Timing Gates - Picking The Right Timing System For Sprint Testing In 2026

As a track and field coach & competitive sprinter, I know that measurement of speed matters. Whether measuring sprint times or reactive agility tests, having electronic timing gates is crucial for getting the most out of your speed training programs.

I have used many different timing gates to measure sprint performance, and as a result can help you identify which timing gate system is best for your needs.

Timing gates, also called timing systems, measure the time it takes for an athlete to sprint. These can be based on laser timing systems, transponder-based systems, or visual systems.

The 7 Best Timing Gates For Sports Timing

• Freelap Timing System (Convenient, Space-Saving, Great For Busy Tracks)
• OVR Sprint Timing System (High Value, Accuracy, Easiest Beam System To Use)
• Swift Performance Timing Gates (Best Technology)
• Brower Timing System (The Original Beam Style System)
• Dashr Blue (Affordable & High Quality Laser Timing)
• Dashr Silver (Reflectorless Laser — No Reflector Needed)
• SKLZ Speed Gates (Cheapest System)
• FinishLynx (For Competition Timing)

Details About Timing Gate Systems

Here we will cover the details of these timing gates, including their features, their use cases, and their prices.

Freelap Timing System

The Freelap Timing System is one of two systems of timing gates that I currently use. I find that it is simple to use, provides accurate timing, and doesn't take up as much space as other brands of timing gates.

You can use split times to measure speed averaged over different distances, measure sprint times to a specific distance, and capture flying sprint times to test your flying 10 or flying 30-meter sprints.

How Freelap Works

Freelap Timing Systems use a transponder system that detects electromagnetic fields to time your sprints. To keep things basic, the Freelap utilizes 3 main components:

• Freelap Tx Junior Pro Transmitters: These transmitters are placed along the lane line on top of the track. They emit EMFs which are detected by the Freelap timing chip worn by the athlete.
• Freelap FxChip BLE: The FxChip BLE is worn by the athlete and detects the EMF sent by the transmitter. When passing by the transmitters, your time is recorded within the chip. The FxChip BLE uses a rechargeable battery and sends timing data directly to your mobile device via Bluetooth.
• MyFreelap app: When the athlete passes a transmitter set to the Finish setting, timing data is sent via Bluetooth and recorded on your mobile device using the MyFreelap app. Data is also accessible via the internet using your myfreelap.com account.

Freelap Timing Systems & Packs

Freelap now offers several pack configurations to suit different needs. The main categories are:

• Freelap Timing Packs — These are the standard packs that include Tx Junior Pro Transmitters and FxChip BLE chips. They are great for individual athletes or coaches who need a straightforward timing setup.
• Freelap Pro BT Packs — The Pro BT packs include the same core components as the Timing Packs but come with additional features and flexibility for coaches timing multiple athletes.
• Freelap Pro Coach BLE Packs — These packs are designed for coaches who need to time large groups of athletes. They include the BLE Relay Coach, which allows timing data from standard FX Chips to be transmitted to your mobile device. This means you can buy less expensive chips for each athlete while still getting wireless data transfer.

The Timing Packs and Pro BT Packs are better for individual athletes who want to time their sprints, or coaches who are not timing many athletes at once.

The Pro Coach BLE Packs are better for coaches who are timing large groups of athletes. They cost more up front because you need the BLE Relay Coach, but the standard FX Chips are less expensive, making it cheaper to scale up.

Other Freelap Timing System Components

The Freelap has some additional components which can be useful to add.

The Freelap e-Starter allows you to start the timing with the sound of a starting gun, which allows you to record times which include your reaction time. Using this in practice has helped improve my reaction time, and my starts in competitions have improved as a result. The e-Starter is best for athletes who compete in track & field. The Freelap e-Starter costs $299.

The Freelap Tx Pad Pro Transmitter is a touchpad starter that starts the timer when your finger releases the button. This is useful for timing sprints to certain distances if you do not care to have reaction time included in the sprint time. This is perfect for timing your 40-yard dash. The Freelap Tx Pad Pro costs $139.

The Freelap FxMotion allows you to gather critical data such as stride length, stride frequency, step counts, and reaction time (when paired with the E-Starter).

