Hey all. I see these posted regularly for sale at an affordable price point. My question is, is it still considered capable enough? I have trouble swinging the money for a 5700AB, but I can afford the 4500AB. What features am I missing? Can I upgrade it? If I'm not worried about app connection, can I do date stuff from a computer? Thanks for the help.
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Kestrel 4500AB Still viable?
- Thread starter Jmanwit
- Start date
The problem with the 4500 is it is discontinued. It has old BT tech and cannot pair with modern smartphones. If you just want a weather meter and can get one for like 100 bucks it’s a good choice. I still have mine as a backup.
If I'm not worried about the smart phone linking, is it still viable? I mean, can I use the same custom drag models etc? Will using it put me at a disadvantage in any way other than phone linking capabilities?
I think you missed the purpose of this post. He’s asking about the old 4500 not the 5700 or a kestrel in general.
I’m not sure honestly. They don’t support it anymore so the AB engine is probably old too
What is the question? 4500 is older technology, firmware is not updated, doesn't link and doesn't use custom curves, but still delivers solid elevation and wind holds using G1 and G7 BC. There are a lot of them still in use. Keep an eye on the batteries, if they leak the 4500 processor may be affected and die.
I appreciate you getting back to me. I thought I remembered reading that custom curves were supported on your guys's website for it, but if that isn't accurate, I think it would be best if I just save the money. I wasn't worried about link as I generally try to avoid using a smartphone, so most of the setup would be done on my home computer.
Custom curves are only available in the 5700 Elite meter
https://kestrelballistics.com/kestrel-weather-meter-applied-ballistics-elite/
What kind of shooting do you do and what kind of accuracy are you trying to achieve? Do you need to create custom curves? For dynamic PRS type shooting where the targets are 2/3 IPSC plates and an error within 2MOA does not usually make a difference for most target distances then a Kestrel 4500AB will do the job. If you can afford the 5700AB Elite with Link then go for it. The downside with Kestrel's with Link if you want to pair it to a range finder is you are handling 2 instruments with your rifle. I prefer having a ballistics calculator instrument attached to my wrist and only having to handle a range finder and rifle in my hands. Juggling 2+ things in your hands is a PITA, but that is my experience and everyone's milage is different. A dope card taped to the stock works well too.
you are correct, I forgot about the pc software. It has been a while since I looked at it.
Can I get more information on this? If it's possible, I'm interested. Has the wind measurement accuracy changed? Again, if it's still viable, I may snag one.
As far as I know, given the same inputs, the calculation will be the same between a 4500 and a 5700. Maybe @Kestrel Ballistics can elaborate if that's not the case. I have the PC version of AB analytics and it allows you to bluetooth to the PC and upload profiles to the kestrel and also download profiles from the kestrel that you may want to tune or experiment with. Custom Drag curves are offered through AB Analytics and you can choose to use that instead of a G7 or G1 for your profile.
I have 3 of the 4500NV's with AB software. They still hit where they say they supposed to hit. They come up in the PX occasionally.
Gravity and wind haven't changed much in the last few years.
Gravity and wind haven't changed much in the last few years.
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