For those using one - why don't you use a range finder with AB Elite built in like Sig's, Leica's , Revic ?
Who uses a kestrel?
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BrentM
Well-Known Member
I have a couple 5700's. I like kestrel but I don't use it much compared to an app or my LRF bino ballistic app combo. If you are bluetoothing the kestrel to the lrf it is a bit faster then using an app for sure.Thinking of buying a kestrel are they any good? What's the best model to get? I'll be shooting deer out to a thousand yards max the hill I glass most deer on 600-800yards is the norm we have sambar deer so there pretty big
In the end the kestrel is a good tool for sure.
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SSG Graybush
Well-Known Member
3500 or better. they work well.Thinking of buying a kestrel are they any good? What's the best model to get? I'll be shooting deer out to a thousand yards max the hill I glass most deer on 600-800yards is the norm we have sambar deer so there pretty big
Watch the panhandle precision videos before pulling the trigger. He does a very thorough comparison between the models and their features and shortcomings. It was a good investment of my time to watch them.Ok thanks just double checking before I drop the hammer just having buyers panic
Since 2019 I've harvested deer, elk and pronghorn from 420 to 700 yards thanks to my Kestrel 5700 eliite, with link. I also shoot steel out to 1k yards. It's an indispensable component of my hunting/shooting "kit". One bit of advice, that others have alluded to, is be sure to truth your trajectories by shooting at distance after determining your initial MV.
I do,but I've never used it to hunt with.Thinking of buying a kestrel are they any good? What's the best model to get? I'll be shooting deer out to a thousand yards max the hill I glass most deer on 600-800yards is the norm we have sambar deer so there pretty big
I have the 5700X Elite.
Get ranging Binos that Bluetooth to Kestrel and your are set
Why not binos with ab elite built in. ?
I have a couple kestrels that I use for PRS and at the range. I use RF binos for hunting and NRL Hunter when you're already in your glass. For PRS, you're shooting known distances for multiple targets. You can input the entire match into the kestrel before the match and simply change the sector when you get to the station to know your dope.
The above is just a fraction of what the kestrel can do.
I use a 5700 Elite Link. I tie it to my rangefinder. I range a target and my drop shows up in the rangefinder reticle. I use the Kestrel app to manage profiles, but don't use any other apps. If you want to use a ballistic solver app you can probably get away with a much cheaper model that only serves as a weather station.
I'd go with a 5700 link non elite to start. If you feel like you're missing features you can upgrade the firmware for whatever the price difference between the elite and non elite is. I think it's around $300. I upgraded mine when the lady friend built her own competition rifles and we needed more profiles. Mine's the Ruger version, which is the same hardware but comes preloaded with profiles for a couple Ruger guns. It's no problem to delete and replace them.
I'd go with a 5700 link non elite to start. If you feel like you're missing features you can upgrade the firmware for whatever the price difference between the elite and non elite is. I think it's around $300. I upgraded mine when the lady friend built her own competition rifles and we needed more profiles. Mine's the Ruger version, which is the same hardware but comes preloaded with profiles for a couple Ruger guns. It's no problem to delete and replace them.
SSG Graybush
Well-Known Member
I like using AB(Applied Ballistics) on my phone. I use it a lot seeing ballistics of different rounds and bullet combos, etc. When hunting out west I have a 3500 Kestrel and a range finder around my neck and a dope sheet on my rifle. Range, check wind, check dope sheet, dial up elevation and hold for wind using reticle. A dope sheet/chart in 50 yard increments with 5 10 15 20 25 wind holds is what I do. You should verify your dopes right of course at altitude. Remember, junk in junk out. Meaning you must put correct inputs in to get correct dope from any ballistic calculator. AB works. I live at 1000 ft altitude and it corrects for hunting at 7500 ft perfectly.
And before you go and buy a range finder that Bluetooths to your scope and does it all for you, know that some states have made those set up illegal. So know the regs where you intend to hunt.
waveslayer
Well-Known Member
So I have a different take like a few others.. get the 5500 model, and then splurge on the Bino's or Range Finder like the Kilo 8. I use the Kilo 8 for strictly hunting... I do use the Kestrel 5500 for practice and everything else. But that's just me and what works best for me.
Overall YES! Buy a Kestrel
Overall YES! Buy a Kestrel
Agree with everyone. Best and easiest solution whether at the range or hunting. I wish it had a few more features such as being able to hold more ballistic profiles.
I guess I'm still back in the Stone age with my kit ...never touched a Kestrel.
I have killed lots of critters near and far ..1244 yards on Elk .
Yes I have the Shooter app. For my data .
And several Rangefinder's to get my range then dile my dope .
I still cant figure out how I hit 3027 yards with out the Kestrel...
I really must be missing something not having one ...hmm
Watching this thread for info .
Rum Man
I have killed lots of critters near and far ..1244 yards on Elk .
Yes I have the Shooter app. For my data .
And several Rangefinder's to get my range then dile my dope .
I still cant figure out how I hit 3027 yards with out the Kestrel...
I really must be missing something not having one ...hmm
Watching this thread for info .
Rum Man
Exactly
