Kestrel question

[TC308]

So I'm trying. To make sense of how all this kestrel stuff works. I'm sure it's simple for those that have one, but I feel a little lost.

Im looking at the sportsman 5700, not the elite. Is that all I would need to give ballistic solutions? Or do I have to have my phone with it to use AB? I'd prefer to have a single unit to do everything so I don't have to worry about having my phone out while up in the mountains.

Does it take ale a long time to get acclimated when you turn it on? Or can I leave it off until I'm ready to shoot and then turn it on and have a solution relatively quick? I'm thinking during hunting, not just shooting. I live in Las Vegas and would shoot here to get everything setup and then going on a hunt in Colorado this fall in 7000+ ft elevation. That's why I'm looking into a kestrel mainly.

Do do I need link and Bluetooth? Or can I get the cheaper one and just spend more time inputting info into the unit instead of linking it to my phone?

any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[ZenBiker990]

I have the 5700 Elite. Not exactly sure off the top of my head what it is, but the ballistics engine in the Elite is a cut above the Sportsman. If you're serious, spend the extra money now if you can. My unit boots up in a couple seconds and gives readings consistent with the environment it is acclimated to. So, if you've been out for an hour and your Kestrel's sensors are exposed to the environment, you can kick it on and expect accurate readings within a couple of seconds, screen latency due to cold notwithstanding. As far as Bluetooth, when seconds count, its nice to have atmospheric conditions populate instead of fumbling to input data whwn you could be on target. If you get the AB Elite, you input your rifle/ammo profile and all you add is distance and you ballistic solution pops up on the screen of the Kestrel. That also gives you a level of redundancy if your cell phone craps out on you: the Kestrel will still give you a ballistic solution. If you can swing it, just get the 5700 AB Elite. To hijack a phrase from BAT Machine, "Buy the best and only cry once."

 

[TC308]

I get the "buy once, cry once" theory and no argument there. I'm just trying to determine what I need and possibly don't need. When you say Bluetooth matters when seconds count so you don't have to input anything, what do you mean? I thought the point of the kestrel was to have the atmospheric conditions. What would my phone provide via Bluetooth that isn't coming from the kestrel instead? Am I misunderstanding or just straight up missing something?

 

[Timo Turl]

The Sportsman has the same ballistic engine as the Elite which can store more gun profiles. For a hunter, the Sportsman is great. Everything is in one package and you don't need the iPhone in the field. Where Bluetooth / the iPhone come in handy is back at home when you need to upgrade firmware (software for new bullets or ballistic models) and it is easier to create and modify your gun profile on the iPhone app then use Bluetooth to transfer it to the Kestrel. If you don't have Bluetooth you need to buy a cable.

I'd suggest you call Fred at Bison Tactical. He's very good and will give you the time to get your head around this.

 

[SRPowah]

Definitely get the Link model. Makes it easier to update and upgrade down the road. If you have 3 or less pet loads that you constantly shoot, sportsman is fine. You can always upgrade down the road for the difference in price between models.

 

[TC308]

Thanks for the clarification. I'll give fred a call and try to get my head around it.

 

[ZenBiker990]

Whatever model you get, plan on spending time with it to learn the screen nav and app interface. I agree with ST Powah, get LINK: more stable. If it doesn't come with one, get a Kestrel-specific case that will protect the unit while it's on your belt or pack and has openings for the temp/humidity sensors; keeps them acclimated to your environment so you can do what you asked to be possible, keep it off and then pull it out, turn it on, and have accurate readings and dope on a few seconds. Whatever model you get, you'll be glad you did. Good shooting, brother.