Skytrak Armour

[DirtyGarry24]

Ok, I'm starting this thread to see if protecting the Skytrak box is still a must for some people.

I have read countless posts on this subject and generally feel that this is a need for users. I have owned the Skytrak for a couple of months and agree for the most part. Honestly, it doesn't seem an issue for myself, however I couldn't possibly let my kids, favorite friends, or even a touring pro use it without completely freaking out!!!

My question is this. Is this a need for users that still exists for a reasonable enough amount of people?

I am a manufacturing engineer and have all the available information and software to develop a legit protective case that can make the Skytrak bulletproof. I can integrate leveling devices, locating devices, and alignment aids into the case. Basically whatever a user wants.

I can have these produced at a reasonable cost and shipped to a user. This is what I can do.

I have a desire to this, have started on a prototype for myself, but am really looking for more interest than personal use. Time is a huge motivator for me as I'd rather be hacking away on the TGC. LOL!

If you are interested, please PM me or just reply to this thread so I can get an idea of the need.

Disclaimer: yes I have the Davray sketch and will use some of that information in whatever design I come up with. My plan would be to optimize and improve overall function of whatever case I come up with. I see location, leveling, protection, and consistency of setup being the utmost importance.

[DirtyGarry24]

Pictures with better lighting...

[93civiccpe]

Looks awesome Gary. The traking says mine should get here tonight.. Can't wait!

[Shardak]

I ordered this case when Gary first announced the price. After he hit a production delay, I cancelled my order and got an FMJ instead. I had family coming to town and wanted some protection ASAP. I also own the Skytrak plastic case.

Gary emailed me earlier this week and said he was shipping me a case free of charge. He had one that got pitted during fabrication, and couldnt be sold that way.

Here is my review/comparison of all 3 cases.

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Sktrak Plastic case
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Price = $129

Build Quality = Thin cheap plastic. Ok build other than the material choice.

Accuracy = Does not affect shot detection as there is nothing covering the window.

Protection = Its a one-hit wonder. Case will likely break if hit with a ball. Open window area means you are vulnerable.

Wifi = no issues.

Conclusion = I am sorry I paid $129 for this case, and I hope Skytrak feels guilty for selling at it this price. I never felt confident in the case. Dont buy it.


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FMJ case (from the other thread on this forum)
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Price = $95 shipped

Build Quality = Great. Everything lines up. Good paint job.

Accuracy = I have not noticed a single missed shot or bad read since using this unit for the last few weeks. Yes it has bars protecting the window, but they do not cause any issues in reading shots as far as I can tell.

Protection = 90%. There is one concern..the bars covering the window. They are thin, I think they will bend if struck. I just did a test, I held the case in my lap and took a golf ball, and threw it a few times down against the bars in the center of the window. Not hard throws at all. In just a few impacts, the bars bow inwards and are now slightly bent. That is with a 10mph toss from 2 inches above the case. A 60+ mph golf shot will bend these bars no question. Will it damage the skytrak? I doubt it, but it might.

Wifi = no issues..open back.

Conclusion = A good case. But the window protection leaves me with a small amount of doubt.

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Armour case
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Price = $150 + shipping

Build Quality = Super thick metal. It must weigh 15 pounds. Good finish. Everything fits together perfectly. The cut out for Skytrak window is perfectly aligned, the bottom screw holes for skytrak mounting screws are perfectly aligned. There is some adhesive padding inside the case to give the skytrak a little buffer. Even the cutout for the skytrak bubble-level is so precise its amazing. The level just pokes out a tiny bit from the top of the case, and it fits so snuggly, it looks very professional.

Accuracy = I have hit a few dozen shots in the Skytrak range, and have not had any bad reads or no reads. Since the window is not obstructed, I dont believe accuracy is affected in any way.

Protection = 100%. You cannot protect a skytrak any more than this. This is literally bullet-proof, for some calibers. The window is open, but is just small enough to prevent a ball from entering. I did the same test as I did on the FMJ...throwing a ball directly at the window (with the skytrak inside). The ball didnt come into contact with the skytrak screen. I put some spray powder on the ball, and none was transferred to the skytrak....I am confident that a ball wont hit the skytrak even it hits the window dead-center at high speed.

Wifi = no issues, open back.

Conclusion = The best case you can get. Removes all fear of having a $2000 skytrak in the line of fire.


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Thank you again Gary for sending me a case.


Jeff

[DirtyGarry24]

Good deal. My rudimentary test of hauling mine downstairs and throughout the house seemed to show the same, but I didn't have much confidence in it.

[doublebogey]

Great review Shardak, and great case DirtyGarry24. My gut feeling was this was gonna be the best case of them out, but unfortunately your production delays might have cost you some sales...

I was gonna buy your case, but like Shardak, couldn't wait due to the delays so got a FMJ instead. FMJ is pretty good though I'm not fully confident on the reads and protection like Shardak says.

Hope your case continues to sell for you to ramp up production so I can order one to be delivered to me in the States next time I'm there =)

[DirtyGarry24]

Hey no problem at all doublebogey. As an ST owner with kiddos I wouldn't have waited on me either. Completely understandable. However, I couldn't possibly put something out there that wasn't tested. Sales take care of themselves if you have a great product.

Give me a shout next time you're in the states.

[93civiccpe]

Gary,
Mine arrived today and it is awesome! I knew you said heavy duty but this is incredible. There's no way the skytrak is getting hurt if protected by this. This is way thicker and more secure than anything out there. Everything lined up perfectly and is snug. And the case is heavy.. I don't think a shock could knock this over just with the weight of it. Very well done! Thank you for an excellent product!! I'm glad I waited for this case, it is clearly top of the line!

