Dashr Timing System Review: 1 to 5 Gates Compared
Discover how Dashr's scalable gate system transforms speed training from solo sprints to full multi-athlete performance tracking.
The Dashr timing system is a wireless, modular laser timing platform where gate count determines which drills you can run and how much split-time detail you capture per rep. One gate covers finish-line timing, three gates unlock most standard testing batteries at $990, and five gates deliver full split resolution for complex multi-directional drills at $1,600.
- 0.1 to 0.3 seconds per rep: A handheld stopwatch introduces 0.1 to 0.3 seconds of human reaction error per rep, which makes season-long improvement data nearly meaningless without laser timing.
- Two to three gates for 40-yard dash: Straight-line speed testing needs only two to three gates: one at ten yards to measure acceleration and one at the finish to catch top-end speed.
- Ten free roster spots: Every Dashr system includes ten free athlete roster spots, which works for a personal training client list or small team, with expansion available for larger programs.
- Modular add-on expansion: The 1-Gate Add-On converts a 2-Gate system to three gates without replacing any hardware, keeping expansion costs lower than buying a new system outright.
- Drill menu drives gate count: The right configuration depends on your testing menu, not just your budget: change-of-direction drills demand more gates than straight-line speed work.
Where to start
Dashr 5-Gate Wireless Timing System for Athletic Performance Testing & Progress Tracking
Dashr 1-Gate Add-On Timing System Upgrade for Precision Training and Performance Tracking
What the Dashr Timing System Actually Does
Dashr is a wireless laser timing system built around modular gate hardware and a companion mobile app. You set up gates at specific distances, run your drill, and the system records split times with laser precision, then pushes that data directly to your phone or tablet for immediate review.
The appeal is the combination of portability and accuracy. Traditional timing setups often required cabling between gates, a fixed power source, or a dedicated operator with a stopwatch. Dashr removes most of that friction. Each gate uses Bluetooth to communicate, so there are no cables to run across a field or gym floor. The laser modules are robust enough for outdoor conditions, and optional heat shields help in direct sunlight.
Every Dashr system, from the smallest single-gate entry point up to the five-gate configuration, runs through the same Dashr app, available on both Android and iOS. That means coaches working with a smaller system today can expand their hardware later without switching platforms or relearning the software. The athlete roster and historical data travel with the account, not the hardware.
Who Actually Benefits from a Timing Gate System
Timing gates are most useful when you need objective, reproducible numbers rather than rough estimates. A coach using a handheld stopwatch introduces human reaction time into every measurement, which can vary by 0.1 to 0.3 seconds per rep. Over a season of testing, those inconsistencies make it nearly impossible to tell whether an athlete genuinely improved or just got a favorable start on a given day. Laser gates cut that variable out entirely.
The use cases span a wide range. High school and college strength and conditioning programs use timing gates to run standardized combine-style testing, tracking the 40-yard dash, pro-agility shuttle, and T-test across a roster. Personal trainers use smaller setups to quantify speed development for individual clients. Sports facilities that run athlete assessment programs need something that produces data a client can take home as a report, not a coach's written notes.
Youth programs are another strong fit. Research consistently shows that young athletes respond well to objective feedback, and having a number to beat next session is a more concrete motivator than general encouragement. For that audience, the Dashr app's roster management and per-athlete history are genuinely practical features, not just selling points. Understanding how to structure testing sessions for younger athletes matters as much as the hardware itself.
Gate Count: What the Number Actually Determines
The number of gates in a Dashr system controls two things: which drills you can run and how much split-time data you collect per rep. A single gate at the finish line tells you the total time from start to that point. Two gates tell you a start split and an end time. As you add more gates, you get finer resolution on where an athlete is losing or gaining ground during a drill.
For a straight-line 40-yard dash, two to three gates is usually sufficient. Many programs place one gate at the ten-yard mark to capture initial acceleration, then a second at the finish. That setup tells you whether an athlete's problem is off the line or in top-end speed. For a pro-agility (5-10-5) shuttle or a T-test, you need more gates to track the change-of-direction segments accurately. Four or five gates give you the full picture on those multi-directional drills.
