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Wind Meters

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SamC View Drop Down
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    Posted: January/24/2009 at 20:30
Who makes a good wind meter that can be used both at the range and in the field? I was looking at a Huskemaw Atmospheric Data Meter, any suggestions?
Thanks,
Sam


Edited by SamC - January/25/2009 at 08:42

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2009 at 20:38
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2009 at 20:46
Windtronic 2 Windmeter
You can call SWFA and see if they carry any wind meters. I have one that I have used a couple of times and then left in the rifle case.  In general we dont post links to competitors site since SWFA   hosts this forum however brands even ones they dont carry are open to discussion.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2009 at 20:56
I had no idea that SWFA sold wind metersShocked I'll certainaly check out SWFA first, thanks guys for the heads up and sorry Chris!
Sam

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dougedwards Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/02/2009 at 19:31

I thought the question was who MAKES a good wind meter not who SELLS a good wind meter.  I was looking for some opinions on these.  Anyone care to offer some input?

Doug

but you brethren are not of the flesh but of the spirit if indeed the spirit of Christ dwells within you...Romans 8
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/02/2009 at 20:47

I'd like to know too since I am not familiar with these devices, Chris or Chris II any suggestions ?


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/02/2009 at 21:54
Guys not to be a smart ass but I don't think any one here uses them .I used to use one for work it was one made by brunton or it had thier name on it .it worked OK but I could guess almost always the same as it read. and I have never seen one used in the hunting field at all. Some guys at my range use them on windy days, I will ask them, but it wont be for a few days.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/02/2009 at 22:07
They are kind of worthless as far as reading the wind, cause the wind is never going to be the same on the way to the target as it is where you are sitting.  The closer the bullet gets to the target the more important the wind call is because the bullet is affect more by it. 

However they are very useful for other readings like elevation, temp, pressure, density altitude, humidity etc.  All those reading can prove to be important for certain types of shooting. 

But I agree for hunting unless you are a long range hunter meaning over 500 yards I think they are a waste of time, but for target shooting they can give you a lot of great data to log. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dougedwards Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/03/2009 at 06:15
Originally posted by supertool73 supertool73 wrote:

They are kind of worthless as far as reading the wind, cause the wind is never going to be the same on the way to the target as it is where you are sitting.  The closer the bullet gets to the target the more important the wind call is because the bullet is affect more by it. 

However they are very useful for other readings like elevation, temp, pressure, density altitude, humidity etc.  All those reading can prove to be important for certain types of shooting. 

But I agree for hunting unless you are a long range hunter meaning over 500 yards I think they are a waste of time, but for target shooting they can give you a lot of great data to log. 
 
 Well I have to say this.  Many of the guys on the Longrangehunting.com forum use them religiously for hunting, not so much for target shooting.  Experts say that the wind closest to the muzzle is the most critical.   I know, that doesn't make good sense to me either but it is considered fact.  My question would be this.  Why don't they also give you wind direction?  Isn't that almost as critical as wind speed?  I mean, as far as making adjustments is concerned for a long shot,  a 15 mph crosswind is surely going to impact that path of the bullet more than a 15 mps wind coming in at 11 o'clock.
 
 Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/03/2009 at 06:16

I asked because I saw one being used for a long range hunt on TV and was curious because I have never seen one up close.

Sam

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/03/2009 at 07:30
Originally posted by dougedwards dougedwards wrote:

I thought the question was who MAKES a good wind meter not who SELLS a good wind meter.  I was looking for some opinions on these.  Anyone care to offer some input?

Doug

Kestrel 4500 NV is one of the best out there, providing most of the atmospheric conditions information involved in shooting.  Windspeed/direction is only at YOUR location, and it does change over distance.  It does require fairly frequent humidity calibration, but you can purchase the "kit" for about $70.00.  You still need to learn to read mirage.


Edited by Kickboxer - February/03/2009 at 07:32
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dougedwards Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/03/2009 at 07:59
I certainly am not saying that a long range shooter is totally dependant on these gadgets to dope the wind.  But it is evident that knowing exactly what the wind is doing at your location is extremely helpful.  If someone can just naturally determine the average speed and exact directions of wind at his location consistantly then he is very good to say the least. 
 
