The Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter has traditionally been the most popular meter for firefighters for controlled burns and such, easily and rapidly giving wind and relative humidity readings. Before the Kestrel 3000 came along, the technology required to gather this information would require masses of equipment, in particular a Sling.
Replacing a Sling Psychrometer with a Kestrel is a huge step in time saving and accuracy. Some have struggled to take this leap and we wrote this quick Kestrel vs. Sling article that may answer questions of accuracy.
The new Kestrel 5500 Fire Weather Meter Pro is quickly gaining ground as a popular alternative to the Kestrel 3000. With the new technology of the 5500, the calibration of the relative humidity is highly unlikely. Any drift in RH in the first 5 years would be done at no cost by the manufacturer.
Compare all the Fire Weather Meters and functionality to find the best meter to your needs. New features added to the Fire Meters that are NOT on the Kestrel 3000 but starting on the new Kestrel 3500FW (Fire Weather):
Kestrel has taken fire to a new level of fire prediction by using the environmental aspects to incorporate:
PIG Screen (Probability of Ignition)
FDFM Screen (Fine Dead Fuel Moisture)