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Long-range shooting is now growing to be a favorite sport in the society. One key reason for the fan-following may be the introduction of games like Call of Duty or PUBG. Now, one essential to this sport is that no matter how skilled you get towards sniping, there are other climatic conditions like the speed of the wind, air pressure, and direction of wind flow that altogether influence your final shot. Now to deal with the wind problem, this article may help you in purchasing the best wind meter you will ever need for long-range shooting.

Editor’s Picks: 3 Of The Top Long Range Shooting Wind Meters In 2023

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5 Best Long Range Shooting Wind Meters In 2023 Reviewed

1. HoldPeak HP-866B Digital Anemometer 

HoldPeak’s HP-866B Digital Anemometer is the first choice on our list. This product is the most all-rounding product on our list. This digital anemometer has labels on each button like a traditional model, which makes it very simple and instinctive for the customers. The design moreover comes with grips on the sides which helps them in catching the device firmly. This model also has a screw hole at the bottom of the device so you can mount your product on a tripod. Furthermore, the product also has a big screen which makes the digits big enough for the customer to read properly. This device is also known as a multifunctional anemometer which means that it measures wind speed, temperature and wind chill. 

Specs: 

m/s (meter per second): 0 ~ 30.0 [ 0.1 Resolution ]

ft/m (feet per minute): 0 ~ 5860 [ 19 Resolution ]

km/h (kilometer per hour): 0 ~ 90.0 [ 0.3 Resolution ]

mile/h (mile per hour): 0 ~ 65.0 [ 0.2 Resolution ]

Knots (nautical miles per hour): 0 ~ 55.0 [ 0.2 Resolution ]

Accuracy: ±5%

PROS:
  • The product provides a quick measurement for analysis of weather conditions
  • Presence of low battery indicator
  • Multifunctional anemometer
  • Celsius / Fahrenheit are easily adjustable
CONS:
  • Backlight timer goes off every 15 minutes

2. Proster MS6252A Digital Anemometer

The Proster MS6252A digital anemometer comes with a multi-unit switching function, that includes reading hold, maximum, minimum, etc. This device has a large LCD screen with a backlight that’s easy to read at arm’s length even with a vision that may not be perfect. The display screen is bigger than the display screen of Holdpeak’s device. The data obtained by the user can also be read in the dark without any problems. The design is also very straightforward and very portable for the customers to carry around without any discomfort. This wind meter also has a low battery indicator. 

Specs:

m/s (meter per second): 0.40~30.0 ±(2.0% reading+50)

ft/m (feet per minute): 80~5900 ±(2.0% reading+50)

km/h (kilometer per hour): 1.4~108.0 ±(2.0% reading+50)

mile/h (mile per hour): 0.9~67.0 ±(2.0% reading+50)Knots (nautical miles per hour): 0.8~58.0 ±(2.0% reading+50)

PROS:
  • Quite portable
  • Comes with a large display
  • It is very easy to use and comes with a low battery indicator as well
  • The anemometer shows data even in the darky
CONS:
  • Does not measure temperature

3. Kestrel 3000 Pocket Wind Meter

Kestrel produces some of the best products in the market of anemometers. One such product is the Kestrel 3000 pocket wind meter. The product measures accurate weather data, relative humidity translations, calculates the dew point heat stress index and of course, wind speed. This device is also drop-tested to meet military standards. This all-in-one equipment has a very straightforward design and is portable and can fit inside your pocket. This device has also become necessarily required by the wildland firefighters. Moreover, this device is also waterproof, which the other products in the market are not. 