How Much Does Freelap Cost

How much your Freelap timing system costs will depend on which pack and components you buy. Freelap packs come in various configurations denoted by numbers (e.g., 112, 212, 424) which indicate the number of transmitters and chips included. Here is a breakdown of current pricing from SimpliFaster:

• Freelap Timing Pack 112: Starts at $535, which includes transmitters and an FxChip BLE. Can be upgraded with the Tx Pad Pro.
• Freelap Timing Pack 212: Starts at $780, a mid-range option with additional transmitters for more split points.
• Freelap Timing Pack 424: Starts at $1,559, for coaches needing a comprehensive multi-split setup.
• Freelap Pro BT112: Starts at $535, similar configuration to the Timing Pack 112 with Pro BT features.
• Freelap Pro Coach BLE 112: Starts at $1,265, which includes the BLE Relay Coach for group timing.

Pricing varies based on configuration options within each pack, so check SimpliFaster for the latest pricing on each configuration.

Final Thoughts On The Freelap

Having used Freelap as my preferred timing gate when I sprint or coach athletes, I can attest to its simplicity and ease of use.

If you want a timing gate system that fits in a backpack, takes up little space, is convenient to use, and is easily upgraded, the Freelap Timing System is a good choice.

You can learn more about this product in my Freelap review.

OVR Sprint by OVR Performance

The OVR Sprint is the newest timing system on the market. This unit is easy to set up, allows you to start the timer in multiple ways, while also providing high accuracy to the thousandth of a second.

OVR Sprint Details:

• Starting Style: Flying Sprints, In-Beam Starts, Manual/Trigger Starts
• Range: 300 yards
• Precision: 1/1000th of a second
• Gates per setup: Up to 16
• Channels: 10, allowing you to set up timers in multiple lanes.
• Battery life: 8/12 hours (Receiver / Sender)
• Timing Display: OLED screen on the unit & in the app (app not required)
• Tru40: The OVR Sprint now includes the Tru40 feature, which converts shorter sprint splits into standardized 40-yard dash equivalents — useful for football coaches and combine prep.
  
• Where To Buy: OVR Performance

OVR Sprint Pricing:

• Starter Kit: $529 - 2 Senders, 2 Receivers, 4 Tripods (Everything you need to start timing)
• 3-Pack: $749 - For timing two separate zones or lanes.
• 4-Pack: $949 - For timing three separate zones or lanes.
• 5-Pack: $1,149 - For timing four separate zones or lanes.
• Add-On Gate: $229 - For adding an additional zone to your system.
• Additional Tripods: $24
• Multi-Charger: $24
• Quick Connect Magnets: $9
  

I have been using the OVR Sprint lately to time my sprints, and I find it to be easy to use, accurate, reliable, and an overall great value. While I am a big fan of Freelap, the OVR Sprint allows me to clock times with full confidence, as the beam style system is highly accurate to 0.001s. As a brand OVR is great, including their tool for measuring vertical jumps.

Unlike other beam style systems, the OVR Sprint has an auto-align function which makes for an easy setup which takes a couple minutes or less. You simply pull out the tripods, screw on the units (or use the available quick connect magnets), and set them to an approximately equal height. The auto-align system will let you know that the beams are aligned, and you're ready to start timing.

With the OVR Sprint, you can start the timer in a number of ways - using a flying sprint where passing through the gate triggers the timer, an in-beam start for timing from a static position (such as for 40 yard dash from a 3 point stance), or using the manual trigger via the OVR Connect app where your coach or training partner manually starts the timer.

If you are in the market for a beam style timing system, the OVR Sprint is my choice. Check it out at OVR Performance. For more information, check out my in-depth OVR Sprint review.

Swift Performance Timing Gates

Swift Performance offers the highest level of technology available for testing athletes in sprinting, jumping, and reactive agility drills.

Swift Performance offers a few configurations with its timing gates.

