Best handheld weatherstation?

[The_Next_Generation]

Hey guys,

A buddy and I are starting to get into longer-range shooting, and have realized the importance of taking accurate, and precise, weather measurements.

We need a device(s) that will allow us to:

- Measure pressure
- Measure temperature
- Measure wind speed
- Measure altitude (via gps?)

I have seen some of those Kestrel units online, but they are pretty spendy. I was looking at this for the temperature and wind:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002WZRKE...e=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B0002WZRKE

I was already planning on purchasing a gps for other purposes. Does anyone know of a model that will tell you the current pressure, and gps-based altitude? The reason I ask is because on the models with a baro-sensor, they are used to measure altitude, not the ambient pressure. I would like one that uses the GPS system to measure altitude, while using a baro-sensor to measure pressure.

Thanks guys!
- TNG

Any other insight and comments are welcome, as usual.

 

[rcmodel]

You can get most of that by calling the local airport with your cell phone.
Current pressure, temp, wind speed, direction, and altitude are repeated over & over again on a recorded pilots weather message.
You just need to find out the phone number of the closest airport.

Anyway, wind speed & direction where you are shooting from is of little importance.

What you need to know is wind speed and direction downrange between you and the target.

That can be determined by homemade wind flags, or reading grass movement & mirage through the rifle scope or spotting scope.

rc

 

[esheato]

Kestrel, and make sure you get the one with the density altitude reading (of course it's one of the higher end ones). Here's what you need to know.

 

[The_Next_Generation]

Thanks for the link esheato! Guess its time for a homework break anyways

Rcmodel, you have a good point there. Ill see about making some little streamers for wind reading.

- TNG

 

[oldfortyfiveauto]

I started with a cheap wind meter so I could tell what the wind was as I was learning to read the grass, etc. Ended up enjoying learning more about the weather and now have the Kestrel 4500. No regrets.