Specs:

m/s (meter per second): 0.6 ~ 60.0

ft/m (feet per minute): 118 ~ 11,811

km/h (kilometer per hour): 2.2 ~ 144.0

mile/h (mile per hour): 0.3 ~ 134.2Knots (nautical miles per hour): 1.2 ~ 116.6

PROS:
  • Accuracy is second to none
  • Can be used in all kinds of adventures and weather conditions
  • Large and clear display
  • It comes with a five-year warranty
CONS:
  • Despite the large screen, the icons can be a little tough to get used to/read

4. Kestrel 1000 Pocket Wind Meter

Like aforementioned, Kestrel is one of the best in the business. The Kestrel 1000 Pocket wind meter is the next product that cuts our list. It is the most basic and considered extremely very easy to use wind meter by Kestrel. This product has been looming the market for twenty years now and is still one of the best to own. This device comes with a protective cover which makes it less vulnerable to damage and like the previous Kestrel product this one also is waterproof & floats on water. Furthermore, it also has an easy-to-read, large high-contrast LCD screen. This product also comes with a five-year warranty. 

Specs:

m/s (meter per second): 0.6 ~ 60.0

ft/m (feet per minute): 118 ~ 11,811

km/h (kilometer per hour): 2.2 ~ 144.0

mile/h (mile per hour): 0.3 ~ 134.2Knots (nautical miles per hour): 1.2 ~ 116.6

PROS:
  • The device has a replaceable impeller
  • All kinds of wind flow measurement units are available
  • It is completely waterproof
  • Comes with a five year warranty
CONS:
  • Less legible from side angles

5. WeatherFlow Smartphone WEATHERmeter

The WeatherFlow anemometer is that one product which you may find very interesting and useful for your activities. The Weatherflow Smartphone WEATHERmeter is a very small device compared to the others but it is also a very capable handheld weather meter that is designed for precision shooting. The user may obtain his data on his smartphone. To obtain the data, the user has to download the BallisticsARC mobile app which provides a complete on-site atmospheric profile for long-range shooters. It can be paired instantly to your iPhone or Android phone via the Bluetooth Smart technology. It is a solid and well-built model with a straightforward design. 

Specs:

m/s (meter per second): 0.2 ~ 55

km/h (kilometer per hour): 0.8 ~ 200

mile/h (mile per hour): 0.5 ~ 125Knots (nautical miles per hour): 0.4 ~ 110

PROS:
  • Comes with an attractive design
  • Quite durable
  • Comes with a variety of useful features such as heat index, pressure and dew point
  • It is very easy to use
CONS:
  • Not very accurate

Things To Consider Before Buying An Anemometer

You need to do proper research before you buy an Anemometer for yourself. This guide will help you narrow down your list and make it very easy for you to buy your new anemometer. 

  • Brand 

You always have to make sure that you are purchasing a device that has a reputed name in the market, one that other people prefer over other brands due to the extra features they get. Reputed brands usually offer warranties to their customers just in case there may be a defect. This warranty raises some confidence among the public in forcing them to buy their products. So one key feature is to ensure that the brand you are purchasing from, has many positive reviews to aid your investment. 

  • Specifications

Customers should have the complete specifications of the device they want to purchase. To be fair, this is the most important feature that you must consider before buying an anemometer. Experts advise the customers to look for units that have accuracy ratings of around +/-5%. Another major factor to consider is wind speed response; reliable units usually have wind speed reporting of above 0-100 mph and fast responses between readings. Also, make sure that the device is giving you responses quickly rather than giving lagged results.

Things To Consider Before Buying An Anemometer

  • Cost

There is a wide variety of anemometers you can purchase depending upon the money you can spend. The more money you throw in, the more high end features you get in your device. Many anemometers in the market are powered by batteries. Some units may have power savings modes and with them some indicator lights for when the battery is running low. Last but not least, accessories may also be essential to the buyer depending upon his needs. Prospective buyers should consider if the unit can be attached to a tripod, a lanyard, or another surface.

  • Design

You may also want to make sure that your device has a good grip and can survive critical temperatures. However, this feature should be the least of your worries but still may be worth looking at before you buy one. Some products are durable, some of them are waterproof and some of them are portable. All of these qualities influence the final decision of an anemometer. Also, make sure that they are products with digital units with an easy to read display with clearly marked buttons that are ideal for beginners.

