an elk hunt in New Mexico at over 7,000 feet of elevation and I didn’t have an opportunity to sight in my rifle (a new model supplied by the manufacturer) until I was in camp. To complicate matters even more, I added a suppressor to the barrel of the rifle. I could have used the velocity and ballistic coefficient provided by the ammunition company to sight in the rifle, but those figures likely wouldn’t be exact. Barrel length, altitude, temperature, and other factors impact velocity, so any ballistic table would need to be verified.

None of this would have been an issue if I had a VelociRadar along. I could have obtained accurate velocities for that rifle and load (even with the suppressor in place) and could have spent that first afternoon verifying that data. The VelociRadar is not only a valuable tool for accurate shooting, but it’s also a time saver. You’ll waste less time building a DOPE card because the VelociRadar is busy doing just that while you shoot.

It's wonderful to have such advanced technology available to shooters, but what I like most about the VelociRadar system is how simple it is to operate. In a matter of minutes, you’ll master the basics. Battery life is also very good, which is a bonus. Nobody wants to stop shooting to recharge the failing battery on their radar or replace a handful of AA batteries.

At $549 the VelociRadar is a value, especially considering that it will likely save you on ammunition costs by providing you with the data you need to hit your target on the first shot every time. Tough and portable, this convenient radar package is a must-have for shooters and one of the best new technology products for 2025.

For more information visit: caldwellshooting.com