Which Is More Important A Rangefinder Or A Kestrel? – All You Need to Know

If you are wondering which is more important a rangefinder or a kestrel

Read this article to find out.

Which Is More Important a Rangefinder or a Kestrel?

If you know the distance between the target and yourself, then the Kestral would be more important. You need to know the wind before you go out there and shoot. 

To shoot at unknown distances, we would recommend buying a laser range finder, an app for calculating ballistics, and a cheap handheld weather station.

Kestrel HUD Heads-Up Display for 5 Series Ballistics Meters

The Kestrel 5800 has a HUD (Head Up Display), which allows you to instantly see useful shooting solutions right at your fingertips.

Features & Functions

  • Wired Remote Navigation
  • You’ll be able to connect your iCugr, RaptAR, and Storm devices to your CUGR using an included hardwire connection cable when it becomes available for purchase.
  • Single Target Screen
  • Timer
  • Large Font Optio
  • Range Card Screen
  • Custom Target Card Screen
  • View up to 10 Target
  • Live Updates from Kestrel on Single Target Screen
  • Backlight

Other Features

Display

The 2.5-inch screen makes bold, sunlight-readable text right in your line of vision – maximizing your concentration for effective rapid engagement of numerous targets.

Kestrel Ballistics Meter

The brand new KESTREL HUD wirelessly connect to your KESTREL BALLISTICS METER so you can easily see your target solutions for up to 10 shots on a clear, convenient, and easy-to-use display, giving you the fastest, most accessible targeting system data available.

Target Data

Shooters can feed spotters up-to-date target data on the fly, and staging data is available on the HUD as soon they enter it into the Kestrel

Single Target Screen

Provides accurate firing solutions along with up-to-date target and environmental details.

Custom Target Card Screen

You can view up to ten targets without ever leaving the scope.

Large Font Option

It improves your vision by making it easier for you to see things clearly in bright daylight and dim lighting conditions.

Stage Timer

Being aware of your progression through a stage helps you make better decisions and achieve more goals.

Remote Switch

Switch between different types of ammunition and fire them at your Kestrel without moving your position.

Modes

The Kestrel can be used in two modes

  • automatic
  • semi-automatic

It has a fast reload time, so you can switch between the different modes quickly.

Live Updates

Target Screens display live data from Kestrel sensors for the most relevant, useful ballistic data.

The Kestrel is a revolutionary system that combines an advanced sensor with a powerful processor to provide real-time information on target acquisition and engagement.

Design

The Kestrel’s unique design allows it to be mounted on any vehicle or aircraft, providing a 360-degree view. It can also be used as a stand-alone unit in close proximity to targets.

Included in the Box

  • Battery – 1 x AA
  • Waterproof Drawstring Bag
  • Picatinny Rail Mount
  • Instructions

Specifications

  • Sealing: IP67 Waterproof
  • Shock Resistance: MIL-STD-810G shock test
  • Display and Operating Temperatures: 14° F (7° C) to 131° F (55° C).
  • Storage Temperature: -22° F (or -30° C) to 140° F (60° C
  • Dimensions: 3.5″L x 2.25″W x 1.25″H and 108.55g or 3.28oz
  • Auto Shut Down: User selectable – off, 15-60 minutes without any user input
  • Warranted for use on rifle barrels up to.338″ in diameter
  • For use with 5700 Ballistics units
  • Runs on a 1 AA battery
  • With an average of 80 hours of battery life
  • Made in the U.S.A., using U.S.-made parts, and complying with tariff code transportation requirements for NAFTA preference criterion B.
  • CE approved, RoHS compliant, FCC approved, IC tested, and WEEE compliant
which is more important a rangefinder or a kestrel

Which Is More Important A Rangefinder Or A Kestrel?

Rangefinding Binoculars

Archery and rifle shooters have been using laser rangefinders to improve their accuracy for decades, but until now, hunters haven’t had an easy way to get that functionality built into a pair of binoculars.

Why Don’t People Just Use a Rangefinder Binocular?

Early generations of rangefinders were bulky and cumbersome, but overall performance was poor.

Today, cheaper models usually compromise on glass quality and electronic component quality, leading to reliability problems for the user and skepticism towards the technology.

Closing The Distance

For both long-range shooters and rifle hunters, measuring short distances accurately is particularly important. However, shooting at longer ranges is far more useful than shooting at shorter ones.

Point of Entry

Premium binocu­lars are expensive, but if you add up the costs of buying a rangefinder and a pair of binocu­lares, you may end up making a case for them being cheaper than buying just one set of binocu­lar lenses.

Most people who hunt already own a rangefinder and/ or binoculars.

The idea of buying expensive binocul­ars with range-finder capabilities sounds like a bad investment. In a purely finan­cial way, this is sound logic. However, if you want better performance, the “premi­um” for a range-finder binocu­lar might be well worth the cost!

Untethered

You no longer need to carry a rangefinder because you can use a binocular instead.

If you’re using a tripod, another advantage of having rangefinders is the immediate relocat­ion of animals you see. You don’t need to take your eyes off them for a moment to use a handheld range finder.

The Gist

Handheld binoculars still have a very secure position in the market despite their disadvantages.

Handheld rangefinding will remain the primary tool for most avid archers for some time to come. However, binoculars will eventually earn their place among many avid backcountry hunters.

For an average person who hunts, a set of inexpensive binoculars and a cheap rangefinder can be acquired for less than $1000 and will suffice.

However, if performance cannot be compromised, then the advantages of high-quality RF binocular lenses are difficult to argue against.

Conclusion

Your choice between a kestrel or a rangefinder will depend on your preferences.

The Kestrel is better at longer ranges because it has more light sensitivity. However, its batteries last less time than the LRF’s. The Kestrel also has a smaller field of view and a narrower angle of view.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please leave them below.

Author

  • Sarah Wilson

    Sarah is a content consultant at The Outdoor Stores where she is ready to guide you through the features of a good firearm for your outdoor activities and hunting hobbies. Her expert knowledge and intellectual skills have helped The Outdoor Stores greatly.

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