Pre-Purchase Logic Check: Ballistic Range Finders and Weather Devices
Hi all. I'd appreciate some feedback on my purchasing plans before I go ahead and start swiping.
Background: I have a decent amount of <500 yard rifle experience with gas guns. When I've taken part in events/competitions (mostly two gun with a few known distance), I've typically placed within the top 10% of competitors. I'm a noob to long range shooting sports. I have a new membership to a facility which includes both a 700 yard known distance range as well as a 1 mile range. Given I can now stretch my legs, I'd like to get into PRS and NRL Hunter type events...maybe Mammoth one day.
Budget and Purchasing Patterns: I try to strike a balance between quality and longevity. For example, I could afford to buy Zero Compromise scopes for my rifles, but purchase Vortex Razors given their unconditional warranty and discounted pricing (veteran discount). I'd like to keep my rangefinder + weather device budget under $3,200, but am open to expanding that if there would be substantial gain in doing so. As I have no intention on chasing podiums, I plan to use this gear for decades to come.
Gear Being Considered: At this time I'm in the market for a range finder of some sort, and possibly, a weather device. I'm primarily considering these items at these prices:
- Vortex Talon HD 10k LRFB - $2,100
- Vortex Ace Weather Meter - $539
- Sig KILO-10K-ABS HD GEN 2 LRFB - $2300
- Kestrel 5700x - $765
I've reviewed years of proclaimed love for Applied Ballistics vs. Geo Ballistics. I've also seen LockyBalboa and other's recent positive commentary around the Talon + ACE + Vortex Relay system. I thought I was set to buy the Sig + Kestrel but now I'm thinking Vortex might be the way to go.
Where I'd Love Input:
- For my use case, would I be better served with a monocular or binoculars?
- I was originally leaning towards the Sig Kilo monocular mentioned in Locky's pinned post before seeing his recent praise for the Vortex Talon binos.
- Do I even need a weather device?
- Recent commentary seems to indicate that I might not need a weather device for my use case if I was to get the Talon HD 10k binos.
- Bottom line up front - what are everyone's thoughts about the above gear? Am I on the right track or should I go back to the drawing board?
Thanks for your input.