How to Properly Use and Maintain Your Baseball Radar Gun

A radar gun is simple to use, but a few habits make the difference between solid numbers and readings you can't trust. Always start with your gun's manual, since every model is different. These seven tips apply to most guns.

1. Understand the basics

A radar gun sends out a radio signal, catches the reflection off the ball and turns the frequency shift into a speed (the Doppler effect). It measures motion toward or away from it, so where you point it matters. Learn your gun's modes: many show peak speed, some can read pitch and batted-ball speed, and some have a hands-free or continuous mode.

2. Practice aiming

• Get in line. Stand behind the catcher (or behind the pitcher, facing the plate). The farther off-line you are, the lower the reading.
• Aim at the ball's path, not the pitcher's body, so the gun doesn't lock onto an arm or a glove.
• Start the reading at the right time. Trigger guns need you to squeeze before the pitch; many pocket radars have a mode that waits for the ball.

3. Choose the right spot

• Stay within range. Check your gun's baseball range. Pocket Radar lists up to 120 ft on a baseball; Bushnell's manual for the Velocity lists 90 ft.
• Clear line of sight. A chain-link backstop is usually fine for radar, but thick obstructions aren't.
• Watch for other targets. Cars, people walking by or a second pitcher throwing nearby can confuse the gun.
• Be safe. Stand behind a backstop or net, never in the ball's path without protection.

4. Check accuracy regularly

Most consumer radar guns don't have a user calibration step, and you usually don't need to connect them to a computer. (The original version of this post said you did; that's not true for most guns.) Instead:

• Use a tuning fork if your maker sells one. Pocket Radar sells a calibrated 65 mph fork for its radars.
• Compare with another gun from the same spot.
• Look for consistency across a set of throws.

If a gun reads off, contact the maker rather than trying to adjust it.

5. Batteries and cleaning

• Keep batteries fresh or charged. Weak power is a common cause of missed readings.
• Wipe the gun with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth. Don't spray liquid on it or use harsh cleaners.
• Keep the front (the antenna window) clean, but never open the case or push anything into it. Don't blow compressed air into the electronics.

6. Store it properly

• Keep it in a case, in a cool, dry place.
• Don't leave it in a hot car or out in the rain.
• Remove disposable batteries if you won't use it for a while, so they can't leak.

7. Get it serviced when needed

If your gun gets dropped, gets wet or starts reading oddly, contact the maker. Many offer repair or service, and some guns carry warranties (Pocket Radar lists 2 years on its current radars).

For more on getting good numbers, see are baseball radar guns accurate?

Shopping for a gun? See our guide to the best baseball radar guns →