Buyers guide to Velocity Based Training (VBT) in 2025

VBT Has Evolved in the Last Five Years

The landscape of Velocity-Based Training (VBT) has undergone significant changes over the past five years. In every category—linear positional transducers (LPTs), inertial measurement units (IMUs), camera-based systems, and mobile apps—coaches now have access to valid and reliable options. The decision-making process has shifted beyond just accuracy; now, factors like weight room flow, athlete engagement, versatility, budget, cloud integration, and company innovation have become the key differentiators.

Key Considerations for Choosing a VBT System

Set up and Weight Room Flow

A seamless weight room experience is crucial for maximizing training efficiency. A system that integrates smoothly into existing workflows minimizes downtime, allowing athletes to get immediate feedback without disrupting their training sessions. The best VBT systems operate with minimal setup, auto-calibrate where possible, and enable fast, real-time data collection without cumbersome manual input. It should also be considered if you need to travel with your VBT system or measure certain movements away from your racks.

Athlete Engagement

A VBT system is only effective if athletes actually enjoy using it. The best technology is the one athletes consistently ask for and operate autonomously. Real-time feedback, gamification, and intuitive interfaces can significantly improve engagement, ensuring that VBT becomes an integral part of training rather than an afterthought. Systems that provide leaderboards, instant feedback, and actionable insights will drive motivation and enhance performance.

System Versatility

While traditional VBT devices focused on barbell lifts, the latest systems now extend their functionality to Olympic lifts, med-ball throws, dumbbell exercises, kettlebell exercises, jumps, and even mobility tracking. A versatile VBT system allows for a comprehensive approach to athletic development, ensuring that coaches get the most out of their investment. The ability to measure multiple movement types enhances both training diversity and applicability across different sports and levels.

Team Setting Features

In team environments, features like workout builder functionalities, Athlete Management System (AMS) integrations, group management, and detailed analysis tools are invaluable. These capabilities streamline the planning, execution, and monitoring of training sessions, allowing coaches to efficiently manage multiple athletes, track progress, and make informed decisions based on comprehensive data analytics.

Budget

The gap in data accuracy between low-cost and high-end VBT devices has narrowed considerably. Budget-friendly options now provide precise and reliable data; however, scaling across multiple stations remains a challenge. High-end options still provide premium user experiences but may no longer be the clear best choice, as mid-market solutions now offer a strong balance of price, functionality, and integration. Coaches must weigh the trade-offs between affordability, scalability, and premium features.

Cloud Platform Integration

VBT is no longer just about real-time feedback; it is an ecosystem encompassing programming, leaderboards, load-velocity profiling, and long-term athlete tracking. A robust cloud platform enhances the effectiveness of a VBT system by allowing coaches to monitor trends, customize programming, and optimize training based on data analytics. A good cloud platform enables seamless athlete management, remote coaching, and deeper performance insights. Don't forget that you may also want your data to API in to your AMS of choice.

Company Commitment to Innovation

The VBT industry is advancing rapidly, and choosing a company that consistently develops and refines its technology is essential. Subscription-based models make this even more important, as continuous updates, new features, and responsive customer support can determine the long-term value of an investment. Coaches should look for companies with a strong track record of innovation and a team that actively engages with the community to improve their products. Good indicators of this can be looking at the size of the company's tech team, if they are developing in house (as opposed to outsourcing and how regularly they release product updates.

‍

Best VBT Options in 2025

Below, we describe the leading VBT systems of 2025 based on the criteria discussed above. All are considered accurate enough for key VBT use-cases such as load-velocity profiling, targeting specific adaptations in training and driving intent in the weight room. Please note the information is based on reviews and available research and data.

Vitruve

• Weight Room Flow: 3.5/5
• Athlete Engagement: 3.5/5
• System Versatility: 3/ 5
• Team setting Features: 3.5/5
• Budget: 4.5/5
• Cloud Platform: 3/5
• Innovation: 3.5/5

Vitruve remains a solid budget-friendly option for coaches looking for reliable LPT data without breaking the bank. While it offers good accuracy and affordability, its ecosystem and innovation pace lag slightly behind some competitors.

