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What to look for in a Kestrel?

H

Hollywood 6mm

Old Salt
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 9, 2013
3,103
2,304
Flori-duh.
I'm on the verge of finally breaking down and buying a Kestrel, but I am not sure what features I really need. I am already using the Applied Ballistics app on both my phone and a handheld Android standalone device, so I definitely don't need the AB version (nor can I justify the cost).

What features do I really need for gathering data for long distance (out to 1,000 yard) shooting? Altitude, barometric pressure and temperature are obvious, as well as wind speed and direction - but what else am I missing?

If I have to drop $200 for a Kestrel, then I will. However, if the ~$100 models will do everything I need, I can spend the extra money on more components for training ammo.
 
Get the lowest model that has Density Altitude.

This will have everything else at that point that you need; then again, I use my kestrell for pretty much checking DA when I get ready to shoot and every now and then during and that's it.

It's fine for wind practicing but it won't tell you what the wind is at the target or what the average crosswinds are on the way. Everything else is a derivative of density altitude.
 
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TheGerman said:
Get the lowest model that has Density Altitude.

This will have everything else at that point that you need; then again, I use my kestrell for pretty much checking DA when I get ready to shoot and every now and then during and that's it.

It's fine for wind practicing but it won't tell you what the wind is at the target or what the average crosswinds are on the way. Everything else is a derivative of density altitude.
Click to expand...

I was afraid you were going to say that, as the cheapest model with DA is around $225.
 
WoodenPlank said:
I was afraid you were going to say that, as the cheapest model with DA is around $225.
Click to expand...

You could get a unit without DA and manually calculate it or get close with a DA chart. It's just worth it to me to have it as its practically all I use the kestrell for.
 

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I thought as you did Woodenplank. "No way I can justify the cost" and "not needed". Until I actually saw the AB Kestrel in action. ALL of the guess work is gone. Period. And believe me, I fought long and hard by trying to NOT buy the AB Kestrel and make due with my 4500NV. I have no regrets spending about $650 for mine. I downloaded the custom curve for my bullet and I have COMPLETE confidence. No more guessing, no more worries.

In fact, at the 2014 Sniper's Hide Cup, I was perfect on all of my elevation calls. Every single one. I did not have to worry about my cellular phone dying, which it did several times. You get all day performance that is waterproof. The unit is way more about convenience, but accuracy.

Here is the winner of the 2014 Cup, Bryan Morgan, using his AB Kestrel:
<a href="http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/NeilGift/media/BryanMorganandABKestrel_zps831e9b96.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b636/NeilGift/BryanMorganandABKestrel_zps831e9b96.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo BryanMorganandABKestrel_zps831e9b96.jpg"/></a>

But, if I did not convince you, I think the 4000 is the lowest one that has Density Altitude. Good luck sir!!
 
NevadaZielmeister said:
I thought as you did Woodenplank. "No way I can justify the cost" and "not needed". Until I actually saw the AB Kestrel in action. ALL of the guess work is gone. Period. And believe me, I fought long and hard by trying to NOT buy the AB Kestrel and make due with my 4500NV. I have no regrets spending about $650 for mine. I downloaded the custom curve for my bullet and I have COMPLETE confidence. No more guessing, no more worries.

In fact, at the 2014 Sniper's Hide Cup, I was perfect on all of my elevation calls. Every single one. I did not have to worry about my cellular phone dying, which it did several times. You get all day performance that is waterproof. The unit is way more about convenience, but accuracy.

Here is the winner of the 2014 Cup, Bryan Morgan, using his AB Kestrel:
<a href="http://s1295.photobucket.com/user/NeilGift/media/BryanMorganandABKestrel_zps831e9b96.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b636/NeilGift/BryanMorganandABKestrel_zps831e9b96.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo BryanMorganandABKestrel_zps831e9b96.jpg"/></a>

But, if I did not convince you, I think the 4000 is the lowest one that has Density Altitude. Good luck sir!!
Click to expand...

I can't justify the AB kestrel since I already have the AB app (with the same formulas in an easier to navigate package - well, easier for me) in both my phone and my handheld - both of which get fantastic battery life. I really just need the ability to bang in better atmospheric data that what my wild-ass guesses can provide.

Also, my immediate reaction to the photo was 'Hey, it's Bryan!" He owns the range I belong to....
 
WoodenPlank said:
I can't justify the AB kestrel since I already have the AB app (with the same formulas in an easier to navigate package - well, easier for me) in both my phone and my handheld - both of which get fantastic battery life. I really just need the ability to bang in better atmospheric data that what my wild-ass guesses can provide.

Also, my immediate reaction to the photo was 'Hey, it's Bryan!" He owns the range I belong to....
Click to expand...

I am glad you recognize Bryan. He is THE MAN in my book.

Good luck. Maybe I'll see you at a match in a couple of years and you would at that point have the AB Kestrel in your hands. I just thought I would try to save you some money now instead of buying and selling a few times. But I see that you got my point: Buy once and cry once.

Lucky bastard to live so close to Bryan. Geesh...
 
