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Wind Meter Advice

mdslammer

mdslammer

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 3, 2010
202
11
Las Vegas, NV
#1
Looking to purchase a wind meter. Can't always rely on my iPhone Apps, and who knows how accurate there are anyway.

So,what makes/model do you suggest I look for? Do I need the
"Gucci" top of the line or something a bit lower will do a good
job.

Thanks.

Mark Dalzell
Las Vegas, NV
 
#4
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: strangedays</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is only one company to choose from thats of ok quality.
Kestrel is the way to go. Buy the one with the features your need. I know there is a site sponsor who sells them I just can't remember the name right now.
http://www.kestrelmeters.com/Kestrel-4000-Weather-Meter.pro?gclid=CKSfnpnX5KUCFULNKgod6Won4Q</div></div>

Brunton makes just as good of wind meters as far as instruments go.

http://www.brunton.com/catalog2.php?subcat=2500

Kestrel makes windmeters specifically to interface with ballistic programs though.
 
#5
Re: Wind Meter Advice

The Kestrel 4500NV is a great platform. If you cant afford that get a cheaper model and learn wind direction and wind factor values out yourself. The 4500 can calculate "crosswind" value which equates to a full value wind, regardless of the direction its actually coming from. Makes it handy for ballistics calcs.

The Kestrel 4000 and 4500 models also have density altitude which is great info for long range shooters to have.
 
#7
Re: Wind Meter Advice

Kestrel 4500 if you realy plan on doing some long distance shooting. Save some money and dont bother with the night vision model unles you are a military sniper and need to dope your shots with NVGs or something...
 
#8
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NYresq</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kestrel 4500 if you realy plan on doing some long distance shooting. Save some money and dont bother with the night vision model unles you are a military sniper and need to dope your shots with NVGs or something... </div></div>

I have the 4500nv model and am not a military sniper and use it in low light or turn the lights on cause my eyes arn't seeing things as well with out the light.Buy what you can afford and if you can afford it all you'll never lack for anything like those with a cheaper model
 
#11
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigDKC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the brunton ADC pro, and I really like it.
</div></div>

same here, it does seem to eat batteries though
 
#13
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DoubleBarrel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
sdkidaho said:
If you get the The Field Density Altitude Compensator (FDAC) and a wind meter that does wind and temperature you should be good to go, right?

what about this?</div></div> You need corrected or raw barometric pressure where you are at. Once you get that then you can use the FDAC.

A good atomospheric instrument on site will help when it comes to calculating long shots as data relayed over the radio can be hours old and change a lot by the time you make your shot. It can also vary from location to location.
Click to expand...
 
#14
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DoubleBarrel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
sdkidaho said:
If you get the The Field Density Altitude Compensator (FDAC) and a wind meter that does wind and temperature you should be good to go, right?

what about this?</div></div> You need corrected or raw barometric pressure where you are at. Once you get that then you can use the FDAC.

A good atomospheric instrument on site will help when it comes to calculating long shots as data relayed over the radio can be hours old and change a lot by the time you make your shot. It can also vary from location to location.</div></div>

You can use just the Temp if you know your current altitude the FDAC has the graph to calculate the DA from just Temp providing the altitude is known.

In fact a wind meter with just a Casio, Suunto or other watch with basic atmospheric information will work. Along with the FDAC of course.

I zeroed and doped a new Rifle at RO yesterday and the FDAC using the 2700fps card was dead on at most ranges and within a 1/10th of a mil at the few odd ranges, its a great powerless tool for field use.
Click to expand...
 
#15
Re: Wind Meter Advice

You will get a more accurate density altitude if you have an instrument which measures the actual barometric pressure and the temperature. Using the altitude only is making an assumption about the barometric pressure which is probably incorrect. The magnitude of the resulting error will depend on how incorrect the assumption is.

A cheap zipper pull thermometer is accurate enough, and I use the pressure sensor in my Casio Pathfinder watch for pressure when I don't have my Kestrel with me.
 
#16
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cruze5</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigDKC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the brunton ADC pro, and I really like it.
</div></div>

same here, it does seem to eat batteries though </div></div>

So far so good with mine, but I've only had it the past 4 or 5 months.

For those interested, the ADC Pro does actually calculate the DA for you! (as well as provide the standard temp/alt/baro also)
 
#17
Re: Wind Meter Advice

We will have these on the site in the next hour or so for your ordering pleasure

<span style="font-weight: bold">Kestrel Wind Meter with Horus ATrag Ballistic software</span>
Be among the first to be get this highly sought after new meter!!

