Customer Reviews (104)

Oregonguy3 • 2025-01-05T12:44:27-07:00

This is a great app but I was surprised to see an annual fee to unlock the “advanced” features that I thought were included based on seeing them in the preview picture. Paying annually for simple CEP calculations is silly. Feedback for the developer: be more up front about your pricing model and what you charge annually for. Update: I’ve paid for it, have been using it, and updated to two stars because it’s useful but not as much as I expected

JFComfort • 2024-12-21T18:26:43-07:00

I have used software to measure groups back when it was only available on a desktop computer. I get a kick out of offering feedback and it incorporated into updates. Previous to Ballistic X I was using On Target.

smarttoddler • 2024-11-19T06:02:30-07:00

It’s good at showing moa and is pretty intuitive. The pdf export is also glitched.

Summary of Key Insights

Ballistic X is generally well-received for its ease of use and accuracy in measuring shot groups, making it a valuable tool for shooters, especially those involved in load development and long-range shooting. However, the app suffers from significant user frustration due to its pricing model (specifically the "Advanced Toolkit" subscription), login requirements, and some persistent technical issues. The sentiment is mixed, with a high number of 5-star reviews offset by a significant number of 1-star reviews highlighting pricing concerns and usability problems. The overall rating is skewed positive due to the number of older reviews praising the app before the introduction of the subscription model.

Key Strengths:

  • Ease of use and intuitive interface.
  • Accuracy in measuring group sizes.
  • Useful for load development and zeroing rifles.
  • Good customer support (when available).

Key Weaknesses:

  • Controversial pricing model with "Advanced Toolkit" subscription causing user frustration.
  • Login requirement perceived as unnecessary and intrusive.
  • Technical issues such as image rotation, crashing, and marker placement problems.
  • Limited caliber options.
  • Lack of automation for bullet hole detection.

Overall Sentiment: Mixed, leaning towards positive due to legacy users. New users are more likely to express frustration due to pricing.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Reviews: 104
  • Score Distribution: 5-star (53.8%), 4-star (9.6%), 3-star (6.7%), 2-star (6.7%), 1-star (23.1%)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 104 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews span from the app's initial release to the present (March 2024), with a concentration of recent reviews reflecting the impact of recent updates and pricing changes.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis was performed based on review text, identifying positive, negative, and neutral comments. Keyword extraction was used to identify frequently mentioned features, issues, and requests. The distribution of star ratings was analyzed to quantify overall sentiment and identify areas of concern.