The Dashr 3-Gate System, at $990, supports sprinting, pro-agility, T-tests, and more, which makes it the point in the lineup where the system starts covering most of what a coach would run in a standard testing battery. Below that threshold, you are making tradeoffs on which drills you can time with full split detail.
Breaking Down Each Configuration
Each tier in the Dashr lineup adds gates and, with them, capability. Here is what each configuration actually delivers in practice.
1-Gate System
The entry point. It includes one tall timing gate with two regular tripods, a laser module, and a reflector. This setup works well for straight-line finish-line timing when a coach handles the start manually through the app. It is a legitimate tool for athletes who want objective finish-line data on short sprints or who are just getting started with laser timing. The vertical jump testing feature is available as an optional software unlock, which gives this configuration more versatility than the gate count alone suggests.
1-Gate Add-On
At $375, the add-on is not a standalone system. It is designed to expand an existing Dashr setup, specifically to convert a 2-Gate system into a 3-Gate configuration. It includes two regular tripods, one laser module, and one reflector. If you already own a Dashr system and want to add one more split point without buying a full new kit, this is the correct path. The price is identical to the standalone 1-Gate System, so the decision is simply whether you need a complete system or a targeted upgrade.
2-Gate System
At $690, the 2-Gate system adds a second gate and, with it, the ability to capture a start split and a finish time simultaneously. Dash drills, flying sprints, T-tests, and lane agility drills all work at this level. Bluetooth integration connects both gates wirelessly, and the system supports the same real-time data flow to the Dashr app. This is a practical choice for a trainer or coach who runs one or two athletes at a time and primarily needs straight-line speed data.
3-Gate System
The 3-Gate System at $990 is where the lineup becomes genuinely versatile. It supports three tall gates via two regular tripods and adds one short gate on two mini tripods, which matters for drills where a low beam height is more appropriate. The kit includes three laser modules, three reflectors, six regular tripods, and two mini tripods, along with a carrying case. The online athlete management system comes with ten free roster spots, expandable as the program grows. For most school or facility programs running standard speed and agility tests, this configuration handles the full testing menu.
4-Gate System
At $1,300, the 4-Gate System adds resolution and supports more complex drill configurations. It carries optional vertical jump testing as a software feature, and it includes heat shields for outdoor use, making it one of the more field-ready configurations in the lineup. The wireless, cable-free design via Bluetooth keeps setup fast even with four gates to position. Real-time data analysis through the app means a coach can review splits immediately after a rep, which changes how feedback conversations with athletes happen on the floor.
5-Gate System
The 5-Gate System at $1,600 is the most capable configuration Dashr sells as a packaged unit. Five Dashr Blue lasers support up to five tall gates or two short ones, giving coaches the most granular split data available in the system. This is the right choice for combine-style testing events, larger athletic programs, or facilities that want to run multiple drills in sequence without reconfiguring gates between athletes. The aluminum carrying case and rugged laser modules make transport manageable even at this scale. The system starts with ten free roster spots, with the option to add more as the program expands.
Dashr System Comparison
The table below covers the full Dashr lineup from the add-on upgrade through the five-gate system. Gate count and price are the clearest decision axes, but the drill support column is where the practical differences show up most clearly.
One pattern worth noting: every system in the lineup uses the same Dashr app and the same underlying laser module technology. The differences are in gate count, tripod configuration, and which drills you can run with full split coverage. That consistency is a real advantage if you plan to expand over time, because an investment in a 3-Gate system is not made obsolete by adding gates later.
The App and Athlete Data Management
The Dashr app is not an afterthought. For a timing system that markets itself on portability and ease of use, the software has to do real work, and it largely does. Real-time data transmission from gates to the app means coaches see splits immediately after each rep, rather than downloading from a device at the end of a session. That immediacy changes the feedback loop during training.
Athlete management is handled through an online roster system that travels with your account. Every Dashr system comes with ten free roster spots, which covers a small team or a personal training client list. Larger programs can expand that number. The dashboard is customizable, and the system tracks historical performance so you can see whether a 40-yard dash time has improved across testing dates, not just within a single session.
