Kestrels
- Thread starter titch--
- Start date
Looking at some of the responses here, I'm wondering how realistic your expectations are about how you use these devises.... sorry but its laughable.
Worrying about internet connections in the field? Jeez... by the time you are in the field its a little late to be figuring your data.... apparently for the first time.
Reliability? So your ability to make a shot is based upon a "reliable" Kestrel... as though when a shot presents itself you have the time to check with this thing before taking the shot?
I have seen guys use these to generate last minute come ups during a PRS match and I get that, since the shot distance is predetermined, but in the end... it's just a sanity check.
Just the same it borders on laziness to rely on this or any ballistic computer before making a particular shot. You should know that when it's cold bullets are slow and hit low. When it's hot, bullets are fast and hit high.
Establish your base line and learn how to shade for conditions and leave the gadgets for prep sessions and training sessions at the range.
Create a solid and verified data book and get to work.
Worrying about internet connections in the field? Jeez... by the time you are in the field its a little late to be figuring your data.... apparently for the first time.
Reliability? So your ability to make a shot is based upon a "reliable" Kestrel... as though when a shot presents itself you have the time to check with this thing before taking the shot?
I have seen guys use these to generate last minute come ups during a PRS match and I get that, since the shot distance is predetermined, but in the end... it's just a sanity check.
Just the same it borders on laziness to rely on this or any ballistic computer before making a particular shot. You should know that when it's cold bullets are slow and hit low. When it's hot, bullets are fast and hit high.
Establish your base line and learn how to shade for conditions and leave the gadgets for prep sessions and training sessions at the range.
Create a solid and verified data book and get to work.
You are living in the past. Data books are the stuff of museums, with most military and civilian precision shooter's now relying upon Kestrels and/or PDAs with on-board Ballistic calculators to provide near-instantaneous firing solutions corrected for extant environmental data (less wind). Everyone admittedly benefits from a basic understanding of ballistics (well, duh), but the specifics are the realm of data-crunching computers these days.
You are the only one whose self-described methods require an Internet connection in the field. There is no such requirement with a Kestrel, the onboard Applied Ballistics software and a PDA with "Kestrel Connect". All that is required is a distance to target. The software does the rest.
Sorry, but your "old school" approach is what's laughable. Your methods have been superseded by reliable, repeatable technology. That, and your hubris is kinda showing...
You are the only one whose self-described methods require an Internet connection in the field. There is no such requirement with a Kestrel, the onboard Applied Ballistics software and a PDA with "Kestrel Connect". All that is required is a distance to target. The software does the rest.
Sorry, but your "old school" approach is what's laughable. Your methods have been superseded by reliable, repeatable technology. That, and your hubris is kinda showing...
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So why were you recommending that Lapua app?
But apparently you will have enough time to go leafing through your data book?
This is the Precision rifle section, right? And weren't you recommending that Lapua app? Do you use it?
I have written drop charts at different temperatures as a backup, but use my Kestrel mostly. When shooting at a 2/3rds IPSC at 933m at a different altitude, direction and entirely different enviromentals, why wouldn't you want a precise firing solution rather then looking through different data and just eyeballing it?
Shouldn't you be on a square F-Class range worried about scope erector springs?
Go to any PRS match and you will see a lot of kestrel/kestrels & cell phones out.
Kestrels and other similar products are particularly suited to PRS/Field Matches as the distances at these matches are not even (706 yards, 413 yards, etc.) and unless you carry cards that have 5 yards increments you may be out of luck. At the last match I shot the, DA changed about 2,000 ft from the beginning to the end of the match. It did not get very hot that day so it could have got even worse if it was earlier in the summer.
I use a more basic kestrel (I am cheap) and then use AB on my phone. I would need to carry an encyclopedia sized book to keep all of the data that these two tools provide me.
Not saying data books are not important, but time and technologies change. Both can clearly work but I like my tech.
