Quick Take
The Pocket Radar Smart Coach enhances the functionality of the popular Ball Coach with Bluetooth connectivity and app integration. This allows for seamless video overlay, data tracking, and remote operation, making it an ideal tool for players and coaches looking for comprehensive performance insights.
The Pocket Radar Ball Coach has been on our holiday gift guide for two years. It might get bumped off this year, not because we stopped liking it (we use it all the time), but because Pocket Radar released a Smart Coach version. The new Smart Coach offers features made possible by built-in Bluetooth and a companion smartphone app. It’s like the Ball Coach on steroids, making tracking ball speeds simpler and smoother.
Pocket Radar Options
| Price | App Pairing | Plug In & Battery Option | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball Coach | $$ | No | No |
| Smart Coach | $$$ | Yes | Yes |
Find this on Amazon or check it out directly on the Pocket Radar site.
Smart Coach Recommendations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3FAbA9zB8E
We talk about the functionality and accuracy of the Ball Coach in our Pocket Radar Ball Coach Review. In short, it works. Stay in line with the ball (behind a backstop or pitcher) and you get accurate readings. We tested it against a Stalker Sports 2 Gun and ended up selling the Stalker because the Ball Coach met all our needs. That same radar technology is in the Smart Coach.
Smart Coach vs. Ball Coach
Both havea hands-free operation, memory recall, accurate inline readings, and a 120-foot range. You can get a 2-year warranty if bought from the right place. The main difference is the Smart Coach’s Bluetooth capability. Connecting to your smartphone allows for advanced features like video overlay, data export, audio callouts, remote control, and more. The Smart Coach can also run on plug-in power as well as batteries.
If you only need occasional readings, the Ball Coach may suffice. But if you want detailed data tracking, video sync, and an overall more robust experience, the Smart Coach is worth the extra cost.
Smart Coach Feature Highlights
Exit Speeds
The Smart Coach gives accurate exit speeds in continuous or single-push modes. It works best when the ball’s path is predictable (e.g., off a tee). Range is up to 120 feet.
Multi-Sport Use
It’s not limited to baseball. Any moving object—softball, tennis ball, soccer ball, etc.—can be tracked. The Smart Coach just adds app functionality to the radar’s capabilities.
Video Capture with Embedded Speeds
This unique feature lets you overlay speeds onto video. No other device we know offers this easily.
Remote Access
Control the radar from the app, acting like a remote. This is handy for when the radar is set up across the field and already paired to your phone.
Easy Setup
Compared to more expensive solutions like the Rapsodo (which we love but is more complicated), the Smart Coach sets up easily. You can use it handheld or mounted on a tripod.
At about a tenth the cost of a Rapsodo, the Smart Coach gives you plenty of functionality at a fraction of the price. For most coaches and players, the Smart Coach delivers all the speed tracking and data you’ll need.
