Handheld anemometers, a type of handheld weather meter, are easy to use devices to track the wind speed. More advanced anemometers will also measure wind direction and other weather data.
These devices come in handy if you’re camping, hiking, sailing, hunting, or doing almost any outside activity that you may need to know information about the wind direction or speed. They’re also great for professionals for various careers.
You never know when you might need an anemometer. These handheld weather instruments are easy to put in your back pocket until you need to pull them out.
So, we’re going to check out what to look for in a handheld anemometer and share our favorite handheld anemometers for 2019.
What to Look for in a Handheld Anemometer
If you’re looking to buy a reliable handheld anemometer, you’re going to want to focus on certain features that make some anemometers stand out from others.
We’re going to go over everything you need to know about purchasing a handheld anemometer device for your outside journeys.
Accuracy
Of course, the very first thing you want to check out is the accuracy of the anemometer. I mean, an inaccurate anemometer is worthless. It is important that your device measures real-time weather for you
A great way to figure out the accuracy before purchasing one is to read online reviews about each of these handheld wind meters.
Also, do a little research on the brand and if they’re known to produce quality weather equipment.
Design
Your handheld anemometer should be heavy-duty and well built if you’re using it for professional purposes. These will be a bit more expensive but worth it.
If you aren’t going to use the meter all the time, you can probably overlook the construction a bit, as long as it’s not just a hunk of inaccurate plastic.
Depending on your needs, you’ll want to check out how the handheld anemometer is designed.
Some just sit in your hand while others flip out to read wind speed and temperature while you hold onto a handle.
Another design aspect to consider is whether you’re going to want to know is whether or not the meter can be hooked to a tripod so you don’t have to hold it for long lengths of time.
Wind Speed
What do you need your anemometer for? This can determine how hard of wind speed you need your anemometer to measure.
The more heavy-duty handheld anemometers only go up to 100 mph while the cheaper ones might not be able to measure even close to 100 mph.
Alongside this, you need to look into response time. You should expect the response time to be quick so that you do not have to hold your anemometer for any length of time.
Wind Direction
If you’re wanting to measure more than just wind speed, you’ll want to check out the extra features of the more pricier handheld anemometers. Some will tell you your wind direction, temperature, and heat index.
If you just need to measure wind speed, a cheaper anemometer will work just fine for you.
Weather Conditions
You’ll have to keep in mind the type of weather conditions you’ll be using your anemometer in. If there’s going to be rain or snow, you’ll want to look for one with a waterproof coating.
There are even handheld anemometers that are designed to float in water.
The Best Handheld Anemometers for 2019
Now, we’re going to check out the top handheld anemometers on the market for 2019.
Ambient Weather WM-2 Handheld Weather Meter
- The Ambient Weather WM-2 Handheld Weather Meter measures wind speed, temperature, wind gust, and wind chill.
- It’s made to be compact so you can carry it in your pocket and it’s made to be rugged so it lasts longer.
- It uses an LCD screen.
- The screen has a back-light so you can see the screen at night.
- You can switch between units of measurement for your wind speed whenever you need to. It also lets you see the minimum and maximum wind speed.
- It also comes with a lanyard and a replacement battery.
- You can order a tripod separately for this handheld anemometer.
For more pricing information, click on this link.
Pyle PMA90 Digital Anemometer
- The Pyle PMA90 Digital Anemometer measures wind speed, temperature, and airflow volume.
- This anemometer uses a conventional angled vane arms with low friction ball bearings plus an NTC-type thermistor for accurate measurements and fast response time.
- It fits into your hand easily and into your pocket just as easily.
- It has an LCD display with auto back-light so you can read it in the dark. The buttons are easy to navigate and use.
- For the temperature measurement, you can switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius.
- It also lets you read the current wind speed, plus the minimum and maximum wind speeds.
- It has a record and memory recall function.
For more pricing information, click on this link.
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
- The Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind speed, temperature, dew point, heat index, and relative humidity.
- It fits into the palm of your hand and in your pocket so you can carry it around. It’s made to be rugged and endure most anything with its’ hardcover case. It’s even been drop tested to meet military standards.
- It’s weatherproof. It’s even made to float in water.
- It has a sure-grip over-molding so you can hold on to it without it slipping out of your hand.
- It has an LCD display that’s high contrast monochrome. It also has a back-light so you can see the display at nighttime.
- It has only 3 buttons that are easy to use and navigate.
- It will also read the minimum, maximum, and average wind speed.
- It has a super-fast response time.
- It comes with a lanyard that you can wear around your neck, a protective pouch, and a coin cell battery.
- It comes with a 5-year warranty.
For more pricing information, click on this link.
The Bottom Line
We hope this guide helps you pick out the best handheld anemometer for your needs, whatever they may be. Before buying one, don’t forget to check out our favorite anemometers by major brands like Kestrel and Ambient Weather.
