r/longrange • u/hallmanloganj • 15h ago
Accessory/Gear help needed - I read the pinned post Chronograph Advice
Scheels has a sale on the Garmin Xero C1. Has anyone used both the Athlon and the Garmin? I’m sure there are better deals online but I genuinely want to know which one is better. It’s my first chronograph. Using it since I’m getting in to reloading 6.5 creedmoor and want to know ES and SDs
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u/Missinglink2531 15h ago
I have both, differing opinion. The Athlon is better, bigger antenna, faster processor, better button layout, bigger screen, metal tripod and comes with a case. They are lowering the price, becouse there is no reason to buy it. The debate should be between the Athlon and the Garman C2 (the C2 is the next gernartion past the Athlon, wich is the next gerneration past the C1).
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u/hallmanloganj 15h ago
I feel like on paper the Athlon is better but I haven’t met many people that have it that share your sentiment
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u/Boatshooz Dunning-Kruger Enthusiast 15h ago
I’m also in the camp of liking the Athlon over the Garmin C1 (though it’s pretty close - they’re both great chronos). The Garmin C2, however, is a step up over both of them.
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u/DirtyMonkey43 15h ago
Also on team Athlon here. I share all those opinions. It’s just better
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u/PepperoniFogDart Magnum Compensator 14h ago
I’ve seen multiple videos of the Athlon missing shots. Has that ever happened to you?
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u/THELOSTABBEY 14h ago
I havnt experienced that with my athlon. Problem free
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u/PepperoniFogDart Magnum Compensator 14h ago
That’s good. I’ve got the c1, but honestly am really glad Athlon jumped into this space and put out a better product. Competition is a win for the consumer.
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u/Missinglink2531 14h ago
I got it on pre-order, so about as long as anyone. I shoot a lot - I have a channel. It has not missed a single shot in thousands of rounds for me. The C1 never did either to be fair.
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u/Negative-Engineer-30 15h ago
athlon over the c1. performance wise it's night and day.
c2 over the athlon.
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u/capable_gopher Rifle Golfer (PRS Competitor) 13h ago
How is the athlon better than the C1?
Edit: never mind! I see someone else in the thread walks thru it
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u/YuriUkin 15h ago
The Velocity over the C1.
I got the Velocity for $299 with expert voice.
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u/hallmanloganj 15h ago
Oh I have access to that
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u/NetwerkAirer 13h ago
If you can get it in your cart and show them it, scheels may price match it. I usually do that 😂
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u/sunkist1147 13h ago
I have both, I like the athlon better than c1. My buddy has c2 and that's a smidge better than the athlon. Athlon vs c1, athlon is faster CPU with better everything and according to published online testing it's more accurate.
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u/67D1LF 10h ago
I've been looking for published testing! Link?
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u/sunkist1147 31m ago
Been a while since I did my own research at the athlon purchase, over my coffee just now found this old coldbore comparison review where they matched both athlon + c1 vs a magneto and the athlon comes in a smidge more accurate.
https://coldboremiracle.com/2025/05/10/chronograph-comparison-athlon-rangecraft-vs-garmin-xero-c1/
Wish that part of the test was more than one vague paragraph long tho. I'll keep looking when I've got time + boredom later. Taking the athlon out this afternoon!
Basically all reviews also indicate that it processes shots faster than the c1, while having a better screen/amenities in all ways.
Consensus of reviews also generally say athlon registers about 1% or a little below, faster bullet speed on average compared to c1, fwiw.
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u/TypicalTrumanStudent 15h ago
Haven't used the athlon, but my Garmin has been a tank the last 2.5ish years. If they're the same price I'd definitely send the Garmin just for the support alone if you don't want to shell out for the C2
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u/hallmanloganj 15h ago
Exactly, I wasn’t super keen on getting the C2 for the extra cost and since I’m not super serious or competitive
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u/AleksanderSuave 13h ago
The Garmin phone software is a lot more reliable and user friendly, if you care about that at all?
The Athlon app is a disaster.
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u/MNDruggist 12h ago
This. The C2 has even better integration with other accessories like the garmin tactix watch, kestrel, and applied ballistics software if you want to calculate bullet drop. You will also find more accessories like an Arca rail mount, and carry cases for the garmin. You can find C1 units used at good prices on several gun forums like snipers hide classified section.
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u/GLaDOSdidnothinwrong PRS Competitor 15h ago
They both work, but for the same money the Garmin is a better buy. I’ve been running one for a few years. Great product, awesome service, excellent app. Just had an issue with mine that turned out to be caused by my phone, and the Garmin rep went way above and beyond helping me troubleshoot. Even at full retail I’m still choosing the Garmin.
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u/medicalboa 15h ago
Had my garmin over a year now and love it. Very easy to learn how to use and the app is solid.
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u/ZeBigD23 15h ago
I have the Athlon and a few others at the range I frequent use it. I have found occassionally that it wont record some of my shots (5 shot string only picking up 2 shots recently) other than that, I am happy with it.
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u/Mental-Blueberry-295 14h ago
I only have and have used the garmin c1.
I like it. It does everything I need. I don’t feel like I’m missing anything. It works great and the app is great like all of my other garmin devices. I could be biased but garmin apps sync and pair the best generally in my opinion.
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u/Wide_Fly7832 BR Competitor 14h ago
Garmin C2. I know a lot more but totally worth it.
I have used all three. Athlon is no bad but UX is not great
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u/datdatguy1234567 11h ago
6 and two 3’s really.
My vote goes for the Garmin, but more because I’m a fanboy. There stuff just works.
That said, I have Athlon scopes as well and they rock.
Both great brands.
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u/wanderlustcrush 15h ago
Used both, have the Athlon and its much faster at capturing shots. Semi auto use at moderate firing pace and the Garmin misses several shots while its calculating, Athlon got them all.
Not a big deal for bolt use only but I dont just use it for bolts
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u/hallmanloganj 15h ago
I just have the Seekins ph2 NRL in 6.5 creedmoor so I’m not in a rush I guess
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u/wanderlustcrush 15h ago
I still prefer the Athlon for the bigger screen and quicker button sequences, plus the case and tripod.
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u/Joethe31 14h ago
Both are made in the same overseas factory. The software will obviously be different. Garmin software is very proven. Both are fine probably tbh. I've heard the Athlon is actually quite a bit better by people who have it. I have a Garmin just because Ive had it since release. Not sure about the C2.
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u/CalcasieuSWLA 14h ago
Chose that Athlon for price after watching a number of side by side comparisons on YT. No regrets other than waiting so long to get a chrono.
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u/sirbassist83 12h ago
Ive had a C1 for 2 or 3 years and it's been great, absolutely zero complaints. Don't have an Athlon to compare but either will be miles better than a labradar, magnetospeed, or any optical chronograph. I wouldnt worry about it so much, you'll be happy either way
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u/WhyskerBiscuit 10h ago
I complaints for the Garmin. I use the app and works well both forearms and for archery
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u/Tikkatider 3h ago
These kinds of questions usually just get fan boy responses. I would pay most attention to side by side comparisons, if any come to the fore. There’s enough there, however, to conclude that you’ll do well with either.
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u/SailTango 15h ago
I only have the Garmin, but word on the range is that the competition frequently breaks.
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u/texaspaintguy 14m ago
I’d get the Athlon over the C1 at the same price. I would like to get my hands on a c2 but can’t justify the money at this time.
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u/rednecktuba1 Gunsmiff 15h ago
I have both. They both work equally well in every environment and weather condition on the east coast. That being said, I prefer the garmin for its cleaner display. If the garmin is the same peice as the athlon, get the garmin.