Second what TheGerman said. I turn my 4500 on , my front page has the DA and the temp (just because I want to know). I turn it off and get out my whiz wheel. It's nice and interesting to set the range heading and measure the crosswind, but where I shoot that doesn't help much down range. RE the cost, do what I do, tell your significant other you only get paid once a month.
 
I know you think you cant justify the AB model. But I wouldn't settle for anything less than a Bluetooth model. Also keep in mind. You already have the AB software, the Bluetooth models will link up with your device, and coming here pretty soon is the new Kestrel Companion, which uses the Kestrels built in AB Solver to help make adjustments. I understand you already have the AB Software, so you need at least Density Altitude, and Bluetooth. Plus with Bluetooth updates are much easier, you can log data, and transfer it to your computer on the fly.

I believe at a minimum you need these 3 things. Density Altitude, Bluetooth, and the weather vane.

Just in case, here are the two threads that show some up coming things. Keep in mind the companion software only works with the model that has built in AB and Bluetooth. You already have the software, at least get one that will wireless link to the software you have.
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...ics/123286-applied-ballistics-mobile-app.html
http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...istics-kestrel;-pro-staff-support-thread.html
 
Im actually considering selling my 4500NV with BT Kestrel and picking up an AB 4500NV BT model. PM if interested.
 
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dlouie87 said:
Why is the BT model a must when it comes to the Kestrel? I'm in the market for one as well but I have a Mac/iphone so I do not think BT would be any help to me.
Click to expand...

You can run a Win VM on the mac, I do. Also, you will keep the kestrel much longer than you will the iphone and I wouldnt be surprised that in the next hardware / iOS, they will remove the BT restrictions that are currently in place.Think ahead and get it now. You will use it. Also we share a lot at the range so sharing BT data with others is a nice thing to be able to do. But as of now, youre correct in that it is probably not as important with you being all Apple.
 
dlouie87 said:
Why is the BT model a must when it comes to the Kestrel? I'm in the market for one as well but I have a Mac/iphone so I do not think BT would be any help to me.
Click to expand...

BT model can link up with you pc for updates, or with your portable devices so that it can upload the weather for you at the push of a button. No need to enter or read or do anything. Just link it to the kestrel and your weather is automatically updated. you can do this once when you start shooting, or you can set it on a tripod and get real time weather updates. You can set the device to record the weather conditions at a time interval, or take a snap shot of the weather, and upload it to your pc for reference when zeroing, or building load data.
 
flounderv2 said:
Im actually considering selling my 4500NV with BT Kestrel and picking up an AB 4500NV BT model. PM if interested.
Click to expand...

PM Sent.

Here's a question - can the AB app calculate everything it needs with the data on the lower end Kestrels (ie: temp, altitude, barometric pressure, etc) in place of just dropping in the DA reading?

If I have to go with one with DA, then it's a little easier to justify the increased cost for Bluetooth.
 
WoodenPlank said:
PM Sent.

Here's a question - can the AB app calculate everything it needs with the data on the lower end Kestrels (ie: temp, altitude, barometric pressure, etc) in place of just dropping in the DA reading?

If I have to go with one with DA, then it's a little easier to justify the increased cost for Bluetooth.
Click to expand...

Dont waste your money on one without DA IMO. Others here will second that including Frank. Its been posted quite a bit that DA is the biggest benefit and primary thing to have in a meter.
 
Personally the 4500 with BT will do everything you would need it to do. Im only selling mine because im a gadget whore and like to play with new things. And I have spending issues when it comes to shooting fun.. :(
 
I would get the 4500 at the least. It will do all you need it to do and give you your DA reading.

We have them in stock and on our site.

We also carry the Adaptive Quick Cards which are caliber and velocity specific.

Adaptive Quick Card (AQC)
 
I picked up a 4000NV without Bluetooth from a local shooter tonight. He gave me a good price on it, and it gives me the data I need. Even without the bluetooth, I only have to hand-jam 3 numbers into AB anyway (DA, temp and wind speed) so it's not a big deal to me.
 
If you have temperature, altitude, pressure, and humidity the Android Applied Ballistics app will compute the rest. I use a low-end Kestrel and I live in a fairly flat area so I know the altitude.
 
I'm in the same position currently, and I'm using Strelok via an Android phone, and it's served me very well. It uses altitude, but not DA.

I see AB uses DA, and I'm thinking I read that Shooter uses DA too, but I might be wrong. Is the jump to AB or Shooter that big of a deal from Strelok? So far my data seems like it's been dead on, as long as I put the altitude, temp, and pressure in real time, which I snag from a buddy with a Kestrel 4000. I'm looking to buy one of my own, and see most everyone here uses DA with AB. Just want some input on the reason for it I guess...

Thanks in advance!
 
