Shooters Global SG Timer GO vs SG Timer 2: Which One Is Right for You?

Shooters Global offers two shot timers that are worth your attention: the budget-friendly SG Timer GO and the flagship SG Timer 2. Both timers share the same smart sensor technology and work with the company's Drills app, but they're built for different shooters with different priorities.

Here's the thing: Most shot timer comparisons try to tell you which one is "better." That's not how this works. The real question is which one fits your training style and budget. Let's break down what each timer does well, where they differ, and who should buy which.

The Shooters Global Black Friday sale is on now through November 30, 2025. You can buy the SG Timer GO for only $148.49 or the SG Timer 2 for only $296.99. If you’re in the market for a shot timer, now is the time.

This is a sponsored article. All opinions and assessments are based on manufacturer specifications, user reports, and comparison to similar products in the market.

What Is a Shot Timer?

If you're new to this: A shot timer is a device that measures how long it takes you to complete a drill or course of fire. It beeps to signal the start, then uses a microphone to detect each shot and record the time. You get splits (the time intervals between consecutive shots), total time, and data you can use to identify weaknesses in your shooting.

Shot timers turn subjective feelings about your speed into objective data. You might think you're fast on the draw, but the timer knows exactly how long you're taking—and it doesn't lie to make you feel better.

Modern shot timers do a lot more than just beep and count. The good ones filter out ambient noise, work with suppressed firearms, sync with apps for long-term tracking, and help you structure deliberate practice instead of just blasting rounds downrange.

What Makes Shooters Global Timers Different

Before we compare these two head-to-head, here's what sets them apart from traditional shot timers.

Both the GO and Timer 2 use what Shooters Global calls a "smart sensor" with advanced recognition algorithms. Here's what that means in practice: With the right sensitivity settings, the timer can pick up only your handgun shots even when other shooters are firing just a few meters away.   Tactical Hyve demonstrated this capability on a busy range—the key is fine-tuning your sensitivity settings correctly, and the timer makes this easy with adjustable presets.

The real game-changer is the Drills app. This free smartphone app transforms either timer into a comprehensive training platform that does something no other shot timer can: Synchronized video recording with live shot data overlaid directly on your footage. You can record yourself running a drill and instantly see your draw time, splits, and total time stamped on the video. For identifying exactly where you're losing time—a slow reload, hesitation on the transition—this beats watching plain video or trying to remember what happened.

The SG Timer GO is Shooters Global's budget option, but "budget" here doesn't mean cheap or stripped-down.

At $164.99, it costs more than basic timers like the PACT Club Timer III, but it packs in features you'd normally need to spend $300+ to get.

What You Get

The Timer GO is compact and blocky with a top-mounted display that faces upward. You glance down at it without rotating your wrist or fumbling—straightforward design.

Two buttons handle everything: One for the buzzer, one for menu navigation. Fair warning: the buttons are on the small side. If you've got large hands or wear thick gloves, you'll fumble them occasionally.

At $164.99, the GO includes your choice of one mounting option: Either a mechanical quick-release belt clip or a pocket clip. For $174.99, you can get both mounting options. Either way, a lanyard is included. The belt clip is large enough to accommodate duty belts and locks securely—it won't come loose when you're running between positions.

The buzzer reaches 99 dB at maximum volume—loud enough for solo training or small groups. Battery life is excellent at up to 70 hours of continuous use or around 5,000 sessions on a single charge. USB-C charging means you can use the same cable as your phone. Bluetooth range is 50 feet, plenty for personal training.

Key Features and How to Use Them

Video Recording with Shot Data: Here's what sets these timers apart from everything else. Using the Drills app, you can record video of yourself running drills with your shot times overlaid directly on the footage in real-time. Draw time, splits between shots, and total time all appear on screen as you shoot. After your session, you can review the video to identify exactly where you're losing time—was it a slow reload? A hesitation on the transition? The video shows you with precision that watching plain footage can't match. You can save these videos for your own progress tracking or share them with instructors or training partners.

Silent Dry Fire Training: The GO really shines for home practice. The timer cranks up sensitivity to catch the click of your striker or hammer, and you can turn the volume way down so you're not blasting your family's eardrums. Even better: if you have a Garmin watch (Fenix 7, Fenix 8, or Fenix 6 coming soon) or Apple Watch, the Drills app installs directly on the watch and connects to the timer. You can start sessions, adjust settings, and run dry fire drills with only wrist vibration as feedback—completely silent. No phone needed, no timer beeping, just you and your trigger press. Control everything from your wrist: Start and stop sessions, change modes and presets, adjust delay time and shot limits.