‍

‍GymAware

• Weight Room Flow: 3.5/5
• Athlete Engagement: 3.5/5
• System Versatility: 3/5
• Team setting Features: 3.5/5
• Budget: 3/5
• Cloud Platform: 3/5
• Innovation: 3/5

GymAware remains one of the most well-established VBT solutions, known for its robust cloud platform and precise LPT tracking. However, its higher price point and slightly slower innovation cycle compared to newer players might make it less appealing for some coaches looking for a long term VBT solution.

‍

‍Perch

• Weight Room Flow: 4.5/5
• Athlete Engagement: 4/5
• System Versatility: 4/5
• Team setting Features: 4.5/5
• Budget: 1/5
• Cloud Platform: 3.5/5
• Innovation: 4/5

Where budget is not a factor, Perch is a great option for weight room flow and athlete engagement due to its camera-based system, which requires minimal setup and provides automatic tracking. Its pricing is on the higher end, but its seamless integration and hands-free operation make it a top-tier option. As it is. a newer tech, there are some quirks like missed reps in certain conditions (lighting, taller athletes), however the tech is advancing really well and it is clear the team are strongly committed to driving product innovation.

‍

‍EliteForm

• Weight Room Flow: 4/5
• Athlete Engagement: 3.5/5
• System Versatility: 3.5/5
• Team setting Features: 3.5/5
• Budget: 1/5
• Cloud Platform: 3/5
• Innovation: 3.5/5

EliteForm provides a powerful cloud platform and good integration with existing strength training programs. However, its focus on higher-end installations limits its accessibility to most coaching demographics.

‍

‍Metric VBT

• Weight Room Flow: 3/5
• Athlete Engagement: 3.5/5
• System Versatility: 3/5 
• Team setting Features: 3.5/5
• Budget: 5/5
• Cloud Platform: 3.5/5
• Innovation: 4/5

Metric VBT offers a strong balance of affordability and accuracy. Its expanding capabilities beyond basic barbell lifts add to its appeal, though its ecosystem is still growing compared to premium solutions. It is difficult to use in team environments but a great option for passionate lifters looking to utilise VBT.

‍

‍Enode

• Weight Room Flow: 3/5
• Athlete Engagement: 4/5
• System Versatility: 4/5 
• Team setting Features: 3.5/5
• Budget: 4.5/5
• Cloud Platform: 3.5/5
• Innovation: 3.5/5

Enode is an accurate and solid IMU option especially for individuals who are looking for a VBT training option. The requirement to calibrate before every use and less developed team features and cloud platform can disrupt its benefits in larger team settings.

‍

‍Output Sports

• Weight Room Flow: 4.5/5
• Athlete Engagement: 4.5/5
• System Versatility: 5/5
• Team setting Features: 4.5/5
• Budget: 4/5
• Cloud Platform: 5/5
• Innovation: 5/5

Maybe we are biased, but we have worked hard so that Output Sports competes across all these major criteria. Our IMU-based system provides unmatched versatility, covering traditional barbell lifts, Olympic lifts, plyometrics, med-ball throws, mobility assessments, and more. With a strong commitment to continuous innovation as shown by having the biggest tech team across any VBT company, an intuitive user experience, and a leading cloud platform, Output Sports is the most well-rounded choice for coaches in 2025.

‍

‍Final Thoughts on VBT in 2025

If you are somebody in the market for VBT technology in 2025, the great news is the industry is in an excellent place, unrecognisable to years gone by. There are accurate and reliable options to fit everything from bottomless to the tightest budgets. VBT has reached a point where multiple systems offer reliable data, making the decision more about user experience, system integration, and ongoing development. If you are looking for a strong all rounder, with a modest subscription budget to allocate (think the price of a workout builder) our team of sports-scientists would love to connect and help learn more if Output is the right choice for your needs.