Point Blank Simulator vs Smokeless Range (Review / Overview)
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- Опубліковано 16 жов 2024
- A detailed and wordy showcase of two great laser simulators for firearms training. Point Blank Simulator vs Smokeless Range.
3:54 - Costs (These are listed in USD) - Aug 24 / 2021 - Prices are now lower for PBS!
5:38 - Smokeless Range
11:33 - Point Blank Simulator
26:52 - Conclusion
10% off code for Point Blank Simulator: "SHEPDEV"
Let me know if you have any questions about either simulator and I'd be happy to answer them.
Thanks for watching!
Learn more at:
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This is actually one of the best product comparison videos I've seen on youtube. Thank you so much for the time spent, this is pure internet gold.
Thanks alot man, I appreciate the feedback 👊 I'm glad it could help a bit
“For the people that don’t have that 36 million dollar budget” 😂
Haha, that's us! 🙋🏼
When are a bunch of P2A techies going to get together and put together an open-source system that everybody can contribute to for the P2A Community? Even after the camera and projector cost, most of us should be able to handle a $5o or $100 contribution fee. We need you guys?
I love the idea of making my own funny scenarios with outlandish characters and situations. People could sell or donate their scenarios to the community.
Awesome comparison. Thank you. I just ordered the smokeless range before this video. Hopefully they take your criticism and do some software updates.
Hey, thank you for the comment 👊 no changes so far, but there's always hope!
Thank you for making the video sir! I'm looking into these options and your info is most valuable!
@@GadgetNerdvana you're welcome! I'm happy to hear they helped! There is some much better simulators coming down the pipe in the coming months 👍
wow! so comprrhensive review! big thank you! I was an USPSA shooter but now a trap shooter. Can you add review on clay shooting?
Thank you sir! I don't have any experience with clay shooting to add a review, but the clay shooting game in Smokeless Range is pretty straight forward. You can change the speeds, number or clays, etc. It likely would meet a clay shooters basic needs but nothing more.
You did a very good job explaining and showing what both simulator can do I thank you for that. But did you have to buy a projector and a screen? Or can you run that off your TV? Also which one do you think you would buy to train students getting there ccw? Thanks
Thanks, glad it was helpful. Using a TV is apparently possible, but from what I remember alot of people don't use that method because it is a bit more finicky than a screen for picking up the lasers. I don't have any info past that, so that would be a better question for the developers. In terms of which one to use for CCW training, right now PBS is in a transition to a much better sim but for now isn't being updated, so Smokeless Range is the easiest option to get their package and start training. PBS is coming out with a new sim in the near future that will be a simpler and more practical setup for people to train properly, but it will be a bit before getting it in hand.
This was a great compare and contrast. I just bought Smokeless and i didn't even know about PBS. Im glad i got Smokeless because i hate how EVERYTHING seems to be moving to the subscription model.
That's fair enough man. Glad the video could help in some way 🤙
Worth the time watched, thanks for the details and time put into posting. I like the real situation with people simulation. Is that the 800$ dollar add-on? Which one is better for this aspect alone?
Thanks man, I appreciate that! If you want the video scenarios you can only get those with Smokeless Range right now for that add-on price. So if you just wanted that alone, you would need to buy the standard smokeless range software/camera and then the add-on. It's a great addition and there is more scenarios being added periodically.
Super great review! What foot pedals did you use and how did you set them up? Are they on one USB hub, for example?
Hey, thank you! I just bought the iKKEGOL USB foot pedals on Amazon. I can't say they are the best but they have stood up to a few hundred stomps so far. They are all setup in one USB hub and the program that comes with them allows you to configure them to one or multiple buttons. Currently, I only run one pedal that is set to "space", "left arrow key", "right arrow key" so when I stomp on it it makes the stage move no matter what is showing on the screen.
Good comparison video. Do both simulators offer scenarios, and do they have add-on scenario packages?
Thanks! Smokeless is the only one that offers the scenarios, and you can film your own as well as download others, but it comes with about 50 built in 👍
... it should be noted that it doesn't come standard though. The scenarios are an expensive add on.