Smart Sensor Technology: The advanced shot detection works with suppressed firearms, airsoft, and CO2 guns while filtering out echoes and ambient range noise. You can dial the sensitivity up or down to match your environment.

Performance Tracking: The Drills app logs detailed statistics for every exercise you run: Hit factor, accuracy, individual splits, total time, and more. Track your progress over weeks and months to see exactly how your training is paying off.

Spy Mode: Allows you to sync the timer with another shot timer on the range. Instead of sounding its own buzzer, the GO activates when it hears someone else's timer and records the shots that follow. Useful for training with a partner or gathering data without disrupting other shooters.

Range Officer Mode: The GO includes a dedicated Range Officer mode for timing other shooters without cluttering your personal training records. You can view the current shooting session in this mode.

Bluetooth Hearing Protection: A recent firmware update allows the GO to send the start beep directly to Bluetooth-enabled hearing protection. This eliminates the need to annoy everyone else on the firing line while you're running drills.

On-Device Control: You can switch between drills and access the most important settings—like delay, volume, sensitivity, and par settings—directly on the timer itself. For deeper customization, you'll want the app, but you're not completely dependent on it.

Pros

• Exceptional value starting at $164.99 for this feature set
• Video recording with live shot data overlay (unique in the market)
• Garmin and Apple Watch integration for silent dry fire
• Detailed performance tracking (hit factor, accuracy, splits, time)
• Excellent dry fire capability with adjustable volume
• Smart sensor works with suppressed firearms
• USB-C charging (use your phone cable)
• Bluetooth hearing protection support
• Compact, unobtrusive size
• Same core technology as the premium Timer 2

Cons

• Lower resolution display shows less information
• Smaller buttons can be fiddly with gloves
• Quieter maximum volume (99 dB) for large groups
• Shorter Bluetooth range (50 feet)
• More limited on-device control compared to Timer 2
• No water resistance rating
• Best features require the app

The SG Timer 2 is Shooters Global's flagship—a premium timer built for serious competitors, instructors, and range officers who need the extra features.

At $329.99, it costs twice as much as the GO. The question is whether those extra features justify doubling your investment.

What You Get

The Timer 2 features a front-mounted high-resolution display with reflective illumination technology. In direct sunlight, it stays clearly readable—the kind of screen that actually works on bright range days when cheaper timers wash out. A light sensor activates automatic backlighting when ambient light drops.

The build quality is better than the GO. The Timer 2 is water and dust-resistant with better button feedback and more intuitive controls. It feels like a professional tool, not a gadget.

The included U-Grip mounting system uses strong magnets combined with mechanical positioning hardware. This hybrid approach resists side impacts better than magnets alone. You can also attach the belt clip directly to the timer body if you prefer a different carry method.

The buzzer reaches 110 dB—the loudest in Shooters Global's lineup. For range officers running large groups or outdoor bays with wind, that extra volume matters significantly. Battery life extends to 100 hours of continuous use or up to 7,000 sessions on a single charge. It supports both wireless charging (any Qi charger works) and USB-C.

Key Features and How to Use Them

Video Recording with Shot Data: Like the GO, the Timer 2 pairs with the Drills app for synchronized video recording with live shot data. The difference is the Timer 2's extended Bluetooth range (260 feet vs 50 feet) means you can position your phone farther away for better camera angles or use it across larger training areas. Record yourself, review your performance, share with instructors, or post your progress.

Full On-Device Control: The Timer 2 offers complete independence from your phone. You can program custom drills, adjust every sensitivity setting, and navigate complex menus entirely on the device. The larger, higher-resolution screen displays more data at once with significantly better clarity. This is crucial when you're running a match or instructing and can't be fumbling with your phone.

Performance Analytics: Track detailed statistics for every drill through the Drills app: Hit factor, accuracy, splits, time, and comprehensive performance metrics. The data helps you identify weaknesses and measure improvement over time.

Range Officer Mode: Like the GO, the Timer 2 includes Range Officer mode for timing other shooters without cluttering your personal performance records. The Timer 2's advantage here is access to previous sessions—you can review past strings, not just the current one. This makes it more useful for instructors running multiple shooters through drills.

Spy Mode: Like the GO, the Timer 2 can sync with another shot timer on the range, activating when it hears someone else's buzzer instead of sounding its own. Useful for timing multiple shooters or gathering data unobtrusively.

Professional Build: Water and dust resistant construction means you can use it in rain, dust, or rough conditions without worry. The screen's reflective illumination technology delivers exceptional readability in bright sunlight.

