It really depends on the type of start you are trying to measure. For a conventional three-point start for a 40 yard dash, we were using the in-beam setup, where the athlete was within the beam and the timer started when they left the start position. But, we have also done some testing with the break-beam setup, where the athlete breaks the beam with their body. The only issue with the break-beam setup is that the times can be less consistent if a hand or someones long hair prematurely breaks the beam - resulting in a slower time. The in-beam start seems to be more consistent for static starts, where break beam is more consistent on flying starts. It may also be dictated by the height of the beam that you set (which part of the body breaks the beam).
Still comparing Dashr, timing mate, and other products to VALD. I love VALD, however, the only downside is they don't let customer buy and own the hardware. You're basically renting thier products with monthly subscription base.
So when setting the athlete up they should be aligned just behind the beam or in the beam?
It really depends on the type of start you are trying to measure. For a conventional three-point start for a 40 yard dash, we were using the in-beam setup, where the athlete was within the beam and the timer started when they left the start position. But, we have also done some testing with the break-beam setup, where the athlete breaks the beam with their body. The only issue with the break-beam setup is that the times can be less consistent if a hand or someones long hair prematurely breaks the beam - resulting in a slower time. The in-beam start seems to be more consistent for static starts, where break beam is more consistent on flying starts. It may also be dictated by the height of the beam that you set (which part of the body breaks the beam).
Still comparing Dashr, timing mate, and other products to VALD. I love VALD, however, the only downside is they don't let customer buy and own the hardware. You're basically renting thier products with monthly subscription base.
Let us know what you decide on, especially if you find something reasonably priced that works consistently.