Kestrel w/link vs. without -- should I save money

[mrobles3808]

I'm new to the Kestrel, but after looking at my shooting inventory I feel this is a great tool to have in the pack. I will soon buy either the 5700 AB with link or without. Buying without saves about 100.00. Is there an advantage to having the kestrel with link or will the other do the same thing -- just without the option of hooking up to your phone?

 

[Shanerbanner10]

I think Link is a cool option to have, but realistically once you bullet/gun profile is loaded do you really need Link? If so, why? What advantages does it offer?

 

[vh20]

I will tell you. If you want to update the software and you have the link, you can do it through the app. If you don't, you have to buy the dongle (which I think costs as much as the Link). They update the software from time to time, and I have already had to update mine. With the Link, you can also back-up all your gun profiles, etc. to the app.

I didn't think I'd use it but I bought it anyway. Glad I did.

 

[Nik H]

Save for the link as it makes life easier. The connectivity is nice and it is only a $99 add to the price.

Save your cash

 

[Shanerbanner10]

I know I am kind of stealing the thunder from the OP, but feel its a relevant question. Why not just get a used 4500 with bluetooth? I get that you can do it from your phone, but how often do you really need to do that? I have a 4500 with the latest firmware and every bullet i'll ever shoot loaded into the kestrel, so why would I need to connect to it when not at home right next to a computer?

 

[devldogs55]

I had to save an extra month for Link, and I'm glad I did. I've never once wished I saved the money.

 

[fjrgonzalez]

I am interested in the 5700 with link as well. I have tried researching the unit but have not been able to find out when it was released and if new models are expected. Just want to make sure I don't spend $700ish on an item which will be phased out soon. I am pretty new to this forum but is there really that many more features they can add to ballistic computers at this point?

 

[devldogs55]

The 5700 is set up for firmware updates that are fairly easy to do with the Link feature. They are still working all the kinks out of the 5700, personally I don't seen anything coming out soon that would phase out the 5700.

 

[atxhorn4425]

The best feature with Link is the ability to pull all the current atmospheric and wind data straight into your ballistics app, if you have one that's compatible.

 

[Holliday]

Get the 5700 AB and don't look back. I have one and it rocks. Want to do some dope verification on a day with changing wind? Set it up on the wind vane mount and read the dope realtime on your phone. Updates , gun profiles etc can all be done to your phone via BT with extreme ease.....