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Timing Mate Pro vs VALD SmartSpeed Plus
Looking for a VALD SmartSpeed Plus alternative? Both are reliable timing systems for speed, agility and reaction testing. The biggest differences are how you pay, whether you own the hardware, and whether you need reflectors.
Choose Timing Mate Pro if
- You want to buy once and own your gates
- You want setup without reflectors
- You want reaction, cognitive and decision-making drills built in
- You don’t want to be locked into a 3-year contract
Choose SmartSpeed Plus if
- You need 1/1000th of a second resolution for research or elite testing
- You already use VALD force plates or other VALD systems and want everything in VALD Hub
- You prefer an all-inclusive subscription that covers servicing and replacements
At a glance
Side by side.
| Timing Mate Pro | VALD SmartSpeed Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | One time purchase | 3 year fixed lease |
| You own the hardware | Yes | No |
| 3 gates, total cost (USD) | $1,750 | $9,027 |
| Ongoing fees | None | Yes, yearly increase of 3% |
| Reflectors needed | No | Yes |
| Timing resolution | 0.01s | 0.001s |
| Range between gates | Up to 150m | 120m |
| LED reaction display | 9×9 array on every gate | 360 degree wrap around display |
| Athletes and teams | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Online portal | AxIT Connect, included | VALD Hub, included |
| Warranty | 2 years | Warranty and repairs included |
Prices in USD.
Total cost
What 3 gates cost over 3 years.
With Timing Mate Pro, the price you pay on day one is the total. VALD SmartSpeed Plus is sold on a 3-year subscription, so the cost continues for as long as you use it
| 3 gates, total cost (USD) | Timing Mate Pro | VALD SmartSpeed Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront | $1,750 | Not available |
| After 1 year | $1,750 | $2,950 |
| After 2 years | $1,750 | $5,989 |
| After 3 years | $1,750 | $9,027 |
Where VALD Smartspeed Plus is stronger
SmartSpeed Plus times to 1/1000th of a second, which suits research labs and high-volume combines. VALD’s subscription also covers repairs and replacements for the whole term.
For team testing, training and talent ID, 0.01s accuracy covers what coaches need, and you own your gates outright.
Timing Mate Pro vs SmartSpeed Plus: FAQ
Is Timing Mate Pro as accurate as SmartSpeed Plus?
SmartSpeed Plus records to 1/1000th of a second and Timing Mate Pro to 1/100th. For sprint and agility testing, differences between athletes and between sessions are measured in hundredths, so 0.01s is enough for most coaching decisions. If you need thousandths for research, SmartSpeed is the better fit.
Can I switch from Smartspeed Plus to Timing Mate Pro?
Yes! Export your athletes and teams from SmartSpeed and import them via CSV into AxIT Connect and the Timing Gate app.
Do I need a subscription?
No. You pay once and own the gates. The app, AxIT Connect, unlimited athletes and unlimited teams are all included.
Ready to own your timing gates?
Pay once. Every kit includes the app, AxIT Connect, unlimited athletes and a 2-year warranty.
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