DO i really need a Kestrel?

[6.5SH]

Does a Kestrel gather atmospherics without need of a signal? That would be a big motivator for me to buy one in case I was somewhere without cell service.

I also wonder why 4DOF isn't offered in the EliteX?

If you mean without internet/cellular the answer is yes, the sensors are part of the Kestrel.

 

[FimRire RongLifle]

A ballistic app tells you what the drift is for your bullet in inches/mils/moa/whatever...u can adjust the wind values and look once you have your BC trued up

the problem is the wind isn’t constant or consistent... so even tho you know what the “theoretical” drift should be, it won’t always match...there are even apps u can put in various wind zones, but how accurately can u measure them? Unless you’re rockin real time lidar, you’re just taking single points of reference and making the best guess

the range/terrain conditions you shoot in will also skew how accurate your inputs are
View attachment 7302844

the red circle below is inches...you can adjust the wind values from the first pic to 1 mph for the entire 0-1000 yds and it’ll tell you how much it drifts @ any range for that 1mph

What app is this?

 

[morganlamprecht]

What app is this?

Ballistic AE

 

[jthor]

It depends. I wouldn't keep yourself from shooting without a kestrel or Weatherflow. You can manually input enviromentals from someone elses Kestrel/Weatherflow or local station into whatever ballistics app you have. Obviously the conditions at your exact location would be better and that's what you get with the Kestrel/Weatherflow.

All major ballistics apps minus the AB app allow the user to connect any Kestrel with link or Weatherflow.

A huge benefit to having a Kestrel/Weatherflow is you can start to "calibrate" yourself on what X MPH wind feel like without having the tool out.

A 5700 Kestrel with link and the Hornady 4DOF app using 4DOF bullet profiles is my go to.

 

[dcmdon]

A huge benefit to having a Kestrel/Weatherflow is you can start to "calibrate" yourself on what X MPH wind feel like without having the tool out.

I've got an old Kestrel that just does atmospherics, no ballistics and have been paying attention trying to guess things for years.

Whenever I get to the range and look at unknown distance targets I try to guess the distance before I point my rangefinder at it.
I also try to guess the density altitude based on known location best guess altitude and temp.

I'm usually close enough on DA where it wouldn't make much of a difference at the distances I can shoot.

On another note, I like to run, bike and do triathlons. I've gotten to where I can guess myheart rate pretty close just by how I feel. That's because I run with a HR monitor. And have had hundreds of opportunities to compare how I felt with the data it provided.

So in summary, the more you use one of these things, the less you need it.

 

[Dakotas66s]

If you mean without internet/cellular the answer is yes, the sensors are part of the Kestrel.

Certainly! The Kestrel is a handy tool, especially in remote areas without cell service. I've used mine on camping trips where I needed accurate weather data but had no signal. It's reassuring to know it can gather atmospheric information independently.
Regarding the 4DOF feature, it's a bit surprising it's not included in the EliteX. Maybe it's due to cost or specific user needs. Personally, I've been eyeing the Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter on hornadykestrel.com for my property. It seems like a reliable and practical tool to have on hand, especially for outdoor activities.