OVR Jump Review - Measure Your Jumps With Ease And Accuracy

Jump training is an integral aspect of training to be a faster sprinter. The explosive power required to jump high translates to faster acceleration and improved stride mechanics on the track. Yet most jump training relies on guesswork - athletes jump, land, and hope they're improving without concrete data to guide their progress.

The OVR Jump promises to change this by providing instant feedback on three critical metrics: vertical jump height, ground contact time, and reactive strength index. At $299, it positions itself as a compact and affordable alternative to expensive force plates and bulky jump mats that can cost thousands.

But does it deliver on these promises? After putting it to use in my training, analyzing the technology, and comparing it to alternatives, this review examines whether the OVR Jump is worth the investment for sprinters and track athletes looking track their training data. We'll cover how it works, what metrics matter most for sprint performance, real-world user experiences, and whether the price justifies the purchase.

Quick Facts On The OVR Jump

• What It Measures: Vertical Jump, Ground Contact Time, Reactive Strength Index
• How Much Is It: $299
• Form Factor: Compact & Portable
• Power Source: Rechargable Battery
• Data Source: LCD Screen or Free App
• Where To Buy: OVR Performance (save $25), Simplifaster
• My Rating: 5/5
• Customer Reviews: 4.9/5 based on 256 Reviews

What is the OVR Jump?

The OVR Jump is a laser-based jump measurement system consisting of two lightweight aluminum bars: a sender and receiver. The sender emits infrared laser beams to a receiver placed at least a couple feet away. When you jump through the laser field, the system calculates your jump height, contact time, or both depending on the mode.

The device weighs just 1.6 pounds total and includes a built-in LCD display that shows results instantly—no app required, though one is available for data storage & for filming your exercises with metrics on-screen. The system measures position 1,000 times per second, providing precise readings for three key metrics:

• Vertical Jump Height: Maximum height achieved during a jump, measured from takeoff to peak, based on your flight time.
• Ground Contact Time (GCT): Time spent in contact with the ground between jumps, an indication of your leg stiffness and ability to contract muscles rapidly.
• Reactive Strength Index (RSI): Jump height divided by ground contact time, measuring stiffness qualities and your ability to handle eccentric forces and reverse upward into a jump.

Unlike traditional jump mats that require athletes to set up a bulky mat and land on a specific surface, the OVR Jump lets you measure on any flat surface. The laser beams sit just 0.5 inches off the ground and aren't affected by sunlight, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor training.

The system includes a "tether mode" that connects multiple units for extended jumping areas, useful for horizontal bounds or team training sessions. This is particularly useful for measuring multiple horizontal jumps, contact time while sprinting, or for working with larger groups of athletes.

Setup takes under a minute, and no calibration is needed between different athletes or exercises. You can simply turn it on, set it to the mode you want, place it on the ground, and start recording data. You can also use the app, which will store your jump data and give you the option to film jumps to share on social media.

Key Features That Matter for Sprinters

Portability and Setup Traditional jump testing equipment can be bulky and requires dedicated space. The OVR Jump's 1.6-pound weight means you can transport it in a gym bag and set up anywhere in under 60 seconds. For track teams that train at multiple facilities or athletes who travel frequently, this mobility is significant. For individual athletes who want to bring their OVR Jump with them to the track or gym, you can simply throw it (gently) into your bag and bring it to each session.

Real-Time Display The built-in LCD screen eliminates the need for external devices during training. Athletes see their numbers immediately after each jump, creating instant feedback loops that drive motivation and technique refinement. The display shows current metrics, rest timer, and can cycle through different measurement modes.

Multiple Modes To Train Different Qualities

• Vertical Jump Mode: Vertical jump mode is good for training raw power output, as it tests how high you can jump without a time constraint. This is most relevant to acceleration, where explosive power comes into play.
• Ground Contact Time Mode: The ground contact time mode can be used for exercises like pogo hops or hurdle hops, so you can see if you are improving your ability to get off of the ground quickly. I like to use the GCT mode when choosing which hurdle height to jump over, as getting off of the ground quickly has relevance to high speed sprinting.
• RSI Mode: This mode is great for drop jumps and depth jumps that are performed in-place. RSI = Flight Time / Ground Contact Time, and can help indicate your ability to both get off of the ground quickly and jump high as a result.

Surface Versatility The laser system works on any flat surface where you can place the bars 5 feet apart. This means sprinters can train on their preferred surface—whether that's the track, a the gym, or outdoor field, without being limited to a specific mat or platform.

App Integration (Optional) While the device functions independently, the OVR Connect app stores historical data, tracks progress over time, and allows result sharing. The app isn't required for basic use, but provides value for athletes wanting detailed progress tracking.

Why Sprinters Need These Metrics

Vertical Jump and Sprint Performance Vertical jump height correlates strongly with sprint speed, particularly in the acceleration phase. The same fast-twitch muscle fibers and power output that drive vertical jumping fuel explosive starts and stride frequency. Research shows that improvements in vertical jump often translate to faster 40-yard dash times and better acceleration mechanics.

For sprinters, vertical jump testing serves as a power output indicator and training readiness marker. Daily or weekly testing can reveal fatigue levels, helping coaches adjust training intensity to prevent overreaching.

Ground Contact Time & Sprinting

Elite sprinters typically have ground contact times under 100 milliseconds during maximum velocity sprinting. Ground contact time data can serve as a proxy for one's overall leg stiffness, a critical factor in fast sprinting.

