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Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter vs REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter is cheaper at $209. Every spec and price links to its source.

Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer
US price $209
BrandKestrelREED Instruments
Released
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

Sources — Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter: kestrelinstruments.com (verified 2026-08-09). REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer: reedinstruments.com (verified 2026-08-09).

What's the difference between the Kestrel 3500 Weather Meter and REED R4000SD Data Logging Vane Thermo-Anemometer?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.

  • 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

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