New for 2026, Garmin is refreshing its popular chronograph lineup with the Xero C2, a compact ballistics tool designed to disappear into a range bag while quietly doing some heavy computational lifting. Building on the original Xero C1, the C2 brings faster internal processing that unlocks new features aimed squarely at shooters who want cleaner data without slowing down their sessions.
At its core, the Xero C2 remains a highly accurate chronograph capable of measuring projectile speeds from 100 fps to 5,000 fps, covering just about everything, including rifle bullets, shotgun slugs, arrows and even airsoft BBs.
Garmin says setup is quick and accuracy is consistent, whether you’re working through a long-range rifle load or fine-tuning a bow at shorter distances.
The headline upgrade is rapid-fire support. Thanks to the faster processing, the Garmin Xero C2 can now track up to 10 shots per second, depending on projectile velocity. That makes it far more useful for semi-automatic platforms and faster-paced testing, where traditional chronographs can struggle to keep up or miss data altogether. The device also introduces a resume session feature, letting shooters switch between firearms, bows or different arrow and load combinations while keeping data neatly separated and easy to review later.
Connectivity is where the Xero C2 really leans into Garmin’s ecosystem. The chronograph can transfer muzzle velocity data directly into the onboard Applied Ballistics solver on a compatible smartphone, streamlining the workflow for long-range shooters who rely on precise ballistic solutions. Instead of manually entering numbers, velocity data moves straight from the firing line into the solver, cutting down on errors and friction.
Garmin smartwatch integration adds another layer of convenience. When paired with a compatible watch, including models like the tactix 8 Cerakote Edition, shooters can control sessions, view live chronograph data and import muzzle velocity into the Applied Ballistics solver right from their wrist. It’s a small touch, but one that fits neatly into Garmin’s broader push to make its wearables more than passive fitness trackers.
The ShotView smartphone app acts as the central hub for deeper analysis. Through the app, users can record and compare velocities for every shot, view live session data, track deviations and manage projectile and load configurations for both firearms and bows. Garmin has also built in support for multi-device sessions, allowing shooters to start a session on one Xero C2 and continue it on another if more than one unit is paired to the app. It’s a niche feature, but one that makes sense for shared ranges or more complex testing setups.
Physically, the Xero C2 stays true to a purpose-built, no-nonsense design like the original Xero C1. The unit is compact enough to fit in a pocket and rugged enough to handle recoil when mounted directly to a firearm. It carries an IPX7 water rating for wet range days and uses a sunlight-readable, high-contrast display that doesn’t wash out under bright conditions. Power comes from a rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated for up to 2,000 shots or roughly six hours of use on a single charge.
Garmin positions the Xero C2 as a modern tool rather than a flashy gadget, and the hardware reflects that philosophy. It’s engineered to stay out of the way while quietly collecting reliable data, letting shooters focus on their shots rather than their gear.
The Garmin Xero C2 chronograph is available now with a suggested retail price of $699.99.
Most Popular
