Garmin Xero C1 vs Athlon Rangecraft vs LabRadar LX: The Ultimate Chronograph Comparison for Precision Shooters

The Garmin Xero C1 and Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro are remarkably similar devices in both design and function. Both are compact Doppler radar chronographs capable of accurately measuring projectile velocity from roughly 65 fps up to 5,000 fps, supporting rifles, pistols, airguns, and even archery. They’re portable, simple to operate, and deliver excellent shot-to-shot consistency.

The Athlon often comes in at a lower price, with a larger display that’s easier to read in the field. In short, for most shooters and reloaders who simply want reliable velocity data, the Garmin Xero C1 and Athlon Rangecraft perform almost identically.

However, the LabRadar LX operates on a completely higher tier of functionality. While it shares the same Doppler radar measurement principle, the LX introduces a suite of advanced ballistic analysis tools that elevate it from a simple chronograph to a true ballistic measurement platform.

Why the LabRadar LX Is a Step Above

1. Ballistic Coefficient (BC) Measurement
   The LabRadar LX can directly calculate a projectile’s ballistic coefficient by tracking velocity decay over distance — something neither the Garmin Xero C1 nor the Athlon Rangecraft can do.

   • The LX measures multiple velocity points along the projectile’s flight path.

   • By comparing the velocity loss over distance, the system derives the actual, measured BC of your bullet under real atmospheric conditions — not just the manufacturer’s claimed value.

   • This feature is invaluable for long-range shooters, ballistic testers, and reloaders chasing sub-MOA precision, because knowing your true BC enables more accurate ballistic solver inputs and improved downrange prediction.

   • You can also monitor your barrels life and the performance of the projectiles

2. Enhanced User Interface & Display
   The LX features a full-color, high-resolution screen, significantly improving readability and user interaction over the monochrome displays on the Garmin and Athlon.

   • The color interface allows intuitive navigation, clearer shot data visualization, and better usability in bright outdoor light.

   • For users recording large shot strings or testing multiple calibers, the display’s clarity helps prevent setup or data-entry errors.

3. Advanced Data Handling & “Series” Management
   The LX offers a much more comprehensive shot-series management system.

   • You can create, label, and store multiple “series” or sessions (e.g., different loads, calibers, or rifles) directly on the unit.

   • Each series can be added to later - so you can shoot Rifle 1 x5 times, move to the new series and shoot rifle 2 x5 times, then after rifle 1 has cooled, move back to it and select that existing series and add more shots to it

Summary

Bottom Line

The Garmin Xero C1 and Athlon Rangecraft are both excellent Doppler chronographs for shooters who primarily need reliable velocity readings in a compact package. But if you want a chronograph that also functions as a ballistic analysis instrument — providing real ballistic coefficient data, color display, and advanced shot-series tracking — the LabRadar LX stands in a class of its own.

In short:

The Garmin and Athlon are great chronographs. The LabRadar LX is a full ballistic lab in your range bag.