Róbert Schochmann, CEO of Trainshot gave me a walkthrough of how the system works. At the heart of the system is the diminutive electronic base unit, which uses Bluetooth to connect in real-time to smart devices. Shooting results, hit zones, reaction time and other statistics are included in the data that is streamed. The base unit connects to a patent pending proprietary target made from multi-layer cardboard that detects hits. It can even detect double taps.
The electronic base unit is ruggedized for the rigors of range use, utilizing 6mm abrasion-resistant hardox steel shielding for protection from stray rounds. There's four LEDs on the front of the unit that work in conjunction with the mobile application to inform the shooter which target zone they should be firing at. An optional extender can connect to the target, allowing the base unit to have some distance from the hit zone.
Trainshot's mobile app is robust, with reams of shooting data available for shooters. There's many popular drills preprogrammed, focusing on randomly assigned hit zones that will challenge your firearm skills. In concert with the various target patterns available, this can be an easy way to add challenge and a little variety to training.
Up to four Trainshot targets can be connected to one smart device, but Schochmann says scalability is something he is aiming for in the future.
The standard range of the base unit is approximately 100 feet, but there's a long-range radio module available that boosts the range to ½-mile. For this to work the base unit gets an upgraded antenna too. The extended range could be useful for precision shooting at distance.
The Trainshot starter kit, which includes one electronic base unit and 10 targets, is affordable at $249. Learn more at www.trainshot.com.