3 Best Anemometer Models of 2020
Keeping track of wind conditions in your area helps you to plan your day accordingly. If you’re an enthusiast for outdoor activities, it's essential to stay ahead of the changing temperature and wind conditions. A digital anemometer comes in handy to determine wind speed, direction, and pressure.
Getting the best anemometer isn’t a factor of design only, but a combination of specific features. In your search for the gadget, you’ll come across various models, but they're not all created equal. This review narrows down your search by listing the top three brands that provide accurate and reliable data.
3 Best Anemometer Models of 2020 Review
Before parting with your money, it’s vital to understand what you need. While some gadgets are handheld, others should be mounted on a pole. Some other models need to be connected to a smartphone.
Understanding these basics will prevent you from making the wrong choice. Keep reading for more specific features to look for in your wind indicator.
1. Ambient Weather Handheld Meter
The Ambient Weather Meter is designed with hikers, model plane pilots, and shooters in mind. Other outdoor lovers will also have an easy time using the gadget.
Features
The meter is rugged, compact, and portable. Its convenience is in the fact that it provides a hands-free reading. It's designed for mounting on a tripod, leaving your hands free for other activities.
LCD Display
The anemometer features a versatile LCD that helps you switch easily between the various units of measurement. You can view the wind sped in mph, m/s, ft./min, Knots, or Km/h. Temperature is shown in Celsius or Fahrenheit, depending on what's convenient for you.
Other measurements displayed are the maximum, average, and instantaneous wind speed. It allows you versatility when measuring the speed of the wind. The meter has a Beaufort wind scale bar graph for ease of data scalability.
The display screen has backlight settings that provide a clear view in low-light environments. The interface is easy to use, making the meter attractive for beginners and professional users alike.
Batteries
The Ambient anemometer comes with replaceable or rechargeable user batteries for reliable performance. The replaceable type can last for one year. For the rechargeable ones, the meter has a low-battery indicator that alerts you when they need recharging.
Pros
- The optional tripod mount provides more convenience by leaving your hands free
- Long battery life
- Can take readings in various formats
- Comfortable to use by both beginners and professionals
- Small, compact, and portable
Cons
- The price of the anemometer is on the higher end
- Doesn’t function properly below 47°F
2. HoldPeak HP-866B Portable Digital Anemometer
One of the factors that make the HoldPeak HP-866B Anemometer stand out from the competition is its high accuracy levels. It’s quite dependable for measuring temperature in the two different units.
Features
The device is relatively bigger than others in its price range. However, regardless of the size, you can trust it to provide more accurate readings. It's created to give the user all the information they need about the weather conditions.
Portability
The HoldPeak comes with a carry bag and wrist wrap so you can conveniently bring it with you wherever you go. The wrist wrap helps you secure it close to you to minimize the risk of losing it.
Functionality
This wind meter provides more specifications than its competitors. The built-in temperature regulator helps you adjust the readings to Celsius or Fahrenheit, depending on what you find convenient. You can record and recall readings at any particular moment.
The LCD screen shows the wind speed, wind chill, and temperature all in one place. Other functions of the meter are minimum, average, maximum, and current readings. It also has a low-battery indicator light.
Pros
- Highly rated for accurate and reliable readings
- The interface is easy to use
- Provides readings in various measurements
- The company offers after-sales services and friendly customer service
- Comes with a bag for portability
Cons
- The attached user instructions are not clear
- The backlight timer goes off within 15 seconds, and this can be quite annoying
3. Kestrel 3000 Pocket Wind Meter
The Kestrel meter has a simple construction and design that doesn't require much effort to operate. It proves to be a useful gadget for a wide range of users, including golfers and firefighters, who need a high level of measuring accuracy.
Features
Kestrel is a rugged handheld device with several attractive features. It comes with a heat index meter, a responsive temperature sensor, and a humidity chamber that’s easy to correct. The meter accurately measures heat stress index, dew point temperature, and relative humidity, wind chill, and air/snow/water temperatures.
The meter is powered by a CR2032 coin cell battery. You can trust it to last long as it’s covered in a 5-year warranty.
Waterproof
This anemometer is designed for use in various weather conditions. Its waterproof capabilities allow you to use it in humid and wet conditions. The model has been made to MIL-STD-810G military standards and will withstand being dropped on hard surfaces without breaking.
The slip-on protective cover and neck lanyard serve to keep the device while protected. Hook the cord and carry the meter around your neck when not in use.
Versatility
The applications for use for the Kestrel meter go beyond golfing and firefighting. It can be used for coaching and athletic training, occupational safety and health, crop harvesting, and trailer safety.
Pros
- The meter can be used in a wide range of applications
- Doesn’t get affected by exposure to water and high humidity
- Comes with a neck lanyard for safety
- Made to military standards to withstand pressure
- The 5-year warranty is proof of high quality and durability
Cons
- Quite expensive
- The keyboard tends to lock itself when the meter is in use, tampering with navigation through the screen
Final Thoughts
There you have it; the 3 best anemometers to help you keep track of the wind conditions. Whether you're a hiker, golfer, or surfer, who enjoys outdoor sports, there’s an anemometer designed just for you.