Maintenance Tips While Using An Anemometer

When buying an anemometer, buyers should make sure that their devices are durable and built perfectly for critical weather conditions. Your job is pretty much done when you purchase a product that has enough durability. 

However, here are some maintenance tips you must keep in mind: 

  • As anemometers are usually exposed to harsh weathers, users should take proper care of them. You should check the maximum wind speed and minimum temperature your anemometer can withstand.
  • You could also buy a case cover that may protect your device. In adventurous activities like hiking or boating, it is best if you consider covering your device with a case. You may also want to consider a waterproof unit when going boating as your device may be vulnerable to have a splash of water on it while the activity happens. 
  • Anemometers with automatic off buttons to extend battery life and low-battery indicators are more widely used and advised by experts to purchase because they tend to improve usability and user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is an anemometer?

 In simple words, the anemometer is a wind speed meter. There are different models that perform different functions but all of the anemometers have the common goal of measuring wind speed. Anemometers may come in all sorts of shapes and sizes the user wants. Some of them are portable handheld anemometers which are mostly preferred while the others are built in and affixed to buildings as a part of weather stations.

Q. What is an anemometer unit of measurement?

The more you spend money the more sophisticated data you will obtain. There are various measurements you can obtain your data from the device. Anemometer units of measurement may include:

1. MPH (miles per hour)
2. Km/H (kilometres per hour)
3. Knots (for sailing or windsurfing)
4. Feet per minute
5. Meters per second
6. Beaufort scale (a specialized wind speed measurement)

Q. How much do anemometers cost?

Anemometers come in a different range of prices. The more money you spend on a particular device, the more high-end features you get like durability, or the device being waterproof or being extremely portable and such. Make sure that you are getting the most budget-friendly option with a good number of features available at that range. Our devices on the list are one of the bests in their price range and should help you make a wise decision.

Q. How to use an anemometer?

It is preferred that you purchase a digital anemometer by spending a few more money to get the best of their services. All then you have to do is just flash out our device and press the button ( which will be instructed by the guide manual ) and obtain your data in your choice. You may decide to change the mode to view the wind speed in a different unit of measurement (i.e. kilometers per hour instead of miles per hour)

Q. How accurate is an anemometer?

Different anemometers have different accuracy rates. It may be no surprise when we say that the more expensive models will provide you with better accuracy in obtaining the data. The more expensive the unit, the more accurate you can expect it to be. A common handheld model with decent quality anemometer accuracy range is within ±3%. This range means that if the wind is blowing at 15 miles per hour, the unit might register anywhere between 14.4 mph and 15.6 mph, so it is fairly accurate for most purposes the customer wants it for.

Q. How big are anemometers usually?

Anemometers come in many sizes from big as to be installed on rooftops to as small as a pocket device. It entirely depends on what purpose you need the anemometer for. In cases like long-range shooting, we suggest you buy a portable device so it is easier to carry and obtain data within a matter of seconds without any discomfort. Note that sizes also come with you having to spend extra money

A Final Word

For long-range shooters it will always be important to sharpen their skills under different conditions but with the wind factor in play, your skills may be left unsharpened. And this is where a wind meter may come into play and help you in telling how to precisely aim your shot.

When it comes to a gadget like an anemometer, buyers always face some tough decisions to stumble upon the final and most convenient product. We, as a team, have researched and put down the best products you may want but we also suggest you read other alternate reviews before basing your purchase solely on our product description. The hard is eliminated with the specification, pros & cons given in the article, but it still depends on what you find convenient among the top five we recommend. We find these options the best ones you can find with things like budget, all-rounding features and other specifications that a buyer may want by keeping them in mind. 

On an ending note, we’d personally recommend you to buy:

Comes with a five-year warranty and is also waterproof unlike most of the other products which can survive vigorous conditions. This may be the best model you may encounter with the best high-end features

Last update on 2023-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API