These are on our site and ready to be ordered. These units are not expected to be shipped to use until the first week of January we will ship the units as soon as they come in on a first come first serve basis. So be among the first to get your orders in palce.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Pricing:</span>
<span style="font-weight: bold">Kestrol 4500 NV Pocket Weather Tracker with Bluetooth</span>Olive Drab - 0845BNVOLV -399.00
Tan - 0845BNVTAN -399.00

<span style="font-weight: bold">Kestrol Pocket Weather Tracker with ATrag Ballistics </span>
Olive Drab - 0845HOLV – 589.00
Tan - 0845HTAN – 589.00

<span style="font-weight: bold">Kestrol Pocket Weather Tracker with ATrag Ballistics Bluetooth</span>
Olive Drab - 0845HBOLV – 699.00
Tan - 0845HBTAN – 699.00
 
#18
Re: Wind Meter Advice

Kestrel Wind Meters are online and ready to order...
smile.gif


http://www.impactdatabooks.com/Tools_s/128.htm
 
#19
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can use just the Temp if you know your current altitude the FDAC has the graph to calculate the DA from just Temp providing the altitude is known.

In fact a wind meter with just a Casio, Suunto or other watch with basic atmospheric information will work. Along with the FDAC of course.</div></div>

So you can get away with Temp, Wind Speed and Altitude (height above sea level) and the FDAC and be fairly close? I'm not necessarily asking for precision shooting off a bench rest, but quick data out in the field for when you're hunting or something?

That being the case the Caldwell Wind Wizard seems the best buy. $30 and you're good to go assuming you have a way to know your altitude.
 
#20
Re: Wind Meter Advice

If you watch the video I did for the FDAC, you can get away with a good watch and the FDAC and not much more... the wind meter is nice and I would recommend buying the best Kestrel you can afford which will more for you in one package.

But a decent atmospheric sensing watch w/ the FDAC will get you on target, especially inside 600 yards, there it is pretty much a no brainer with any caliber. Not much but a basic dope card and an understanding of weather will help you adjust an MOA or so up or down depending on conditions. Not bench rest precision but it will get you hits
 
#21
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you watch the video I did for the FDAC, you can get away with a good watch and the FDAC and not much more... the wind meter is nice and I would recommend buying the best Kestrel you can afford which will more for you in one package.

But a decent atmospheric sensing watch w/ the FDAC will get you on target, especially inside 600 yards, there it is pretty much a no brainer with any caliber. Not much but a basic dope card and an understanding of weather will help you adjust an MOA or so up or down depending on conditions. Not bench rest precision but it will get you hits </div></div>


Is there a link to that video. thanks
 
#22
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you watch the video I did for the FDAC, you can get away with a good watch and the FDAC and not much more... the wind meter is nice and I would recommend buying the best Kestrel you can afford which will more for you in one package.

But a decent atmospheric sensing watch w/ the FDAC will get you on target, especially inside 600 yards, there it is pretty much a no brainer with any caliber. Not much but a basic dope card and an understanding of weather will help you adjust an MOA or so up or down depending on conditions. Not bench rest precision but it will get you hits </div></div>

So, I'm going out on a limb here and asking, does the Kestrel actually have a ballistics interface capability? I'd certainly recommend them over a Brunton if they do. However, I've found my old Brunton Sherpa has been, and continues to remain, accurate when matched with a quality current instrument (local weather station/site) for temp, baro, baro history, wind, and adjusted altitude. If that is all the info I'd need to work with the FDAC then I would recommend to someone buying new to simply get a decent baro, with a wind-meter.

Also, one question on the FDAC? Is it only worked up for .308/7.62? It would sure be nice to see them in 6mm/.2576.5/.270 and 7mm
 
#23
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you watch the video I did for the FDAC, you can get away with a good watch and the FDAC and not much more... the wind meter is nice and I would recommend buying the best Kestrel you can afford which will more for you in one package.

But a decent atmospheric sensing watch w/ the FDAC will get you on target, especially inside 600 yards, there it is pretty much a no brainer with any caliber. Not much but a basic dope card and an understanding of weather will help you adjust an MOA or so up or down depending on conditions. Not bench rest precision but it will get you hits </div></div>

So, I'm going out on a limb here and asking, does the Kestrel actually have a ballistics interface capability? I'd certainly recommend them over a Brunton if they do. However, I've found my old Brunton Sherpa has been, and continues to remain, accurate when matched with a quality current instrument (local weather station/site) for temp, baro, baro history, wind, and adjusted altitude. If that is all the info I'd need to work with the FDAC then I would recommend to someone buying new to simply get a decent baro, with a wind-meter.