DA is the altitude your bullet is going to feel. So if you change ranges, if you change states its not going to matter once the AB software learns your zero. You don't need to know your physical altitude, if the software knows your density altitude. That is what matters in the end. Because you can be at 500 feet, yet your bullet might be performing as if you are at sea level due to all the different climate factors. Density altitude means you don't need to figure your physical altitude, so if your lane happens to be 25m off from the ranges known altitude you stand a better chance of being accurate in your shooting. Or if your doing a tactical shoot where you have to shoot from a hill top, or if your hunting and you have to move down in to a valley. As long as you know your density altitude you don't have to calculate, or find your current position and factor it in. The Kestrel 4500NV BT model is set to perform in this mode from the factory for a reason ;)
 
Ok, but say I've got a lower model Kestrel that doesn't give me DA, but gives me physical altitude, can that be plugged in and I be good to go (assuming I don't decide to go climb a hill and shoot some more, obviously data will be off).

Sounds like it's more of a set it and forget it kinda thing, instead of having to input physical altitude each time. That's what I'm used to with Strelok though, so it doesn't bother me.
 
interesting discussion

I bought a Kestrel 2500NV and if I know where I'm going to be shooting I just google earth, find the elevation and then plug in all of my data to an online ballistic computer (G7 is the site I use) and use my kestrel just for wind. I don't shoot competition but I haven't missed an animal I've shot at (200-700 yards.)

Good luck
 
DocUSMCRetired said:
Bluetooth is going to be your friend in the next couple of months...
Click to expand...

Why do you say that?

upSLIDEdown said:
I'm in the same position currently, and I'm using Strelok via an Android phone, and it's served me very well. It uses altitude, but not DA.

I see AB uses DA, and I'm thinking I read that Shooter uses DA too, but I might be wrong. Is the jump to AB or Shooter that big of a deal from Strelok? So far my data seems like it's been dead on, as long as I put the altitude, temp, and pressure in real time, which I snag from a buddy with a Kestrel 4000. I'm looking to buy one of my own, and see most everyone here uses DA with AB. Just want some input on the reason for it I guess...

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

I switched from Strelok to AB a couple months ago. AB definitely has more features than Strelok (although not all of them are where you'd think they are, like changing step distances on a range table), and the bullet library is a massive help in AB. It's well worth the $30 to me.

upSLIDEdown said:
Ok, but say I've got a lower model Kestrel that doesn't give me DA, but gives me physical altitude, can that be plugged in and I be good to go (assuming I don't decide to go climb a hill and shoot some more, obviously data will be off).

Sounds like it's more of a set it and forget it kinda thing, instead of having to input physical altitude each time. That's what I'm used to with Strelok though, so it doesn't bother me.
Click to expand...

You're going to need far more than physical altitude above sea level to get a good solution without DA. Current barometric pressure, relative humidity, temperature, dew point, and physical altitude will all factor into it. Having a kestrel that gives a DA reading simplifies that.
bergman0311 said:
interesting discussion


I bought a Kestrel 2500NV and if I know where I'm going to be shooting I just google earth, find the elevation and then plug in all of my data to an online ballistic computer (G7 is the site I use) and use my kestrel just for wind. I don't shoot competition but I haven't missed an animal I've shot at (200-700 yards.)

Good luck
Click to expand...

That works great until you're in an area without cell phone coverage, or if you're going to be shooting in an unknown area.
 
WoodenPlank said:
You're going to need far more than physical altitude above sea level to get a good solution without DA. Current barometric pressure, relative humidity, temperature, dew point, and physical altitude will all factor into it. Having a kestrel that gives a DA reading simplifies that.
Click to expand...

Well yeah, I realize that. lol Strelok runs with physical altitude, temp, and baro pressure. And seems to do it rather well. That's why I was curious what the need for DA was.

Also, I was told shooter used the same solver, etc that AB did. If that's the case, what's the difference?
 
My MUST's were Density Altitude and Bluetooth so I picked up the 4000.
Found it brand new on sale about two years ago on Midway for $100 off.
Works great for me!
 
upSLIDEdown said:
Well yeah, I realize that. lol Strelok runs with physical altitude, temp, and baro pressure. And seems to do it rather well. That's why I was curious what the need for DA was.

Also, I was told shooter used the same solver, etc that AB did. If that's the case, what's the difference?
Click to expand...

DA is faster and easier to load, which is nice at matches. AB also includes tons of G1 and G7 data in the app, so no googling required, and many of the ballistic coefficients are ones tested and verified by Litz.

Sent from the U.S.S. Sulaco
 
dlouie87 said:
Why is the BT model a must when it comes to the Kestrel? I'm in the market for one as well but I have a Mac/iphone so I do not think BT would be any help to me.

edit: Just found this thread as well http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/s4-sniper%92s-hide%AE-equipment/254114-kestrel-iphone.html
Click to expand...

I did NOT read thread link above but if I recall correctly IOS will NOT link up to Kestrel via Bluetooth.

I use Android Galaxy S5 and Galaxy 7 inch Tab connected to Kestrel Bluetooth. I find it very fast with giving me what I need when banging steel at 1000.
 
FNARSHOOTER said:
Leaky Batteries L.O.L
Click to expand...

On that note, a couple of weeks ago my 4000 did leak batteries. Within 30 minutes i had an RMA number from Neilson. They needed the unit to see if the seal was the issue that caused leaky batteries, or if it was leaky batteries. If not the seal then on me. I knew the seal was good though, but they hooked me up with a replacement for a nominal fee. They definitely support their product. Couldnt be happier with their customer service.
 
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