TFB Review: Shooters Global SG Timer 2 - This Beeper is a Keeper
This is a review of the Shooters Global SG Timer 2, which I have been using for around four to five months. I use shot timers both for my own development, but also (and mainly) as a shooting instructor or range officer for others in training or competition. For people like me, a reliable shot timer is one of the most important tools in our kit. Nobody likes a reshoot due to a poor timer.
There are several traditional timers that have served the shooting community well for years, but Shooters Global has stepped into the arena with a next-generation option: the SG Timer 2. Packed with Bluetooth connectivity, an advanced app, video sync capability, and robust construction, this isn't just a shot timer.
You can, of course, use its basic functions only, but there’s a full-fledged coaching tool built in if you use and unleash all of its features (they are all included in the price).
First Impressions & Build Quality
The SG Timer 2 is fairly light, yet feels solid and durable, built for hard use, including rain. For mounting, there’s a so-called U-Grip with built-in magnets, and a belt clip that you can either keep on the U-Grip or directly on the timer. I prefer to use the U-Grip and just keep the timer sitting on the magnet so I can take and leave the timer in my hand easily. The magnet is strong, and I never felt like it would leave my belt by accident.
The screen is large and daylight-readable, a huge plus during bright range days. According to SG, the screen is 172 PPI. Not sure what that means exactly, but just look at the image above from a sunny day - it’s still possible to read virtually everything. The screen is a bit recessed, so it’s not going to be the first thing that hits the gravel if you’re unfortunate enough to drop it.
There’s also a light sensor that will activate a backlight at night. I haven’t used the timer in the dark, but for the sake of this sentence, I did evaluate the quality of the backlight and it’s perfectly even and fine.
The buttons are tactile, responsive and easy to operate even with gloves. It's clearly designed by shooters, for shooters, and can be operated one-handed. The weight distribution is very even. In the beginning, you may feel a bit uncertain which of the three buttons does what, and struggle a bit with the layout, but as with most things, the more experience you get, you won’t think about it.
Size Comparison
Just to give you an idea of the size of the timer itself, here it can be seen beside the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the Kestrel 5700X wind meter (I wish the Kestrel had this kind of quality screen).
It seems it’s time for me to retire my previous timer. It’s been with me for 10 or more years, and it always worked, but in all honesty, I don’t think I can name one function that the SG Timer 2 doesn’t do better. The battery life alone makes it worth changing.
Functionality for the Serious Competitor
For the competitive shooter looking to shave time off transitions or improve draw speed, the SG Timer 2 works perfectly (as long as you do your part!). Shot detection is sensitive and accurate, even with suppressed firearms. Just remember that you can save most time in the moving in-between positions, and not in the shooting itself!
Split times and par timers are easy to set and view. You can run drills like El Presidente or Bill Drills, and instantly see where your time and skill are going. Where the SG Timer 2 really shines is in its app integration. Through Bluetooth, you can connect to Shooters Global's app, which logs all your drills, splits, and total times. This allows for a level of performance tracking that old-school timers can't offer. I may be wrong, but I’m not sure any other shot timer does this either. I have some screenshots from the Apple Store below, but Google Play is very similar.
As you can see, you can go pretty advanced with the SG Timer 2 and the app, and I can honestly say I haven’t used all of its potential. On top of that, during the review, there have been some new upgrades and new features. There are good and bad things with this, and the App’s rating is 3.4 out of 5 (constantly increasing). As things get advanced, it’s also difficult to understand and get everything working correctly. It’s no surprise that the grades are either low or high, love or hate for this potential. To understand how the timer works, from basics to more advanced features, SG has a YouTube channel where they have uploaded short instructional videos with detailed descriptions of the functions and usage of the timer.
There is also an app for Apple Watch.
The app stores historical data, meaning you can compare today’s performance to last month’s. For competitors prepping for major matches, this kind of data is gold. I noticed that JJ Racaza and Lena Miculek use this timer.
Battery life is another win with regular use. SG claims that you can get up to 7000 sessions on a single charge. The timers charge with any wireless charger or USB-C.
Instructor-Friendly Features
What really sets the SG Timer 2 apart is its utility for instructors. The built-in video sync feature allows you to pair a phone or tablet camera with the timer. When your student shoots a drill, the video records with synchronized shot timestamps. This allows for incredibly detailed post-drill analysis. Want to show a student how their splits changed when they rushed a reload? Or how they don’t change the splits between large and small targets. It's right there in the footage.