Also, one question on the FDAC? Is it only worked up for .308/7.62? It would sure be nice to see them in 6mm/.2576.5/.270 and 7mm </div></div>

yes they do.

the "new version" has ATRAG built in
 
#24
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DoubleBarrel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is there a link to that video. thanks </div></div>

Ayup:

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Oc3PP4EKfAE&feature=player_embedded&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Oc3PP4EKfAE&feature=player_embedded&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>
 
#25
Re: Wind Meter Advice

First he uses the Kestrel and gets the Barometric Pressure (2486), then the Temperature (85-86 degrees F), then the Density Altitude (7900ft even though they were at 5300ft).

Next he uses the chart, 90 degrees F, 6000ft (chose this because it was in-between known and Kestrel reading) which gave him a Density Altitude at about 7000, moves the chart to 7000 mark at 550 yards and gets 3.5mils or 12.1 MOA. These stats matched up with the info from his PDA software.



 
#27
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you watch the video I did for the FDAC, you can get away with a good watch and the FDAC and not much more... the wind meter is nice and I would recommend buying the best Kestrel you can afford which will more for you in one package.

But a decent atmospheric sensing watch w/ the FDAC will get you on target, especially inside 600 yards, there it is pretty much a no brainer with any caliber. Not much but a basic dope card and an understanding of weather will help you adjust an MOA or so up or down depending on conditions. Not bench rest precision but it will get you hits </div></div>

So, I'm going out on a limb here and asking, does the Kestrel actually have a ballistics interface capability? I'd certainly recommend them over a Brunton if they do. However, I've found my old Brunton Sherpa has been, and continues to remain, accurate when matched with a quality current instrument (local weather station/site) for temp, baro, baro history, wind, and adjusted altitude. If that is all the info I'd need to work with the FDAC then I would recommend to someone buying new to simply get a decent baro, with a wind-meter.

Also, one question on the FDAC? Is it only worked up for .308/7.62? It would sure be nice to see them in 6mm/.2576.5/.270 and 7mm </div></div>

yes they do.

the "new version" has ATRAG built in</div></div>

Thanks, To you and sdkidaho...and LL. That to me is a good selling point. As I noted, Brunton is very good instrument-wise, but if the Kestral is all that and will interface with a ballistic program, that's heads and tails better.
 
#28
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chiller</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you watch the video I did for the FDAC, you can get away with a good watch and the FDAC and not much more... the wind meter is nice and I would recommend buying the best Kestrel you can afford which will more for you in one package.

But a decent atmospheric sensing watch w/ the FDAC will get you on target, especially inside 600 yards, there it is pretty much a no brainer with any caliber. Not much but a basic dope card and an understanding of weather will help you adjust an MOA or so up or down depending on conditions. Not bench rest precision but it will get you hits </div></div>

So, I'm going out on a limb here and asking, does the Kestrel actually have a ballistics interface capability? I'd certainly recommend them over a Brunton if they do. However, I've found my old Brunton Sherpa has been, and continues to remain, accurate when matched with a quality current instrument (local weather station/site) for temp, baro, baro history, wind, and adjusted altitude. If that is all the info I'd need to work with the FDAC then I would recommend to someone buying new to simply get a decent baro, with a wind-meter.

Also, one question on the FDAC? Is it only worked up for .308/7.62? It would sure be nice to see them in 6mm/.2576.5/.270 and 7mm </div></div>

yes they do.

the "new version" has ATRAG built in</div></div>

Thanks, To you and sdkidaho...and LL. That to me is a good selling point. As I noted, Brunton is very good instrument-wise, but if the Kestral is all that and will interface with a ballistic program, that's heads and tails better. </div></div>

currently playing with one. we will see.
 
#29
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">But a decent atmospheric sensing watch w/ the FDAC will get you on target, especially inside 600 yards, there it is pretty much a no brainer with any caliber.</div></div>

After looking at the prices on a good watch it would seem that this is the best advice:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would recommend buying the best Kestrel you can afford which will more for you in one package.</div></div>

Might as well put the money you would spend on the watch into a better Kestrel.
 
#30
Re: Wind Meter Advice

Yeah - unless you happen to need a watch. And having the pressure sensor in the watch, which you're probably going to wear anyway, means that you don't need to carry the Kestrel. One less thing to go wrong - watches are generally pretty rugged - and one less thing to carry batteries for.
 
