A clay pigeon thrower is an indispensable tool for a marksman to hone their moving skills and have a bit of fun while doing it.
They're particularly handy if you don't want to join a gun club because of the exorbitant charges, strict rules, and noisy crowd.
A skeet and clay thrower will allow you carry it to a wide meadow and have a fun clay pigeon shooting competition with friends and family members.
A clay thrower, however, is a relatively large investment, and it’s therefore essential that you pick a model that will suit your shooting needs.
For a start, we recommend picking a model that is easy to use, and this is particularly true if you’re a beginner to the sport.
If you’re a seasoned marksman, you should choose a unit that has enough power and speed to challenge you.
To help you choose the right model for your needs, we’ve scoured through the internet and come up with a comprehensive list of the best skeet and clay throwers in the market.
Quick Comparison Table & Our Pick!
PRODUCT NAME | Weight (Pounds) | Dimensions (Inches) | BUY NOW |
|---|---|---|---|
48.1 | 26 x 12 x 12 | ||
50.0 | 51 x 30 x 40 | ||
1.34 | 5.9 x 4.9 x 1.6 | ||
Other Great Recommendations | |||
38.1 | 24 x 13 x 10.2 | ||
2.2 | 19.5 x 7 x 4 | ||
- | - | ||
1.19 | 5.9 x 4.9 x 1.6 | ||
Best Skeet And Clay Thrower In The Market For The Money
#1 Champion WheelyBird Auto-Feed Trap - Editor’s choice
Topping our list of the best thrower is the Champion WheelyBird.
The launcher is ideal for everyone and can help you to improve your aim and practice for the big competitions.
An auto-feeder thrower, the Champion WheelyBird allows you to train on your own; you can shoot targets without requiring any help.
Design
The Champion WheelyBird sports a compact and stylish design.
Though the manufacturer has not indicated the exact material used for construction, a majority of the users like the design of the launcher for its sturdiness and durability.
Weighing 48 pounds and with a dimension of 26 x 12 x 12 inches, WheelyBird is lightweight, and ultra-mobile, making it easy to carry.
Portability on this unit is further underlined by a pull handle that will make it easier for you to move the unit from one place to the other.
Battery-Powered
Under the hood of the WheelyBird, we have a massive 12-volt deep cycle battery.
When fully charged, the drivetrain on this unit produces more than 3000 throws and this is more than enough even for the most aggressive shooters.
Quick Reloading
WheelyBird has a generous capacity and is capable of holding up to 50 clays at a time.
This means that the launcher will keep you continually shooting without the need to stop and fill.
Also, the removable magazine on this unit is universal and can fit Standard 108mm or International 110mm sizes of clays.
With a cycle time of 2 seconds, this product from the folks at Bushnell will keep you on your toes.
We love the safety barrier that creates a throwing path indicator so that it keeps you and others safe while throwing the clays.
Performance
The 25-foot release pedal cord on the manual foot launcher accommodates various shooting positions and will create a more versatile time at the range.
And given the unit is an automatic launcher, you don’t need anyone to help you during your practice.
The unit comes with a fully adjustable angle of up to 30 degrees, giving you the freedom to change the angle and height of flight.
The WheelyBird can throw the clay discs up like frisbee discs to a distance of 55 yards.
Pros
- Quick reloading time
- 2-second cycle
- Automatic launcher
- Adjustable height and angle of flight
Cons
- Does not come with batteries
Check Champion WheelyBird Price On Amazon
#2 Champion Wheelybird 2.0 Automatic Trap - Best Wireless Control Launcher
While the Wheelybird we’ve reviewed above does a fantastic job, Champion released an upgrade of this model in 2018.
The Champion Wheelybird 2.0 is a step up to the Wheelybird, and it comes with a few advantages over the original model.
However, the model is not a complete takeoff to what we had seen earlier, but instead, it builds on the exciting features the original model offered. In any case, a majority of the features between these two models are similar to a large extent.
Design
Like the flagship model, the Wheelybird 2.0 comes with a compact and stylish design.
Weighing at 48 pounds and with a modest dimension of 51 x 30 x 40 inches, this automatic launcher is compact and lightweight.
The small stature of this unit makes it effortless to take the thrower in the yard and start practicing.
Portability on this unit is bolstered by the presence of two-wheels and a pull handle, and combined; they make moving the launcher a breeze.
Wireless Remote Control
A major highlight and probably a feature that lacks in the original model is the remote control.
The Wheelybird 2.0 comes with a remote control that lets you control your launch time wirelessly.
The simple and effective clay launches allow you and your trap partner to launch clays with a simple click of a button.
Besides the remote control, this unit still has a foot pedal control. With the help of these controls, you can set your launching delay from 0 to 15 seconds.