Swift Performance Uno

The Uno is their most affordable system, which utilizes a single beam setup to measure sprint times and agility tests. Some of its key features include:

• Multiple starting modes for flying sprints, 3-point starts and starts with reaction time.
• Single beam laser with false trigger detection.
• Qi Wireless charging to keep your Swift Performance Uno ready to go easily.
• The ability to create custom drills using their SYNCRO app.

Swift Performance Duo

The Duo is their mid-range option for testing agility, speed, and conditioning. It comes with the same features as the Uno, as well as these additional features:

• The dual-beam system ensures accuracy and reliability with every testing session.
• Laser alignment spot for easy gate setup
• Syncro test designer allows you to use a drag & drop interface to create custom testing protocols.
• Eight-hour battery life keeps your system running during testing day.
• Multi-lane testing allows you to test multiple athletes in a single sprint.
• Digital output allows you to synchronize timing data with video for elite-level technical alaysis.

Swift Performance Neo

The Swift Performance Neo is the most cutting edge timing gate setup available. It comes with all of the features of the Uno and Duo, while also having these additional features:

• The Swift Neo can measure pacing, depth of turn, and time in turn to assess curvilinear sprint performance.
• Each Neo is integrated with the MOVE sensor, which can detect movement at the start of a sprint.
• Can be integrated with other tools, such as the EZ Jump mat, to test multiple qualities of performance in the same session.

How Much Do The Swift Performance Timing Gates Cost?

• Swift Performance Uno - $3276.55 for two timing gates, $5,974.05 for four gates.
• Swift Performance Duo - $4986.55 for two gates, $9,594.05 for four gates.
• Swift Performance Neo - $9024.55 for two gates, $15,579.05 for four gates, $23,654.05 for six gates, and $29,829.05 for eight gates.

Final Thoughts On The Swift Performance Timing Gates

If you want the absolute best timing setup on the market, then the Swift Performance has the technology, software, and accurate timing you need in a quality timing gate system.

While price is a major factor, nothing can beat Swift Performance's timing regarding features and technology. From its wireless charging to its error correction processing, it gives you the ability to record data you can trust without the hassle of other products.

If you have the budget, then the Swift Performance timing gates are worthy of consideration.

Brower Timing System

The Brower Timing System is another brand that I have used extensively. It is very accurate, relatively simple to use, and can be expanded with additional timing gates.

The Brower can measure sprints to a distance, flying sprints, or agility tests. It takes up more space than the Freelap but requires no wearable timing chips.

How Brower Timing Gates Work

Brower Timing Systems use a laser-based system where a laser and receiver are set up opposite each other on either side of the lane. As the athlete sprints through the device, the laser is disrupted, and this detects the athlete's time.

Brower timing gates utilize a few different components:

• Brower Timing Gates: These are set up on each side of the lane, with the laser pointed at the receiver directly across from it.
• Brower TCi Start: The Brower TCi Start, which can be used with the TCi system, starts the athlete using either motion detection or an audible starting noise.
• Brower Motion Start: Used with the Brower Black Box timing system, the Motion Start detects an athlete's motion to start the timer. This can be based on hand or foot movement.

How Much Do Brower Timing Gates Cost?

Depending on which system you go for, the price of a Brower Timing System varies. Here is a basic rundown of the costs associated with Brower timing gates:

• Brower Black Box Timing System: The Brower Black Box timing system starts at $798, and comes with one set of timing gates, the Brower Motion Start, and a smartphone app to record your times.
• Brower TCi Timing System: The Brower TCi timing system starts at $1358, which includes one set of timing gates, the TCi starter, and a carrying case. You can upgrade to the smartphone interface with a total system cost of $1765, and add additional timing gates for $539.

Final Thoughts On Brower Timing Systems

The Brower Timing System is an excellent system if you want accurate timing without the need for athletes to wear timing chips. The Brower is more expensive than the Freelap, both to initially buy it and to expand to multiple timing gates.

If you need to time many athletes at once, can take up more than one lane at the track, and can afford the higher up-front costs, the Brower TCi is a good option.

Dashr Timing Gates

Dashr is a laser-based timing system that allows you to measure the sprint times of your athletes easily. Dashr now offers two distinct product lines: the Dashr Blue and the newer Dashr Silver.

