Glove Radar® FAQ

What is the Glove Radar®?

The Glove Radar® is a small, inexpensive microwave Doppler radar velocity sensor which is attached to a baseball or softball glove to measure the speed of the ball just before it is caught.

What is the purpose of the Glove Radar®?

It will assist in developing baseball and softball players' throwing capabilities by providing a measure of velocity improvement which results from using proper throwing techniques. The Glove Radar® can aid any player--infielders and outfielders, as well as pitchers and catchers, throwing from any distance. This miniature device is worn on the glove of the receiver of the ball during practice, training, tossing and warm-up sessions. It not only is a great training tool but everyone has fun using it.

How does the Glove Radar work?

The Glove Radar® is truly a microwave Doppler radar, not an impact sensor; nor is it a timer which depends upon a precise throwing distance for accuracy. Attached to the back of a ball glove, it measures the speed of the approaching ball a few feet before it is caught. It "sees" through the ball glove, which is essentially transparent to the microwave energy, even though the transmission level is extremely low. Operating with power from a single-cell three volt lithium battery, the Glove Radar® transmission level is much less than that of most conventional "wireless" electronics control and communications products, such as cellular 'phones.

Don't other devices measure ball speed?

Radar "speed guns" used for sports applications are excellent devices but typically cost $400-$700 or more, and are therefore not generally affordable for individual players, coaches and parents. They are also an unaffordable luxury for most amateur teams. However, at a retail price of only $99.95 (including shipping & handling), the Glove Radar® is an inexpensive radar velocity sensor that fills this void.

How accurate is the Glove Radar®?

The Glove Radar® typically measures ball speed within plus or minus one mile per hour of popular "radar speed guns" adjacently located and measuring velocity over a comparable flight path. The most important consideration in using any velocity sensor is to be consistent in its use so that comparative measurements are relative to those preceeding and following.

How does the Glove Radar actually help youngsters learn to throw?

The inventor has personally used early development models of the Glove Radar® with young grandsons, age 6 and 8, and a granddaughter, age 11. Teaching the proper throwing techniques can be a real challenge with youngsters this age, but when they see the increase in speed which can be achieved by throwing "the right way", they are very anxious to apply the coaches instructions. All players want to know how fast they throw, and how to increase their speed!! However, increased speed is not the only result of learning proper throwing techniques--consistency, improved accuracy and less arm strain can also be achieved.

What is the background and status of the Glove Radar®?

Sports Sensors, Inc., was incorporated in October, 1998. We completed engineering design, test and evaluation of our first product, the Glove Radar®, in late December, 1998 and began production preparations at that time. Our initial patent issued on January 26, 1999 and additional patent applications are pending. The product was introduced at the Super Show/99 in Atlanta in mid February, 1999, where it was chosen one of the top twenty new sporting goods products. FCC Certification was received in April, 1999, and production was initiated shortly thereafter.

How is technical support obtained?

Our engineering staff is available to answer your technical questions, or help trouble-shoot problems, by calling, toll-free, 1-800-394-6650.