The 4-Gate System specifically advertises an online athlete management system with automated data analysis and record-keeping, including compatibility with both Android and iOS. For a coach who does not want to manually enter times into a spreadsheet after every session, that automation is a practical time saver. The mechanics of a well-run speed test matter a lot here, because consistent setup translates directly into data you can trust over time.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Performance
All Dashr systems are designed for both indoor and outdoor conditions, but outdoor use introduces one variable that the hardware directly addresses: direct sunlight. Laser timing gates can produce false reads or reduced sensitivity when bright sunlight hits the sensor at certain angles. Dashr's optional heat shields are specifically designed for outdoor conditions, and for any system that will regularly run outside, they are worth factoring in.
The Dashr Blue laser modules used throughout the lineup are built for rugged use. The 4-Gate and 5-Gate systems both include heat shields as part of the kit description, which signals that Dashr considers outdoor use a primary scenario for those configurations rather than an edge case. Smaller systems list heat shields as optional, so if you are buying a 2-Gate or 3-Gate setup for outdoor field use, confirm whether shields are included or need to be added.
Indoor use is typically simpler. Gym floors, turf facilities, and fieldhouses eliminate the sunlight variable, and Bluetooth connectivity works cleanly in those environments. The wireless design keeps tripod placement flexible regardless of where permanent electrical outlets are located, which matters more than it might seem when you are working around a shared facility's existing layout.
Scalability: Starting Small and Expanding
One of the stronger arguments for the Dashr system over a competing fixed configuration is the modular design. If you start with a 2-Gate system and your program grows, the 1-Gate Add-On takes you to three gates without replacing any existing hardware. The add-on converts your setup rather than replacing it, which keeps the total cost of expansion lower than buying a new system outright.
This modularity also applies to the laser modules themselves. The Dashr Blue Laser Timing System Upgrade 2.0 allows existing Dashr equipment to be updated to the newer module generation, extending the useful life of older hardware. Programs that bought in early do not have to start over when the technology moves forward.
For a facility or coach deciding where to start, the practical question is: what is the most complex drill you need to time right now, and what is the drill you expect to add in the next two years? Buying to your current need is fine, but buying one tier below your actual testing menu is a mistake that costs you in a different way. The range of timing systems available for athletic testing is broader than many coaches realize, so it is worth understanding where Dashr sits in that landscape before committing to a gate count. If you are also evaluating competing wireless systems, how Dashr compares to other laser timing options is a useful reference point for that decision.
Full lineup range, scalable via modular add-ons
1-Gate system or 1-Gate Add-On, both at $375
Included with every system, expandable as programs grow
Setting Up a Dashr System for a Testing Session
Setup is straightforward enough that a single coach can manage it without an assistant. The steps below reflect a general session flow, not a manual replacement.
Position your gates
Place tripods at your target distances. For a 40-yard dash, common positions are the ten-yard and forty-yard marks. For a pro-agility drill, follow the standard cone placements and position gates to capture each direction change. Adjust tripod height so the laser beam crosses at roughly mid-thigh to ensure the athlete breaks the beam rather than stepping over or under it.
Pair gates to the app
Open the Dashr app and connect to your gate modules via Bluetooth. The pairing process is device-by-device and takes under a minute per gate for a system that has been set up before. First-time setup takes a few extra minutes as the app registers each module.
Select your drill and athlete
Within the app, choose the drill type and pull up the athlete's profile from your roster. This links the incoming timing data to the correct performance history. If you are running a new athlete through the system for the first time, create their profile before the session to avoid delays on the floor.
Run the drill and review splits
Start the timing sequence through the app. As the athlete runs through each gate, splits appear in real time. After the rep, review the data immediately while the effort is fresh. If a split looks anomalous, check gate alignment before running the next rep rather than assuming the number is correct.
Export or save the session
The app saves session data to the athlete's profile automatically. For programs that report to parents, administrators, or the athletes themselves, the app's data history provides a clear record without manual transcription.
Matching Configuration to Your Program
The right Dashr system is determined less by budget ceiling and more by testing menu. A personal trainer running individual clients through straight-line speed assessments can get real, actionable data from a 2-Gate setup. A high school strength and conditioning coach who needs to run combine-style testing for forty athletes across multiple drills is going to feel the limitations of a 3-Gate system pretty quickly on pro-agility day.
