For shooters, making the right measurement could mean a huge difference that could secure a clean shoot or may scare the target away. Distance, wind, and altitude have an impact on your accuracy, which is why you’ll need the perfect weather meter between the kestrel 5700 vs elite.
Since you only need one, today we’ll review two of the most efficient meters to find out which one is better between the Kestrel 5700 and Elite.
Let’s get started!
Kestrel 5700 vs Elite – Comparison in 2024
Kestrel 5700 – Decent & Affordable
This device is as useful as it’s convenient. The Easy Mode technology integrated guides shooters in every step of the way, which is good because the Kestrel 5700 may be tricky to figure out at first. Once you get used to it, the device offers decent performance for excellent results.
For example, the device offers accurate measurements on altitude, humidity, temperature, wind speed, and more. By giving users the option to pick the preferred solution units, be it Mils, MOA, inches, or centimeters, everyone will be able to read the information easily.
This tool is also compatible with Android and iOS platforms. Through the app, you can read and keep track of the measurements more clearly.
PROS
CONS
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Kestrel Elite – Advanced Features for Advanced Shooters
If you’re looking for an advanced meter, then the Kestrel 5700 Elite is the one for you. The amount of functions offered by this device easily surpasses those offered by previous meters, even though the price of this tool is pretty high as well.
The Kestrel Elite is available in many colors, including black and orange. This unit offers the Applied Ballistics bullet library, which should help you get a precise measurement of the bullet’s drag profile, as well as aerodynamic corrections for long-range shots.
With this tool, you’ll be able to measure around 15 environmental parameters, all through easy-to-use buttons. Thanks to the high-resolution screen, reading the measurements afterward is quite easy.
PROS
CONS
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Kestrel 5700 Elite VS. 5700 Kestrel – Differences
If you put them side by side, you’ll see that these devices are identical for the most parts. Both feature convenient colors for an outdoor device, a compact design, and a great button layout that allows users to access each function easily.
However, once you start to take an in-depth look into each device, the differences start to show clearly.
Primarily, the most noticeable change from unit to unit is the software used by their systems. For instance, the 5700 Ballistic doesn’t offer the Drop Scale Factor function, while the Elite 5700 does offer that.
If you don’t know what Drop Scale Factor (DSF) is, here’s what it does.
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Drop Scale Factor (DSF)
Realistically, this function is only useful under some conditions. If you’re shooting at transonic distances, then you better have a device with DSF.
When the bullet drops under the speed of sound, it may behave strangely, and that’s where the DSF comes into play.
DSF helps to keep track of irregularities under those circumstances. As mentioned earlier, this feature is only available in the 5700 Elite. Still, that’s not the only difference between these two devices.
Another function offered only by the 5700 unit is the Custom Curves. Let’s talk about that next.
Custom Curves
If you want to receive a clear representation of true ballistic performance put up by certain bullets, then your meter needs to have Custom Curves.
These custom curves proved to be very accurate, which should help you get better readings, and thus, an overall improvement in your performance.
Why is this function important? Custom Curves is helpful because it shows real results. In some cases, bullet manufacturers aren’t as transparent as they should be, and they provide rather misleading ballistic coefficient values.
You could say that function alone justifies the price of the 5700 Elite. In the end, you’ll be saving a lot of money you’d spend on bullets otherwise.
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Other Features to Consider
The Kestrel 5700 Elite manages to provide up to 30 gun profile storage, while the Kestrel 5700 offers capacity for 3 only.
Also, the Elite device is capable of providing capacity for 10 targets. That’s a big difference, especially considering the 5700 unit provides capacity for only 1.
Lastly, the Kestrel Elite gives you the option to use the applied ballistics custom curves, as mentioned in the previous section. The Kestrel 5700 does not have this ability.
Kestrel 5700 or Kestrel 5700 Elite?
By now, we’ve learned that the differences between the two units aren’t that much. Just like many other devices, choosing between the 5700 Elite or the 5700 Ballistic depends on what your purposes are. That’s what you must figure out before even considering one or the other.
Though the 5700 Ballistics will cover long ranges, it works best with standard bullets within a considerably reasonable distance. Under these circumstances, the device provides incredible accuracy.
Plus, you’ll be saving a couple of hundred dollars that you’d pay for the 5700 Elite.
How about the 5700 Elite? Well, suffice to say, this device is the superior choice out of the two reviewed here.
Yes, the Elite model may be expensive, but the extra features offered make up for its price. This unit allows shooters to work with advanced shooting, making the bullets go beyond the transonic range.
Other features offered by the Elite that the 5700 doesn’t have are trace spotting, range card, options for 30 gun profile storage, capacity for 10 targets, and custom curves, to name a few.
People could argue that the Elite device is a bit harder to use, but that’s what happens with the 5700 ballistic too. There’s a learning curve, but once you get used to the tool, using it regularly will be a breeze.
Conclusion
If you’re still having doubts after reading our Kestrel 5700 or Elite article, think of it this way: get the Kestrel Elite only if your purpose is to go the extra mile.
For anything less than that, the Kestrel 5700 could be the most suitable pick.