Dashr Blue

The Dashr Blue is their original and most popular system. It accurately measures times and can display times on a smartphone app or on their larger display add-on. Dashr Blue is one of the more affordable laser-based systems on the market, and can time a wide variety of exercises.

How Dashr Blue Works

As athletes sprint through the timing gates, the laser beam will be triggered to register their times. Times are sent to your smartphone, and up to 10 athletes can be added to your roster for free.

Dashr also has an online dashboard that you can use to track times, and it can be integrated with other technology, such as the MoveFactorX bar velocity sensor.

Dashr Blue timing gate components:

• Dashr Blue Timing Gate: The Dashr Blue lasers communicate with each other to detect when the athlete sprints through a single beam.
• Dashr React: The Dashr React allows you to add a reaction component to your timing. LED lights signal the athlete to sprint and can be used to work on visually-based reactive abilities or measure reactive agility tests.

How Much Do Dashr Blue Timing Gates Cost?

Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with Dashr Blue timing gates.

The Dashr Blue system starts out at $375, making it affordable for most people. It costs $690 for two timing gates, $990 for 3 gates, and $1,300 for a four-gate timing system.

Dashr Silver (NEW for 2025)

The Dashr Silver is Dashr's newest timing system, launched in early 2025. It represents a major leap forward in laser timing technology with several key advantages over the Dashr Blue and other traditional beam systems:

• Reflectorless Laser Technology: Unlike the Dashr Blue (and most other beam systems), the Dashr Silver does not require a reflector or second tripod on the opposite side of the lane. You only need one unit per timing point, cutting your setup time and equipment in half.
• Impervious to Sunlight: The Silver uses a laser technology that is not affected by direct sunlight, solving one of the biggest frustrations coaches have with traditional beam systems that can give false triggers in bright outdoor conditions.
• RF Communication: The Dashr Silver uses radio frequency communication with a range of 500+ yards, significantly more than Bluetooth-based systems.
• Smallest Footprint: With no reflector needed, the Silver has the smallest physical setup of any laser-based timing system.

Important Note: The Dashr Silver and Dashr Blue are not compatible with each other in the same drill. They use different communication protocols, so you cannot mix Blue and Silver gates in one timing setup.

How Much Does the Dashr Silver Cost?

Dashr Silver pricing is not publicly listed — you will need to contact Dashr or SimpliFaster to request a quote.

Other Dashr Products

Dashr also has other useful products, such as the Dashr Biostation, Dashr React, and Dashr Jump.

Final Thoughts On Dashr Timing Systems

The Dashr Blue remains one of the best value options for laser-based sprint timing, especially if you only need one or two gates. The new Dashr Silver is a game-changer for coaches who time outdoors frequently, as the reflectorless laser and sunlight immunity solve two of the biggest pain points with traditional beam systems.

If you want a proven, affordable laser timing setup, go with the Dashr Blue. If you want the latest technology and minimal setup requirements, the Dashr Silver is worth requesting a quote for.

SKLZ Speed Gates

SKLZ Speed Gates are the cheapest method of timing currently available.

The SKLZ speed gates can be used for sprints up to 50 meters in length, making it more useful for short sprint testing or sessions.

How SKLZ Speed Gates Work

As with the Dashr and Brower, the SKLZ Speed Gates detect an athlete's time based on a single laser beam which gets disrupted when an athlete runs past the device.

Times are transmitted to the SKLZ timer, which records up to 50 sprints in its memory bank and displays your time on the screen.

Because it has no starting mechanism, the SKLZ Speed Gates are better for timing flying sprints or sprints to a specific distance using a 1-meter lead-in start.

SKLZ Speed Gates utilize these components:

• SKLZ Sensor
• SKLZ Cone
• SKLZ Timer

How Much Do SKLZ Timing Gates Cost?

The pricing on the SKLZ system is quite simple - it costs $149.99.

Final Thoughts On SKLZ Timing

If you want the cheapest timing system on the market, the SKLZ Speed Gate is for you. This is the most limited timing setup as it relates to features, but at this price, it is hard to complain.

FinishLynx Fully-Automatic Timing

While the other options on this list are great for training, FinishLynx is the preferred timing gate setup for competition timing.