#32
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sandwarrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you watch the video I did for the FDAC, you can get away with a good watch and the FDAC and not much more... the wind meter is nice and I would recommend buying the best Kestrel you can afford which will more for you in one package.

But a decent atmospheric sensing watch w/ the FDAC will get you on target, especially inside 600 yards, there it is pretty much a no brainer with any caliber. Not much but a basic dope card and an understanding of weather will help you adjust an MOA or so up or down depending on conditions. Not bench rest precision but it will get you hits </div></div>

So, I'm going out on a limb here and asking, does the Kestrel actually have a ballistics interface capability? I'd certainly recommend them over a Brunton if they do. However, I've found my old Brunton Sherpa has been, and continues to remain, accurate when matched with a quality current instrument (local weather station/site) for temp, baro, baro history, wind, and adjusted altitude. If that is all the info I'd need to work with the FDAC then I would recommend to someone buying new to simply get a decent baro, with a wind-meter.

Also, one question on the FDAC? Is it only worked up for .308/7.62? It would sure be nice to see them in 6mm/.2576.5/.270 and 7mm </div></div>

There is MUCH more in store for the FDAC. It was originally designed to support the needs of a military sniper firing Govt issued M118LR through various barrel lengths (M40A5's to 16" M110's), but it works extremely well, all the way out to 1,000 with just about anything that fires a .308 Win cartridge. We started with .308 to support the DOD as well as the average civilian long range shooting enthusiast. For the short term, we are responding the overwhelming demand for the .300WM and the .338LM cartridges before moving on to less popular calibers such as the 6.5 stuff, etc.

You can do a hell of a lot, in a very short amount of time, using basic tools such as a watch, a Mildot Master, and an FDAC. As most shooters grow and improve, they generally simplify their equipment down to the basics. Particularly those that are already carrying an 80lb pack, 10+ quarts of water, a huge ass radio, and a shit load of ammo and body armor, up the side of a mountain to shoot at dickheads in flipflops and bathrobes.
 
#33
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i have had the same wind meter for about 40 plus years....works great,,,,and the bonus is. no batteries</div></div>

Bolttripper...your asshairs in the breeze don't count!
shocked.gif


Seriously, what do you have?
 
#35
Re: Wind Meter Advice

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sandwarrior....savvy the Dwyer wind meter ...old school!!

had this since i started sport skydiving...


http://www.bing.com/search?q=dwyer+wind+meter&src=IE-SearchBox&Form=IE8SRC



</div></div>

Whatya do? Fill it with water and see how fast it evaporates?
grin.gif
laugh.gif


<span style="color: #3333FF">Edit:

Nevermind, I looked it up. You point the intake hole towards the wind and it floats a little lightweight ball up. I'm thinking water would really make it ineffective.</span>
 
#36
Re: Wind Meter Advice

Does anyone here have experience with the Speedtech Windmate WM-350? On paper it seems comparable to the Kestrel 4500 yet considerably cheaper (best online price I found was $195.)
 
#37
Re: Wind Meter Advice

We are still ordering the new Kestrels with Horus ballistics and any other version you may want or need.

If you need one we are selling at the minimum prices allowed by vendors so drop buy the site and get your order in!
 
#38
Re: Wind Meter Advice

Agree kestrel, and am waiting on the one with ballistics program that I ordered from Nomad.

Casio Pathfinder with triple sensor gives you barometric pressure, elevation, temp, and compass.
 
#39
Re: Wind Meter Advice

I have that watch.

If you want an accurate temperature, you'll have to take it off your wrist - for 20 to 30 minutes. Just use a cheap zipper-pull thermometer from Wal-Mart instead.

The watch calculates altitude based on the assumption that the sea-level barometric pressure is 29.92 inches of mercury, unless you have set a reference elevation.

However, for shooting purposes, altitude is irrelevant - what you want is the station pressure, which is what the watch reports.

If you really want to know the altitude of your location, get it from a topographic map or a GPS.

You may find this reference useful: Barometric Pressure and Ballistic Software

 
#40
Re: Wind Meter Advice

What Lindy stated is right on, just listing watch and features as another option. Yes, temp on pathfinder is inaccurate unless you let it cool down off your wrist for some time. I just strap my watch to my backpack or belt before hiking or driving to where I'm going to shoot and it is fairly accurate. Unfortunately, as with anything that has several features, something usually suffers.
 
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