Key User Pain Points

  • Pricing Model (Advanced Toolkit Subscription): The most significant pain point is the annual subscription for advanced features. Users feel misled by the initial purchase price and perceive the subscription as a "bait and switch." They expect core features like CEP calculations to be included in the initial purchase.
  • Login Requirement: Many users are unhappy with the recent introduction of a mandatory login, especially for an app that doesn't appear to require it for core functionality. They are concerned about privacy and data tracking.
  • Image Rotation Issues: A recurring problem is that images imported from the user's photo library are often rotated incorrectly, affecting the accuracy of measurements and ATZ calculations.
  • Marker Placement Issues: Users report difficulty accurately placing shot markers due to screen jumping or "twitchiness."
  • Crashing/Instability: Some users experience crashes or the app failing to launch, particularly after updates.
  • Poor Customer Support Response: Multiple users report a lack of response from customer support, especially regarding password resets or subscription issues.
  • Limited Caliber Options: Several users have noted the absence of popular calibers like .300 WM, .300 PRC, .300 Blackout, .350 Legend and .450BM.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Automatic Bullet Hole Detection: Users desire automatic detection of bullet impacts using computer vision to reduce manual effort.
  • Multiple Group Overlays: The ability to measure and overlay multiple groups on a single target image is a highly requested feature for load development.
  • Geometric Center Marking: Displaying the geometric center of the shot group would be helpful for OCW and ladder tests.
  • More Caliber Options: Adding support for a wider range of calibers.
  • Image Rotation Before Overlay: The ability to rotate images before applying the overlay to correct for orientation issues.
  • Adjustable Overlay Size/Font: Users with large steel targets need the ability to increase the size of the overlay data for better readability.
  • Option to Remove Branding: The ability to remove the "BALLISTIC-X" branding from exported images.
  • Combine Multiple Groups: Ability to combine multiple shot groups on a single target into a single logical group for aggregate analysis.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use: Many users praise the app's intuitive interface and simple workflow.
  • Accuracy: Users find the app to be accurate in measuring group sizes, often verifying results with calipers.
  • ATZ Feature: The Adjustment To Zero (ATZ) feature is considered very useful for zeroing rifles.
  • Load Development: The app is well-regarded as a tool for documenting and analyzing load development data.
  • Customer Support (When Available): Some users report positive experiences with customer support, praising their responsiveness and willingness to incorporate feedback.
  • Quick and Efficient: Users appreciate the app's speed and efficiency compared to manual methods.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Re-evaluate Pricing Model: The current pricing model is the primary source of negative reviews. Consider offering a one-time purchase option for the "Advanced Toolkit" or bundling key features into the base app price. Clearly communicate the pricing structure upfront.
  • Remove Mandatory Login: Eliminate the mandatory login requirement or provide a clear explanation of why it's necessary and what data is being collected. If tracking is occurring, be transparent about the data being collected.
  • Fix Image Rotation Bug: Address the image rotation bug to ensure accurate measurements and ATZ calculations. Allow rotation before the overlay is added.
  • Improve Marker Placement: Refine the marker placement mechanism to eliminate "twitchiness" and ensure accurate shot marking.

Medium Priority:

  • Add More Calibers: Expand the list of supported calibers to include popular options like .300 WM, .300 PRC, .300 Blackout, .350 Legend and .450BM.
  • Implement Automatic Bullet Hole Detection: Explore implementing computer vision to automate bullet hole detection, reducing manual effort.
  • Improve Customer Support Responsiveness: Ensure timely responses to customer inquiries, especially regarding technical issues and subscription problems.
  • Allow Multiple Group Overlays: Add the ability to measure and overlay multiple groups on a single target image.
  • Add Geometric Center Marking: Display the geometric center of the shot group.

Low Priority:

  • Allow Overlay Customization: Allow users to adjust the size and color of the overlay data.
  • Offer Branding Removal: Provide an option to remove the "BALLISTIC-X" branding from exported images.
  • iPad Optimization: Optimize the user interface for iPad devices.
  • Combine Multiple Groups: Ability to combine multiple shot groups on a single target into a single logical group for aggregate analysis.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Ballistic Analysis Platform: Develop a more advanced platform that leverages AI and machine learning to automatically detect bullet holes, analyze shot patterns, and provide personalized recommendations for load development and rifle tuning.
  • Integrated Ballistic Calculator and Group Analyzer: Combine the features of a ballistic calculator with a group analysis tool to provide a comprehensive solution for long-range shooting.
  • Subscription-Free Ballistic App with Advanced Features: Offer a premium ballistic app with advanced features (like CEP, Mean Radius, etc.) as a one-time purchase, appealing to users who dislike subscription models.

Trends and Observations

  • Shift in Sentiment: There's a clear shift in sentiment from positive to negative after the introduction of the "Advanced Toolkit" subscription and mandatory login.
  • Focus on Core Functionality: Users primarily value the app for its core functionality: measuring group sizes and calculating adjustments to zero.
  • Community-Driven Development: The app's success is partly attributed to its community-driven development approach.

Conclusion

Ballistic X has the potential to be a top-tier app for shooters, but its current pricing model and some technical issues are hindering its success. Addressing the user pain points related to pricing, login requirements, image rotation, and marker placement is crucial for improving user satisfaction and attracting new customers. By focusing on core functionality, listening to user feedback, and offering a fair and transparent pricing model, Ballistic X can solidify its position as a leading tool for precision shooting. A strong recommendation is to revisit the pricing strategy immediately.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ballistic-x/id1441335342?uo=2