Great video, well done, it will be even better if you link the Amazon products, actually you can create affiliate links (US Amazon and CA amazon) so you may even make a commision
Thanks, and I appreciate the advice. Unfortunately, I'm in Canada and none of these products are available through CA Amazon 😞
great video, i did not know you would be that close to the screen while shooting can you be further back? did you ever block the projector light?
Hey, thanks! Yes you can be any distance away, really the limiting factor is casting your own shadow over the screen and not allowing the camera to pickup the laser. You can see the top of my head casting a shadow sometimes in the videos but it generally just shadows the very bottom of the screen which doesn't affect anything 👍
Well done! Very interesting! Thank you! I apparently waited too long, trying to save up for one of these, with the computer, projector, screen and all and they’ve obviously jumped on the price gouging band wagon along with all things firearms related this is past year.
Hurts the soul a little bit eh ..
Our prices have actually gone down. Always available to discuss your requirements. Details on our website. Be safe :)
@@pointblanksimulator1218 PDP Mars came up with something similar that is usable on Xbox and lcd tv. But it struggles with accuracy and failed because of it. Prob due to camera/IR laser.
ua-cam.com/video/2S3nMTIN7zM/v-deo.html
Can you implement your software/camera along with with coolfire on a gaming console? Might capture a huge audience!
@@Alex-oy6wb we have definitely looked into it, and will continue to do so, as Xbox’s are now complete power houses
@@pointblanksimulator1218 right on!!! Hope you are successful and can’t wait as I own series x.
1st thank you for this awesome video and 2nd don't be so hard on yourself , you did a great job
Well thanks man, I appreciate the kind words 🙏
Great video, I’m leaning toward smokeless range. My screen is 12 ft wide used as a golf sim too. How far away are you and did you go with the short throw or regular cam? Are you behind the cam or in front? I have about 20 ft max to play with from screen to back of wall
Thanks man! I went with the regular cam and normally stand right below it or a few feet in front of it. Sometimes my head will cast a shadow on a few inches of the bottom of the screen, but otherwise the regular cam has been fine at around 6 yards from the screen. Hope it works well for you! 👍
@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE Hey would like your review on the vst trainer. There’s no reviews anywhere. Looking for add ons for family/friends so what’s your thoughts. Ipsc or open range? If you want to Email that works too. Thanks!
@@JohnK222inf hey John! The VST add on is very expensive for what it is. It is a good add on to train with, especially if you have someone that can help change the scenarios with the keystrokes while you are "interacting" accordingly. I did find that the hit detection often sucked which was frustrating. You could replay the video to see where the hits were and they would clearly be in the head or body, but would still count as a miss, meaning the scenario continued. IPSC would likely be the only add-on that I would purchase for smokeless range, everything else just feels like a toy/gimmick and is worn out quickly. There's enough options in the standard games to create variety without being paying extra and being subsequently dissapointed.
@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE thank you so much I’ll save money toward ipsc and maybe try pbs :-)
Great side-by-side review. Thank you for posting.
I appreciate the feedback, thanks for checking it out!
I couldn't understand what you were saying during the smokeless video simulator near the end. Glad you want through the add ons. Would you recommend red or ir lasers for the smokeless?
Ahhh, I'm sorry man. My audio was very amateur in this video. I'll likely be doing an update next year on this review because of that. I would recommend IR for both smokeless and PBS. The visible laser can lead to some bad focal practice where you are constantly refocusing on the laser instead of your sights. Seeing it on the screen is distracting and less realistic to calling your shots in reality. The only thing I like a visible laser for, is to use it outside of a simulator for shooting lightswitches or force on force.
@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE when is the updated video coming???
Great video. What is the process for adding Point Blank to the Smokeless Range?
Thanks! It's pretty straightforward to do that 👍 There is an option on the installation to install into a 3rd party range, they've got good instructions on their website for it too.
Completely new to shooting, but this is very helpful. Big question now is which gun are you using, and which guns have good reload drill setups?
