Caldwell Shooting Supplies is a Battenfeld Technologies (http://www.btibrands.com) brand long known for high quality gun rests, targets, hearing and eye protection, and other accessories. As much as we liked the Caldwell Ballistic chronograph that we previously reviewed, this new G2 is a step up that matches the best (and usually more expensive) chronographs on the market.

The G2 is a completely redesigned chronograph, instantly recognizable due to its "upside down" (chronograph over sky screen) design. By inverting the system, the G2 is capable of measuring in adverse (including excessively bright or excessively dim) light conditions.

Features

• 18 inch sensor spacing for maximum accuracy
• Each unit factory calibrated to within +/- 0.25% accuracy
• Built in LED Light Kit
• Bluetooth to interface with Smartphone
• Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
• Ideal for Firearms, Archery, Airgun or Paintball
• Meters Per Second (MPS) or Feet Per Second (FPS) readings
• App displays velocity, logs data, notes, weather conditions and easily exports via SMS or Email

The only similarity to the Caldwell Ballistic chronograph is the high speed 48 MHz processor. The 48MHz processor permits the design of a circuit with an advanced data interface that allows each unit to be computer calibrated at the factory after assembly. Translated, this means that the G2 can be configured to guarantee an accuracy of +/- 0.25% for velocities from 5 to 9,999 FPS.

Unlike some of the other chronographs on the market, which require purchase of an extra piece of equipment to print out the results, the Caldwell G2 Bluetooth pairs with your iPhone, iPad or Android 4G phone. That's right, no more wires. Simply download the free Caldwell App from either the Play Store on your telephone, or the Caldwell website (download: Caldwell Ballistic App.) After you download the App, it takes about five seconds to pair your phone to the chronograph.

Once installed, the App will deliver the shot string velocity data directly to your phone. It automatically calculates the average velocity, standard deviation, maximum and minimum velocity and spread. The App also allows you to add notes to the file after it is in your phone. This is really cool! Oh yeah, almost forgot, you can record in metric or standard units, Centigrade or Fahrenheit, and add your zip code into the system.

Sunshades with LED lights are no longer required to be installed for low light conditions. LEDs are built into the sunscreens and automatically activate when needed. Coupled with the design of the G2, which employs inverted or upside down sunscreens, this chronograph functions just as well indoors as it does outdoors. The light sensors are spaced 18 inches apart for improved accuracy.

Another G2 improvement is the addition of a rechargeable lithium battery that can be charged from your 110v phone charger, in your truck, or from your computer. In fact, to make sure that it is ready to go, you can simply plug it into your truck as you head to the range and upon arrival the G2 is ready to go. This is, for us, a major advantage of this device.

The tripod supplied with the G2 has heavier legs for increased stability. The lightweight tripod supplied with the original Ballistic Precision Chronograph package was a common complaint from users.

The new tripod adjusts from 15 inches to 42 inches in height and the three-axis head includes a quick-release 1/4x20 dovetail mounting plate. You can leave the attachment plate on the chronograph, unless you intend to use the tripod for something else. The center column is adjusted by means of a crank with a folding handle. The three section legs are extended via quick release locks.

The entire chronograph is collapsible and stores compactly in the included storage bag. All in all, the Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2 system leaves little to be desired and it is competitively priced with a 2016 MSRP of $269.99. (If you search the Internet, you can find it discounted to around $220.)

One last tip for all chronograph users: Make sure your chronograph is level and that you are shooting straight through the sensors. If you are angled up or down, your results can vary by as much as 4% to 5%. That may not be of much significance for a hunter, but for a target shooter, it can make the difference of being in the X-ring or 9-ring.