# ChainRanger — Disc golf rangefinder > Disc golf rangefinder using AI to measure distance and elevation to baskets. (iPhone/iPad app by RIKU-MATTI HEIKKI INNILA.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chainranger/id6783061208 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [RIKU-MATTI HEIKKI INNILA](https://appshunter.io/developer/6783061210) - Category: Sports - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 5.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 1 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 16.0 · 66 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2026-07-03 - Data updated: 2026-09-13 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chainranger/id6783061208/reviews.md ## What is ChainRanger? ChainRanger turns your phone into a disc golf rangefinder. Point your camera at the basket and the on-device AI finds the chains and shows the distance instantly — in meters or feet, plus whether the basket sits uphill or downhill. No laser, no GPS waiting, no pacing it off. HOW IT WORKS • Aim your camera at the disc golf basket. • ChainRanger detects the basket in real time and calculates the distance. • A stabilized reading shows on screen. All image processing happens 100% on your phone. Camera frames are never uploaded anywhere. KNOW YOUR CIRCLES Distance to the basket is not just a number — it decides which rules and stats apply: • Circle 1 (C1) is everything within 10 meters (33 ft) of the basket. Inside Circle 1 the putting stance rule applies: after releasing the putt you may not step past your marker, you must show full balance behind it. ChainRanger tells you instantly whether you are inside the 10 m circle, so a borderline lie never catches you out. • Circle 2 (C2) reaches from 10 to 20 meters (33–66 ft). Putts made from here separate good rounds from great ones. • Parked, C1X and C2 are the stat categories that actually measure putting: Parked is inside 3.3 m (11 ft), C1X counts Circle 1 putts excluding parked tap-ins, and C2 covers the long range. When you know the exact distance, every putt goes into the right category. READ THE ELEVATION — AND WHAT IT PLAYS LIKE Distance alone doesn't tell the whole story: an uphill basket plays longer, a downhill one shorter — and because a disc glides, every meter of height changes the throw far more than in ball golf. ChainRanger reads your phone's tilt to show the up/downhill angle and the height difference, and Full Range adds the plays-like distance from a disc-flight model, so you can pick your disc and power with confidence. LIDAR ASSIST ON IPHONE PRO On LiDAR-equipped iPhones, ChainRanger fuses the scanner with the camera measurement for sharper readings at close range. LiDAR also unlocks tape-free calibration — dial in your camera and basket dimensions without a measuring tape. On other iPhones the app measures with the camera only. PERFECT FOR PUTTING PRACTICE Set up at exact distances for structured putting routines. Train at 5, 7 and 10 meters instead of guessing — and watch your C1X percentage climb. FREE AND FULL RANGE • Free: exact distance everywhere inside Circle 1 (10 m) — a complete putting trainer. • Full Range (one-time purchase, no subscription): exact distance at all ranges, including Circle 2 and beyond, plus the plays-like distance on sloped holes. FEATURES • Real-time disc golf rangefinder using your camera • Distance to the basket in meters or feet • LiDAR assist on iPhone Pro models for close-range precision • Uphill/downhill angle and height difference to the basket • Plays-like distance on elevation, from a disc-flight model (Full Range) • Basket presets for PDGA-verified target models, or dial in custom dimensions • Calibrate at any known distance — the hole length from the tee sign will do • Three detection modes: Simple is the lightest, Pro sees the farthest, Balanced fits most iPhones best • Stabilized reading with a soft haptic tick when it settles • Hold button to freeze the reading • Magnifier zoom to reach far-away baskets • Supports multiple rear camera lenses with per-lens calibration • Smart exposure that locks onto the detected basket, tap to adjust • Power-saving mode and automatic heat protection for long sessions • Built-in guide with tips for getting the best readings • 100% on-device AI — works without a network connection ## Key features - Real-time camera-based rangefinder - Measures distance in meters or feet - Detects uphill/downhill angles - Calculates plays-like distance with elevation - LiDAR assist for iPhone Pro models - Basket presets and custom dimensions ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Full Range | $12.