You can export both the raw data and the video clips, making it ideal for after-action reviews or remote coaching. Since you’re reading this review, I presume you have some interest and you may already have seen these kinds of videos on social media? You can switch between shooters via the app, allowing instructors to keep sessions moving efficiently. For group training environments, this streamlines a lot of the administrative overhead usually tied to shot timing and review.
Real-World Testing
I tested the SG Timer 2 across multiple scenarios:
- Solo dry fire: Worked great with par times, even registering the "click" of dry-fire in a quiet room.
- Live fire practice: Accurate detection of shots with multiple calibers, including .22LR 9mm, and .223 Rem. This includes .22LR suppressed.
Below you can see the brand new Tikka T1x ACE being tested, both suppressed and not, with the SG2 timer.
- Match prep drills: Transitions and reload tracking to improve before the IPSC PCC World Shoot this spring, as well as coaching some beginners in handgun.
- Shooting Instructor: Using the video sync feature to record and critique students' performance during IPSC training and stages.
Below: Do you notice anything strange here? This Glock 45 is running the MecGar Glock magazine in metal. It’s up for review soon.
Comparison to Traditional Timers
The SG Timer 2 is probably a bit more expensive than the average timer, but not the most expensive one. However, the price is justified and the SG2 does significantly more. It bridges the gap between timer and coach, especially when paired with its app and video features. Traditional timers give you basic data; the SG Timer 2 gives you context, video and history if you want it.
No competitor or range offices want a re-shoot because of a poor timer, and although errors can happen, I think it will be down to the user and not the device.
It’s also worth noting that you don’t need to use the app every time. You can use the timer standalone, just like any classic model. That’s how I run it most of the time, but there’s a lot more potential within this little piece of magic.
Final Verdict
The Shooters Global SG Timer 2 can be used as a simple timer, but there’s a whole lot more inside for those who want to explore much more advanced functions. For the serious competitor, it provides insight into your speed and consistency. For instructors, it brings a new level of possibilities to student training. The only downside is that it takes a bit of additional time, time you might want to focus on the range. In this case, you can keep the material and show or share afterwards.
The price listed on Shooters Global’s website is $329.99 (USA) and €349.99 (Europe), with free shipping and with a 2 years warranty. Yes, it's a premium product at a premium price, but the features and build quality justify the cost. That’s about as much as a box of 9mm where I live, and I’m a sucker for quality training before volume - exactly where the SG Timer steps in and really helps.
Below: Shooters Global’s corner in the Brownells booth at the IPSC PCC & Mini Rifle World Shoot in the Czech Republic recently. It’s nice to see manufacturers who sponsor the sport, who are present, and give back.
During this spring, as training increased after the winter, I noticed that a majority of my friends have either the new or the old SG timer already. At a recent club match, most, if not all, were also using them. I asked most of them for feedback, especially anything negative they could point out, but nobody had anything bad to say. One complained about the relatively quiet beep signal on the first model, but it’s safe to say that’s been taken care of with the current SG 2 model! According to the specs, it can reach up to 110dB.
Pros:
- Excellent shot detection, even with suppressed or low-caliber guns. Easy to change between setups and firearms.
- Intuitive app integration and data logging, including YouTube tutorials.
- Game-changing video sync for instructors (and advanced users) - if you have the time.
- Strong build quality, high-visibility screen and user-friendly design.
- The beep signal is extremely loud on the maximum setting (110 dB).
Cons:
- Pricier than traditional timers - but it’s also capable of much more.
- Its advantages with all functionality in the app are also sometimes its worst enemy, when things get too advanced (depending on your experience, and overall knowledge, as well as your willingness to learn new features).
- App and timer need occasional updates - not great if you’re off grid. Some features require registration (at no cost).
- I’m still not sure how to turn it off, but it’s still a keeper.
Shooters Global SG Smart Shot Timer 2
This review covers most of the things this timer can do - apart from just being a timer! But there’s more to it, so if this review caught your interest, please find out more here: https://timer.shooters.global/product/sg-timer-2/
For me, this beeper is a keeper!
Images by the author and from Shooters Global’s website or YouTube.
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Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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