Glad to hear! I'm using a SIRT primarily which allows you to do reloads. It depends on what your real firearm is, there are only a few variations of dedicated laser pistols to go with the very common firearms like Glocks, CZ, S&W... if you have the budget, getting a Coolfire Trainer barrel is the best bet for realism on all fronts. Any training is good, but buy a gun that fits and points good in your hand and don't worry so much about the reloads. The reload is sexy but it's only maybe 10% of shooting.
Fantastic review! How many shots are you getting out of the Cool Fire trainer? Was also thinking of pairing.
Hey, thanks! I get about 20 good shots out of it which isn't much if you're running IPSC sims, but is good for single shot or double tap drills. I have the extend-a-shot adapter now which makes that about 50 shots, which is much better, but it's also quite a bit of money to get all of that.
@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE How is the maintenance on the Cool Fire trainer? And how often?
@@edwardj-baptiste5549 if you're good with how CO2 airsoft/paintball guns run then you may be further ahead but there isn't very good instructions on it. Every few months I disassemble and grease the o-rings. Not much extra than that. Again though, there isn't good instructions and the parts need to go in a specific way that are pretty easy to screw up.
@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE I have a cool fire for my p320 that's what I wanted too here is it worked I also have the mantis blackbeard for my AR will that work if yes I'm definitely buying one of these
@@jonsingleton203 The Blackbeard will certainly work and is a great addition!!
dude being able to eat nuggies is the best selling point
Ha!!! Roger that man! I agree 👍
Great review. No swingers in either?
Thanks man! They've actually both got swingers. There's definitely more challenging stages in PBS than in smokeless.
Outstanding review, thank you
Thanks for the feedback, I'm glad you got some worth out of it!
Great review, thanks!! In regards to start up costs, will one camera work for both systems? I am considering going with both programs and didn’t know if I could just buy one camera at start up and it would work for both systems. I do think pbs is a little better system however I do like the idea of having the scenarios, not having the reoccurring costs, and not needing internet all the time.
Thanks for the feedback man! Either camera will work for both systems. I'm running the smokeless range camera for both 👍
If you bought Smokeless Range, it comes with their camera and shot detection. PBS can install into smokeless as an app, and you wont need our camera. Our demo is free, forever, so you can run that also within smokeless if you wanted the video add-on for smokeless. Always on comms to discuss. We always recommend the right range for you, and that isn't always PBS.
@@pointblanksimulator1218 iPhones/Androids are damn powerful computers with integrated superb cameras. Why can’t they run the software?
@@Alex-oy6wb iPhone / android cameras have IR cut filters, so you can’t use them for IR guns, which you need for recoil. They can obviously detect visible lasers, and many dry fire apps are about for that method, we just haven’t gone that route as it’s limiting
Great video, I am new to handguns, but purchased a CZ TS in Oshawa, Ontario, also joined their gunclub, were are you located, I have a projector and screen and this might get my wife interested :)
Right on! That's great news, the more the merrier! Are you planning on getting into IPSC as well?
@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE thanks for the quick reply.
I have been watching shooting USA, love it all but wondering whats available in Ontario, especially with the restrictions we have. I am a little slower at 65 but still moving
Can I train for everything on Smokeless Range, I am leaning towards that as the arcade stuff mighy interest her lol
@@garytaylor5646 there's lots of guys still competing at your age here, and lots of IPSC matches in Ontario. It's a bit harder to get into right now because they have a backlog on the black badge training course because of covid though. In terms of the simulators, you can train everything in both of them. You get a bit more in the base edition of PBS than you do in Smokeless, but you're right, there is more arcade games in Smokeless. Just remember, they aren't going to hold your attention that well but they are "funner" than what PBS has to offer. Surface level vs substance.
Great review. Thanks for taking the time.
I really appreciate that, thanks for the feedback on it 👊
Nice waterbag. Boxing or MMA use?
Haha, good catch... Thai, jits, and a bit of MMA
Really enjoyed the review. Really great feedback. Reach out to me via the Smokeless Range support email if you have time. I’d love to chat about how we can improve the Smokeless Range.
