Arm Speed Analyzer vs. Pocket Radar
Portable Radar GunPocket Radar built its reputation on giving coaches a real mph reading without the price or bulk of a full-size gun. Arm Speed Analyzer goes a step further on price — free — by measuring the athlete instead of the ball. Here's where each one actually wins.
The Race
Accuracy
Pocket Radar's Ball Coach and Smart Coach read actual ball velocity within about a mile per hour — close enough to a full-size gun for real training decisions. Arm Speed Analyzer's motion estimate is built for trends, not a certified mph number.
Cost
A Pocket Radar unit is a genuinely good value against pricier radar guns, but it's still a purchase. Arm Speed Analyzer is free on a phone or watch you already own.
Aiming & Setup
Even a pocket-sized radar has to be pointed correctly at the ball's flight path for every single rep, ideally by a second person. Arm Speed Analyzer reads the athlete's own motion, so it doesn't matter where anyone else is standing.
Sports Covered
Pocket Radar can clock a pitch, a serve, or a batted ball — but it can't read a golf backswing or a bat's swing path the way it reads a ball in flight. Arm Speed Analyzer measures the swing or throw itself, the same way, every sport.
Verified mph for a Coach's Log
If a coach needs an actual mph number to log in a scouting notebook or a training plan, Pocket Radar gives them one directly off the ball. That's the whole point of the device.
Which Should You Use?
Choose Pocket Radar If…
you want an actual mph reading for a coaching log or bullpen session, and $299–$399 is within budget for your team or family.
Choose Arm Speed Analyzer If…
you want free tracking with nobody needing to aim a device at you, and you want the same setup to work whether you're pitching, hitting, swinging a golf club, or serving in pickleball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arm Speed Analyzer as accurate as a Pocket Radar?
No — Pocket Radar reads real ball velocity within about a mile per hour, while Arm Speed Analyzer estimates motion from the device itself. Use the app to track trends for free; use Pocket Radar when you need an actual mph number.
Do I need someone else to operate Pocket Radar for me?
Generally yes — it needs to be aimed at the ball's flight path from a consistent position, which usually means a coach, parent, or teammate running it. Arm Speed Analyzer only needs the athlete wearing the watch or holding the phone.
Track Your Arm Speed for Free
No setup, no subscription. Just your iPhone or Apple Watch.
