Kestrel weather meter

[AussieTimmeh]

Hi all,

What are peoples thoughts on the Kestrel weather meters? My brother and I are new to target shooting and are still trying to learn what wind looks like at different speeds, so I am thinking of buying the Kestrel 2500 which seems recommended when searching generally. It also does barometric pressure which I have read can have some effect at long distance like 900m.

The killer is that the Kestrel is literally twice as expensive in Australia as the US ($150 vs $300).

US: http://kestrelmeters.com/products/kestr ... ther-meter
AUS: http://kestrelmeters.com.au/products/ke ... ther-meter

I emailed Kestrel about this who replied with the usual 'exchange rate, cost of doing business in Aus, Australian warranty' reply, but also informed me that imported Kestrel meters 'could be destroyed at customs'. Do they actually pay people to watch for one coming into the country and destroy them?

Anyway, price rant over, are they worth having? I couldn't tell you if the breeze was 5 or 15 knots nor what the barometric pressure was so I am thinking it might be a useful tool.

[Baldrick314]

I've been toying with the idea of getting one of these for a while but don't know how much I'd actually use it.

As far as the unit being destroyed I think what they mean is that it could be damaged in transit in such a way that would harm it's effectiveness

[AussieTimmeh]

Yeah not sure. That didn't seem to be the intent. In my email, they say:
"Any imports that have not come through the Kestrel AU channel could be subject to confiscation at customs and will NOT receive warranty from Kestrel AU." On their website, they use the word destroyed.

Oh well, mostly interested in whether there is any value in owning one.

[Baldrick314]

Yeah not sure. That didn't seem to be the intent. In my email, they say:
"Any imports that have not come through the Kestrel AU channel could be subject to confiscation at customs and will NOT receive warranty from Kestrel AU." On their website, they use the word destroyed.

Oh well, mostly interested in whether there is any value in owning one.

Bizarre. Unless the unit comes under military equipment for some reason I'd see no reason for it to be confiscated

[Chronos]

While an annonmeter will give an accurate wind speed reading at one spot it's what happens down range that affects bullet flight.

I've found a piece is surveyors tape or flagging tape tied at say 1/4 and 1/2 if the distance to the target is far easier to interpreted and gives a better indication of what effect the wind will have in your point if impact.

If course that's only useful at the range and on the farm sighting in but then you can apply what you learn to your hunting shooting.

Your money might be better spent at the range on ammo shooting in different conditions

JMHO

Chronos

[AussieTimmeh]

That's a very good point Chronos, thanks.

[Jessie]

I emailed Kestrel about this who replied with the usual 'exchange rate, cost of doing business in Aus, Australian warranty' reply, but also informed me that imported Kestrel meters 'could be destroyed at customs'. Do they actually pay people to watch for one coming into the country and destroy them?

I'm confused by that... damaged in transit is one thing, "destroyed" is something completely different.

Makes it sound like a gang of jocks waiting to stop the nerds weather equipment.

[Hercl]

I've found a piece is surveyors tape or flagging tape tied at say 1/4 and 1/2 if the distance to the target is far easier to interpreted and gives a better indication of what effect the wind will have in your point if impact.

I'll give that a +1.

Not as accurate as a fancy wind meter, but better for building your skills instead of relying on equipment all the time.

Especially a piece of equipment you're not going to have with you at all times.

You can always keep a piece of ribbon or something in your bag, unlike a proper meter.

[Klem]

Do they actually pay people to watch for one coming into the country and destroy them?

YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WIND!

[Aussier]

I couldn't tell you if the breeze was 5 or 15 knots nor what the barometric pressure was so I am thinking it might be a useful tool.

Precise numbers are nice.

A little experience and practice in judging the wind is probably more useful IMO.

Like the guys have said, a bit of tape... a ribbon... whatever, will cost you nothing and can teach you a bit about practical shooting in the wind.

Things like barometic pressure... You're not Mark Wahlberg and this isn't "Shooter".

Start with the basics. You might be surprised how useful they are.

[AussieTimmeh]

Thanks for the feedback all. I'll keep the 300 large in my pocket and do as has been suggested. I am sure something else in this hobby will quickly claim the funds anyway!

[Baldrick314]

Thanks for the feedback all. I'll keep the 300 large in my pocket and do as has been suggested. I am sure something else in this hobby will quickly claim the funds anyway!

Have you started reloading yet? That's where most of my money goes these days

[Chronos]

Thanks for the feedback all. I'll keep the 300 large in my pocket and do as has been suggested. I am sure something else in this hobby will quickly claim the funds anyway!

Have you started reloading yet? That's where most of my money goes these days

Yeah, all in the interest of saving money. LOL

I'm trying to restock on powder at the moment. Could spend a weeks wages there.

Chronos

[AussieTimmeh]

Yeah, all in the interest of saving money. LOL

I was just about to say this hehe. But yes, it is something I need to invest both time and money into.

[Baldrick314]

Yeah, all in the interest of saving money. LOL

Haha I stopped trying for that a while ago. I just tell myself it's about making the most accurate ammo now

[Chronos]

Yeah, all in the interest of saving money. LOL

Haha I stopped trying for that a while ago. I just tell myself it's about making the most accurate ammo now

Once you start to deviate from the .22lr-.223-.308 path factory ammo gets cost prohibitive and hand loading seems to be the sensible choice.

When you re a hunter and can buy federal 130gr factory for you .308 under 30 bucks a box it's hard to justify buying a press. Take up metallic silhouette with you're 7-08 and you've no choice. Even then a match like the nationals could cost you $100 in handloads alone for both centerfire classes (80 rounds Silhouette class, 40 rounds Hunter class plus Friday practice and morning sighters)

Anyway back on topic in my opinion you'd be better spending $300 on coaching or simple practice than a wind meter, if you're target shooting ask one of the clubs better shooters if he (or she) would spend an hour or so watching you shoot, helping you with your reloads or just spotting/scoring for you and buy them a case if beer or a bottle of scotch.

I once put a bottle of scotch up to get a good spotter for a match, I got one and shot a PB in that match. All I needed on the day was the confidence in my spotter to help stop me second guessing myself.

Chronos

[AussieTimmeh]

Anyway back on topic in my opinion you'd be better spending $300 on coaching or simple practice than a wind meter, if you're target shooting ask one of the clubs better shooters if he (or she) would spend an hour or so watching you shoot, helping you with your reloads or just spotting/scoring for you and buy them a case if beer or a bottle of scotch.

I once put a bottle of scotch up to get a good spotter for a match, I got one and shot a PB in that match. All I needed on the day was the confidence in my spotter to help stop me second guessing myself.

Chronos

Great tip, one I'll definitely use. Thanks.

[petemacsydney]

one of these shoudl do the trick, and they only cost $19 plus Aussie post

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... ouse_.html

[vexesus]

Bizarre. Unless the unit comes under military equipment for some reason I'd see no reason for it to be confiscated

So my face could be a piece of military equipment because I can feel the wind on it?

GG customs.