Thanks man, I appreciate that. I will certainly do so!
A year has done by now . Do you still prefer PBS over smokeless range I’m wanting to buy one but I’m not sure which one still. Thanks
Hey! I would still choose PBS. That being said, neither simulator has gained any improvements since this was initially reviewed and there are other options now like the last one I reviewed called "Pro Target Constructor". They all have pros and cons. PBS also may have something pretty incredible coming down the pipe that may be worth waiting for (or switching to if you've already got the camera).
We have a brand new version coming early 2024 ;)
so which one would you recommend for a literal fire arm newbee if the budget is the same?
Actually man, if you're just starting out I would recommend sinking that money into the CoolfireTrainer recoil system for whatever gun you have. Then you can put a ton more trigger time on your exact gun on any real-life targets you want. Then when you've got your firearm manipulations and trigger control to a good level then adding a simulator like PBS is highly beneficial. Prior to that, it may actually be a deficit if you're running it without proper fundamentals and cementing bad trigger time into countless hours of simulator usage.
@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE thank you!
Great video, quick question. How did you get that graphics card to install. I bought what you have and the mounting plate seems to long
Hey! Sorry for the delay in response man. There was a low-profile mount in the box as well with mine that I had to swap out. Model: GT 1030 GV-N1030D5-2GL Low Profile.
Cool. Smokeless Range wins for me just on the strength of not requiring an internet connection and thus not being vulnerable to internet outage. But PBS has its own appeal, yeah.
Hey, fair enough man! I've only experienced that pain once and it was for about 20 minutes but if you're in a more remote area/more prone to shortages then it's certainly a factor to consider! Thanks for your input!
@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE I live in Philly and have gigabit internet. Lol. I'm reflecting on the time Hurricane Sandy somehow knocked out internet coverage in my area for a good while. Got a lot of reading done then at least.
But I just don't like the prospect of ever being able to use my HOME training setup. The whole point to me is for it to be at my neck and call at ALL times.
Cheers.
@@LucidStrike We see your feedback, thank you.
Great review! Love my Smokeless Range-Steel Challenge👍👍👍👍
Thank you! I agree, Steel Challenge is a good time 👍
hey ... do you still train with it? or is there someting new or better out now?
Hey man! I am doing some testing on a new sim coming out by PBS that is going to be much better than these. But, it is going to be a while still until it is released. For now, I'd recommend looking at the new video I put out for "Pro Target/Tactical Constructor". It is all depending on what you want from a sim. They are all different enough and have their own pros and cons.
ok ... thank you so much .... so i will wait... merry christmas!@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE
Is PBS still going strong to your knowledge? I can't find any pricing on the website. The site seems like it's not being updated.
I read a scientific paper on how they do this. They use the graphics code, and it might not be hard to get it written. Subscription is extortionate. The technology could be diy'd.
Ah, cool! It will only get better the more people get into it and keep improving the ideas!
Everyone is welcome to make their own, whether complex or more simple like Smokeless Range. The more dry fire tools on the market the better! Amen, and Amen :)
Great vid! Answered a bunch of questions.
Glad it helped, thanks for the feedback 👊
i noticed you mounted the projector on the ceiling i was thinking of doing the same how high can i mount it versus the screen height it will be pointing down does it stretch the image at all
That is more a question of the projector rather than the simulator. It entirely depends what adjustments your projector allows but you likely wouldn't want too much of an angle as the distortion adjustments won't fix it 100%.
Did you actually contact sr? If you did what did they say/change?
I had a conference call with one of their techs about a month after this video and they were pretty receptive. Haven't noticed any significant changes to either program since this video though.
Did you have to buy both shot detection cameras? Or could you just use what comes with smokeless for both?
Hey, both cameras are interchangeable with the software. The PBS camera has a little bit better hardware for recoil tracking but they will both get the job done 👍
What's the red training pistol you are using that accepts mag swaps?
Hey! That's the SIRT 110. I have a video on my channel for that as well. I would look up the Coolfire Trainer though, it's probably the best thing going right now for authenticity between dryfire and live.