Pros

• Garmin and Apple Watch integration for complete wrist control
• Detailed performance analytics through Drills app
• Best-in-class display with reflective illumination
• Loudest in the SG lineup (110 dB) for large groups
• Exceptional battery life (100 hours / 7,000 sessions)
• Full control without needing phone or app
• Water and dust-resistant construction
• Wireless charging plus USB-C
• NFC quick pairing
• Dedicated Range Officer mode
• U-Grip magnetic mounting system
• Professional build quality throughout

Cons

• Significantly more expensive ($329.99)
• Advanced features have a learning curve
• App can be overwhelming for casual users
• Overkill for recreational shooters who train solo

Shot Detection: Both timers use identical smart sensor technology. This is a genuine tie—no winner here.

Display: Timer 2 wins handily with higher resolution (172 PPI vs 46 PPI), reflective illumination for sunlight readability, and automatic backlighting. The GO's display works fine; the Timer 2's is significantly better.

Volume: Timer 2 is louder (110 dB vs 99 dB). For individual training, the GO is plenty loud. For groups, outdoor instruction, or windy conditions, the Timer 2 has the clear advantage.

Battery Life: Timer 2 lasts longer (100 hours vs 70 hours continuous, or 7,000 sessions vs 5,000). Both are excellent; the Timer 2 is simply more excellent.

Bluetooth Range: Timer 2 dominates (260 feet vs 50 feet). Only matters if you need serious distance, but when you need it, you really need it.

On-Device Control: Timer 2 offers complete independence from the app with full feature access on the device. The GO can handle presets and basic configuration on the timer itself, but you'll want the app for deeper customization.

Mounting: Timer 2's U-Grip magnetic system is more versatile and secure. The GO's clips are simpler but work fine for most applications.

Weather Resistance: Timer 2 is officially water and dust resistant. The GO presumably survives light rain but isn't rated for harsh conditions.

Price: GO wins decisively, starting at $164.99 vs $329.99.

Who Should Buy the SG Timer GO

Buy the GO if you:

• Want modern shot timer features without spending over $300
• Primarily train solo or in small groups
• Don't mind using your phone for advanced settings
• Focus heavily on dry fire practice at home
• Are new to using shot timers
• Need a compact, unobtrusive timer

The GO delivers roughly 80% of the Timer 2's functionality at half the price. For most recreational shooters working on their draw, splits, and transitions, that's more than enough capability. The money you save buys a lot of ammunition—and trigger time beats equipment every time.

Who Should Buy the SG Timer 2

Buy the Timer 2 if you:

• Work as a shooting instructor or range officer
• Run large training groups that need a loud, clear buzzer
• Want complete control without depending on your phone
• Shoot regularly in harsh weather conditions
• Can justify the investment as a professional tool
• Compete at a high level where every advantage matters
• Value premium build quality and reliability

The Timer 2 is overkill for casual use. But if training shooters is your job—or if you're a serious competitor who wants every possible advantage—it's worth the investment. Professional tools cost professional money.

What About the Competition?

The PACT Club Timer III costs $129.95, making it cheaper than the GO, but it lacks Bluetooth connectivity, app integration, and modern shot detection algorithms. The Pocket Pro is even more basic and budget-oriented.

Frankly, unless you specifically want a timer with zero learning curve and no app dependency whatsoever, these Shooters Global timers beat the competition on features and capabilities. The smart sensor technology alone makes them worth considering if you shoot on busy ranges or use suppressors regularly.

Final Thoughts

The SG Timer GO and SG Timer 2 tackle the shot timer problem from different angles. The GO packs serious features into an affordable package. The Timer 2 goes all-in on being the best tool possible.

Both approaches work.

If you're reading this trying to decide between them, here's my straightforward advice: Start with the GO unless you know for certain you need the Timer 2's specific advantages. Most shooters will be completely satisfied with the GO's capabilities and impressed by what they're getting for the price.

That said, if you're serious about instruction, run matches regularly, or compete at a high level, the Timer 2 justifies its cost. It's simply a better tool for those specific professional applications. The superior display, louder buzzer, extended Bluetooth range, and weather resistance aren't luxury features for instructors—they're practical necessities that make your job easier.

Either timer will serve you well. That's worth something when you consider how long the shot timer market has been stuck with the same basic technology.

Prices: SG Timer GO starts at $164.99 (one mounting option) or $174.99 (both mounting options), and the SG Timer 2 is $329.99 (as of November 2025) with free shipping directly from Shooters Global. Both include a 2-year warranty. Prices are subject to change.