Training with GCT feedback helps athletes develop the reactive strength needed for faster turnover. Quick, elastic ground contacts minimize energy loss and maximize forward propulsion. The OVR Jump allows athletes to practice this quality with immediate feedback, making previously abstract concepts tangible.

Reactive Strength Index Applications

RSI measures how efficiently an athlete can produce force relative to the time spent on the ground. A higher RSI indicates better stretch-shortening cycle function—crucial for sprinting performance. Elite athletes typically show RSI values as high as 3-4+, while developing athletes often score below 2.

For sprint training, RSI helps identify whether an athlete needs more strength development (low jump height) or better reactive qualities (high ground contact time). This data guides exercise selection and training emphasis.

Training Protocol Examples

• Weekly testing: Track changes in vertical jump as a readiness indicator
• Plyometric sessions: Use GCT feedback during depth jumps and reactive exercises
• Competition prep: Monitor RSI to ensure optimal power-to-speed ratios

My Experience With The OVR Jump

I purchased the OVR jump because I was tired of having to use archaic methods of measuring and recording jump data, such as counting frames on a high frame rate video or using the MyJump2 app.

I thrive on seeing outputs like my sprint times, lifting metrics, and jump performance, so having an easy to use and accurate system for my jump training was enticing.

Setup and Daily Use

The first thing I noticed, beyond its overall build quality, was how easy it was to set up. I charged it, turned it on, selected the setting I wanted, and was able to measure my jumps right away.

The built-in display eliminates the common frustration of app connectivity issues that plague other sports technology. This helped me improved my focus and increase the efficiency of my training session, allow me to get my training done with distraction, delays or frustration.

Accuracy and Consistency

In comparing the OVR Jump to both frame counting and using the traditional Vertec, I and others have found the system to be accurate as long as you jump with consistent technique. For example, the same week that I jumped a 38.5" vertical jump at the APEX competition using a Vertec, I was jumping between 38.0 and 38.9 inches while training with the OVR.

On the vertical jump function, you want to make sure that you land with your legs extended rather than in a squat so you can ensure that you are not inflating your jump heights.

For the ground contact function, it appears to be quite accurate when measured against frame counting with high FPS video.

Practical Training Scenarios

Teams and athletes can use the device for the following:

• Pre-practice readiness testing to adjust training intensity
• Plyometric session feedback during depth jumps and reactive exercises
• Competition preparation to monitor power output trends
• Individual athlete assessment for program design
• As a huge motivating factor to increase outputs during training sessions

Pricing and Value

At $299, the OVR Jump costs significantly less than comparable alternatives. Professional force plates range from $5,000-$15,000, while quality jump mats typically cost $800-$1,500. Even basic contact mats for ground contact time measurement often exceed $500.

Cost Comparison

• Force plates: $5,000-$15,000+ (plus software subscriptions)
• Professional jump mats: $800-$1,500
• Contact timing mats: $500-$800
• OVR Jump: $299 (no subscription fees)

Return on Investment

For individual sprinters, the device pays for itself quickly compared to regular testing at sports performance facilities, which can cost $50-$100 per session. A college or high school track program can outfit their entire jumping training protocol for less than the cost of a single force plate.

For athletes who are pursuing making it to the collegiate or pro level, data insights like that which you can get with the OVR Jump can be priceless in the information they provide which allow you to make the appropriate training decisions.

The 60-day return policy reduces purchase risk, allowing athletes and coaches to test the system thoroughly before committing. This policy demonstrates confidence in the product and addresses the primary concern with remote equipment purchases.

Value Considerations

The price point makes advanced jump metrics accessible to athletes who previously couldn't afford professional-grade testing. While it doesn't replace force plates for research applications, it provides actionable data for training decisions at a fraction of the cost.

Pros, Cons, and Final Verdict

Pros

• Exceptional portability: 1.6 pounds total weight fits in any gym bag
• Quick setup: Under 60 seconds from bag to ready-to-use
• Surface versatility: Works on track, turf, concrete, or grass
• No subscription fees: One-time purchase with optional free app
• Immediate feedback: Built-in display eliminates connectivity issues
• Accurate measurements: 1,000 samples per second provide reliable data
• Cost-effective: Fraction of the price compared to alternatives
• 60-day return policy: Risk-free trial period

Cons

• Technique sensitivity: Inconsistent jumping form affects readings
• Limited to vertical metrics: Cannot measure horizontal jump distances
• Laser based measurement: It obviously cannot measure a jump if you start or land outside of the lasers
• Weather limitations: Strong winds can affect outdoor accuracy
• Learning curve: Athletes need consistent technique for reliable data

Who Should Buy This

The OVR Jump makes sense for:

• Individual sprinters wanting objective power and readiness data
• Track teams needing affordable jump testing for multiple athletes
• Coaches who travel frequently and need portable testing equipment
• Athletes training at multiple facilities who want consistent metrics

Who Should Skip This Consider alternatives if you:

• Need comprehensive biomechanical analysis beyond basic jump metrics
  
• Want detailed force-time curve analysis for research purposes
• Have budget for professional force plate systems

Final Verdict: 5/5 Stars

The OVR Jump delivers on its core promise: making professional-grade jump metrics accessible and practical for everyday training. While it can't replace comprehensive force plate analysis, it provides the essential data most sprinters need to guide their training decisions.

The combination of affordability, portability, and ease of use makes this a solid investment for serious sprint athletes and coaches. The immediate feedback creates engaging training sessions while providing objective data for program adjustments.

For $299, the OVR Jump offers exceptional value in the jump training market and earns a strong recommendation for sprinters seeking to add data-driven elements to their training.