Athletes and coaches rely heavily on speed-tracking devices for performance training. Whether they measure the movement of the body or of an object, these tools analyze your current performance and point out areas for improvement.
But with multiple types of velocity-tracking devices in the market, it can be difficult to choose the ideal one for your needs. Different types of systems are good for different sports and movements, so it’s important to understand the technology behind them.
Radar Sports shares a buyer’s guide to sports velocity trackers, helping athletes and coaches select one that supports their performance improvement goals.
Sport Velocity-Tracking Device Options
Speed-tracking devices function in different ways. Some systems, like motion capture technology, only estimate velocity and focus more on movement. These are ideal for form improvement, physical conditioning, and even injury rehabilitation and recovery. But they don’t work well with performance statistics and analysis.
There are also devices that measure projectile speed and analyze the motion of the subject. These are used in bat-and-ball and stick-and-ball sports where you hit an object using a piece of equipment. In these sports, you need a velocity-tracking device that can measure the speed transfer from the stick or bat to the ball or puck.
Most velocity-tracking tools are either laser or radar solutions. But wearable technology has been growing more popular in the last few years due to its convenience. Wearable devices are also more affordable than premium-grade speed guns, whether radar or laser.
All these devices measure velocity, but some also look at other aspects, such as the change in speed in real-time and the arrival or plate speed.
Differences and Key Features to Consider
Laser and radar systems are often mounted unless you’re using a gun-type device. There should be nothing blocking the object you want to measure the speed of to make sure the reading is accurate.
These kinds of velocity-tracking devices are best used at a distance, such as in baseball or golf. Laser and radar speed guns often have a wide speed range, measuring very high and low speeds. These are great for tracking peak speed, release speed, and arrival speed. In golf, for instance, measuring the peak speed of the ball and the moment it starts slowing down helps increase swing distance.
Wearable devices, on the other hand, are more complicated. They estimate measurements with assumptions and implied information. They are more suitable for measuring body motion, such as arm or wrist speed. For instance, you can use a wearable device for tracking swing speed in golf or bat speed in baseball.
Sports activities where location matters also often use wearable devices. Hikers, runners, and bikers, for example, greatly benefit from the GPS feature of the device.
Research various products thoroughly before purchasing to choose the ideal velocity-tracking device for your needs. Look at customer reviews and sports websites for recommendations on the best speed trackers for your sports.
Quality Speed Guns and Other Measuring Equipment
Radar Sports partners with the finest brand names in sports radar guns, police speed guns, and other speed-measuring equipment. Our products are handpicked for a variety of applications, guaranteeing that you’ll find one that supports your needs and goals.
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