Programs that run the 40-yard dash as their primary metric can get by with fewer gates and invest more in the roster management and data export side. Programs that emphasize change-of-direction testing, where multi-directional splits reveal things straight-line time cannot, should prioritize the 4-Gate or 5-Gate system even if the up-front cost is higher. The data quality at those gate counts justifies the difference, particularly for programs that use test results to inform programming decisions rather than just to report numbers.
For coaches building a new program who are not yet sure which drills they will emphasize, the 3-Gate System at $990 is a reasonable starting point. It handles the most common test battery, and the modular design means adding a gate later is a $375 decision, not a full system replacement. You can also browse the full range of timing systems to compare Dashr against other options in the category before deciding. Coaches who run reaction-based training alongside speed testing may also find value in pairing a timing system with reaction training equipment, since the two types of data complement each other in athlete development programs.
More timing systems worth a look
Dashr 4-Gate Wireless Timing System for Speed and Agility Testing with Real-Time Data
Dashr 3-Gate Wireless Timing System for Speed & Agility Performance Testing
Frequently asked questions
What is the Dashr timing system and who is it designed for?▾
Dashr is a wireless laser timing system built around modular gate hardware and a companion mobile app. Coaches, strength and conditioning staff, personal trainers, and sports facility operators use it to collect objective split-time data on drills like the 40-yard dash, pro-agility shuttle, and T-test. Youth programs are a strong fit too, since athletes respond well to having a concrete number to chase each session.
Is the Dashr timing system safe to use indoors and outdoors?▾
Yes, the laser modules are built for both environments. For outdoor use in direct sunlight, heat shields are recommended across the lineup to maintain accurate timing. The hardware is rugged enough for field conditions, and the wireless Bluetooth design means no cables running across gym floors or turf, which removes a real tripping hazard common with older wired setups.
How much does a Dashr timing system cost, and what are the entry and top options?▾
The lineup runs from $375 for the 1-Gate Add-On, which is an upgrade for an existing system rather than a standalone kit, up to $1,600 for the 5-Gate System. The 3-Gate System sits at $990, the 4-Gate at $1,300, and a 2-Gate configuration at $690. Each step up adds gates and, with them, the ability to capture finer split-time data across more complex drills.
How difficult is it to set up a Dashr timing system before a session?▾
Setup is straightforward. Each gate consists of a laser module, a reflector, and tripods, and the system connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, so there is no cabling between gates. The 3-Gate kit, for example, includes six regular tripods and two mini tripods along with three laser modules and three reflectors, all stored in a carrying case. The Dashr app handles the timing logic once the gates are paired, so the physical setup is the main task before a session.
What are the ongoing costs of running a Dashr system?▾
The hardware itself has no subscription tied to basic use. Each system comes with 10 free roster spots, and you can add more athletes as needed. Optional software unlocks, such as vertical jump testing, are available if you want to expand what the system measures. Heat shields are recommended for regular outdoor use and are listed as optional accessories rather than included in every kit.
What does routine maintenance on a Dashr system involve?▾
The manufacturer does not publish a formal maintenance schedule, but the practical upkeep is minimal. Keeping the laser modules and reflectors clean and properly aligned before each session is the main task, since dirt or misalignment on the reflector face can affect beam accuracy. Storing everything in the included aluminum carrying case protects the hardware during transport and helps extend the life of the components.
How do I choose the right number of gates for my program?▾
Gate count determines which drills you can time with full split detail. Two to three gates covers straight-line work well, with one gate at the ten-yard mark and one at the finish giving you acceleration versus top-end speed data. For multi-directional drills like the pro-agility shuttle or T-test, four or five gates give you the resolution to see exactly where an athlete gains or loses time on direction changes. The 3-Gate System at $990 is where the lineup starts covering most of a standard testing battery.
What mistakes do coaches make when setting up a laser timing system for the first time?▾
The most common error is placing gates without a clear testing protocol in mind, which produces numbers that are hard to compare across sessions or athletes. Gate height matters too: the 3-Gate System includes both regular and mini tripods precisely because some drills need a lower beam than others. Skipping the heat shields in outdoor sun is another frequent oversight that can cause inconsistent readings. Running a few practice reps before recording official data also helps, since athletes unfamiliar with gate placement sometimes break the beam early.
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