Which (non-Applied Ballistics) Kestrel?

[ThePretzel]

I'm looking at picking up a Kestrel to use for gathering reliable data on the shooting conditions, but I'd rather not spend extra for the Applied Ballistics versions. The non-wind items won't change often enough to be a pain to punch into my Applied Ballistics app when large changes present themselves, and the wind itself is something that I should be able to judge so long as I have a numerical value for it (and the AB app does make it rather easy to punch in the wind, if I wanted to get calculated wind holds).

With these things in mind, which Kestrel unit would you recommend that I pick up to just measure all the relevant data for shooting? I'm not very familiar with the Kestrel lineup, hence my request for assistance.

 

[_Windrider_]

I'm looking at picking up a Kestrel to use for gathering reliable data on the shooting conditions, but I'd rather not spend extra for the Applied Ballistics versions. The non-wind items won't change often enough to be a pain to punch into my Applied Ballistics app when large changes present themselves, and the wind itself is something that I should be able to judge so long as I have a numerical value for it (and the AB app does make it rather easy to punch in the wind, if I wanted to get calculated wind holds).

With these things in mind, which Kestrel unit would you recommend that I pick up to just measure all the relevant data for shooting? I'm not very familiar with the Kestrel lineup, hence my request for assistance.

You pretty much have only one choice, a 5500. I recommend spending the extra coin for one with LINK so that when AB eventually talks to the kestrel your atmospherics will auto update. However, I strongly recommend justbgetting at a minimum the sportsman 5700. It has AB in it and you can upgrade later to the elite with just a firmware upgrade.

https://kestrelinstruments.com/catalog/product/view/id/41/s/kestrel-5500-weather-meter/category/46/

 

[6gunner]

I have the 3500NV and it has worked great for me. It doesn't ha the Applied Ballistics and I picked it up for less than $200

 

[delfuego]

4000 and up provide DA. Should do everything needed.

 

[Lkeyes]

I found a 4500NV that I have been using, didn’t cost much and works very well to get shooting data.

 

[White Mamba]

Look for a used 4500

 

[J McGriddle]

I agree with TacticalDillhole. The 5500 is what you want. I picked the Link version and it's all you really need.

 

[Sogan]

You can pick up a used 4500AB for about $300-350. Ideally my enjoy having the AB all built in and reduce the amount of additional info I have to input between devices

 

[Polizei45]

Kestrel came out with a new 5700 Ballistic Weather Meter with link for $399. My friend picked one up at the Shot Show for me. Might be worth taking a look at.