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (1 of 1) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chainranger/id6783061208/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Awesome App *2026-08-27* I started using this recently to help me understand my throws and better gauge the power I’m using. It is fantastic so far! The calibration was super easy and fast, but the general usage is even easier. This is well worth the cost if you’re looking to up your disc game. ## Frequently asked questions about ChainRanger ### Does ChainRanger have ads? ChainRanger does not contain advertisements. The app is free to use for basic features, with an optional one-time purchase for advanced functionality. ### What is the price of ChainRanger? ChainRanger is free to download and use for measuring distances within Circle 1 (10 meters). The 'Full Range' upgrade, which includes all distances and plays-like distance, is a one-time purchase. ### How accurate is ChainRanger? ChainRanger uses on-device AI to detect baskets and calculate distance in real-time. LiDAR assist on iPhone Pro models further enhances close-range precision. ### What devices does ChainRanger support? ChainRanger is currently supported on iPhone devices. Specific features like LiDAR assist are available on iPhone Pro models. ### How often is ChainRanger updated? The latest version, 1.9.0, was released on September 10, 2026. Updates typically include improvements to AI detection, feature enhancements, and bug fixes. ### Can ChainRanger be used offline? Yes, all image processing happens 100% on your phone, meaning ChainRanger can be used without an internet connection. Camera frames are never uploaded. ### What are the benefits of the 'Full Range' purchase in ChainRanger? The 'Full Range' purchase unlocks exact distance measurements at all ranges, including Circle 2 and beyond. It also provides the 'plays-like' distance, factoring in elevation for more accurate throw planning. ### What is the age rating for ChainRanger? ChainRanger has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users of all ages, with no mature content. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.9.0 — 2026-09-10 • Steadier reading on long shots: past 40 m the distance settles over a longer window and no longer flickers by a decimetre. • Slope and plays-like use the phone's tilt from the moment the frame was captured, so they hold still while you move. • The camera recovers on its own after a phone call or another interruption mid-measurement. • Settings follow the system dark mode; accuracy modes have plain-language descriptions. • Settings › Calibration shows which lens is calibrated; technical focal-length values moved under Advanced. ### 1.8.0 — 2026-08-20 • Better basket detection everywhere. The detection model was retrained on a much larger and more varied set of photos — tilted baskets, baskets in shade or against a busy background, and more basket models. All three detection modes (Simple, Balanced, Pro) were retrained. • Longer reach: far-away baskets that earlier versions could miss entirely are now found, and the reading on them settles more accurately. • Pro mode runs a new, lighter model — more accurate than the old one and quicker to run, so Pro is usable on more iPhones. ### 1.7.0 — 2026-08-04 • Redesigned one-handed controls: lens switching and the magnifier now sit right above your thumb, as larger square buttons. • Calibration at a glance: each lens button shows a dot — green when calibrated, amber when not — and a one-time tip helps new users calibrate for accurate readings. • The distance card keeps a steady size, with fps and status icons in its corner. • Accuracy mode "Fast" is now called "Simple". • Power saving no longer affects camera preview smoothness. ### 1.5.0 — 2026-07-21 • New: Power saving mode. The app scans at a lower rate until a basket is found, then measures at full speed — same accuracy, less battery over a long practice session. A yellow bolt under the FPS readout shows it's on. • In power saving the camera itself also runs at a lower frame rate, saving even more battery. The preview is slightly less smooth there — on purpose. • Automatic heat protection, always on: if your phone runs hot, ChainRanger cools itself down in controlled steps instead of slowing down unpredictably. A red thermometer shows when it's active; readings still work, they just settle a little slower. • New guide entries for Power saving and the "Phone in front of marker" setting. ### 1.4.0 — 2026-07-18 • Calibrate at any known distance: type the distance you're standing at (2–100 m / 7–328 ft) — for example the hole length from the tee sign — aim, and set your focal length. No more fixed 5 m / 10 m spots. • New "Phone forward of marker" setting: account for how far in front of your marker you hold the phone, so readings measure from the marker. • Feet mode now shows basket sizes and the marker offset in inches. • More reliable LiDAR readings on Pro iPhones, especially on dark-colored baskets. • Bigger lens buttons, a calibration panel that fits smaller screens, and keyboard fixes. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-13.*