Great review. Thanks.
You're welcome, hope it helped in some way! 👊
I think point blank is not in business anymore and access their website.
I believe you're correct - possibly changing ownership and coming out with a much better product in the near future 🙏
Hey. We are still here, but have pulled this version of the sim. We listened to everyone’s feedback, and are close to revealing our new offering, which doesn’t rely on the internet, no monthly subscriptions, and is photorealistic. Website wise, I lost my encryption code 🤦🏻♂️ so trying to get back into it. Standby
Excelent video! I've sinced bought everything you have here based on this video, Including the coolfire trainer/rapid fill adapter IR.
The system worked great the first two weeks, all of a sudden im acuracy of laser issues with the Coolfire/RapidFill adapter. Ever had any with yours? My issue is ONLY when i fill with C02, the hits are inconsistent, sometimes on sometimes off as low as 12 to 14", very bumed out about this im filling out an RMA to have them check it. It works flawlessly with my Airsoft guns with the Laser ammo so its not the camera detection system on Smokless range
That's good to hear you got it all setup man! It's a great system when it's working.
Unfortunately, I haven't had that specific issue but I have had to send my Coolfire barrel back twice for repair/parts 😞 It's by far the best training aid, but it's durability and user friendliness could use work. I'm just spitballing here, but you've tried loosening off all the screws that zero the laser and re-setting them? 🤷♂️
@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE ah yea I’ve noticed that, I’ve had to send one of mine back within the first two week. Such a bummer because it’s such a good system. I haven’t tried that actually, I’ve just made sure they were right but it’s worth a try!
Was also going to recommend shooting-soft.com if you haven’t before it’s such a cool company with unique products. Specifically the pro target constructor. It’s like the sims game but for building your own shooting stages, comes pre loaded with dozens of stages from multiple practical shooting disciplines as well as military and police applications. I’ve been trying it the last few weeks and I’ve been really enjoying it, works with smokeless range hardware
Right on man! Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check it out 🤙
Left you a DM in IG in case it goes to your spam if you could take a look when you have time thanks!
Awesome video bud, very useful info. I myself amongst many others Im sure, have recently decided its time to invest into a training system. Nice to get a more in depth peer review without going too deep. 👍
Thanks man! I appreciate the feedback and it's good to hear you're getting into the laser training!
Can we customize the targets to look more like actual criminals?
Ahaha, you can do that in Smokeless Range's "Open Range" add-on. I also quite enjoyed the original comment 🤣
Have you used the trap shooting option in smokeless? Is it at all helpful or applicable to live shotgun shooting?
Hey! Yes I've used it a bunch. But ... Mostly just for my kids using it like the ol' duck hunt game. I wouldn't purchase smokeless solely for that mode myself, but if your sport is trap shooting it gets the job done. You can change the number of total clays, the clay target size and you can get it to throw them in pairs. If you are running a laser cartridge in your shotgun the benefit will certainly be there just for the quick target acquisition and trigger presses (minus the recoil and target lead at further distances). Other than that, what you see here is what you get with that mode. Hopefully that helps 👍
This was great! Thank you!
Glad to have helped! I appreciate the comment 👊
Would you still choose point blank over, smokeless 3 years later?
I'd have to do a deep dive on both again with the added software to give a good answer to that. But at this exact time, smokeless isnt a bad option because PBS isn't getting updates on the current platform. If you can wait though, PBS is coming out with a new platform that is going to blow smokeless out of the water.
You recommend the cool fire trainer infrared laser. Would the red laser work as well? I am considering getting the cool fire trainer with red laser. Use their reflective target for a while. Then get the smokeless range later on. Break the cost up over time that way.
