What Kestrel are you using and why?

Nate.308

Nate.308

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Hey guys,

Jumping into this long range shooting gig over the past year. I have lots of the kit required but there are still a few items that I have no experence with. One of those pieces of kit is a Kesrtel meter. There are many different varieties and options and respective price points. What type of kestrel are you using and why?(specifics please) Is a more basic model good enough and save the cash for something else? Or do you go all fancy and go for the model with the ballistic softwear included or any varient in between?

Nate
 
At the minimum, get the 4000NV as it gives you density altitude. You can get away with the 2500NV, but you'll have a lot more number punching to do in your ballistic calculator.

Extras would be Bluetooth (provided your calc can talk to it), or getting one with the Applied Ballistics engine built in (more $$$). Just depends on how much you want to spend and how much work you want to do.

I use the 4000NV until I find a good deal on an Applied Ballistics model.
 
I use the 3000 and my phone for weather etc . Much cheaper and it seems like more of a rough guide with wind mph anyways
When I stand in the wind I find it constantly changing so what number is right when you pull the trigger . It gets you close but accurate ?? I spend the money on extra ammo and practice but I'm no pro either
 
4000NV I use trasol as a ballistic calculator. It uses DA instead of all environmentals. It's much quicker to enter the DA than press, temp,and humidity.

I like how it also logs your environmentals. So when I zero my scope/rifle I have the average DA for my zero. Helps when moving from shooting spot to spot.
 
Looks like the 4000VN looks like a good place at start some reaserch, I have found using my phone unreliable for the weather conditions, so I like the idea of getting fitst hand info on the condition right at the spot. Awesome info

Nate
 
I've also been looking at them and think I'll just get something that will do wind speed, direction temp and DA, don't think I'll spring for a balistics app model or Bluetooth to start.

On a side note has anybody used the Ballistics vortex optics offers on their site? I've played around with it but not at distance yet and was wondering if anybody found it accurate at all? It is very easy to use, links to weather and accepts all kinds of data for free, but I haven't tested it out yet, ordered a steel gong and plan on playing when it gets here.
 
I have used several Kestrals and now I use the 4500 Applied Ballistic one. Works well and I have everything in one device. I especially like the fact that it allows reconciliation of the calculated ballistic solution with actual shooting results. The calculated solution is not always right on.
 
2500NV is all i use in f-class, like what was said before we are just basically looking for wind speed. It will also get you by if your looking to go out further will just with take a little more number punching in your ballistic calculator. For how often im going out past 1500yards it doesnt matter to me even if it take 5 more minutes to get my adjustments. Its not like the steal gong is going to run away on me. A good spotter will help more then anything.
 
I just bought the Kestrel Model 5700 "Sportsman" with Applied Ballistics software, the LiNK (Bluetooth) feature, and the Wind Vane attachment. The bundle was well-priced by Scout Basecamp (site Sponsor) at $843.00 CAD. I don't have it in-hand yet, but I did a ton of research on the Kestrels (and other options) leading up to the purchase. Based on that I am confident that I made the right call for my wants.

Although I don't have the Bushnell LiNK-equipped laser range-finder (LRF) that provides a fully automated, ballistic firing solution, I still like the idea of a self-contained real-time Weather Station and Ballistic Computer all in one handy package. That is exactly what the Kestrel 5700 Sportsman model with the Applied Ballistics software provides. In my case (with a SIG LRF), I just have to lase the target, manually enter the distance into the Applied Ballistics app on my phone/tablet, and the Blue-Tooth equipped Kestrel will do the heavy-lifting; incorporating on-the-spot met data to calculate continually-adjusted DOPE which is then sent to my phone/tablet display in real time. What I particularly like about the Kestrel is that you are not reliant upon cell-phone service to obtain met data from the nearest weather station. You become your own weather station with the Kestrel, and if desired you can obtain continuous, real-time, hands-free met data by establishing a stand-alone system with a mini tripod, Kestrel Mount and the Wind Vane attachment (the bundle that I purchased). A continuous feed of real-time DOPE is then provided to your phone/tablet by the Kestrel Weather Station via the LiNK Bluetooth connection. Very cool Voodoo Magic to a crusty old luddite such as myself!

Worth mentioning is the fact that the "Sportsman" Kestrel's Applied Ballistics software can be upgraded to the slightly more advanced/feature-filled version sold with the Model 5700 "Elite" Kestrel. The upgraded Applied Ballistics software can be downloaded for a fee, allowing the purchaser of the Sportsman to upgrade to the top of the line (the only difference between the systems is the software).

Anyhow, just my $.02 as far as Kestrels are concerned. It is all "academic" for me at this point, however I should have my new system in-hand within the next week and will then be better able to judge its strengths and weaknesses. If it functions as advertised (no reason to expect otherwise) I will be a very happy camper. Watch and shoot...

Cheers,
 
I just want to throw in a great review for kestrel, I have a 4500 with bluetooth that talks to my phone shooting app it works good and I recently bought one of the ee with horus software unfortunately the batteries leaked and unit was damaged seller was great and offered full refund, nelson-Kellermen is the parent company I called them gave them the serial number still under 5 year warranty. Yesterday they phoned it was not repairable so for 85$ I have a new coming in the mail, I am very happy with the sevice they know it was bought used and a argument could be made that the batteries leaking is not there fault. Use lithium batteries in any unit 4000 and up, they are poison enough they actually put some effort into keeping them sealed.
 
I'd like to hear about the 5700 also, I was set to get a 4000 and then started reading up on the different models, was then thinking of springing for the new 5000 with the new battery setup and now maybe the 5700 with app and be done with it, decisions decisions.
 
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