ShockWatch Label vs ShockWatch 2 vs ShockWatch 2 QR – Which Carton-Level Impact Indicator Should You Use?
ShockWatch Label vs ShockWatch 2 vs ShockWatch 2 QR – Which Carton-Level Impact Indicator Should You Use?
ShockWatch® carton-level impact indicators help prevent damage by showing when a shipment has been dropped or mishandled. But with several options available—ShockWatch Label, ShockWatch 2, and ShockWatch 2 QR—it can be difficult to know which one is right for your shipment.
This guide explains the differences in simple, beginner-friendly language so you can choose confidently. As a SpotSee partner, Good Life Innovations helps businesses across the UK select the right impact indicators for their packaging and logistics workflows.
What All Three Indicators Have in Common
All three devices:
- Detect impact above a chosen G-level
- Provide clear, irreversible activation
- Are single-use and tamperproof
- Mount on the outside of the packaging
- Help reduce damage and improve accountability
The differences come down to arming method, handling environment, and whether you want digital reporting.
ShockWatch Label – The Classic, Always-Armed Indicator
ShockWatch Labels are the simplest and most widely used carton-level impact indicators. They are always armed, meaning they activate as soon as they are applied to the shipment.
Best for: general shipping, high-volume logistics, and products that are not extremely fragile.
- Always armed (no activation step)
- Low cost and easy to apply
- Ideal for standard handling environments
ShockWatch 2 – The Field-Armable Impact Indicator
ShockWatch 2 works the same way as the Label but adds a key advantage: it is field-armable. The indicator stays inactive until the customer arms it by pulling the tab.
This prevents false activations during:
- Storage
- Pre-shipment staging
- Packaging and palletisation
Best for: fragile goods, long supply chains, and shipments that sit in warehouses before dispatch.
- Armed only when ready to ship
- Reduces false positives
- More control over activation timing
ShockWatch 2 QR – The Connected Version (Optional Upgrade)
ShockWatch 2 QR is a digital-enabled version of ShockWatch 2. It works exactly the same way, but adds a QR code for optional digital reporting.
Most customers still choose the standard ShockWatch 2. The QR version is simply an upgrade for teams that want to record activations electronically.
- Scan the QR code to log activation
- Useful for multi-site teams or shared workflows
- No app or subscription required
Best for: businesses that want simple digital traceability without moving to full RFID systems.
Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | ShockWatch Label | ShockWatch 2 | ShockWatch 2 QR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arming Method | Always armed | Field-armable | Field-armable |
| False Activation Protection | Low | High | High |
| Digital Reporting | No | No | Yes (QR scan) |
| Best For | General shipping | Fragile goods | Teams needing digital logs |
Simple Recommendations
- Choose ShockWatch Label for standard shipments and general handling.
- Choose ShockWatch 2 for fragile goods or long supply chains.
- Choose ShockWatch 2 QR if you want optional digital reporting.
Need Help Choosing?
Good Life Innovations, as a SpotSee partner, can help you select the right indicator and G-level for your shipment. Whether you’re shipping fragile instruments or high-volume goods, we can guide you to the most suitable solution.