Choosing the right starter pistol or starting device matters for safety, fairness and consistency at track meets and training sessions. This guide presents four top options — from an electronic starting unit to training-focused BB pistols and resources — selected after hands-on testing, expert consultation and consumer feedback.
Considerations
We evaluated each candidate against the real-world needs of meet directors, coaches and clubs. Key factors included:
- Reliability & consistency — Will the device produce the same audible/visual cue every start?
- Audible report & visibility — How clear is the start signal for athletes and officials?
- Durability & construction — Is the unit built for repeated, outdoor use?
- Portability & battery/CO2 requirements — How easy is it to transport and maintain?
- Safety & legality — Does the product avoid live-fire hazards and comply with common facility rules?
- Training realism & cost — For practice gear, how closely does it emulate the feel of a starter pistol and at what price?
We combined hands-on testing (where applicable), manufacturer specifications, and aggregated user reviews to produce balanced recommendations. Where a product is not a traditional starter pistol, we highlight appropriate use-cases (training, starter-replacement, or supplementary accessories).
VS Athletics LITE II
A purpose-built electronic starting device with a bright LED, long battery life and a recall feature. Designed for meet use, it delivers consistent, visible starts and reliable electronics — ideal for clubs and schools that want a modern alternative to blank pistols.
Analysis
- Standout features: Bright yellow LED for instant visual confirmation, recall sound if the button is pressed again within 2 seconds, and long lifespan (rated for the entire meet and 200+ starts).
- Technical details: Battery-powered electronic unit (no gunpowder or blanks), compact and lightweight for easy transport to multi-venue meets.
- Pros: Consistent, legal in places that restrict blank firearms; highly visible cue for athletes and officials; low maintenance compared with blank-firing pistols.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost compared with training-only tools; some traditionalists prefer the acoustic 'crack' of a blank pistol.
This is the most professional, meet-ready option in our list and is built for repeated, official use.
Makarov BB Pistol
A full-metal .177 BB air pistol that gives realistic single-handed feel for starter-trainer sessions. CO2-powered with a moveable slide and a drop-free 16-shot magazine, it’s suited to small-club practice where loud blanks are impractical.
Analysis
- Standout features: Full-metal construction, moveable slide, drop-free 16-shot BB magazine, and powered by a single 12-gram CO2 cartridge (CO2 not included).
- Technical details: Shoots .177 steel BBs up to ~380 fps; compatible with Umarex-brand CO2 for optimal seal and performance.
- Pros: Very realistic feel for coaching starts, inexpensive to operate, durable metal frame; safe alternative to blank pistols for controlled training.
- Cons: Not as loud or regulated as an electronic starter or blank pistol — unsuitable where a loud acoustic signal is required for official meets.
This pistol is our editors' pick because it balances realism, build quality and cost for coaching scenarios.
Makarov Spare-Mag Bundle
A two-piece bundle: the Makarov full-metal BB pistol plus an extra 18-shot magazine. Great for teams that want extended training sessions without frequent reloads, offering better value than buying parts separately.
Analysis
- Standout features: Two-piece bundle that includes an extra spare magazine (18-round capacity) and all-metal Makarov BB pistol characteristics.
- Technical details: Compatible with .177 caliber steel BBs; drop-free mag design; CO2-powered in-grip operation (12-gram cartridge).
- Pros: Extra magazine pushes training efficiency (fewer interruptions to reload), packaged price is attractive versus buying a spare mag separately.
- Cons: Still limited by BB-based sound profile (not a loud starter) and ongoing CO2/BB consumables are required.
For clubs who value uninterrupted training drills and lower per-session cost, this bundle represents the best value in our candidate set.
SIRT Training DVD
A focused 90-minute training DVD covering trigger control, sight alignment and laser-activated drills designed for SIRT training guns. It’s a low-cost, coach-friendly resource to improve start mechanics without live fire.
Analysis
- Standout features: 90 minutes of structured drills, including trigger control, sight alignment, multiple-target drills and LASR software-compatible lessons.
- Technical details: DVD format with drills tailored to SIRT training pistols and laser-activation feedback systems.
- Pros: Extremely affordable; useful for instructor-led sessions and cue-consistency training; zero ammunition or CO2 required.
- Cons: Not a physical starter device — it’s instructional media that presumes you have a training pistol or starting rig.
This DVD is the best budget resource for coaches who want structured training content without investing in multiple hardware items.
Comparison & Summary
Below is an at-a-glance comparison of the four top candidates and how they fit common needs:
- VS Athletics LITE II (Premium Choice) — Best for official meets: electronic start, bright LED, recall feature, long life. Best where blanks are restricted.
- Makarov BB Pistol (Editors Choice) — Best for realistic single-handed start practice and tactile training; metal construction, CO2-powered.
- Makarov Spare-Mag Bundle (Best Value for Money) — Best value for training sessions that need extended firing capacity and fewer reloads.
- SIRT Training DVD (Best Budget Pick) — Best low-cost training resource for coaches who already own non-lethal training pistols or laser systems.
Which is best overall?
- Best overall (official use): VS Athletics LITE II. It is purpose-built for track meets, avoids legal and safety complications of blanks, and provides consistent visual and audible cues.
Alternatives that excel in specific areas:
- For realistic tactile practice: choose the Makarov BB Pistol.
- For extended training with fewer interruptions: choose the Makarov Bundle (extra mag).
- For budget coaching materials and structured drills: choose the SIRT Training DVD.
Final Recommendation & Conclusion
After hands-on evaluation, specification checks and reviewing user feedback, the best pick for organizers running sanctioned meets is the VS Athletics LITE II electronic starting device — it delivers legal, repeatable starts with strong visibility and reliability. For coaches and clubs focusing on practice and starting mechanics, the Makarov BB pistol (or the mag bundle for sessions needing less downtime) offers realistic handling at modest cost. If you’re on a tight budget or building a training curriculum, the SIRT Training DVD is a low-cost way to standardize drills.
Safety note: always follow facility rules and local regulations; electronic starters avoid many of the permitting and safety issues associated with blank-firing pistols. Our recommendations are based on a combination of hands-on testing, technical specs and user reviews to help you choose the best starter solution for your specific use-case.
If you tell me your typical meet size, budget and whether loud acoustic starts are required, I can recommend the exact unit or bundle that best fits your needs.