I’ve long been a fan of Kestrel’s handheld weather meters. They are one of the coolest gadgets around and, thanks to their specific set of instruments, one of the few electronic devices that isn’t getting replaced by an app on a smartphone. I’ve used a Kestrel 4500 for several years and enjoy it immensely, and others are impressed by the fact that such a little device can provide so much detailed information. The new 5 Series takes all the features of earlier models and tweaks things a bit to take it to the next level.

The Kestrel 5 Series has a larger high-contrast display, a dual-color backlight, thicker window, sturdier battery door, and an improved mount for those who want to attach their Kestrel to a portable weather vane.

The Kestrel 5 Series are also available with LiNK, Kestrel’s new wireless connectivity system which allows connection to apps on both iOS and Android. The apps allow Kestrel users to view output remotely as well as manage gun and ballistics libraries more easily. LiNK is also compatible with the Elite 1 Mile CONX Laser Rangefinder from Bushnell for the instant transmission of combined environmental and range solutions between the Kestrel and the rangefinder.

The Kestrel Sportsman with Applied Ballistics includes measurements for weather such as wind speed, wind direction, crosswind, altitude, temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure plus ballistics solution calculation from Applied Ballistics.

The Kestrel Sportsman with Applied Ballistics has an MSRP of $490. Adding LiNK takes the MSRP up to $609.

Kestrel Sportsman with Applied Ballistics and LiNK

Kestrel mounted on Portable Weather Vane