Garmin Xero S1

I don't know how many of you guys have tried this new device, but they are well, interesting in term of the information provided about each shot, but very expensive ( I like gadgets). I bought one and was concerned about some of the reviews concerning the device showing a tendency to show "low left targets" regardless of where the shot appeared to be in relation to the target. I found this to be nonsense. the device showed me exactly where the center of the shot was in relation to the target. Turns out my gun is set up to shoot as designed at 70/30, dead center (Ljutic Mono) which I've known for decades. And the center of my shot pattern was consistent at 5" from the center of the target at the 16. Sometimes a little low or high but in that average 5" radius. I even missed targets on purpose to see the result, knowing where I shot and the machine was right on showing missed targets high/low/right/left. The only issue I had was the wind blowing the trees around and the machine failing to pick up the target a couple of times, and it even tells you so, smart bugger. Very easy to set up. I just thought I would give my opinion if any of you are on the tipping point of pulling the trigger.

 

it helps me so much teaching my 11 yr old son to shoot. The device does not lie and we can coach off it. I figured if it saved one argument over shooting, it paid for itself 10x.

 

An amazing device with instant feedback. Even for a guy that's been shooting trap for 45 years. I knew I was a fast shooter but I never realized how fast: average .56 seconds from the 16 and .46 seconds from the 26. And the average shot impact from the 16 is 28 yards and from the 26 at 38 yards. I'm thinkin' I should slow down....I might hit more targets...LOL

 

Very useful device. I have some questions concerning reliability as I have had to send one of the two units we purchased back to Garmin. The first issue concerned a 2 month old device that would totally freeze up when sitting in the sun. I contacted Garmin and they offerred to replace it as it was only 2 months old.
This past week the unit they sent to replace the defective one also started having issues. I set it up on a perfectly calm morning with no breeze at all. After positioning for the proper station, I get an error message telling me there is too much wind or background motion.
We purchased both Xero S1 back in February. Our spring season was canceled due to the Covid debacle. These units have had very little use during this time period. Both have been updated with the proper software versions. My concern is how are these things going to hold up when we start using them heavily for youth practice. At $1000 each I would expect them to have no issues for some time. I am calling Garmin tomorrow and returning the 2 month old replacement unit and asking they pay the return shipping as I paid it the last time. My experience with Garmin customer service has been good to this point and I am confident they will make good on this. It is just a pain to have to keep returning these devices for replacement after such little use.

 

I noticed the wind or background motion as well, but it was a windy day (from the left) and I had a lot of trees in the background. I moved forward a little and that seemed to rectify the issue. Maybe, it was seeing the end of my barrel move? I never left the device in the sun when I was not shooting.