You need a FinishLynx system if you are running a track meet.

How Does The FinishLynx Work?

FinishLynx uses high-speed cameras set up at the finish line to measure sprinters' times in competition. All current FinishLynx systems use the EtherLynx Vision camera, which features EasyAlign technology and captures full-color images. The starting gun is connected with either a wired or wireless connection to the camera, and the system is operated from a computer used by the officials in charge of timing.

As athletes cross the finish line, FinishLynx cameras capture the moment that each athlete's chest crosses the plane of the finish.

FinishLynx Timing Models

FinishLynx offers multiple tiers for competition timing:

• FinishLynx Scholastic: This is the entry-level option for timing track meets. It features the EtherLynx Vision camera at 600 frames per second and includes basic features to get your meet going.
• FinishLynx Bronze: The Bronze comes with a higher frame rate, higher manual zoom, and support for other features and automatic wind gauges.
• FinishLynx Silver: The Silver boasts 1,000 frames per second, high-resolution images, and motorized zoom with remote camera adjustments.
• FinishLynx Gold: The Gold features 2,000 frames per second, a full-frame camera sensor for higher quality images, the RadioLynx wireless starting system, and a 9-digit LED display.
• FinishLynx Platinum: The Platinum tier adds additional features for large-scale meets with advanced integration needs.
• FinishLynx Diamond: The Diamond is the top-of-the-line package for championship-level competition timing.

How Much Does A FinishLynx Timing Camera Cost?

FinishLynx systems are now primarily sold via quote request, as each system is custom-built to order with a standard 4-week lead time. Approximate starting prices:

• FinishLynx Scholastic: Under $5,300
• FinishLynx Bronze: ~$7,995
• FinishLynx Silver: ~$11,495
• FinishLynx Gold: ~$17,995
• FinishLynx Platinum & Diamond: Contact SimpliFaster or request a quote for pricing.

Final Thoughts On FinishLynx Timing

If you are tasked with timing track & field meets, then the FinishLynx is what you need.

Which model you choose will depend on the features you prefer, but the Bronze and Silver models offer the best value for the price.

These timing systems are not usable for practice, so you may want to consider another option on this list if you want to time sprints when not competing.

Which Timing Gates Are Best For You?

To decide which timing setup you should use in your sprint testing session, you should identify which key features you need to focus on.

Some questions you might ask yourself:

• Are you timing multiple athletes or just timing yourself?
• Do you care about the setup time?
• Are you a team coach with full track access or a private coach working in a small space?
• Do you time outdoors in bright sunlight frequently?
• What is your budget?

Many coaches have had success using the Swift Performance, Freelap, OVR Sprint, Brower, and Dashr, while I have not heard of any coaches using the SKLZ setup.

If you have a big budget and want the absolute best technology, the Swift Performance timing gates are the route to go.

If you want the best value in a beam-style system, the OVR Sprint is my top recommendation. It's easy to set up with auto-alignment, accurate to 0.001s, and starts at just $529 for a complete two-gate kit.

For my own uses, in addition to my frequent use of OVR, I also regularly rely on the Freelap for these reasons:

• It is average in price, not the cheapest nor the most expensive.
• It provides accurate measurement with the ability to time various forms of sprinting.
• It takes up little space when the transmitter is set on the ground.
• Data is easily viewed on your phone or computer.

While I do prefer the Freelap and OVR Sprint, there are reasons to choose the Brower or Dashr instead. These reasons include the following:

• The Brower and Dashr are great for timing large groups of athletes because no wearable chip is needed.
• These systems are accurate and generally will not miss any splits due to being laser-based.
• Dashr Blue has a very affordable single-gate package, costing less than $400.
• The new Dashr Silver eliminates the need for a reflector and is impervious to sunlight — a huge advantage for outdoor testing.

If you need to time a track & field competition, then a FinishLynx fully-automatic timing package is best for you. Not many other companies offer timing options for meets, and FinishLynx is the most trusted brand in this space.

Whichever route you go, having the ability to time athletes when they train gives you data that can be run through the analysis of your sport of choice to assess their performance needs.