What are the real differences? The second system to consider is a “railed” target retriever where the carriage actually travels on a steel rail mounted overhead rather than a cable. Pros include ease of maintenance as the carriage drive cable is generally protected from fire by the rail itself, and you can add touch screen pads with multiple pre-set distances for shooters to choose by simply pressing the appropriate button. Cons include higher price tag per unit depending on capabilities desired (i.e. programmed preset distance capability), electronics in addition to mechanical components to maintain.