Power Kite Forum

Hand Held Wind Gauge Suggestions

mgatc - 14-11-2008 at 11:04 AM

Hello All,

Putting together my Christmas list for the family draw. The budget this year cannot exceed $100.

Any suggestions for an accurate, reliable, handheld Anemometer within the budget range?

Thanks,
Mel

lunchbox - 14-11-2008 at 11:08 AM

Windtronic 2...best I've tried so far!

kiteNH - 14-11-2008 at 11:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by lunchbox
Windtronic 2...best I've tried so far!


+1

I don't have this meter, but its what I'd buy if I needed one now. The "omni directional" feature is the main feature that I really wish that I had.

mgatc - 14-11-2008 at 11:20 AM

Just checked online and it's selling for ~$70. Does this sound right?

BeamerBob - 14-11-2008 at 11:32 AM

top of the line should offer omni-directional and tripod mountable so its already out and ready to glance at. My lacrosse offers neither and it takes away from the benefit of having it with you. Tripod mount would offer the benefit of max gust and an average over time.

lunchbox - 14-11-2008 at 11:49 AM

Quote:

Just checked online and it's selling for ~$70. Does this sound right?


Yep, I would buy it...got mine for $70 even on ebay (new).

Quote:

top of the line should offer omni-directional and tripod mountable so its already out and ready to glance at...Tripod mount would offer the benefit of max gust and an average over time.


Yep, Windtronic 2 is tripod mountable as well.

Pick it up...can't go wrong with it!

_____ - 14-11-2008 at 12:01 PM

I dont own one but I voted in the pole :D

acampbell - 14-11-2008 at 12:21 PM

Mel
Provided we meet up tomorrow, you can check out my inexpensive Lacrosse....

http://www.ambientweather.com/lacrteeahawi.html

$32 !! It appears to be accurate enough for our uses. And at that cost it does not sting so much when you lose one (OK two, sometimes I learn slow).

WolfWolfee - 14-11-2008 at 03:14 PM

I really don't see a reason to put it on a tripod unless your staying in one spot. It good to give you an average but wind conditions change with terrain. IMHO

BeamerBob - 14-11-2008 at 04:46 PM

I have been around others flying before and it was nice to just walk by the tripod and get a number on the current or any other measure of the wind without having to dig something out of your bag and wait for a reading. This assumes you have a base set up and are sticking somewhat close to it. I always have the car parked in the field, or an umbrella and chair set up on the beach. You know, the place where all your stuff is if you bring more than you carry on the buggy (or whatever). The tripod mounted unit is only as valuable as any other anemometer you are standing there holding in your hand. I've never pulled out (or even taken) my wind meter out away from wherever base is. Like I said, I don't have this capability but if within my budget, it would be a nice bit of usefulness in my opinion.

OreBeamer - 14-11-2008 at 05:17 PM

Kestral 1000 is a nice quality unit

Sandman - 14-11-2008 at 05:47 PM

Just got my Windtronic 2 last month. Works great, came with a ok little protective case and a battery with free shipping for $75 on ebay.

Cant go wrong with this one.

Bladerunner - 14-11-2008 at 07:24 PM

My windtronics is fine. I was told it is better to get a rotating one because they aren't directional ?

I have said it before but ... If I had the money for a wind guage I would buy a GPS. I get WAY more valuable info out of it than my wind meter !

I can usually guess the wind pretty close. I put up a kite on the small side to include room for gusts. I often find that there is a lot more wind up higher and knowing the wind speed on the ground is only so valuable ?

I use my wind meter when we are standing around shooting the breeze. I use the data from my GPS for all sorts of valuable reasons! :yes:

krumly - 17-11-2008 at 10:11 PM

My wife bought me a Windtronic for my b'day. Works great. I use it on the sailboat too.

krumly

kitedemon - 18-11-2008 at 06:08 PM

I have a kestral and wish it was a windtronic a friend has one and it smokes mine.

KiteProject - 18-11-2008 at 07:44 PM

Windtronic.

f0rgiv3n - 20-11-2008 at 07:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell
Mel
Provided we meet up tomorrow, you can check out my inexpensive Lacrosse....

http://www.ambientweather.com/lacrteeahawi.html

$32 !! It appears to be accurate enough for our uses. And at that cost it does not sting so much when you lose one (OK two, sometimes I learn slow).


DUDE, i ordered one of these and i love it! i was expecting it to be A LOT bigger than it really is. It's only the size of my palm, and it gives you the highest, average and lowest wind speeds in meters/km/mph. It also gives you the temperature :D i can't complain for $32.99+free shipping!!!

BeamerBob - 21-11-2008 at 05:05 AM

Don't forget windchill! It seems consistent in its measurement too. You feel the wind pick up a tad and it shows on the meter to tenths of a mile per hour (or whatever unit you choose). It also shows Beaufort on the side of the display.

f0rgiv3n - 21-11-2008 at 08:03 AM

:thumbup: Yeah man, i love it!!