# Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter vs REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter (Kestrel) and REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer (REED Instruments) among anemometers.

## Side by side

| Spec | Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter | REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $209 | not published |
| Brand | Kestrel | REED Instruments |
| Wind speed range ms | 0.6 to 40.0 m/s (1.3-89.5 mph); operational to 60.0 m/s | 0.4 to 30 m/s (79-5906 ft/min) |
| Airflow cfm cmm | — | — |
| Velocity accuracy | Larger of ±3% of reading or 20 ft/min | ±(2% of reading + 0.2 m/s / 40 ft/min) |
| Sensor type | Rotating vane (impeller) | Rotating vane, 72mm (2.8 in.) diameter, low-friction ball bearing |
| Temperature range | -10 to 55 °C (14 to 131 °F), ±0.5 °C accuracy | 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F) ambient probe; optional Type K (-100 to 1300 °C) / Type J (-100 to 1200 °C) thermocouple input |
| Data hold logging | No built-in logging on base 3500 (shows current/max/min/avg); optional USB/RS-232 PC interface cable sold separately for one-way data transfer | Onboard SD-card datalogging up to 16GB, adjustable 1-3600 sec sampling interval |
| Backlit display | Yes | Yes |

## Key differences

- Wind speed range ms: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter 0.6 to 40.0 m/s (1.3-89.5 mph); operational to 60.0 m/s vs REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer 0.4 to 30 m/s (79-5906 ft/min)
- Velocity accuracy: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter Larger of ±3% of reading or 20 ft/min vs REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer ±(2% of reading + 0.2 m/s / 40 ft/min)
- Sensor type: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter Rotating vane (impeller) vs REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer Rotating vane, 72mm (2.8 in.) diameter, low-friction ball bearing
- Temperature range: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter -10 to 55 °C (14 to 131 °F), ±0.5 °C accuracy vs REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F) ambient probe; optional Type K (-100 to 1300 °C) / Type J (-100 to 1200 °C) thermocouple input
- Data hold logging: Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter No built-in logging on base 3500 (shows current/max/min/avg); optional USB/RS-232 PC interface cable sold separately for one-way data transfer vs REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer Onboard SD-card datalogging up to 16GB, adjustable 1-3600 sec sampling interval

## Sources

- Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter: https://kestrelinstruments.com/kestrel-3500-pocket-weather-meter (kestrelinstruments.com, verified 2026-08-09)
- REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer: https://www.reedinstruments.com/product/reed-r4000sd-data-logging-vane-thermo-anemometer (reedinstruments.com, verified 2026-08-09)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/anemometers/kestrel-3500-weather-meter-vs-reed-r4000sd/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter ($209) vs REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer (not published) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/anemometers/kestrel-3500-weather-meter-vs-reed-r4000sd/
License: CC BY 4.0.