Kestrels and other similar products are particularly suited to PRS/Field Matches as the distances at these matches are not even (706 yards, 413 yards, etc.) and unless you carry cards that have 5 yards increments you may be out of luck. At the last match I shot the, DA changed about 2,000 ft from the beginning to the end of the match. It did not get very hot that day so it could have got even worse if it was earlier in the summer.
I use a more basic kestrel (I am cheap) and then use AB on my phone. I would need to carry an encyclopedia sized book to keep all of the data that these two tools provide me.
Not saying data books are not important, but time and technologies change. Both can clearly work but I like my tech.
I am of the generation that grew up pre-tech and as such I am somewhat fearful of it BUT...and it is a big BUT... tech does help. Whether ballistic calculators or kestrels or whatever if it helps use it. Maybe keep some old school skills handy in case life happens but if the tech is there and useable them have at it.
Backup range cards for DAs (every 1000ft) with say 3 different temps are great to have as exactly that, backups. Most guys use a Kestrel with AB or a basic Kestrel and the phone app of their choice. Once you’ve proofed out your dope, these devices provide you with very accurate, repeatable firing solutions. They’re especially critical when shooting out past 500 yards at small targets because different DAs can alter your dope quite a bit. You can still use range cards if you want, but I guarantee you it’s faster to use a ballistic app than it is to interpolate between the ranges on your cards, not to mention that you still need a means to accurately measure your atmospherics so as to know what card to use...
The Weatherflow looks like a potentially good alternative to the Kestrel, particularly for the budget-conscious. I won't be selling my Kestrel 5700 any time soon, but if I were still in "try then buy" mode I would take a good look at any new, competing tech. Who knows - perhaps the Weatherflow is the new "Kestrel killer" that does everything as well for less money. Hard to say until someone I trust does a detailed review, a.though what I watched of the video seemed promising.
I do pefer the fact that my Kestrel is an "all in one" solution that can function independently of a PDA if desired or required. Phone battery life tends to be a limiting factor when operating afield for several days at a time, whereas the Kestrel's single AA battery life is outstanding.
I do pefer the fact that my Kestrel is an "all in one" solution that can function independently of a PDA if desired or required. Phone battery life tends to be a limiting factor when operating afield for several days at a time, whereas the Kestrel's single AA battery life is outstanding.
This is a big one. Phone battery life is crap, especially in the cold. Also having everything combined in one unit is nice. I've had no issues using a cheaper Kestrel 4000 NV (the least expensive one that gives you Density Altitude) in conjunction with an Iphone with Ballistic AE. That combo has given me rock solid dope at matches out past 1200 yards in all kinds of environmental conditions but the battery life of the iphone sucks, especially in the cold. It's also not the most efficient to check DA and temp on the Kestrel, punch it into Ballistic, get my dope for different ranges, check the wind on the Kestrel. It just makes sense to get a device that does it all, hence the 5700 AB. Does everyone need one? Nope. But it sure can make your life easier!
Good purchase! You wont regret paying the extra for the Applied Ballistics software, but may eventually want to upgrade to the top of the line Elite version with its additional features. You can order the dongle direct from Kestrelmeters.com which is all you need to communicate with your computer to either upgrade, or to transfer routine data such as gun profiles back and forth.
Best of luck with your exciting new buy!
Best of luck with your exciting new buy!
I just phoned in and had them add the dongle to my order since they run like 4-5 different connected companies with one phone number.
I was looking at doing the software update on it on a later date, once I get to play around with it for awhile.
I was looking at doing the software update on it on a later date, once I get to play around with it for awhile.
Received the sportsman and dongle today.
After playing around with the app on my phone, I dont think I would of got the dongle. Made up a couple rifle profiles and it took just a couple seconds to transfer over to the meter.
Seems super easy to use.
After playing around with the app on my phone, I dont think I would of got the dongle. Made up a couple rifle profiles and it took just a couple seconds to transfer over to the meter.
Seems super easy to use.