[DirtyGarry24]

Thanks for the good words, I hope it works out great for you 93!

[93civiccpe]

I do have a quick question, where do you get the bubble level from? Does that come with the stock case? I've seen it a few times and was just curious

[DirtyGarry24]

I'll come up with a good solution for a bubble level. I have no idea which one the Skytrak Case uses or sells. The cutout fits great for the cheapo that I got at my local hardware store and apparently the Skytrak one too!

Give me some time to come up with a reasonable and adequate solution.

[93civiccpe]

Gary, that sounds good. I need to measure but it looks a lot like this one which is super cheap:

http://m.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1286363&KPID=988422&cid=CAPLA:G:Shopping_-_Levels_-_New&pla=pla_988422&k_clickid=abb8c68f-d59e-4650-8f46-41dabb335026

I will see if my local ace has it and confirm for anyone else looking for one of these! Thank you again! I will also do a more thorough review once I take it to the range and hit a few hundred balls where I can see the flight and shapes match up but so far hitting in the net has been perfect.

[DirtyGarry24]

Hey 93, you are def on the right track with Ace Hardware. Lol! That's where I got mine. Love that store.

The link pulls up, but I can't see a pic of the component. Anyway, the hole cut out is 1.25" and was designed around that bullseye level fitting.

It protrudes just enough to keep it from going anywhere without having to stick it to your Skytrak. That was the intent anyway. It has worked out great for my setup.

[DirtyGarry24]

I went back to the link that 93civiccpe and added to my cart and a graphic came up. I'm almost positive that's the level that I have. I'm also looking at an empire bullseye level that may work as well. Maybe Shardak can shed some light on the level that he has since it fit so well. Does it have a part number on it or anything?

[bulletbusiness]

Gary-previously gave you my email address to get me on the list but didn't have the money then. Any left of the first production units? I'm interested now and "monied up".

[wbond]

OK, i was able to use the Armour that Gary provided me. First, this thing is built like a tank.

Pros
1-Weight, i don't think this is going to budge even if hit. Flat out, it's very solid and heavy and a ball can't touch the unit anywhere.
2-USB protection. This was a good idea, you just never know with some of the swings these days where a ball will end up. I don't use mine connected, but could see the benefit of those who do.
3-All screw holes line up and and I didn't have any shots that appeared to be a misread.
4-Alignment rod holder is great feature.
5-Fit and finish are excellent (Even though Gary didn't like the finish on this, i wouldn't have complained, but then again someone else may have)

Cons
1-Having the top covered is nice to prevent any bounce back that may hit it. However, the screw holes do allow some play and trying to get it perfectly square to the front with the top covered is a little more difficult, but once it's done you don't have to mess with it again. With no top, it's very easily to see and align the ST to the face.
2-It was a little difficult adjusting the height of the unit, not sure if it's the size of the stud, but they just didn't turn that easily. Maybe with more use they will turn easier. However once set you don't have to mess with it again unless you take it to range or somewhere else.

Outstanding product and you will never have to worry about ST getting damaged.

[DirtyGarry24]

Great review wbond! I too like the USB protection even though I use mine via wifi. However, I sometimes have to charge the battery during play and find the protection needed especially when my kids are around. BTW, I believe you got one of the better of the fugly ones that I got. I'm a bit of a perfectionist though, and that will be resolved on future orders.

I completely agree on the issue of it being a little cumbersome to get everything lined up. I knew this would be the case, but I wanted maximum adjustability between case, ST, and base. It also allows a guy to skew the ST and top enclosure in relation to the alignment rod which is a feature that many wanted to have. A welded design would not allow for this. It's a bit of give and take there.

The issue of the tapped holes has been brought up by another customer and will be passed along to the manufacturer. You should get it to loosen up fairly easily and I can't say whether or not it's machining debris or the powder coating that is causing.

Thanks again for an honest review!

[MikeAa]

Just received my SkyTrak Armour, this thing is AWESOME. Very well built (the proverbial brick shi#house), fit and finish is great. Can't wait to get home and give it a try.

FYI, ran a tap through the threads and and it is just a little powder coat over spray.

[DirtyGarry24]

Thanks MikAa! Been awhile since I heard the metaphor that you used, but it does resonate. Lol!

[DirtyGarry24]

Still trying to work on better pictures.

[N54TT]

Anyone have pics with a ball and the opening to put it in perspective that a ball won't pass through?

Secondly anyone having issues with the case blocking/reducing wifi reception?

[N54TT]

THANKS!!! I got it. Am I right to assume the final product is as thick as the pic you sent me?

[DirtyGarry24]

.125" thick enclosure with .375" base. 8lbs. All the same.

[MikeAa]

Set mine up last night, verified ball will not touch before I took my first shot. No WiFi issues.

[DirtyGarry24]

I set up the Skytrak Armour on ebay earlier. Should be easy enough to find. You guys will never guess who I found over there!

[doublebogey]

On eBay, may I make a suggestion? You should probably consider using eBay Global Shipping Program instead of USPS (faster, cheaper and better tracking).

[DirtyGarry24]

I'll look into it doublebogey, thanks for the suggestion!

[DirtyGarry24]

Ebay listing updated to include the global shipping program per the request of doublebogey.

[petroche]

I have the plastic case, but, although I have not yet came close to hitting it, I am very concerned that the lens area will at some point take a direct hit. I just ordered the SkyTrak Armour on EBay and Just to let you know, it was Shardak's review that helped me decide on this. Thank you for all of the time and energy that you put into this.

[DirtyGarry24]

petroche - thanks for the order! Shardak did do a helluva review. I need to put that on my eBay description page! I'll pm you in the morning.