Accurate wind and weather readings have become absolutely critical in precision rifle shooting and long range hunting, especially at the distances many shots are now taken at, and how important first shot hits are.

When it come to precision shooting specific weather meters, there is no other name a well-known as Kestrel, and no other products as specifically designed for the purpose. In fact, the latest models from Kestrel not only have ballistics software incorporated into them, some even have pre-loaded ballistic profiles for certain rifles and ammunition already.
Ballistics weather meters provide precise aim points or adjustments that account for bullet drop and wind drift to get your point of impact on target on the first shot. By combining accurate onsite atmospherics with proven ballistics solvers, it helps to deliver crucial first round hits for long range shooting and hunting in any conditions.
The question then, is not which brand weather meter do you buy to fit your needs, but rather, which Kestrel weather meter fits your needs. We have compile a chart comparing the various ballistic and shooting specific weather meters by Kestrel, to help you choose the weather meter for shooting that suits you best. We have not included the older model Kestrel 4500 with Applied Ballistics as it was discontinued by Kestrel in 2015 and replaced with the Kestrel 5700.
Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with Hornady 4DOF | Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics | Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with Link | Kestrel Ruger 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with Link | Kestrel 2700 Ballistics Weather Meter | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
LiNK Enabled | G1/G7 Drag Models in Mil, TMOA, SMOA, in, cm, Clicks | X | X | X | X | X |
Corrects for Wind, Temp, & Altitude Changes | Easy Mode | X | X | X | X | X |
MV Calibration Guide | X | X | X | X | |
Gun Profile Storage | Targets | 3 Guns | 1 Target | 30 Guns | 10 Targets | 3 Guns | 1 Target | 3 Guns | 1 Target | 1 Guns | 1 Target |
Aerodynamic Cross Wind Jump | Coriolis | Spin Drift | Muzzle Velocity – Temperature Correction | X | X | X | X | |
Moving Target Lead Calculator | Target Range Estimator | Target Speed Estimator | X | X | X | X | |
Ruger Rifles & Match Grade Ammo Library | X | ||||
Hornady 4DOF Custom Bullet File | Axial Form Factor Calibration Guide | Zero Angle | X | ||||
Range Card | Target Card | Applied Ballistics Custom Curves | Subsonic Range Truing | Zero Offset | X | ||||
Max Range | 3828 Yards | 5500 Yards | 4000 Yards | 4000 Yards | 875 Yards |
Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with Hornady 4DOF
Featuring the Hornady 4DOF (Four Degrees Of Freedom) Ballistic Calculator built in, which provides trajectory solutions based on projectile Drag Coefficient (not ballistic coefficient) along with modeling of the exact physical projectile, its mass and aerodynamic properties.
Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics
As the most expensive of the bunch, this model features the Applied Ballistics software integrated, and it can even show a range card which if you do not have a e-Dope display like the Garmin Foretrex 701 Ballistics Edition or the Kestrel HUD, is a very useful addition. It also tops the bunch offering 30 gun and 10 target profiles. This makes it our top choice for the best weather meter for shooting and precision rifle shooting.
Kestrel 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with LiNK
Featuring Kestrel’s own ballistics solver and working with their ballistics app, this model offers all of what is really important in a ballistics solver enabled weather meter, at the best price in the top 5700 meter range.
Kestrel Ruger 5700 Ballistics Weather Meter with Link
Pre-loaded with Ruger rifles & match grade bullet library, and storage of up to 3 gun profiles, this is the perfect ballistic weather meter and solver solution for Ruger fans.
The Kestrel link app also offer the ability to build rifle profiles with any type of rifle and ammunition so even if you do not have a Ruger rifle, it will still give you the ballistic functionality you need.
Kestrel 2700 Ballistics Weather Meter
For a maximum out of the box range of 875 yds, this lower priced model still offers most competitive precision rifle shooters and hunters the range and capabilities needed for accurate ballistic calculations based on accurate atmospheric conditions. It offers 1 rifle and 1 target profile storage.
Kestrel Armageddon Gear Pocket
An awesome little piece of kit has become essential in our range bag. It looks good and provides awesome protection to these little weather meters, as lets face although they are small, they are quite expensive and very valuable for use.
We have not noted which of the models work with the Bushnell ConX and Kestrel Sportsman as that is a discontinued model, and the new models working with the kestrel meters are reviewed here. We hope you enjoyed this list and it helped you find the right shooting weather meter for you.
Recommended Reading
Load Development: Marking Your Shots
One challenges most reloaders and hand loaders encounter, is how to mark the correct sequence of shots, and their speeds, when shooting at longer distance. We show you how.
Static Electricity Reloading Problems
Static electricity can cause havoc with your electronic reloading scale, however there is an easy way to get rid of it.
Reloading for Concentric Cartridges
Consistency is a critical part of accuracy. Concentricity ensures consistency of cases, bullet seating, neck tension and positions in chamber. Here is how to get your case concentric.
Best Reloading Press for Accuracy – 2021
Making sure you have best single stage reloading press for rifle ammo, is important in order to load accurate and consistent ammo. We test and review the top 3.
Fast Automated DOPE Rangecard
Thanks to tech gadgets, you can now have instant automatically calculated electronic DOPE range card settings ready for any hunt or precision rifle competition.
Correct Setup and Use of a Chronograph
Without your bullet velocity, accurate load development is not possible. A chronograph, needs to be used correctly in order to obtain the correct velocity.