I am amazed that barometric pressure and humidity are such major factors in long range shooting.  Of course you would think that these factors are to be considered but most of the advice that I have received concerning purchasing a wind meter is to make sure it also provides baro and humidity information.  The picture below might explain why handheld wind meters aren't used so much for target shooting.Big Smile
[image]
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/03/2009 at 10:43
Look at that......where has the fun and or the skill gone too?  geeze lueeze!

Edited by rifle looney - February/04/2009 at 14:01
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/04/2009 at 08:32
as kickboxer suggests check these out if you want to use one
cross wind effects are greatest at the muzzle because the slight errors affecting the bullets trajectory now have more time to work on that trajectory as opposed to the extremely short time the wind will affect it down range
density altitude corrects can be down with a wind meters for corrections in spin drift at long range (assuming you brought some type of portable computer). To me their biggest advantage is a better indicator of direction, (90 deg, 45 etc) although I rarely use them since lrf came out.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/04/2009 at 08:33
forgot to add ---- fun and skill= luck
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/04/2009 at 09:20
Problem is the wind can be blowing 3 or 4 or more different directions between you and the target.  If you only learn to use a wind meter at your location then you are kidding yourself if you think it is all you need.

You get out to 600+ and start looking at the mirage and vegetation blowing you can tell pretty easily that the wind is all over the place.  Especially if you are shooting on places besides a flat range where hills and little draws or canyons can create all kinds of variables to change the wind. 

The guy that I am learning about precision shooting from was a Marine Scout Sniper for 9 years and served 14 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.  He said while they are a nice tool for certain things, you cannot rely on them to give you proper wind calls to make one shot hits, especially when you are not on flat ground. 

But I agree the Kestrel 4500 is the bomb, it gives you the most environmental readings which is always a plus to have all the data you can get to put in your log book.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dougedwards Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/05/2009 at 14:56
 I got a deal on a Speedtech Windmate 200 and chose it because it gives wind direction in addition to average speed and gusts of the wind at the shooter.  It does not provide humidity and barometric readings but it will get me started on 300-500 yard shooting if I use it as a device that gives me a little more information than I would have without it.  I will give a report after I use it in the field.
 
 Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ba_50 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/29/2009 at 17:38
I find it interesting that shooters on longrangehunters.com use them while benchrest shooter's won't, or at least some I have read about. they prefer flags and so forth.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/29/2009 at 18:27
Originally posted by Dale Clifford Dale Clifford wrote:

forgot to add ---- fun and skill= luck


His post was for use at the bench and in the field? in the field? come on just get closer and stop making a game out of it, that animal deserves better than that if you cant judge on your own don't make the shot or quit hunting! why not just call-- SNIPING!... yeah I know with training and know how and good equipment and a wind meter you are good to go? this is the kind of crap that makes hunters look bad/unethical?


Edited by rifle looney - March/29/2009 at 18:41
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/30/2009 at 19:34
sniper is usually a highly trained marksman that shoots targets from concealed positions or distances exceeding the capabilities of regular personnel. 
I agree that getting as close as possible is always the thing to do.  However, based upon the above definition, what is the REAL difference between a "sniper" and a "hunter".  Both hunt, both generally shoot at a live target, both strive for concealment, both try to take the best shot possible.  Do you wear camo, do you use a stand?  Actually, using the best equipment available makes hunters look better.  Many of the shots I take while hunting don't allow for complicated firing solutions, but whenever I take a shot over 100yds, I TRY to use the Kestrel 4500 and get as much data as possible.  I try to use a rangefinder, when I can.  Do I need that at 100yd, NO, but why not use it??  If I calculate the data, at any range, and make the best possible shot, is that not better than leaving many aspects of the shot to chance, to "best guess", possibly wounding the game and never finding it??  I, truthfully, have never lost a deer and don't want to start.  I've spent a lot of time shooting "the old fashioned way", and it is great (I still LOVE iron sights), but I will use every advantage techology will give me.  I can do both and feel good about it.  
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