That's not a bad idea to get into training quickly! I had a red laser for a few months when I started with the SIM7 and then upgraded to the infrared. If you're relying on the visual cue of the laser to confirm your hits then the red laser is really your only option right now anyway. There are a bunch of physical targets and reflective targets (some cheap, some expensive) that will let you run the red laser. Another option for you is to just run it with no laser. I find myself charging up the barrel with CO2 with no laser and just calling my shots quite often. This is easier and more diagnosable if you have an optic on your handgun though... Regardless, if you purchased the infrared now you could just run the barrel with no laser and also use the infrared laser for reactive targets and then the simulator later on. Can't go wrong with any of these methods, whatever gets you shooting more is the way to go 👍
The cool fire trainer IR laser is 6ms in duration, and the red laser is 3ms. Visible red lasers work perfectly with PBS and Smokeless. But, having the red laser cool fire trainer may not work very well, or at all. Any pistol trainers that use recoil / blowback are always always recommended to use IR for simulators. Just a heads up so you dont waste your time or money. Hope that helps.
@@pointblanksimulator1218 I read this but I still don’t understand why red laser wouldn’t work efficiently with coolfire. Is it because the visible laser is slow compared to IR?
@@Alex-oy6wb the visible red laser is twice as fast so detecting it is harder. I have never tested the red cool fire on the system, but ive not seen a single other sim company that recommends using visible red for recoil guns, only IR. They all state it ‘has’ to be IR, so I am also basing it off their findings. I hope that helps.
Were did you buy your smokeless range and laser pistol. I am having a hard time getting it shipped to Canada:(
Hi there! Sorry for the delay in response, this comment slid by the goalie it seems. I bought it on Amazon when they still had it available there 😞 the SIRT was from Lockhart Tactical and the SIM7 I shipped from the states.
I can’t quite tell if your cost analysis includes the cost of the computer, projector and screen or the camera to make your own scenarios with? Which as I understood it from Smokeless range, is different than their “short throw” camera to pick up the “players” shots during actual use of the different programs. I’m curious how much your into both of them together, especially where you demonstrate how they can actually be used together, which is an interesting possibility in order to get the best of both.
Hi! The side by side cost analysis I showed in the video is only in regards to the software (which includes the standard camera for either program). The short throw camera and standard camera do the same thing but the short throw is for very small space if you can't back the camera up enough to grab the whole screen. The only thing that works between the different programs is the calibration, but do certainly fulfill eachothers weaknesses if you have both. That's pushing 2k though.
@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE is that 2k still just for the software? Will either of them work with Apple/Mac computers? Or do I need something specific when it comes to the rest of the hardware?
@@Bodhi1satva ahh... It won't work on Mac. I listed the PC and projector that I bought in the video, they were about $800 together. And then the software is listed in the video on the side by side comparison for the basic+IPSC add ons for each respective program. If you are adding the video scenario then it's the $800 for the hardware and $550 for the smokeless range software and then any add ons you want after that.
@@Bodhi1satva iMarksman works on a MAC
Wow this is a great video!
Thanks man 👊 glad you got something from it
What make & model projector and screen did you use?
Hi! This is the VANKYO V600. It's discontinued but the new models are just as affordable. The screen is "PERLESMITH" 100".
its been said, but this is a super helpful review. thanks!
My pleasure! Glad it could help 👊
Has there been continuous updates to PBS?
There's been small updates since this video, but nothing major. Sounds like they are working on a big update for this year hopefully. Smokeless Range has had no changes since, but it's also not subscription based 🤷♂️
With the current cost of ammo this pays for itself and with the current world situation I think I should save my ammo
Two good points right there man!
where can i buy smokeless range? pls help for link thnx
www.laser-ammo.com/store/Simulators-Targets/Simulators/Smokeless-Range
👍
thanks!
You're welcome!
Great job. Thanks for taking the time to go through all of this.
Hey, thank you! Hopefully it was helpful for you 👊
Crazy this looks like a Nintendo duck hunt I’d played back in the 90s as a kid. It’s 2023 and this is the best technology have for us factoring in the cost.. unbelievable this can’t be worth 100 bucks imo.. just go n get a old Nintendo with the Nintendo gun n practice. Ha I’d had known this as a kid I would had save my Nintendo to practice with in 2023
Haha!!! I hear you there man. Though, with how Mario Party has advanced through the years, I bet if Nintendo released a yearly Duck Hunt title we would likely still be at this point in 2023 🤣
So the answer is, “Go out and buy a cool-fire adapter right now!”
