ChronoTech's Speed Chrono:
                                                                                 Cooler than your old Chrony's

     I've owned more chronographs than most paintball players.  Because I ran my own games for so many years it became necessary that I have my own chrono just to keep things safe.  My first chronograph was a good one.  It cost nearly $150 and was packed with nifty but useless features.  It went through a lot over the years.  Too many numbskulls out there can't grasp the technology and thought they had to 'roll' the ball across the top of the chronograph or just shoot the thing outright.  Never could get anyone to understand how amazingly sensitive a chronograph is and that 14 to 18 inches over the top was quite alright.  Many a day came that I carried that chronograph home with my homemade LCD protector shot into a million pieces.  Fortunately the poor old beast endured that and many other hardships without a hiccup.

    I considered the extra cost money well spent.  All too often I had to break my Chronograph out of the trunk to come to the rescue of a field owner whose Little Red 'Chrony' had called it quits.  And it didn't take much to put those little jokers out of action.  One 'splooge' over the top and the 'Chrony's' electronics would call it a day.  After I left the tourney scene in '93 I sold my old Chronograph to the captain of my former team.  It wasn't a wise move.

   Some time later when I got back into the sport I decided that I had to have my own chronograph again.  I knew right off the bat that I didn't want a 'Chrony'.  But now Chrono Tech had put a chronograph out on the market that was competitively priced to the 'Chrony'   I placed an order.  I can't say that what arrived impressed me much.  My first chronograph had been crudely made, but heavy built of thermoplastic, being touted as able to endure a glancing hit from a .45 ACP bullet without damage.  It also had a warranty that would replace anything but the case if it was damaged by normal use.  Apparently firearms users also shoot their chronographs on occasion.  The Chrono Tech Chronograph offers the same warranty.  But in order to keep things profitable the Speed Chrono is cheaply built.  Thus, cosmetically it is ugly and utilitarian looking.

     Performance is acceptable.  The sensors seem to be capable of detecting a paintball in all but the least favorable lighting conditions.  The case, while much flimsier than my old chronograph, would still endure a paintball hit from even the hottest gun.  However the LCD screen is unprotected and a direct hit would no doubt destroy it.  I recommend devising a protective shield of clear lexan.  It would also be wisdom to cover the open ports of the sensors and the sky screen mounting posts.  Getting paint on the sensor lens or in the electronics would not be recommended.  A single, unthreaded hole is positioned in the center of the body on the bottom to allow for mounting the Speed Chrono to a tripod.  I highly recommend using a tripod with your chronograph as it makes attaining a suitable setup much easier.

     The Pro's:  Having your own chronograph is extremely handy.  Especially if you like to tinker with your markers.  The Speed Chrono is much more reliable than the ubiquitous 'Chrony's'  The readout is easy to read.  Can be switched from FPS to MPS if you are weird.

     The Con's:  Ugly.  I would have preferred that it have a more impact resistant case.  The LCD needs protection as well.  The tripod mounting hole needed modification before I could get my cheapie tripod affixed to it properly.  Bulkier than the 'Chrony'.   Easy to accidentally switch it to MPS and screw up your measurements.  I recommend disabling this switch by epoxying a blocking bar in front of it.  A measurement in meters would be nearly 3 times faster than a FPS measurement so a dangerous situation could develop.  Disable this switch and avoid this possibility.  Devoid of neat features like shot averaging that my old chronograph had.

     The Final Say:  A better choice than the 'Chrony', it will outlive one.  Price is about the same or slightly higher, but worth it.  I still miss my old chronograph.


     Here's a helpful personal chronograph tip.  If you are going to be taking your chronograph to fields and tournaments, make certain that your name, address, and phone number is clearly marked inside and outside of the case.  This precaution can be a life saver if you accidentally leave the chronograph somewhere.  Too often, if you set the chrono up in the firing area someone else will come along and want to use it.  Sometimes several someone's.  I don't have the slightest problem with this, but I often have other things to do than waiting for a line of people to get through playing with my chronograph.  Thus, I will sometimes walk away and leave the chronograph behind.  When things get sticky is when someone see's you pick the chronograph up and carry it back to your vehicle.  Being able to show ownership at those times is a must.  Having your information inside the case as well as outside can prevent you from loosing the chrono to someone else. 
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