Performance
The upgraded stack holder on this launcher is a delight to use and can hold up to 50 clay targets.
Further, the cycle time on this unit has been drastically reduced from the previous 2 seconds to 1.75 seconds per cycle. This means that this launcher will continually keep launching the clays to keep you engaged all through.
This portable launcher is powered by a 12-volt battery, and when fully powered, it can throw up to 3,000 clays.
Regarding range, this launcher can throw targets up to 55-70 feet.
Pros
- Wireless operation
- Lightweight and portable
- 70 feet range
- Adjustable launch angle
Cons
- Tad expensive
Check Champion WheelyBird 2 Price On Amazon
#3 TRIUS 10201 One Step Trap - Best One Step Thrower
The TRIUS 10201 One Step Trap is a suitable option for those looking for a more traditional like launcher.
Though manually operated, this launcher is easy to use and perfect for improving your shotgunning skills.
Design
One of the components that captured our attention is the solid steel construction.
The rigidity and toughness of the steel, lets you use this launcher for extended periods while delivering top-notch performance.
Interestingly, despite the steel construction, this unit is ultra-lightweight and weighing at a mere 21 pounds, it's so far the lightest launcher we've come across.
Trius TrueSpin Technology
Another crucial asset on this launcher is the proprietary Truis Spin Technology.
What this technology does is that it allows users to throw clays farther, faster, with greater stability and less breakage.
Users, we pleased that the faster spins were accompanied by a guarantee of a damage-free performance.
Better yet, this unit is highly flexible and can shoot off both single regulation discs and piggyback double discs.
The yard distance on this unit is not as impressive as the latter two launchers, but still, the 50 yards range is a modest one.
One Step Shooting
The Trius 10202 is designed for one person to throw and shoot.
To use this launcher, you simply need to step on the foot pedal and release clay targets in one motion.
A cinch to use, the launcher offers sit-down comfort for the users and at the same time providing challenging targets.
The Trius 10202 will guarantee an easy launching without inhibiting your ability to shoot.
Easy Control
Sporting an innovative design, alongside precise craftsmanship and premium construction, the Trius 10202 is an economical and functional unit.
It's easy to use, and whether you enjoy shooting alone or with a group, Trius will satiate the needs of the most discerning shotgunners.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- One step shooting
- Sturdy steel construction
Cons
- Requires more force for a good launch
Check TRIUS 10201 One Step Trap Price On Amazon
#4 Do-All Outdoors Skeet Thrower - Best Automatic
This launcher is a product of Do All Outdoors, and it's quite efficient when it comes to shooting targets.
An orange-colored launcher, Do All Thrower, is stylish and a candy to the eye.
Design
Do-All Outdoors Skeet Thrower boasts of aircraft aluminum, and this makes the unit ultra-lightweight (38 pounds), yet sturdy.
The unit comes with ground spikes, and these will provide a superior hold while reducing the vibration of the thrower.
The manufacturer built this unit with safety as a primary concern. The attachable HI-Viz ring, for instance, create an incredible visual indication of the clay pigeon path.
Hopper Capacity
The All Do holds a 25 bird stack.
It's not the highest we've come across; but you don't have to reload it that much since it will provide 25 shots before you think of putting more targets.
Secondly, you don't have to wait for too long in between the shot since it has a remarkable recycle time of two and a half seconds.
We like the fact that this unit can reload up to 50 magazines for more shooting and less downtime.
Range
Regarding the shooting range, this automatic skeet thrower is well within the range of what a majority of the throwers offer.
The Do-All is capable of shooting anywhere from 5 to 55 yards, allowing you to challenge yourself over an extensive course.
Further, this skeet thrower is flexible, thanks to the 5-35 degree angle of adjustment. So, this unit will allow you to make targets at varying angles.
Activation
This unit comes with a foot-activated pedal release with a 25-foot cord.
We love that this unit is customizable, and the ability to add more extension cords offers better shooting abilities.
The silky-smooth feeder tray on this unit offers a lawless transfer of pigeon into the throwing arm, therefore providing an incredible way to hone your shotgun skills.
Pros
- One-man operation
- Stable, & sturdy
- Wireless remote control
Cons
- Only hold 25 clays
Check Do All Outdoors Price On Amazon
#5 Champion High FlyString Release Manual Trap - Best Budget thrower
Like the name suggest, this Highly FlyString is a manual launcher, and it checks on all the boxes for the best skeet and clay thrower.
A sturdy unit, this launcher is constructed from premium material for the ultimate longevity and stability.
Design
With a modest dimension of 19.5 x 7 x 4 inches and weighing 2.2 pounds, this launcher is the lightest unit we’ve come across.
Though the unit is a budget option, it’s sturdily constructed to meet all your shooting needs.
Further, this unit comes with a well-balanced design that will deliver all the clay targets to challenging distances.