Haha!! Close! It is a great option for sure, but its durability is lacking unfortunately.
Seems to me these are all over priced
There's some stuff coming down the pipe from PBS that will be at a better price point and significantly upgraded - but you're right, there needs to be more competition in the market to balance or drive down the prices.
@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE that’s exciting! I’d like to hear what it is!
@@michaelnyden8056 hopefully by the end of the year 🙏 In the meantime... This is really the best of what's available for the price. The other option would be Pro Target Constructor which is also worth a look. I did a review on that as well.
@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE I’ve played with shooting soft they have great stuff but also expensive!
Discount code is invalid sir
Hey, sorry about that! Should work now.
any issues or questions, please do get in touch.
$500 for a $30 shitty video game that turns your gun into a controller. And $400 to unlock the rest of the game.
The fact Call of Duty costs $60 and this charges people $200 with out a projector or screen is ridiculous.
Haha, I can appreciate your level of frustration for the cost. It's unfortunately still a niche market so they can charge accordingly 😔
One of the concerns I’ve heard about is the overly strict licensing issues. I hear some have had difficulty when switching or even simply upgrading computers. This raises more concerns about how much your really purchasing and owning vs renting, if you can’t run the software without internet access as you mentioned with PBS. What happens if one of these companies go out of business or gets bought up? You may be out all of your entire investment with nothing to show for it, especially if you don’t actually have physical possession of the software that will run without the need to constantly confirm your licensing rights via internet access.
Total disclosure, we have had some licensing issues. The issues where from all our systems having to talk to each other, and something out of our control broke. But we have fixed it all now, and is working perfectly. We will be adding more support content to make switching PCs much easier, literally takes 60 seconds to do. Smokeless licence change actually takes longer. Some people like you don't like the monthly subscription, we get it. Do you own everything you watch on Netflix or Spotify? If you want to own a simulator outright, Smokeless range, or SimRange by Lasershot is who we recommend, or even LASR. I hope that helps.
@@pointblanksimulator1218 Another apple -v- oranges. If for no other reason than Netflix is for entertainment and has a vast variety of material as such. If Netflix tried running a limited set of the same videos, they would go out of business. I understand the “subscription business model” perfectly well. From the point of view of a business for profit, it makes perfect sense. A constant income stream is easily more preferable than a one shot sell. Some other issues being brushed past rather briefly is the cost of a computer and whichever other hardware you might need or how long they will continue to work with each system. Not to mention the internet access, for those of us without a computer and internet access these are important costs to consider, I can understand why these would be difficult depending on geography alone. It might be nice to see the bare minimum costs to get set up. Especially if the system upgrades beyond the hardware specs. For those of us retired and on a fixed income for over 20 yrs, these are not trivial issues. Great video though and very thorough otherwise! I do appreciate the time and effort put into such complex comparisons. The complexities of these simulators are not lost on me and its the many variables that make it difficult when deciding which way to go! Thank you so much for the info!
@@Bodhi1satva I didn't mean to insult your intelligence with the Netflix example. I saw on a previous comment that you have an apple mac? Have you checked out imarksman? That may be the best option for what it sounds like your needs and budget are. I think they are the only dryfire simulator that uses a mac. I am always available to help you with hardware and software if you ever need help, even if we arent the right fit for you, everyone will tell you, we always point you in the right direction, regardless if we lose a sale because of it, genuinely.
@@Bodhi1satva iDryfire is the simulator itself, and I have just checked. It works with PC and MAC :)
LASR app or LASR X are a cheap start. LASR X uses your iPhone's camera for example, and no need for a mac or pc. I hope all this info is new to you, and helpful! Paul
Yeah that's too expensive
Fair enough, it certainly can be! Though, if someone is burning through a case of ammo in a month at $400 it certainly makes more sense to transition alot of their trigger time to a simulator.
@@SHEPDEV_ONLINE stick with my laser bullet
@@carstenwilliams7733 fair enough man! Can run it for free then with the demos they both have :)