Do I need a kestrel

[kriller134]

Not sure if this is the right place but it seems like a dumb question. I want a kestrel but do I really need it? I want one with the ballistics calculator. Also with the kestrel, does it automatically adjust the ballistics when the environmental conditions change?

 

[tadawson]

You have to tell it to resample atmospherics, but yes, it will recalc . . .

 

[BigTex]

My Kestrel is the most finicky piece of equipment I have. When it works it is awesome, but I do not have full confidence in it as it is often wrong.

 

[58blackflag]

I had a 5700 with AB for a while but now just use the Shooter app combined with a Kestrel link to get DA. I never really used my 5700 to sample wind like many do. If you want accurate wind readings it’s nice, but if you just need a good ballistic calculator, a free or cheap smartphone app will work fine. The big thing with ballistic calculators is feeding it the correct info. I think many overlook this expecting a more expensive device to correct their lack of feeding the machine the proper data.

 

[Campguy308]

I like the GeoBallistics App with the weather flow meter. The meter and app costs about $100 total. Does everything I need it to do.

 

[Deleted member 113831]

Buy the cheapest Kestrel. The one that only does wind, temp, and pressure. Live with it around your neck for a few months use it to calibrate your brain to wind speed.

Best use for a Kestrel in my opinion.

In fact, I have been doing that today myself, just making sure I am still calibrated.

 

[kriller134]

Thanks for responses

 

[Chalkeye]

Most smart phones do air pressure & will run your ballistic calculator.
Wind meters are cheap (I bought one with a temperature gauge for 6 USD from aliexpress).