Performance
To use this launcher, you simply need to pull a string, and the clay is launched.
The target clips on this unit provide a secure placement of the clay and allow a consistent light path.
To get the desired shooting pattern, you simply need to play around with the launcher; the manufacturer recommends that you start loose and with time, increase tension until you find a spot where you like it.
Plus, the FlyString Release Manual Trap has an incredible range of 60 to 74 yards.
Ease of Use
Regarding ease of use and convenience, the FlyString Release Manual Trap is easily operated.
It’s a manual option, and so there’re no buttons to idle with.
This unit can also be used by one person for loading and shooting.
Pros
- Easy to use
- No angle adjustment
- Budget option
Cons
- Not stable
Check FlyString Release Manual Price On Amazon
#6 WingOne W1-R - Best Handheld Thrower
Wing One is not the most sophisticated thrower in the market.
In any case, it's an ideal option for those looking for a simple, modest, and intuitive thrower design.
Design
Weighing less than 10 pounds, this Wing One features an innovative design and does not bring the complications that other throwers bring.
It’s easy to use, and the overall design makes it easy to load and shoot as well.
This unit is free of any mechanical moving parts, meaning it’s less likely to wear or breakdown.
Ease of Use
As we had mentioned earlier, this unit is easy to use and will not require setting up.
It does not require any additional tools to use, save from your hands.
A hand-held device, the Wing One, is ideal for use literally anywhere.
Powerful Drop-Loading
The firing mechanism on this unit is easy to use and will boost the throwing power.
At the core of the Wing One is an auto coking quick snap that multiplies the throwing power.
Therefore, using the Wing One is a cinch since you'll not need to use your muscle strength to throw the clay pigeon.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Budget option
Cons
- Require use by two people
Check Wing One W1R Price On Amazon
#7 TRIUS 2 Birdshooter Trap
Last on our list is the TRIUS 2 Birdshooter Trap; this is yet another Trius creation that deserves a spot on of Best Skeet and Clay Thrower list.
Though this unit is a budget option; it resembles and is more or less like the premium Champion HighFlying release.
Design
The TRIUS 2 Birdshooter Trap weighs (1 pound) less than the Trius One-step we had reviewed earlier.
Nonetheless, this unit is sturdily constructed using the same steel construction we had seen with its sibling.
So, durability and ruggedness should not be of concern to this unit.
A compact and lightweight unit, you can carry the Trius wherever you want.
Adjustable Mechanism
Considering this clay pigeon thrower is a budget option, do not expect it to throw more than two clay pigeons in rapid succession.
All the same, it's not a flimsy product and will, in fact, launch a target up to 50 yards. Again, it's highly adjustable, and the target can be dialed back, especially for beginners.
Customization is further manifested by the ability to launch your target in various angles including flat, medium, and high.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Steel construction
- Adjustable
- All-around stability
Cons
- Fires a single target at a time
Check TRIUS 2 Birdshooter Price On Amazon
Skeet And Clay Thrower Buying Guide
When shopping a pigeon thrower, there’re essential components that you need to consider.
These include:
Construction
The overall construction, particularly the material used, determined the sturdiness and longevity of a pigeon thrower.
Ideally, we recommend choosing an all-metal thrower.
Steel and aluminum are the most popular materials since they’re both durable and lightweight.
Weight
The best pigeon thrower is not the lightest one.
All the same, having a lightweight thrower is a benefit because of the portability associated with lightweight models.
Ease of Use
Nothing is more frustrating than spending your time trying to figure out how to set up equipment.
So, instead, get a simple and no-frills pigeon thrower that is easy to set up.
Again, unless you’re a DIY enthusiast who likes getting your hands dirty, choose an automatic thrower.
An automatic thrower is easy to use; it automates the entire shooting process and will require minimal effort from your side.
Conclusion
Gun shooting has just gotten a lot easier with the best skeet and clay throwers.
We’ve listed the top seven modes in the market, and you simply need to choose a model that you feel will fit your shooting needs.
FAQs
Is the Skeet and Clay Thrower easy to use?
This equipment is easy to use and comes in different levels of experience. If you are a beginner, you will need a starting unit to advance to other levels more confidently. If you have advanced, then a more complex thrower will work for you. The online community offers great support for participants. Also, you have guidelines from the manufacturer on how the unit functions.
Is the Skeet and Clay Thrower affordable?
There are different options available, and they differ in price points. Luckily, there is a budget for everyone, and with your investment, you can get a durable and easy-to-use unit for your daily usage.
Is the clay thrower safe?
Yes, unlike bullet throwers that aim to kill, clay throwers can hardly kill and will be safe for protecting the target when outdoors. However, you'll need to check the clay pigeons to ensure they are not harmful, as some are poisonous.