Garmin Launches new Xero C2 Chronograph - What's New in the Latest Model

In ballistics there is no room for error. The new Garmin Xero C2 Chronograph is the source you can trust.

It builds on the success of its predecessor with a faster shot processor and improved features delivering exact ballistic data whether you are setting up your Alpex ballistic calculator or fine tuning your home loads on the range. 

What does a Garmin Xero C2 Chronograph actually do?

The Garmin Xero C2 Chronograph is a compact, radar-based ballistics chronograph — a specialized device that measures the speed and other ballistic data of projectiles (like bullets, arrows, slugs, airsoft BBs, etc.) as they are fired, giving you highly accurate information about how each shot performs.

I have a Garmin Xero C1 Pro, what's new about the Garmin Xero C2?

Here’s a clear comparison between your Garmin Xero C1 Pro and the new Garmin Xero C2 Chronograph — focusing on what’s actually new or improved in the C2:

Core Similarities (Both Radar Chronographs)

Before we get into differences — both the C1 Pro and C2 are Doppler radar chronographs that:

• Measure projectile speed from ~100 fps to ~5,000 fps.

• Are rugged and compact with IPX7 water resistance.

• Pair with Garmin apps (ShotView and ballistics tools) over Bluetooth.

• Provide muzzle velocity data for rifles, pistols, bows, etc.

So the basic ballistic measurement capability remains the same, both give you accurate velocity and shot data without traditional downrange optical gates.

What’s New and Improved in the Garmin Xero C2

1. Faster Radar Processing & Instant Readout

The C2 has a newer radar system and processor, meaning velocity readings show up almost instantly, often before the target impact sound reaches you — faster than the C1 series.

2. Improved Rapid-Fire / Fast-Strings Capture

One of the biggest functional upgrades is reliable detection of rapid shots — useful for semi-autos, IPSC pistol shooting, fast rifle strings, etc. — where the older C1 sometimes missed shots during quick sequences.

3. Built-in Mounting System & Chassis

The C2 introduces a new physical chassis designed for easy mounting to rifles using ARCA or Picatinny accessories, helping you record velocity directly from the firearm without awkward positioning on a tripod.

4. Enhanced App / Smartwatch Integration

Garmin’s broader ecosystem now supports direct connection to compatible smartwatches and real-time viewing of data for sessions — something that was less integrated on earlier units (though C1 already had phone app support).

5. Session Management Flexibility

C2 improves session handling — you can pause & resume sessions without restarting (handy if changing rifle platform mid-range).

6. Same Core Accuracy, New Workflow

Garmin verifies both C1 and C2 models to ensure similar radar accuracy standards (e.g., small fps error margins), so the baseline measurement quality isn’t sacrificed just because speed and features are improved.

Ballistic Data for Thermal & Night Vision Ballistic Calculators

When using night vision and thermal scopes with integrated ballistic calculators, such as the HikMicro Alpex LRF, accurate ballistic data is essential for reliable holdover and ranging corrections. The Garmin Xero chronograph provides the real-world firing data needed to correctly tune these systems, removing guesswork and improving first-shot accuracy.

By precisely measuring true muzzle velocity, the chronograph allows the ballistic calculator in your optic to generate correct trajectory solutions for your exact rifle and ammunition combination, rather than relying on factory-quoted figures which are often optimistic or inconsistent. This is especially important for thermal and NV shooting, where engagement distances can vary rapidly and visual reference points are limited.

In addition to velocity, the Garmin Xero supplies key ballistic metrics used by modern scope calculators, including average velocity, extreme spread, standard deviation, and muzzle energy. These values help identify ammunition consistency and ensure the ballistic profile entered into the scope reflects how your rifle actually performs in the field.

Once this data is entered into the Alpex LRF or similar ballistic-enabled optics, the system can deliver more accurate ranging compensation, improved point-of-impact prediction, and greater confidence when shooting at extended night-time distances — whether for pest control, hunting, or professional use.

Key ballistic data captured for scope tuning:

• True muzzle velocity (single shot and averaged strings)

• Extreme spread (ES) and standard deviation (SD)

• Muzzle energy and power factor

• Shot-to-shot consistency data for load validation

In short, a radar chronograph like the Garmin Xero is the missing link between your rifle and your thermal or night vision optic — ensuring the ballistic calculator is working with measured data, not estimates, for maximum accuracy in low-light and night-time shooting.

Find out more about the Garmin range on our website.