What is a good wind meter that doesn't cost too much?

[3mpire 0]

I'd like to have a wind meter in my gear bag so I can take responsibility for myself on questionable wind days. I don't like having to ask someone else what the winds are doing (though if you have to ask more than once maybe that's all you need to know to stand down!)

That aside, anyone have one they swear by? Doesn't need to do anything fancy, but it would be nice to have one that shows average speed as well as peak (gusts)

Was looking at this one on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DF9VUC/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_AhSWtb0V3RTE6

[mark 107]

It will show average, peak, etc. only for the wind component perpendicular to the fan blades. That is, you'll need to aim it precisely. Otherwise, the actual average, peak, etc. will be higher than what is indicated on the display.

For best accuracy, you'll need something with revolving ice cream scoops like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Handheld-Anemometer-Digital-Display-DiC-3/dp/B00CM0323S/ref=sr_1_21?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1405278801&sr=1-21&keywords=handheld+weather+station

Much pricier, though.

Mark

[cengland 0]

We use Kestrel wind meters to get an idea of how well the exhaust fans in the underground parking in the high rise apartment buildings I manage are working to exhaust CO fumes. Fairly decent quality and not too expensive.

http://kestrelmeters.com/

[3mpire 0]

Holy moly! About 10x the budget but a good lesson on what the accuracy/range you get for the money. As a longer term thing I could just troll eBay and Craigslist to find a deal

[platypii 20]

I just got this cell-phone wind meter:

http://www.amazon.com/WeatherFlow-Wind-Meter/dp/B00E9AF7ZU

Seems to be pretty accurate when compared with the DZ's readings. Definitely the smallest anemometer out there.

BASEline - Wingsuit Flight Computer

[diablopilot 2]

Google "Weatherflow". Awesome.

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You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously.

[3mpire 0]

weatherflow looks like the beez neez to me -- I always have my phone and it won't take up much room in the gear bag. i'm sold!

[erdnarob 1]

For few dollars you can download WIND SPEED application from iTunes. The iPhone mikes are then used as pressure sensors provided you orient the phone horizontally according the arrow showing up on the screen. Moreover you can get the units of your choice like kph or mph. It gives you the real time speed, and the average speed while a little propeller on the screen turns matching the wind speed.
I personnally have also a wind speed indicator comprising a see thru tube with a little ball. The wind enters the hole at the bottom and make the ball going up in the tube where there are marks and numbers indicating the speed. For high speed winds you have to put your finger at the top of the tube just to let the air escaping through a little side hole. I have checked ParaGear catalog but they don't sell that anymore. Check on Internet.

Learn from others mistakes, you will never live long enough to make them all.

[funblob 0]

They are called Hall speed indicators and are available via hang gliding supply, I believe they come in two ranges.

[stayhigh 2]

i got one from target. thru online. worked great. less than 20 bucks.

Bernie Sanders for President 2016

[hokierower 0]

Rip up some grass and toss it in the air. Cost is free...

[Fast 0]

The nearest AWOS + personal experience with "how it feels" seems to be a good indicator to stop jumping. Same with watching the people who are already jumping.

We have one on our DZ mostly for sticking to the limits for students. As a sport jumper I don't really base my decision to jump on what it says though - it's either sketchy or jumpable based on so many factors up to and including the current wind speed.

Hand held meters are nice for demos though where you aren't used to the exact area and how different conditions feel.

This map can help you find the nearest reported wind conditions. http://aviationweather.gov/metar

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka

[Andy9o8 2]

Quote

What is a good wind meter that doesn't cost too much?

Put a 130 lb. static line student out with a T-10 directly over the peas at 2,500 feet. Then measure the offset. There you go.

[3mpire 0]

Quote

Put a 130 lb. static line student out with a T-10 directly over the peas at 2,500 feet. Then measure the offset. There you go.

Any recommendation on a good tape measure that doesn't cost too much?