Archery is a complex sport that has many different types of tools and equipment. One of these is an archery chronograph. An archery chronograph is a very important tool for bowhunters and archery enthusiasts. It can help achieve ultimate accuracy. If you have ever wondered what this little device is or how it can help you, then you have come to the right place!

What Is A Chronograph?

A chronograph is a device that is used to measure the speed of bullets or arrows. It is set up so that you shoot your arrow through the device in order to get the speed. Many will also give you the standard deviation, both of which can help you increase your shooting skills. Many of the modern archery chronographs also provide data for all their shots, from their slowest to fastest shots.

Why You Need a Chronograph

An archery chronograph will give you the speed of your arrows. This is important to know for several reasons. Once you know your arrow speed, you can make calculations to your bow sights for the best possible accuracy. This is especially important for things such as single-pin and slider sights. It is vital to know the arrow speed in order to determine how fast your arrow will drop while in flight. Faster arrows also provide a flatter trajectory.

How to Use an Archery Chronograph

A chronograph is very simple and easy to use. As long as you use it correctly, you can get the most amount of benefits to improve your shooting. Here are the steps that you should take when using an archery chronograph:

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

In order to get started, you will first need to assemble all of your archery shooting gear. You will need your bow, a good target, a chronograph, arrows with field tips, a rangefinder, a shooting area, and a flat surface to place the chronograph. You can also use a dedicated chronograph holder.

Step 2: Set Everything Up

Set up your shooting area and gear. Ensuring that the space is free of anything that could get in your way. Place the target 20 yards away (or even closer if you would like), using your rangefinder to confirm the distance. Next, place the chronograph directly in front of the shooting line. When you take a shot, the arrows will go straight through the gates of the chronograph. To do this, place the chronograph on the table or other flat surface that you have, or the chronograph holder. Holders tend to work much better, as this is what they are designed to do and will place the chronograph at the right height.

Step 3: Prepare the Chronograph

Once everything is in place, it’s time to turn on the chronograph and put it in “ready” mode. The chronograph should be about an arrow’s length away from where you will be shooting.

Step 4: Take a Shot

It is now time to place an arrow in the bow and take the first shot. Ensure that the arrow will fly cleanly through the chronograph without hitting it when you release it. After the shot, check the chronograph for the speed of your arrow. Record this speed.

Step 5: Repeat the Process

After the first shot, take two more by repeating the same process. Write down each individual arrow speed after you shoot. Once you have the readings from all shots, take the average from the three. This will give you a great average arrow speed for all of your arrows.

Best Archery Chronographs

Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph

This is one of the most popular chronographs on the market. The Caldwell Ballistic Precision chronograph has an excellent price point and features. Its accurate readings are great for rifles and bows alike. This chronograph has a large LCD screen to display the readings, making it much easier to use during the day and in bright sunlight. With extra features such as sunscreens, a carry bag, and an app that connects with your phone, this archery chronograph is a great bang for your buck. It is easy to see why this is one of the most popular chronographs in the world and will no doubt suit your needs perfectly.

Yiju Multifunctional Velometer Ballistic Chronograph

For archers who are on a budget, there are no better options than the Yiju Ballistic chronograph. This chronograph is extremely budget-friendly. It comes with other features and tools that even top-of-the-line models do not have. Able to give you the speed of 1 to 999.9 meters per second of any projectile, it is more than adequate for any archery needs. It also comes equipped with a tripod to ensure you can easily place it at the correct height. For those that have a tighter budget but still want a chronograph, the Yiju Ballistic chronograph is an excellent choice.

Competition ProChrono DLX Chronograph

Made for extreme accuracy for competition needs, the ProChrono DLX is made for the high demands of archery and firearms. This is a very high-quality device and will last you for years. With built-in Bluetooth and a state-of-the-art operating system, this chronograph provides some of the most accurate results that you can get. This chronograph also comes with a 2-year warranty against all defects and poor workmanship. For those looking for a chronograph on a higher level, this is a model to keep an eye on!

Final Thoughts

Among all of the different tools and equipment required for archery, a chronograph is a unique and important part of it all. With accurate arrow speed numbers that one can provide, you can finely tune your bow and maximize your accuracy in no time!