Kestrel/environmental data devices

Evil_Edie

Evil_Edie

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Vancouver, BC
I'm finally putting together peripheral equipment for long range shooting. I was just wondering what model of Kestrel or similar meters you'd all recommend for someone like me.

Shooting distances: out to ~1500m maybe more a few years down the line.
Environment: Coastal BC pretty much all possible weather conditions at a wide range of altitudes.

I will be developing dope charts so I don't plan to be relying on it solely for ballistic data if at all.
 
I just picked up the sportsman kestrel. It's discontinued but apparently when I update it, it will upgrade to the 5700 software and for a fee can be upgraded again to the elite software. It was $399, the elite model is expensive...

When I did my research, I found that density altitude is a feature you want. I believe the 4500 and up can read density altitude.

Please keep in mind, I'm new to this item and in no way an expert.
 
If you're going to shoot 1500m then go straight to the 5700 Elite for the Drop Scale Factor calibration and Custom Drag Models that it offers.

If that's not in the immediate budget buy the 5700 Sportsman as mentioned above, and you can upgrade the software to the Elite down the road.

Accuracy of the solver using G7 BC starts to drop at transonic/subsonic and that's where the Elite comes in.

Whatever you do, get one with bluetooth/link.
 
I picked up a Sportsman Kestrel model from Bullseye London then you can email Kestrel direct and pay for a firmware upgrade and it turn the Sportsman into an Elite model.

There supply was running low on the Sportsman as it was discontinued but worth a phone call.
 
Recce21 said:
5700 Elite with Link and Applied Ballistics

Anything less is cheaping out
Click to expand...

Yup.

You can develop all the dope charts you want, but when shooting 1500m, even a small change in DA can affect bullet flight path drastically. It'll be way easier to have a live firing solution based on current conditions than to try to interpolate info in your dope charts. Trust me... I've done it. I ran dope charts in 1000ft DA increments out to 1250 yards at PRS matches for the past 2 years. Now, I scroll to the target range, and it gives me my exact firing solution right away.
 
Well I certainly cheaped out and picked up a WeatherFlow and bought the BallisticARC APP.

https://weatherflow.com/weather-meter-for-shooting/

All told I'm into it for probably $150, other than the convenience of not having to pull my phone out I couldn't see much benefit with the Kestrel 5700 with all the options for $900ish. Money saved went too ammo that for myself is for more much needed practice.

With that being said I'm a total FNG at this so take what I say with a huge grain of salt.
 
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